Shadows On The Leaf

Deep within the Root facility, a large, silent room held a group of scientists surrounded by blueprints, metal fragments, and a black rock that seemed to pulse with a sinister energy. At the head of the table, with his imposing presence, stood Danzō. His eyes scanned every detail, while his staff lightly clattered against the floor as he held it. 

"This meteorite…" Danzō began, his words breaking through the murmur among the scientists. "It is the same as the one Hoshigakure possesses. Its radioactive energy has the power to increase chakra levels to supernatural levels, allowing ninja to manipulate its background and form in unimaginable ways." 

A scientist, surprised by Danzō's knowledge, stepped forward. "Danzō-sama, the energy emitted by this rock is impressive, but it is also dangerous. It could be fatal to anyone who tries to misuse it." 

Danzō regarded him coldly. "I know that already. In Hoshigakure, very few survived the use of its power. Even those who mastered the Mysterious Peacock Method paid a heavy price. But the potential it holds is unquestionable. We are not here to lament its risks, but to harness its power." 

The scientists exchanged tense glances before turning their attention to the materials on the table. One of them held up a detailed blueprint of the Tenjō no ningyō puppet. "Danzō-sama, integrating the meteorite into this weapon is feasible. We could use it as an energy core, which would make the puppet surpass any technology known so far. However, we would need time to stabilize the energy and minimize the risks." 

Danzō nodded slowly. "Take all the time you need, but don't waste resources. I want concrete results. This rock will be the heart of our ultimate weapon, but I also want you to develop a way to use its energy to strengthen our operatives. Research it to its limits." 

Another scientist, examining the meteorite fragments, intervened. "Danzō-sama, if we manage to replicate Hoshigakure's method, we could grant our agents abilities equivalent to the Mysterious Peacock Method. But it will be necessary to create a system to control the use of this power, preventing chakra doses from exceeding the safe limit." 

Danzō stared at him. "So be it." 

His gaze returned to the scroll where the puppet's name was written. With a deliberate movement, he slid his staff over the scroll. "Tenjō no ningyō was the name given to it by its former creators. But we are not them. This weapon will be a reflection of the power of Root and Konoha, a manifestation of our superiority. From now on, its name will be… Kurogokegyo."

The scientists bowed in respect as they nodded. "Kurogokegyo," one of them repeated, his tone reverential.

"I want every aspect of this weapon to be different from its original design," Danzō continued. "I want its structure, form, and function to surpass anything Suna could have ever imagined. And as for the meteorite, I want no failure. If any of you cannot handle this task, say so now." 

Silence was the only response. The scientists knew that Danzō's orders were not to be questioned. 

"Begin immediately," Danzō ordered, turning toward the exit. "You have all of Root's resources at your disposal. I want no excuses." 

As he walked out of the room, his mind was already calculating the strategic benefits of this research. If they could harness the power of the meteorite, the Root ninja would have an advantage over any other ordinary ninja. And with Kurogokegyo as a symbol of his power, Danzō was one step closer to controlling the fate of Konoha.

In the room, scientists were working feverishly, unraveling the secrets of the rock and the plans for the puppet.

//////

In the dim light of his private chamber, Danzō Shimura sat, his face serious and pensive. Though his surroundings were the same, austere and filled with reports and strategies, his mind wandered into a realm no one else could understand.

His worldview was unique, and his knowledge of his previous life gave him an advantage. 

"Uzumaki Karin… and her mother," Danzō muttered, his eyes fixed on the candle flame in front of him. Based on his memories, Karin and her mother were in Kusagakure, a small but politically well-connected village. Karin's mother was a highly talented ninja, used by the village to heal the wounded due to her unique ability to draw chakra by biting it.

The baby, Karin, was barely a few months old, and was from Naruto's generation. But, like the last jinchūriki of the Kyūbi, her value did not lie in her present, but in her future potential. 

"If I play my cards right, I can secure his loyalty forever," he thought.

The key was Karin's mother. Earning her trust would mean securing the young Uzumaki for Root. The only way to do that was to demonstrate genuine interest and offer them a safer life in Konoha, away from the intrigues and exploitation of Kusagakure.

However, that was not the only thing on his mind. He clearly remembered Ao, the Kirigakure ninja who possessed a stolen Byakugan. That eye, taken from a Hyūga, was a perfect opportunity to gain the support of one of the most influential clans in Konoha.

"Hiashi Hyūga…" he muttered, letting the name echo through the room. "When I offer to retrieve the lost Byakugan, he will have no choice but to ally himself with me. This will strengthen my political position." 

But these steps were part of a larger plan. His true goal was to consolidate power in the coming years. With his knowledge of future events, he knew that in four years, the Hyūga Incident would occur, an event that would leave the clan vulnerable and the council divided. That would be the perfect time to run for Hokage, but he needed to be prepared. 

'Every move counts,' Danzō thought.

Finally, he stood up and walked to the window. He looked at the full moon in the sky, its cold light illuminating the village he swore to protect.

"Konoha must have a strong leader. And that leader will be me." 

/////

It was a quiet afternoon in Konoha. The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze caressed the gardens of the Hyūga clan's main residence. Hiashi Hyūga sat in the main hall, sitting on a cushion, his expression serene as he looked over documents regarding his clan's upcoming ceremonies.

A servant approached and bowed deeply. 

"Hiashi-sama, Danzō Shimura requests an audience with you." 

Hiashi looked up, slightly surprised. It was not common for Danzō to visit personally. 

"Let him pass," he ordered calmly. 

A few moments later, Danzō entered the room, his eyes shining brightly, while his face remained as impenetrable as ever.

After several council meetings, Konoha's higher-ups and clan leaders had already grown accustomed to Danzo's apparent youth.

"Hiashi-dono," he greeted with a slight nod.

Hiashi returned the gesture. "Danzō-sama, to what do I owe your visit?" 

Danzō took a seat opposite him. Without further ado, he began to speak. 

"Hiashi-dono, I come with information that I consider of utmost importance to you and your clan." 

Hiashi watched him intently, revealing no emotion. "Go ahead." 

Danzō paused, as if weighing each word before speaking. 

"One of my spies in Kirigakure has informed me of something disturbing. There is a man there, a high-ranking ninja, who possesses an implanted Byakugan." 

Hiashi's face instantly hardened, and his pearly eyes shone brightly. 

"What did you say?" 

Danzō maintained his stance.

"That's true. This ninja, known as Ao, carries a Byakugan as a trophy. According to my informant, he obtained it during the Third Great Ninja War, taking it from a member of his clan. This is an affront not only to his family, but to all of Konoha." 

Hiashi stood up abruptly, his expression filled with indignation.

"This is unacceptable! We must inform the Hokage immediately. We cannot allow something like this to go unpunished." 

Danzō, unfazed, watched him calmly. 

"Hiashi-dono, I understand your anger. But let me be frank. The Hokage will not do anything." 

Hiashi looked at him, puzzled. "What are you implying by that, Danzō-sama?" 

"The Hokage," Danzō continued, his voice grave, "is a man who prefers to avoid conflict at all costs. We saw this at the end of the Third Ninja War, when he signed a peace treaty with Iwagakure, despite Konoha having emerged victorious. He preferred to cede territory and resources rather than secure a stronger position for our village. And now, faced with a village like Kirigakure, which might take this as a provocation, Hiruzen will choose the same path: inaction."

Hiashi clenched his fists, his anger evident. 

"So what do you suggest, Danzō-sama? That we sit back and watch my clan be desecrated?" 

Danzō leaned forward slightly, his voice low but loaded with authority. 

"No. What I suggest is that you allow me to handle this matter. I have the resources and experience to recover that Byakugan without compromising the Hyūga clan or the village. It will be a covert operation, away from the eyes of Kirigakure… or the Hokage." 

Hiashi watched him with distrust, but also with curiosity. 

"And why would you do this? What do you gain from all this, Danzō-sama?" 

Danzō paused, letting silence fill the room before answering. 

"Because I believe in the future of Konoha. And that future must be led by people willing to make difficult decisions for the good of all. Hiashi-dono, if you support me in this endeavor, it could strengthen my position to better serve Konoha in the future… perhaps, as Hokage."

Hiashi frowned, processing Danzō's words. He knew that Danzō did nothing without something to gain, but he also understood the value of retrieving the Byakugan to restore his clan's honor. 

Finally, he spoke firmly. 

"If you can really recover the Byakugan and bring it back to the Hyūga clan, you will have my support." 

Danzō nodded solemnly, but a slight smile formed on his lips. 

"You can trust me, Hiashi-dono. This mission will be handled with the discretion it deserves." 

Both men bowed slightly, sealing the agreement nonverbally. The alliance was in motion, and with it, the wheels of a larger strategy were beginning to turn. 

As Danzō retreated from the Hyūga residence, he knew that each step brought him closer to his goal. The support of the major clans was essential, and this was only the beginning of his strategy to become Hokage.

Hiashi narrowed his eyes. Danzō's ambition was obvious, but he also understood the political weight of his proposal. A Hokage who favored the Hyūga could be an invaluable asset. 

As Danzō left the Hyūga residence, a faint smile crossed his face.