Naruto: Starting with the Granted Strongest Eye

Seasons passed, years rolled on. In that time, Tō's missions were only moderately successful, but Itachi quickly became the village's star, his brilliance recognized by all. Itachi had even been promoted to Chūnin, yet Tō, though still a Genin, had grown so strong that most Jonin couldn't even match him.

In pure swordsmanship, Tō was already at a Jonin level. Under Mentor Gentai's punishing training, Tō had been forged into something extraordinary. Even with that skill, though, Tō struggled under the pressure of being a double agent. The Uchiha had increased their surveillance on him and his mother, and even the Third Hokage occasionally seemed to study him. This constant scrutiny weighed heavily on Tō.

He still hadn't mastered the Chidori after a year's effort—while Sasuke learned it in a month—but he believed in one thing: hard work would pay off.

That morning at Root HQ, Gentai stood at the entrance, his expression unusually stern. Tō sensed that today's mission would be dangerous. Gentai's dark look only deepened his anxiety, but Tō had no mind-reading technique to decipher the message.

Inside Danzo's chambers, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Danzo gazed at Tō with suspicion before finally speaking: "I have a highly classified mission. But... can I trust you?"

Tō replied coolly and confidently: If you trust me, I'll do it. If not, then I'm not the right person.

He had been happy for the year since his mother awoke—his best year ever. Even trapped between two powers, he trusted his instincts. So far, nobody had moved to seize him.

Danzo laughed coldly. What if I place a seal on you?

A seal?" Tō felt his heart skip. "But... the Uchiha

He caught himself. This mission didn't involve the Uchiha clan. He swallowed. A sealing could be lethal. Perhaps he should report to Fugaku.

In the dark chamber, Danzo's hand seals flashed. He placed his hand on Tō's head and channeled thick chakra through his skull. A terrible thought: one wrong move and he'd die. Minutes passed like hours.

Danzo withdrew his hand, and Tō sat frozen. Then a strange voice echoed in his mind:

Chakra substance detected. Absorb and store?

Tō nearly dropped his jaw. Danzo's sealing charm had triggered a chakra absorber, automatically converting the seal into energy for Tō's new Ability Machine! He chose to absorb it. Rising, he looked at Danzo calmly. So... mission details?

Danzo smirked: This was perfect. With the seal in place, Tō was bound. His talent was exceptional; if he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, he could rival Itachi.

Your target, Danzo said coldly, is Orochimaru. You will rendezvous with him and deliver an item.

Tō jumped. Working with Orochimaru—now a rogue ninja known for forbidden experiments.

Danzo sneered at his shock: What of it? Orochimaru's ambition was stymied. His research into forbidden jutsu is dangerous, but if he can serve us, we'll use him. He'll help Konoha dominate.

Tō frowned. This meant Orochimaru had made progress in experimenting with Hashirama's cells—or even the Sharingan.

Danzo handed him a scroll. Mentor Gentai will escort you to the rendezvous. Stay there and retrieve his research. Succeed, and you'll become my second-in-command at Root.

Gita eyed Tō with envy.

Tō nodded and left with Gentai. Gentai suddenly grabbed him. You idiot—why did you accept Danzo's seal? Do you know its power?

Tō smiled warmly. What about you, Sensei? Do you think Danzo is leaving you unsealed? If not, shall I remove it tonight?

He formed seal signs and vanished. Gentai stared after him, astonished. "That boy is full of tricks. Danzo might think he owns my student—but he doesn't!"

Late at night in Uchiha Fugaku's study, Tō knelt before his father's burning lamp. Fugaku spoke angrily: Danzo sealed you... Sent you to Orochimaru?

Tō nodded solemnly. Yes—but I believe Root has begun monitoring the Uchiha. And if the Third supports Danzo's orders, hiding won't save us—he represents the Senju lineage."

Fugaku frowned, but allowed himself a small smile. "You've done well. The Uchiha clan trusts you, and Root now sees us. Keep wary of where the Third stands."

Fugaku's expression remained stern yet paternal. Despite not fully trusting Root, he valued Tō's insight. Root's knowledge of Uchiha personnel was thorough, but its limits were clear.

Fugaku advised caution: Don't think of rebellion yet. Even with Itachi, your clan cannot stand against the higher authorities. And if the Third agrees with them...

He pounded the desk. Go on your mission—and don't worry about Keiko. The Uchiha will protect her. Danzo cannot touch her.

Tō nodded, rose, and vanished with a swift ninjutsu. Fugaku pounded his fist once more: That Danzo—does he think he's stronger than the Uchiha? He underestimates us.