Konoha's Root Headquarters.
A dim, subterranean space reeked of decay. At its far end, eerie roars continuously echoed from behind a cold, heavy door. Beyond the door lay a vast chamber filled with the scent of disinfectant. In the center of the room, a Hollow was strapped to a special apparatus, its limbs tightly bound. The Hollow writhed, emitting piercing, frenzied shrieks. A dozen researchers in lab coats surrounded it, painstakingly using chakra scalpels to excise samples of its tissue for study.
"Its body is composed of chakra and another type of energy. It's incredibly durable, capable of resisting ordinary ninjutsu."
"The hole in its chest seems to be blocked by some energy; it can't be easily penetrated."
"It possesses purely bestial consciousness, no rationality. Its form retains some humanoid features."
"Its internal organs..." A chakra scalpel slowly cut into the Hollow's chest.
"There are no internal organs; it's entirely composed of energy."
"Excised parts dissipate within a short time."
The laboratory was filled only with the Hollow's roars and the researchers' analytical voices.
"No human fibers, no so-called cells... what a strange creature. How was it formed? Could it have been generated from nothing?" one researcher wondered aloud.
"It's somewhat like a summoned beast, abundant in internal energy. But summoned beasts, in addition to natural energy, also have physical bodies," another added.
"This monster is like a product of another world. Could there be other worlds besides the Summoning Realm and the Shinobi World?"
This speculation gained unanimous agreement among the researchers.
"That possibility isn't low. This energy isn't vibrant like natural energy, so it probably doesn't belong to the Summoning Realm. Nothing similar has ever been discovered in the Shinobi World. That only leaves the possibility of other worlds. Could it be... the Pure Land?"
"Speaking of the Pure Land brings souls to mind. If it's a monster born from a soul, then the lack of cellular tissue would be understandable."
Danzo stood in a corner of the laboratory, listening to the researchers' discussions, his expression growing increasingly grim. The Konoha Crush plan had far exceeded his control. Due to the Hollows' destruction, Konoha had suffered disastrous losses. No one knew where the Hollows had come from. But Danzo, who had made a deal with Orochimaru, had a suspicion. Only a mad scientist like Orochimaru could create such terrifying monsters.
Considering Orochimaru's personality and analyzing the situation, it wasn't hard to guess. Unleashing the Hollows in Konoha for experimentation was Orochimaru's ultimate goal. He hadn't even killed the Third. This deviated from the terms of their agreement.
'I, Danzo, Konoha's future Hokage, have actually been double-crossed!' Danzo seethed, grinding his teeth. He resolved to find an opportunity to have a thorough "discussion" with Orochimaru. It would be best if he could obtain the method for producing and controlling those monsters. After all, the experimental subjects for their deal hadn't been fully paid for yet. Danzo's eyes were somber, yet a confident smirk played on his lips. As long as he could control those unknown creatures, Konoha would regain its glory.
Just then, a subordinate approached and whispered in his ear. A disdainful curve immediately formed on Danzo's lips.
"He just woke up and he's already impatient to see me?" he murmured, then walked out of the laboratory, leaning on his cane.
The variables in this Konoha Crush plan were something Danzo hadn't anticipated. On his way to the Konoha Hospital, he mulled over the potential problems he might encounter. Arriving at the hospital room door, he pushed it open and entered. He saw the Third Hokage, missing an arm, sitting up in bed, looking through the window at the devastated Konoha. Konoha had once been so prosperous, its streets bustling with people. But now, collapsed buildings were everywhere, and from time to time, one could see villagers crying out in anguish. Some had lost friends, others family. The entire village was enveloped in an atmosphere of sorrow. For those in high positions, this was undoubtedly a failure.
The Third looked grief-stricken. "Do you see it, Danzo? This is Konoha. This is our home."
Danzo glanced out the window, pursed his lips, and said nothing.
The Third continued sorrowfully, "Our ANBU ninja are heroes. They gave their all to fend off the Sand-nin and the One-Tail Shukaku's assault. Even with heavy casualties, they did not retreat."
"But," his tone shifted, "at that critical moment, where were the Root ninja? Danzo, can you tell me what mission Root was carrying out? And also, where were you when the Konoha Crush began?" The Third turned to face Danzo, his gaze sharp as he questioned him. His long-held dissatisfaction with Danzo erupted in this moment. If Orochimaru hadn't held back this time, the Third might truly have perished. Yet, this old acquaintance of his remained unscathed, perfectly fine. Not even the ANBU had seen Danzo appear that day. Konoha was invaded, yet a high-ranking official like him hid in the shadows, like a rat, merely observing the unfolding events.
This reminded the Third of the last time he saw his teacher, the Second Hokage. Back then, they were being pursued by rogue ninja from Kumogakure. To preserve Konoha's future, someone needed to stay behind with the Second Hokage to hold off the enemy. No one knew it was the Second Hokage's final test for the position of Hokage. At that crucial juncture, Danzo had flinched, avoiding the Second Hokage's gaze. Only he, the Third, had stepped forward without hesitation. As a result, the Second Hokage passed the title to him and stayed behind alone to stop the Kumogakure pursuers.
Now, a similar scene was playing out. Danzo was once again hiding in the shadows. Was he truly as timid as a mouse, or did he have ulterior motives?
The Third's eyes were filled with scrutiny. He gave Danzo a meaningful look and, without waiting for an answer, changed the subject. "I will take full responsibility for this incident. I will step down from the position of Hokage."
Hearing this, Danzo's heart leaped with joy. But the Third's next words made his heart sink to the depths.
"I will have Jiraiya find Tsunade and bring her back to the village to succeed as the Fifth Hokage. Tsunade has been wandering outside for so long; it's time for her to return."
The Third looked at Danzo. No matter how deep Danzo's cunning, his expression faltered at this moment.
"Tsunade hasn't been back to the village in over a decade! She's not the most suitable candidate for Hokage," Danzo said, his tone laced with resentment.
"And you mean to say?"
"Let me do it, Hiruzen. We've cooperated for so many years. There will be no problem if I take the Hokage seat."
Danzo's shamelessness made the Third chuckle, though he felt utterly helpless inwardly. He never imagined his old friend harbored such a deep obsession with the Hokage title.
"Danzo, you made no commendable contributions during this incident. On the contrary, Jiraiya, who defeated the giant snakes and those monsters, has won the people's hearts and his prestige has risen."
"If you were to become Hokage, I'm afraid you wouldn't have the public's support," the Third said, shaking his head earnestly. "Besides, our relationship is so close. If you were to become Hokage just like that, it would likely cause dissatisfaction among the villagers." The Third patted Danzo's shoulder with his one remaining hand and sighed. "We're both old. Let's give the opportunity to the younger generation."
Danzo just wanted to curse 'Damn it to hell!' in his heart. He had craved the Hokage position for thirty or forty years, only to be dismissed with a simple "we're old." 'If you don't want to pass it to me, just say so! Why bother with such hypocritical words?'
Danzo took a deep breath. He knew becoming Hokage wasn't that simple. In terms of war merits, he had none, aside from some minor achievements during the Second's era; since then, he had operated in the shadows. In terms of prestige, everything Root did was clandestine. If not for his title as an Elder, the villagers wouldn't even know who he was. In terms of strength, he had some, barely qualifying as a decent Kage-level shinobi. In terms of connections, apart from Root, he seemingly had none. For someone like him, becoming Hokage was fraught with difficulties. But he still wanted to try and fight for it.
"But, Hiruzen, I—"
"Danzo! During this incident, you did absolutely nothing commendable, nothing that would move the villagers. You cannot become Hokage," the Third's voice turned sharp. "I don't understand where you were at that time. Even Root only appeared at the very end. Why did you choose to preserve your strength when Konoha was facing a crisis? I don't understand the reason, the other ninja don't know, and even the villagers are clueless. How can I entrust the position of Hokage to you under such circumstances?"
"I've already decided. I will have Jiraiya find Tsunade as soon as possible. Don't forget"—the Third turned, looking directly into Danzo's resentful eyes—"I am still the Hokage."
"You will regret this, Hiruzen." Danzo's eyes turned cold. "You know everything Root has done all these years. Without Root, Konoha wouldn't be what it is today. You cannot erase my contributions."
Hearing this, the Third felt a pang of reluctance. Danzo had been assisting him all these years; without Danzo, Konoha's administration wouldn't have been so orderly. In a way, Danzo had been a great help.
"Let's talk about this later," he said, his tone softening slightly, a trace of guilt in his heart.
"Hiruzen, you understand me. My feelings for Konoha are no less than yours," Danzo said, his voice heavy. "I just want what I deserve." He leaned on his cane and walked unsteadily towards the hospital room door, his stooped back a picture of age and weariness.
The Third's guilt reached its peak at this moment. All along, Danzo had organized Root, becoming Konoha's dark side, clearing away all difficulties for him. But these contributions and merits could not be known to the villagers.
"Danzo," the Third called out, unable to bear it, "Konoha is extremely weakened right now. We need Tsunade to bring hope to the villagers."
Danzo slowly turned. "I understand. In that case... I wish to become Naruto's teacher."
"I've lived most of my life, and I don't even have a successor. I want Naruto to be my successor, to take over Root, and in the future, to become Hokage," Danzo said, his expression earnest. "Root's experience in researching Kekkei Genkai can definitely help him better develop his own. And with Root's presence, we can also ensure that his loyalty to Konoha will not waver."
"Hiruzen, believe me."
"I will make Naruto the greatest Hokage in history!"