Reborn as Danzō’s Grandson, Must I Offend the Entire Ninja World?

The next day

Since today was a day off, Yami slept in, not getting up until noon.

Ebiki wouldn't be coming today, but that didn't mean Yami planned to slack off.

Going into the village to establish new bonds was too inefficient, it was better to train at home.

The system required three conditions for a bond to form:

1. Both parties must meet face-to-face.

2. Both parties must know each other's names.

3. Yami must leave a deep impression on the other party.

So far, only the rewards left by his parents had been exceptions to these rules.

Right now, in the eyes of adults, Yami was just a child, not worth taking seriously. Meeting the third condition was still difficult.

Otherwise, his two personal guards, Aburame Seiji and Yamanaka Ryo, would have already provided a bond.

To them, Yami was simply a mission objective, not someone significant.

Currently, the best place to gain rewards was still the Ninja Academy.

For example, he had obtained his Fire Release affinity from a classmate. If he was lucky, he might one day acquire all five chakra natures—and even the Yin Release affinity.

Yami stepped into the courtyard, picking up a child-sized dagger that had been specially crafted for him. He began practicing the most basic slashes.

In this world, swords and knives weren't strictly differentiated. However, in Yami's eyes, they were all just blades, even the so-called Kusanagi Sword was still a knife to him.

That said, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. He wouldn't argue over trivial naming conventions.

With his swordsmanship talent, he would be able to reach the Ultimate level once he became a Genin. It would be a waste not to train diligently.

No matter how strong a shinobi was, most were still mortals. A sword could kill just as efficiently as ninjutsu, if not more.

Most ninjas didn't know many jutsu, so they relied primarily on taijutsu and ninja tools in battle.

Jutsu were used to gain an advantage or secure a one-hit kill.

Do you really think everyone could throw Rasengans around like they were basic attacks?

Whoosh!

Whoosh!

The sound of swinging steel echoed through the courtyard as the warm sunlight shone down, glistening off the beads of sweat on Yami's forehead.

His training continued from after lunch until sunset, only stopping when a deep voice called out from behind him.

"Yami."

Yami turned around to see a tall, wrinkled old man standing there.

A bandage covered his left eye, and his face bore a gloomy, cold aura. Yet, when he looked at Yami, he smiled.

It was a stiff smile—likely because he wasn't used to smiling at all.

This man was Shimura Danzō.

The Darkness of the Shinobi World.

The 5.5th Hokage.

The Strongest Nabekage in History.

"Old man, you're back."

Yami greeted him casually. Since he had learned to talk, he had always called Danzō "old man"—never once addressing him as "grandfather."

Danzō didn't mind. Or rather, caring wouldn't change anything.

He could be ruthless to outsiders, plotting against anyone.

But Yami was his only remaining family. His sole blood relative.

And the key to his ambitions.

Not only did Danzō want Yami to inherit Root, but he also hoped Yami would one day become Hokage.

And based on Yami's current talent, he was not disappointed.

His growth was nearly identical to Kakashi's, having already reached the graduation standard not long after enrolling in the Ninja Academy.

If only… he had a Kekkei Genkai.

Danzō's visible eye dimmed.

No matter how strong an ordinary shinobi was, there was always a limit.

Only Sharingan or Wood Release could allow Yami—and by extension, himself—to surpass those limits.

Just as Yami greeted Danzō, two system prompts rang in his mind.

[Bond established with Shimura Danzō! Reward acquired: Wind Release Affinity (Genius).]

[Bond with Shimura Danzō strengthened to Stage 2! Reward acquired: Wind Release Nature Transformation (Mastery).]

This was the first time Yami had met Danzō since activating the system, so it made sense that the rewards had only triggered now.

The two rewards merged, subtly altering Yami's aura, making it sharper and more fierce.

Especially the Wind Release Nature Transformation—Danzō was arguably Konoha's strongest Wind Release user, and even among the entire ninja world, he was one of the best.

After all, not just anyone could cut through Susanoo using Wind-infused shuriken.

Danzō noticed the change in Yami and snapped out of his thoughts.

He slowly walked into the courtyard and stood in the open training space.

"I have time today. I haven't checked your progress in a while. Show me what you've learned."

"Huh? Oh."

Yami tightened his grip on the short sword and rushed forward without hesitation.

A faint aura of compressed air swirled around his blade.

Danzō's single eye gleamed with interest.

"Nature Transformation?! …Good, very good."

Mastering Nature Transformation at age six?

My grandson truly has the makings of a Hokage!

In an instant, Yami closed the distance and slashed downward with his short sword.

Danzō tilted his body slightly, dodging with ease.

Yami immediately followed up with a spinning kick.

Danzō raised his arm to block, using the impact to push Yami back slightly. But before he could reset his stance, Yami had already closed in again.

Of course, Danzō was an Elite Jōnin at minimum. Even if Yami went all out, he was no threat to him.

But Yami wasn't holding back.

He unleashed his full strength, using every bit of his swordsmanship and ninjutsu.

After all, the one person least likely to harm him in this world was Shimura Danzō.

Fifteen minutes later

Yami finally stopped, breathing heavily, his chakra reserves nearly depleted.

Danzō, on the other hand, remained completely unscathed.

"Well done, Yami. But don't let it get to your head. You're just a genius, not a true powerhouse."

Danzō's stiff smile finally turned into a genuine grin.

Yami's progress far exceeded his expectations.

His Wind Release Nature Transformation was already highly refined. His Fire Release jutsu were also well-executed.

If only… he had the right eyes.

If that happened.

Konoha's future would belong to the Shimura clan.

Thinking this, Danzō felt even more satisfied and led Yami back inside.

During Dinner…

Halfway through the meal, Yami suddenly looked up and asked:

"Old man, you seemed pissed off when you came back. Who pissed you off?"

Danzō casually took a bite of rice.

"Who else? That old fool, Sarutobi Hiruzen. I failed to assassinate him today, so my Hokage plans are delayed again."

Yami: "..."

(To be continued.)

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