Chapter 121 – Standing in the Sky
That evening, Mugetsu didn't go to the Leaf Village's Main District. Instead, he remained at his home in the South Border Forest, focused on researching Sealing Techniques.
Sensing swift movement nearby, he paused his work and stepped outside.
"Night, Danzo-sama wants to see you," a Root operative said flatly.
"Do I need to change into my uniform?" Mugetsu asked.
Though not officially a Root member, he still had a uniform and mask.
"No need. Just follow me," the operative replied with a shake of his head.
Mugetsu fell in step behind him, already guessing the situation.
Just two days ago, he'd been warned to avoid exposing his identity. Now, a supposed hidden agent like himself was being openly summoned to Root's base.
Clearly, there was no longer any need to keep his cover.
If he had to guess, there had likely been a "Hiruzen, you will regret this" type of confrontation in the Hokage's Office earlier.
Even so, Mugetsu felt no unease. Only a few days prior, he'd reported directly to Danzo, detailing all the rewards the Hokage had granted him—playing the role of a loyal subordinate to perfection.
For now, he was on record as loyal to both the Hokage and Root. Stability was the priority.
"Danzo-sama," Mugetsu greeted respectfully upon arrival.
"Night, you've done well," Danzo said suddenly.
"It's all thanks to your guidance, Danzo-sama. Without your training, I'd still be just an ordinary orphan," Mugetsu replied with practiced sincerity.
"Did you know? The Hokage thinks highly of you," Danzo continued.
"Perhaps. On the last day of special training, he praised me several times and gave me two Ninjutsu along with three hundred thousand ryō," Mugetsu answered, sticking to the same story he'd given before.
"Oh, and today my position at the Academy was raised. I'm now the first-year head teacher. That might also be the Hokage's doing," he added.
Danzo nodded thoughtfully.
He was probing, testing whether Mugetsu knew about the Hokage's request to transfer him. After comparing this conversation with earlier reports, and trusting in his own conditioning methods, Danzo concluded that Mugetsu remained loyal.
"I've discussed with the Hokage, and we agree that your talents would be better used training young ninja at the Academy rather than remaining in Root," Danzo said after a pause.
"Tomorrow, I'll go to the Hokage Building and remove your curse mark. From then on, you will no longer be a Root operative."
"Danzo-sama, did I do something wrong? Why expel me from Root?" Mugetsu asked, his expression pained. "I want to protect Konoha by your side!"
Inside, he was completely calm. Danzo's claim about "discussing" with the Hokage was nothing more than an excuse for a forced transfer.
Still, if Danzo wanted a performance, Mugetsu would give him one. Danzo could play the reluctant commander letting go of a capable subordinate, while Mugetsu played the loyal agent being torn away.
"No, you've done very well. But you now have a more important mission," Danzo said slowly. "Even if you're no longer part of Root, should my orders ever reach you again… will you carry them out?"
"Of course. Danzo-sama's missions are always vital to Konoha's protection," Mugetsu answered without hesitation.
Danzo gave a small, satisfied smile and handed over two scrolls.
"One contains a high-level Fire Release technique from the village, the other a special cultivation medicine. Continue to work hard. I'll contact you when I need you," Danzo said.
He wasn't worried about losing his investment. Even if Mugetsu turned disloyal one day, Danzo had ways of ensuring obedience. Root's resources were never given without strings.
"I won't let your efforts go to waste, Danzo-sama," Mugetsu replied with a moved expression.
"If Root had more ninja like you, I'd never have to worry about Konoha's safety," Danzo said with approval. "Go now. Train well, and wait for my summons."
Mugetsu left with visible reluctance, casting one last look at Danzo before departing.
[Name: Danzo Shimura]
[Chakra: 47,000]
[Skills: Wind Release Chakra Nature Transformation (Mastery: 400/15,000), Wind Release: Vacuum Wave (Mastery: 300/15,000) …]
[Potential: S (Basic Talent + Sharingan)]
As expected, Danzo's strength was Kage-level, though not among the strongest. Compared to Hiruzen, his chakra reserves were tens of thousands lower, his skills fewer, and only one Nature Transformation was at Mastery level—barely qualifying. Of his Ninjutsu, only Vacuum Sphere and Vacuum Wave were at Mastery.
Still, Mugetsu didn't underestimate him. Danzo's mastery of several forbidden techniques made him a dangerous opponent in actual combat.
Once far enough from the Root base, Mugetsu's expression returned to normal.
"So the Hokage wants me… and Danzo still won't let go? Being too persistent is tiresome," he muttered.
He truly wanted to grow in peace and act only when his strength was sufficient. But Danzo seemed determined to complicate his life—Root operatives showing up at his home, and now this drawn-out farewell.
He was dissatisfied with Danzo, with Root… and with this dangerous world full of lunatics.
If one day he could stand above them all, Mugetsu wouldn't mind forcing this world into something more sane.
Back home, he unrolled the Fire Release scroll—only to find it was Fire Dragon Flame Bullet, a technique he had already mastered. His interest vanished instantly. The so-called cultivation medicine, he tossed into a corner without a glance.
He returned to his Sealing Technique research. With Danzo likely intending to use him as a spy in the Hokage's circle, he had to keep progressing. Who knew when Danzo might try to put another curse mark on him? It probably wouldn't be the same day it was removed—doing so would be an open insult if the Hokage found out.
"Finally mastered it," Mugetsu murmured, nodding at the completed Five Elements Seal. He immediately applied a proficiency scroll, and a surge of sealing knowledge filled his mind.
In a world ruled by strength, one's own power was the only thing that could be trusted.
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