Uchiha Madara pondered for a moment before giving his next command. "Black Zetsu, send a White Zetsu to monitor this Uchiha Chiba. I have a feeling he holds some secrets."
"Understood, Madara-sama," Black Zetsu responded before departing.
Once he was alone, Madara continued to contemplate the situation before finally standing up and leaving.
...
Konoha Root Headquarters
Shimura Danzo sat in his dimly lit office, his sharp gaze fixed on the kneeling subordinates before him. "Have you found the person I asked you to locate?"
One of the Root operatives respectfully answered, "Yes, Danzo-sama. We have identified one individual who meets your requirements."
"Oh?" A rare smirk appeared on Danzo's otherwise cold face. "Tell me more about this person."
"Yes. Per your request, we conducted a thorough search across the Land of Fire. So far, only two individuals match your criteria."
"The first is Orochimaru, the Hokage's disciple. However, after making contact, we determined that he lacks the necessary conviction for our purposes."
"The second person is also from the Land of Fire and, coincidentally, a fellow classmate of Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade."
Danzo's interest was piqued. "Go on."
The Root agent nodded and continued, "This individual's name is Hiruko. We discovered that he is currently developing a forbidden technique called 'Kekkei Genkai Absorption Ritual.' According to him, once perfected, this technique will allow him to steal and integrate the Kekkei Genkai of others into his own body."
Danzo's heartbeat quickened at the revelation.
If such a forbidden technique truly existed, it was something he had to control. With it, he could potentially acquire Kekkei Genkai such as the Wood Release, a power he had long coveted.
"Bring Hiruko to me immediately. I want to meet him in person," Danzo ordered without hesitation.
He saw no issue with his decision. Hiruko was a civilian-born ninja—an insignificant figure in the grand scheme. Even if the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, found out, he would not object.
"Understood."
...
That afternoon, Hiruko was brought before Danzo.
Gazing at the white-haired young man in front of him, Danzo wasted no time. "I hear you are researching a forbidden technique capable of seizing Kekkei Genkai. Is this true?"
Hiruko nodded. "Yes, Danzo-sama. The Kekkei Genkai Absorption Ritual technique I am developing has that potential. However, my research has encountered significant obstacles."
As a Konoha Jōnin, Hiruko was familiar with Danzo. He had met him on several occasions but never expected the Hokage's advisor to take an interest in his work.
His motivation for developing Kekkei Genkai Absorption Ritual technique stemmed from his days at the Ninja Academy. As a child, he had been physically weak. Simple exercises, like tree climbing, which came naturally to Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, required all of his strength. This inferiority complex had driven him to seek ways to alter his inherent limitations.
"What kind of difficulties?" Danzo asked. "Tell me, and I will find a way to resolve them."
Hiruko hesitated before asking a more pressing question, "Danzo-sama, are you offering to recruit me?"
Earlier, a Root operative had suddenly approached him, stating that Danzo wished to see him. At the time, Hiruko had feared that the village had discovered his research and was preparing to eliminate him.
After all, his experiments required live test subjects—often homeless people and orphans. Conducting human experiments was strictly forbidden under Konoha's laws.
"If your talents prove useful to me, then yes, I will take you in. Furthermore, all of your past... indiscretions will be erased," Danzo confirmed. "I will provide you with everything you need."
Hiruko's heart wavered. Researching forbidden techniques required vast amounts of time and resources. Despite being a Jōnin, the money he earned from missions was nowhere near enough to fund his experiments.
"Is Danzo-sama truly willing to support me?" he asked cautiously.
"Of course," Danzo said confidently. "No matter what you require, if it exists in this world, I can obtain it."
Hiruko mulled over the offer. After an internal struggle, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, I accept. I hope you will keep your word, Danzo-sama."
He had little choice. Danzo's words had already made it clear—he was aware of Hiruko's crimes. If Hiruko refused the offer, he doubted he would be allowed to leave Root alive. Even if Danzo spared him for now, exposure of his research would seal his fate.
However, joining Root wasn't without its benefits. He would no longer have to worry about funding or access to materials, and he could devote himself entirely to his research.
Danzo nodded approvingly. He appreciated individuals who understood the reality of their situation.
"Excellent. In that case, you will remain here from now on. If you need anything, my subordinates will provide it."
Hiruko frowned slightly. Was this house arrest?
Although he had anticipated some level of restriction, it was frustrating to have his suspicions confirmed. Still, given his circumstances, he had no choice but to comply.
"Understood, Danzo-sama."
Danzo smirked in satisfaction. He liked subordinates who knew when to submit.
"Now, take a look at this document and prepare a proposal for me."
He retrieved a file from his desk and handed it to Hiruko.
Hiruko hesitated. Another task already? He had yet to complete the Kekkei Genkai Absorption Ritual technique technique, and now he was being assigned something else? Danzo certainly knew how to push his subordinates to the limit.
Still, he took the file and opened it. As soon as he saw the title, his heart began to race.
His hands trembled slightly as he turned the pages.
Danzo remained silent, allowing Hiruko to absorb the contents.
...
A few minutes later, Hiruko finished reading and glanced at Danzo from the corner of his eye.
He hadn't expected Danzo's ambitions to be this immense.
If this document's plan succeeded... then Konoha's future would take a terrifying turn.