Chapter 30: Shimura Danzo
Chapter 30: Shimura Danzo
Tonari and Minato had been training in a small forest all day.
Since Minato didn't have any missions at the time, they had agreed to meet here regularly—training, not just meeting up.
Tonari's main focus was still on Taijutsu, but after meeting Minato, he decided to add ninjutsu to his training regimen as well.
Inspired by Minato, Tonari had figured out the main direction for his Taijutsu training.
Speed first, with body flicker as a secondary focus.
Don't ask why—just ask Minato Namikaze!
Feeling satisfied with his progress, Tonari started his journey home, walking under the warm glow of the setting sun.
Around this time, the ANBU agents assigned to monitor him found themselves in the most troublesome and helpless position.
They knew that Tonari struggled with directions, and even after nearly two weeks, he hadn't found his way back to the Nara clan compound.
But... did he really have to keep running laps around Konoha Village because he couldn't find the way home?
Every time, he'd run five laps, and after completing them, it seemed like his mind would clear enough to finally find his way back.
At this point, the captain of the ANBU team really wanted to show up, grab the kid, and drag him back to the Nara clan's compound.
Wasn't it just tormenting the boy?
But they couldn't afford to stop following him, and over the course of two weeks, they had managed to improve their physical fitness.
In Tonari's words, walking around Konoha with a whole team of ANBU agents was pretty cool!
Who else in Konoha had this kind of treatment?
However, today something unexpected happened...
The ANBU captain, who had been planning to follow Tonari for another round of laps, suddenly made a hand sign.
The rest of the ANBU members noticed the signal and their expressions changed subtly under their masks.
This sign meant there might be an enemy nearby!
After all, this was Konoha. If an enemy attack occurred, the ANBU knew how serious the consequences could be.
The moment they stopped, the ANBU captain pulled out a dark kunai.
A shadow suddenly appeared before him, and the two engaged in close combat.
The other ANBU members were each confronted by opponents, preventing them from sending out any distress signals in time.
It seemed like their every move was being anticipated.
Tonari, of course, was completely unaware of what was happening.
While he thought he was leading the ANBU agents around in a cool, carefree manner, the truth was, the ANBU had already been engaged by enemies.
Boom—
Tonari slammed on the brakes as he ran at full speed.
An unexpected figure appeared in front of him.
Leaning on a cane and wearing a loose white robe, with the distinct "X" shape on his chin.
Silently standing in his path, there was no one else around.
Shimura Danzo!
Tonari's mind raced.
Danzo's appearance meant that the ANBU agents watching him had clearly been detained by someone from the Root division.
Though Tonari had anticipated Danzo would eventually find him, he hadn't expected it to happen in such a situation.
Fortunately, he had made some preparations of his own.
The brainwashing techniques from Root were still vivid in his memory.
Boom—
Act fast!
Tonari quickly dropped to one knee. "Danzo-sama!"
Seeing Tonari's reaction, Danzo's ever-stern face shifted slightly.
Hmph! Sarutobi, I told you not to underestimate Root's power. The ownership of the Jinchuriki may not end up where you think!
"Rise," Danzo said in a low voice.
Tonari stood up obediently, keeping his head lowered, silent, and avoiding eye contact.
Danzo was not like Hiruzen Sarutobi.
While Sarutobi occasionally disappointed him, he still had some principles, especially during the peak of his strength.
But Danzo was different. He was a schemer, willing to do anything to achieve his goals. A man who was corrupt from top to bottom, with no hesitation in his actions!
Moreover, Danzo was extremely self-centered. Though he claimed, "everything is for Konoha," in reality, everything was for his vision of Konoha—the Konoha under his control!
Many significant events in Konoha's future would be linked to Danzo, including the upcoming White Fang incident...
So, when dealing with Sarutobi Hiruzen, Tonari showed off his talents and abilities.
But when it came to Danzo, loyalty was all that mattered.
Once loyalty was proven, then came the value.
Root's informants were spread across the entire ninja world—some known to Sarutobi, but many were kept secret from even him. That was Danzo's intelligence network.
Before these agents were sent to various countries, they were brainwashed in Root.
Loyalty to Danzo, then loyalty to Konoha.
Not just these agents, but all Root ninjas were trained the same way!
This spoke volumes about Danzo's ambition.
Therefore, as long as Tonari didn't yet have the power to protect himself, he knew that he needed to remain respectful in Danzo's presence.
With Sarutobi around, and the importance of the Two-Tails, Tonari believed Danzo would probably not go too far.
"I heard you've been working hard on Taijutsu lately?" Danzo suddenly asked.
Tonari nodded honestly.
As Konoha's second-most influential figure, it was easy for Danzo to find out what Tonari had been up to.
Boom!
A puff of smoke appeared, and two scrolls materialized in Danzo's hands.
"These are Taijutsu techniques compiled by some of the top Root ninjas who specialize in Taijutsu. The first one contains basic training methods, while the second includes Konoha's ninjutsu basics and combat techniques."
"I'm sure these scrolls will help you a lot."
Taijutsu insights from high-ranking Root ninjas? Although they were basic, they were exactly what Tonari needed right now.
For example, the basics of techniques like "Thousand Years of Pain" and others were crucial!
"I know you're a smart one. Whatever Hiruzen Sarutobi can give you, I can give you too! And what Sarutobi can't give you, I can give you as well!
I don't care what you're thinking right now, but remember this! I, Danzo, am the one who can offer you the greatest benefits!" Danzo said, staring intensely at Tonari.
Compared to Sarutobi's constant promises of grand rewards and vague ideals, Tonari found Danzo's direct approach of offering immediate benefits much more appealing.
No wonder Orochimaru would later choose to collaborate with him—Sarutobi truly couldn't provide what Orochimaru desired.
"Thank you, Danzo-sama!" Tonari bowed and accepted the scrolls. His hands trembled slightly as he held them—his heart racing with excitement.
Danzo, seeing Tonari's reaction, nodded in satisfaction.
Excitement was expected, trembling was expected. Now that Tonari knew what he wanted, the rest would be easy!
Of course, whether Tonari was genuinely as excited as he appeared was another matter.
"If you need anything else, feel free to ask. I'll consider it," Danzo said, his tone filled with satisfaction.
Controlling the Jinchuriki completely... it was hard to hide his excitement.
Tonari, still with his head lowered, pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, "If possible, I'd like to learn the Shadow Clone Technique."
Tonari's heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.
At this, Danzo narrowed his eyes, carefully studying the boy who still maintained a respectful posture.
Danzo surely understood the real purpose of the Shadow Clone Technique.
To others, it might seem useless, but for someone with immense chakra and a strong recovery ability, like a Jinchuriki, it had unexpected benefits.
So, never underestimate anyone in this World.
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