This Danzo Is Weird!

Would someone as infamous as Danzo Shimura truly see us as the future of the Land of Rain?

At this moment, a mix of emotions arose in Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan.

There was the joy of being recognized by a "great figure," but also wariness and suspicion toward Danzo.

Seeing their expressions, Aburame Ryoma decided to skip unnecessary words. He pulled out a letter from beneath his cloak.

"This is a letter from Lord Danzo addressed to you," he said.

As Yahiko reached for it, Nagato stepped forward and took the letter first. After ensuring it was safe, he opened the envelope and began to read the contents aloud:

"Greetings to the young members of the Akatsuki. I am Danzo Shimura from Konoha.

The current era is one of hardship. War ravages the lands, displacing countless civilians. Nobles indulge in pleasure, while shinobi engage in relentless battles.

To them, the common people are nothing more than livestock—pigs, dogs, cattle, and sheep. For the sake of profit, they commit atrocities beyond imagination.

The people live in destitution, their families shattered, while the nobles bask in wealth, surrounded by music and dancing.

'The stench of wine and meat at the mansions' gates, while the bones of the frozen poor lie abandoned along the roadside.'

In such an unjust world, I am relieved to see idealists like you, rooted among the people, with such lofty ambitions.

For this, I offer my highest respect to you.

The future belongs to you, the youth, and to the vast populace."

—Danzo Shimura

When Nagato finished reading the letter, silence fell over the room.

Such empathetic words, such a penetrating critique of the world, and such heartfelt encouragement—could this really be the same villain Jiraiya-sensei had described?

Yahiko, at least, had already clenched his fists halfway through the letter, feeling a growing indignation against the world's injustices.

By the time he heard the closing words, his heart burned with resolve, as though a grand and noble mission had been placed upon his shoulders.

"Lord Danzo's words are incredible!"

Yahiko's eyes shone with newfound determination, and his tone had shifted—he now referred to Danzo as "Lord Danzo" with genuine respect.

Nagato, though sensing something slightly amiss, couldn't find any flaws in Danzo's words.

Even Ryoma, the messenger, was stunned.

He thought to himself, Since when was Lord Danzo such a brilliant writer?

Not to mention, the letter radiated a sense of lofty justice at every turn.

Regardless, Ryoma had fulfilled his mission. He took his leave without delay.

Once he was gone, Konan hesitated and asked, "So what do we do now?"

Though the letter had improved their impression of Danzo, it would be rash to take everything at face value.

"We go!" Yahiko said decisively, his eyes burning with resolve.

No matter what kind of hell awaited them, as long as there was a sliver of hope for peace, he would not back down.

"But if Lord Hanzo really does…" Konan began, still worried.

"It doesn't matter. As long as there's a chance for peace, we must seize it," Yahiko declared with unwavering conviction.

"However, I will go alone this time," he continued, turning to Konan and Nagato. "If anything happens, the two of you must lead the others and retreat immediately."

But Konan immediately rejected this individualistic plan.

"Absolutely not! We promised—whether in life or death, we face it together. I will never let you go alone!" she said firmly.

Even the usually calm Nagato nodded in agreement. "If something goes wrong, our chances of survival are higher if we stick together."

Seeing the resolute expressions of his two closest friends, Yahiko realized there was no way he could convince them otherwise.

They wouldn't abandon this chance for peace simply because of Danzo's words.

As for negotiating peace among the three major nations on his own?

That was laughable.

Without Hanzo's involvement, the three great nations wouldn't even bother acknowledging them.

This risk was one they had to take.

Yahiko clenched his fist and struck his palm firmly. "Relax, maybe this is all just a big misunderstanding."

Nagato nodded lightly and turned to leave. "I'll make some arrangements. If something happens to us, I'll ensure all members retreat immediately."

Konan also headed off. "I'll prepare some explosive tags, just in case."

Yahiko scratched his head, feeling like he had nothing specific to prepare.

Oh well, he thought. Better deliver some food to the villagers first.

---

Having successfully completed his mission, Aburame Ryoma soon stood before Danzo.

"How did they decide?" Danzo asked as he calmly placed a cup of hot tea in front of Ryoma.

Ryoma respectfully accepted the tea with both hands and reported, "They reacted strongly to your letter, but it seems they've decided to meet with Hanzo."

"As expected," Danzo murmured.

He picked up his own cup, blew on it gently, and took a sip. Noticing Ryoma's hesitation, he smiled faintly. "Speak your mind. There's no need to hold back."

With Danzo's permission, Ryoma finally spoke. "To be honest, Lord Danzo, I think those three are overly naive."

Danzo chuckled. "You mean they're idealistic."

Ryoma lowered his head. "Your insight is unparalleled, Lord Danzo."

Danzo slowly rose, gazing out at the rain falling outside the window. "Children trained by Jiraiya—how could they not be idealistic?"

Fair enough.

Ryoma nodded silently, recalling the time he'd encountered the legendary Sannin.

Although, in hindsight, their meeting had been atop the roof of a women's bathhouse—a rather unconventional place. At the time, Ryoma had mistaken Jiraiya for a spy infiltrating the village.

Unaware of Ryoma's inner musings, Danzo continued, "But it is through pain that humanity undergoes true transformation. When that happens, their growth will exceed your wildest expectations."

Ryoma furrowed his brow. "Aren't you worried they might die at Hanzo's hands?"

The shinobi world was never short of so-called geniuses. But unless they matured, such talents were often snuffed out prematurely.

Danzo scoffed dismissively at the question.

"Maybe ten years ago, Hanzo could've managed that. But now? Hmph..."

Danzo made no effort to conceal his disdain for the so-called 'Demi-God.'

Hanzo had long abandoned his dreams and ideals, becoming nothing more than a coward.

In the original storyline, once Hanzo witnessed the power of Nagato's Rinnegan, he retreated into hiding, living like a frightened dog, perpetually guarded by dozens of Amegakure Ninja

Calling him a coward might even be too generous.

---

Meanwhile, Hanzo received a reply from the Akatsuki.

A glint of cold light flashed in his dark eyes as he gave his orders in an icy tone.

"Spread the word. Make sure everyone is ready. This time, I will eradicate this tumor once and for all."

"Yes, sir!"