This Danzo Is Weird!

Hiruzen Sarutobi finally agreed to Danzo's request.

He decided to send several members, including Kakashi, into the Root organization.

Of course, Asuma was not included in this arrangement.

No matter what, Sarutobi would never send his own son into Root.

No one in Konoha understood Danzo's methods better than he did.

Once someone entered Root, they would almost certainly be swallowed by its deep darkness.

Moreover, Root carried out missions that were practically suicidal.

Sending Asuma there would be no different from sending him to his death.

Although his youngest son was rebellious and disobedient, Sarutobi never intended for him to die.

However, before these new members officially joined Root, Sarutobi needed to make some preparations.

For example, planting a few informants.

Thus, Kakashi was summoned to the Hokage's office.

When he heard that he was to infiltrate Root as a spy, he was utterly stunned.

"Lord Hokage, me? A spy?"

Kakashi pointed to his masked face, his usual dead-fish eyes revealing a rare trace of surprise.

Sarutobi coughed and nodded.

"That's right, Kakashi. I need you to keep an eye on Danzo and make sure he doesn't go too far."

Kakashi scratched his head in frustration.

To be honest, he didn't like this kind of mission.

After witnessing Danzo's actions on the battlefield, Kakashi had developed new thoughts about the meaning of being a ninja and the Will of Fire.

However...

Joining Root would allow him to stay close to Lord Danzo. Perhaps he could even learn more from him?

With that thought in mind, Kakashi accepted the Hokage's request.

"I understand. I'll report there this afternoon."

Seeing Kakashi agree so readily, Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction and encouraged him:

"Kakashi, do your best. Your teacher, Minato, has already become the Jonin commander. I believe you will achieve great things as well."

Kakashi ignored this empty praise, said a quick farewell, and disappeared.

After settling things with Kakashi, Sarutobi summoned the other selected members to inform them of their orders to report to Root.

Their reactions varied.

Yamanaka Fu, who was slightly younger than Kakashi, showed great interest.

Rather than fearing Root, he even seemed a bit excited.

Morino Ibiki, who was considerably older, also looked eager to join.

His expertise lay in intelligence gathering and interrogation, making Root a fitting choice for him.

As for Yamashiro Aoba and Namiashi Rado, they displayed no particular emotions.

However, Genma Shiranui frowned deeply, his face looking like a bitter melon. It was clear that he had no desire to join what was considered Konoha's darkest organization.

Unfortunately, the Hokage's orders were absolute.

Even though he was unwilling, he still had to report to Root at the designated time in the afternoon.

No one doubted the strict discipline within Root.

Nor did anyone want to find out what happened to those who defied it.

Just as Sarutobi finalized the list, a ninja suddenly arrived at the Hokage's office.

Looking at the green-clad figure before him, Sarutobi hesitated for a moment and asked:

"If I remember correctly... your name is Might Guy, right?"

Standing in front of the Hokage, Might Guy nodded enthusiastically, flashing a bright smile.

 "That's right! I am none other than Konoha's Blue Beast, Might Guy!!"

"Blue Beast?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was a little confused.

He had never heard of such a title before.

After all, in the ninja world, earning a title was no easy feat.

Usually, only by making a name for oneself on the battlefield could an opponent bestow a title based on one's fighting style.

For example, Minato was known as the Yellow Flash, Danzo as the Darkness of the Shinobi, and Hiruzen himself as the God of Shinobi…

But Blue Beast? That was a first for Sarutobi.

Unexpectedly, Might Guy gave a thumbs-up and explained with great enthusiasm:

"That's right! It's a nickname I gave myself! I want to burn with the flames of youth, just like a beast!"

...He made it up himself?

Sarutobi was momentarily stunned.

Giving oneself a title was rather unusual, but considering it was Might Guy, it somehow felt… acceptable?

"Ahem."

Sarutobi coughed into his hand.

"So then, Konoha's Blue Beast, what brings you here today?"

Hearing the Hokage acknowledge his title, Might Guy became even more excited and quickly stated his purpose.

"I want to join Root, serve under Lord Danzo, and become someone who upholds the Will of Fire just like him!"

"Someone who upholds the Will of Fire like Danzo?"

Sarutobi was stunned for several seconds.

Looking at the energetic young man in front of him, an amusing thought crossed his mind.

Perhaps sending Might Guy to Root would help lighten the dead and oppressive atmosphere there?

Amused by this idea, Sarutobi smiled and approved his request.

"As it happens, Danzo is in need of young people like you who are willing to give everything for Konoha. Go ahead!"

Hearing Sarutobi's words, Might Guy was so excited that he immediately performed a handstand on the spot.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage! I'll head to Root right away!"

With that, he waved his arms rapidly and dashed out of the office at high speed.

Just as Sarutobi was about to pick up his crystal ball to watch the spectacle unfold, Might Guy suddenly ran back.

"Uh, Lord Hokage, where exactly is Root located?"

—

Meanwhile, Danzo had yet to foresee this development.

At that moment, he was handling a report from Aburame Ryouma.

"Lord Danzo, Kirigakure has sent a request. They hope we can proceed immediately with the second round of prisoner exchanges."

Hearing this, Danzo took a slow sip of tea and asked,

"How many prisoners do they plan to exchange this time?"

"A total of 800. As of yesterday, they have killed approximately 1,600 more Suna shinobi."

Aburame Ryouma responded swiftly.

Danzo did not doubt the numbers.

After all, he had personally dispatched two Root operatives to accompany Kirigakure's forces in battle. If the numbers were significantly off, it would be easy to uncover.

Although Konoha and Suna had officially ended their conflict, Danzo had no intention of halting the prisoner exchange agreement.

His goal was to keep Kirigakure and Sunagakure fighting each other for as long as possible. The longer, the better.

"Additionally, Kirigakure requests that we ensure the 800 prisoners remain in good condition and that they are provided with appropriate food and weapons."

"As for the additional costs, Kirigakure has promised to reimburse Konoha in full later."

Aburame Ryouma continued.

"It seems Kirigakure has no intention of ending the war anytime soon…"

Danzo raised an eyebrow.

He had originally thought that Chiyo's final words would have instructed Rasa to end the war quickly.

"Kirigakure and Sunagakure have held multiple negotiations, but they have failed to reach a settlement. Reportedly, it's because of the Scorch Release user, Pakura."

"Her Scorch Release is highly effective against Kirigakure's forces, causing them heavy casualties. She believes that as long as the war drags into a prolonged conflict, Kirigakure will inevitably suffer from environmental disadvantages and be forced to withdraw."

Aburame Ryouma relayed the intelligence he had gathered to Danzo.

"She does have a point, but I doubt Rasa will agree," Danzo said thoughtfully.

If Pakura managed to win the war against Kirigakure, while Rasa not only lost to Konoha but also sacrificed an elder in the process, the contrast would be too glaring.

At that point, Rasa's position as Kazekage might be at risk.

Perhaps that was the real reason he decided to eliminate Pakura?

"Heh, human nature is truly fascinating."

Danzo murmured to himself.

His voice was so low that Aburame Ryouma didn't catch it clearly, nor did he intend to ask.

"In that case, proceed as Kirigakure requested. Equip the 800 prisoners with weapons and send them over."

Danzo issued his orders.

"Also, how is the task I assigned you progressing?"

As Danzo's most trusted aide, Aburame Ryouma naturally knew what he was referring to.

"Reporting, my lord, some of Kirigakure's forces have successfully accepted the Will of Fire indoctrination. However, a portion of their shinobi remain stubbornly resistant. Should we…?"

A cold glint flashed in Aburame Ryouma's eyes, clearly suggesting whether those uncooperative individuals should be eliminated.

But Danzo simply shook his head.

"No need. Let them return. But make sure to publicly announce that they have undergone indoctrination—regardless of the actual outcome, make it known to everyone."

As he spoke, a faint smile appeared on Danzo's face.

The so-called Will of Fire Indoctrination was a policy he had implemented in the prisoner camps.

The process involved forcing captured shinobi to attend Konoha-led lectures on the Will of Fire, participate in small assessments, and attend special classes on its principles.

Anyone who volunteered for these sessions and passed the assessments would receive extra food and be prioritized for release back to Kirigakure.

Some of the more "outstanding" students would even receive a special title as Exemplary Heirs of the Will of Fire, granting them opportunities to interact with the camp's higher-ups.

Some Kirigakure shinobi had indeed been successfully converted by Konoha.

Others, however, had merely played along for the sake of food while maintaining their loyalty.

But in the end, it didn't matter.

Because even if they were released…

Kirigakure would never be able to determine who was truly loyal anymore.

That was Danzo's real goal.

If the Mizukage assumed they were still loyal, they could already be brainwashed spies serving Konoha's interests.

If he suspected them of disloyalty and purged them, then even those who were originally faithful would suffer, pushing them toward embracing the Will of Fire instead.

If he hesitated, uncertain of their allegiances, then the real spies would have already infiltrated deeper into Kirigakure's ranks—perhaps even standing right beside their leadership.

In the end, no one could tell who was genuinely loyal, who was pretending, who would remain faithful, or who would turn.

Not even Danzo himself knew.

And that was the brilliance of it.

One way or another, let Yagura figure it out.

If worse came to worst, he might just slaughter all 1,000+ returning Kirigakure shinobi in paranoia.

Either way, Konoha wouldn't lose anything.

Realizing the full depth of this scheme, Aburame Ryouma looked at Danzo with newfound awe.

As expected of Lord Danzo…

He was truly too evil!

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