Night had fallen.
After meeting with Shisui, Danzo made his way alone to a secluded residence at the edge of the village.
Kakashi isn't here? No matter, there's nothing much to reminisce about anyway.
Six ANBU members stood motionless beneath the trees, watching as Danzo entered the guarded room.
"Who's there?"
In the darkness, Kosuke Maruboshi gripped a kunai tightly, his face full of vigilance as he stared at the intruder.
"Kosuke, it's me—Danzo."
Danzo slowly walked to the wall and turned on the light, illuminating the small room.
The space wasn't large, but it was neat and orderly, filled with children's toys that gave it a warm, homey feel.
"Lord Danzo?" Kosuke was momentarily taken aback by the unfamiliar face before him.
"It's me. No need to be so tense." As he spoke, he released a bit of his chakra.
From Danzo's perception, Kosuke had already ignited a delayed explosive on his left foot, and the room itself contained several hidden mechanisms.
Danzo's gaze shifted to the bed behind Kosuke, where Naruto lay fast asleep, drooling slightly.
[System: Gain the recognition of key plot character Uzumaki Naruto (Asura).]
[Warning: Without sufficient strength to go against the current, it is advised to stay away.]
Danzo's heart trembled momentarily but quickly regained composure.
"It seems you've done well in fulfilling Minato's final wishes, Kosuke."
"Lord Danzo." Kosuke knelt on one knee.
"There's no need for formalities. This little one must have been a handful over the years."
"Lord Danzo… are you here to take Naruto away?" Kosuke's aged face revealed hesitation.
"Rest assured. You are his grandfather—no one can take him from you. You must have already guessed what's sealed inside him—the Nine-Tails."
Ignoring the sorrow that flashed across Kosuke's face, Danzo stepped closer to the bed, gazing at the sleeping child.
"As he grows, the Nine-Tails' chakra will begin to interfere with him. I'm here to reinforce the seal."
Looking at Naruto sprawled out in bed, Danzo noted how soundly he slept.
Placing a finger on Naruto's abdomen, the Eight Trigrams Seal immediately became visible.
Closing his eyes…
A dimly lit sewer…
The only sound was the steady drip of water.
Following the passage to its end, Danzo arrived before a massive iron gate.
"Who are you?" A voice filled with wariness and suspicion echoed from within.
Two crimson eyes emerged from the darkness beyond the bars.
Danzo stepped forward to inspect the seal—it was still intact.
"I'm here to collect the rent."
A massive claw suddenly lashed out, aiming for Danzo's head, only to freeze mid-air, held firmly in place.
At the same time, the Nine-Tails' fiery chakra surged outward like flowing water, rising and coalescing before pouring into Danzo's body.
"What did you do to me?! Stop… you worm…!" The beast's terrified roar echoed through the underground chamber.
...
In reality, only a moment had passed.
Danzo opened his eyes, a hint of satisfaction curling his lips.
The sensation of feasting on such energy was simply unparalleled.
"Kosuke, take good care of Naruto." He turned and patted Kosuke's shoulder.
Before Kosuke could react, Danzo vanished from the room, leaving behind a stunned Kosuke, who suddenly felt his old injuries being healed by an influx of vibrant chakra.
This was Danzo's reward to him.
...
The arrival of the Daimyo of the Land of Wind had pushed Konoha's security to a new level.
Countless civilians and merchants lined the streets, eager for a glimpse of the famed 'Bloody Princess' and her legendary beauty.
The Third Hokage, accompanied by the village elders and various clan leaders, personally led the welcoming delegation.
The Daimyo's presence added an extra layer of grandeur to the upcoming Chunin Exams.
Her temporary residence was under heavy security, surrounded by multiple layers of guards.
Yet, at this moment, Ichikawa Naomi, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, was kneeling on the ground.
Her noble attire and submissive posture created a stark contrast.
"You truly give Konoha face by accepting their invitation."
After all, aside from the Daimyo of the Fire Country, the other nations had only sent ministers as representatives.
"This was my own decision. If I overstepped, please punish me."
"I'm not blaming you. This Chunin Exam will be anything but peaceful—stay alert."
"Yes, my lord."
A trace of joy flickered in Ichikawa Naomi's heart. Compared to Pakura, who had been denied permission to visit Konoha, it seemed she held more favor in her lord's eyes.
"Is Lady Nonō available? I wish to pay my respects."
"There's no need. She's been quite busy lately."
Ichikawa Naomi lifted her gaze, her expression filled with longing.
"Then… may I serve you during this time?"
With that, she slowly crawled forward, inching closer to Danzo.
A bit presumptuous, but she was becoming more and more understanding of his ways.
Sensing her nervousness, Danzo reached out and gently patted her head.
...
"The security arrangements for the Wind Daimyo are in place."
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, tapped the end of his pipe against the table.
"Tomorrow, assign additional kunoichi inside the estate. Ensure there are ANBU guards both inside and out."
The arrival of the Wind Daimyo undoubtedly boosted Konoha's prestige, but it also introduced potential risks.
If anything happened to her, Konoha's reputation would suffer a severe blow.
The consequences could trigger a chain reaction far beyond their control.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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