Naruto: Reborn as Kakuzu, the Immortal Assassin

A sharp cry pierced the sky as a brown hawk, a message scroll tied securely to its leg, spread its wings and soared into the clouds. Trained through countless exercises, these birds followed designated routes, delivering messages to their intended destinations with unwavering precision.

From high above, the hawk's keen eyes surveyed the sprawling village below—Konoha. Even at such an altitude, the bird could make out the intricate details of the village's streets and buildings. Konoha appeared as a massive arc, its entirety visible from the hawk's vantage point. Yet, the bird understood that this was only a perspective offered by the skies, walking through the village was a wholly different experience.

The residential area of Konoha occupied just a third of the village's expanse. The rest was taken up by administrative zones, training grounds, dense forests in the rear mountains, and restricted zones inaccessible to both ordinary civilians and many shinobi.

Deep within the village, Senju Tobirama and Kakuzu ventured into a secluded forest. After navigating several concealed turns, they arrived at an opening that revealed a staircase descending into the earth.

Kakuzu's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he took in the sight. Despite his mercenary-like pragmatism, the mysterious allure of this hidden space piqued his interest. Without waiting for an explanation, he stepped forward and began descending the staircase.

The steps were shallow—twenty at most—leading to a second underground level. Upon entering, Kakuzu immediately noticed how different this subterranean world was from the one above.

The walls were painted a sterile white, illuminated by electric lights suspended from the ceiling. Beneath the lights, an array of glass equipment and tools were meticulously arranged on tables. Kakuzu brushed his fingers across the surface of the quartz-glass instruments, a faint chill radiating from them.

A faint smirk played on his lips. It was all too clear to him what Senju Tobirama was up to.

"Don't misunderstand," Tobirama said, coughing lightly before addressing Kakuzu's unspoken thoughts. "This isn't some clandestine operation. This is Konoha's Biological Research Laboratory—Second Division."

Kakuzu raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "Second Division? Sounds more like your personal workshop."

Tobirama didn't respond, which only confirmed Kakuzu's suspicion. It was unlikely that Senju Hashirama knew about this secret lab.

"Relax. I'm not judging you," Kakuzu said, waving a hand dismissively. "Progress requires sacrifices. Clinging to moral high ground only leads to stagnation."

His eyes roamed over the various lab tables and equipment. "But tell me—how did you manage to move all this down here? Flying Thunder God Technique?"

Tobirama shook his head, motioning to a corner of the lab. Kakuzu followed his gaze and noticed three children busy cleaning equipment and sweeping the floor.

"You used kids as cover? That's low, even for you, Tobirama," Kakuzu said, half in jest. "They're hyperactive enough at that age to avoid suspicion. Clever."

Tobirama rolled his eyes but said nothing. Instead, he clapped his hands, drawing the attention of the three children. They immediately stopped what they were doing and approached.

"These three are my students," Tobirama explained. "Introduce yourselves."

The first child stepped forward—a boy of average height with a lean build. His upright posture and earnest expression radiated an unmistakable sense of justice and optimism.

"Kakuzu-sama," he said, bowing respectfully. "I've heard of your prowess from Tobirama-sensei. It's an honor to meet someone capable of sparring with my teacher. I'm Sarutobi Hiruzen, eldest of the Sarutobi clan."

As Hiruzen introduced himself, the girl beside him glanced at him with an affectionate look before turning her gaze to Kakuzu. She smiled sweetly, her demeanor exuding the charm of a teenage girl.

"Kakuzu-sama, my name is Mitokado Koharu," she said, bowing gracefully. "I'm in the same team as Hiruzen. I look forward to learning from you in the future."

Her gaze flickered back to Hiruzen as she subtly inched closer to him.

Finally, the third boy stepped forward. Taller than the other two, his thin frame and sharp features gave him a more aloof air. His initial glance at Hiruzen and Koharu carried a hint of disdain and competitiveness, but he quickly masked it.

He bowed deeply to Tobirama before addressing Kakuzu. "Kakuzu-sama, your reputation precedes you. I've heard of your exploits from both my teacher and the elders. If possible, I'd like to seek your guidance in the future. I am Shimura Danzō of the Shimura clan. Please take care of me."

As the three finished their introductions, Kakuzu found himself at a rare loss for words. The scene before him was completely at odds with his expectations, leaving him momentarily dazed.

His thoughts raced as he tried to reconcile the impressions of these young students with the harsh world he knew.

Tobirama, oblivious to Kakuzu's internal conflict, spoke up.

"What's the problem? I'm just having my students help with a few tasks."

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