Late at night, in the Water Country's main encampment, a lone tent remained lit by candlelight.
Inside, the head of the Yuki Clan—who had previously clashed with Danzo—paced back and forth, deep in thought.
For the second time today, he had urged the Fourth Mizukage to order a retreat, to pull their forces back to the Water Country.
Their foundation wasn't on the mainland, and they had already gained enough from their initial victory. There was no need to remain locked in a battle of attrition with Konoha.
Dragging Konoha down would only serve to benefit the other villages. It was better to retreat, conserve strength, and wait for a better opportunity.
"Who's there?"
With a flick of his wrist, two ice senbon shot out. But when he rushed outside, all that remained were the fading remnants of a shadow clone.
"Lord…!" Several figures arrived swiftly.
"Strengthen the patrols. We have an intruder." The clan leader frowned as he scanned the silent, dark night around him.
Back inside his tent, he pulled a slip of paper from his sleeve, his expression clouded with doubt.
"The Fourth Mizukage has been controlled. Be careful."
...
After securing Nonō Yakushi, Danzo led a portion of his Root operatives and left the border.
As for the war itself—its outcome was beyond his control.
He had initially assumed this mission to the Water Country would be nothing more than a trivial assignment, yet he had come dangerously close to losing his life. He had barely managed to escape with severe injuries.
Still, it wasn't a complete loss. If he had walked away empty-handed, that would've been the real disaster.
Danzo cast a discreet glance behind him—at Nonō Yakushi and Kakashi.
As for Uchiha Shisui, he had been left behind on the battlefield, continuing to serve as an ANBU squad captain.
This arrangement would allow Shisui to further internalize Root's ideology while also exerting more influence over Uchiha Itachi on the battlefield.
After all, war was the best proving ground.
Upon returning to Konoha, Danzo headed straight to the lab, hoping Shinraku had something promising to show him.
Instead, he was met with bad news.
Looking at Shinraku's grim expression, Danzo felt a headache coming on.
"What's going on with Nonō?" he asked immediately.
For the past few years, Root's finances and budget had been managed by Nonō Yakushi.
Her report was blunt.
"In the last two years, we've recruited and trained 632 combat-ready Root operatives. Additionally, we have 1,310 non-combat personnel, not including those stationed in various outposts and shelters…"
She continued listing the expenses one by one.
The final conclusion?
"We're running out of money."
Danzo, seated on his stone chair, massaged his temples.
He was well aware of Root's financial situation—large earnings, but even larger expenditures.
The problem wasn't how to cut costs. That was out of the question.
Root's personnel expansion, the network of businesses and shelters, the research department—all of these were necessary and couldn't be halted.
"The business division—no need to hold back anymore. Continue expanding into the markets of Fire Country's major cities. Seize control wherever possible."
Nonō hesitated.
"If we push too aggressively, we risk drawing the ire of the nobility. And if the Minister of Finance's position is exposed as a front, it'll be difficult to explain things to the Daimyō…"
Danzo immediately understood what she meant.
If their control over Fire Country's noble class was exposed, the Daimyō would be the first to demand that Konoha hand him over.
In the shinobi world, offending the nobility was a grave offense.
Would the Third Hokage actually surrender him…?
Danzo's gaze darkened.
"It's fine. Make the arrangements. I'll have Aburame Ryoma assist you. Prioritize funding above all else."
Once Nonō left, Danzo let out a silent sigh.
This world was truly absurd.
Even with chakra—this miraculous power—ninja were still shackled by a hereditary ruling class.
Even the position of Hokage required the Fire Daimyō's approval to be considered official.
Danzo's expression grew colder.
"They'd best stay out of my way… or I'll show them what 'Darkness of the Shinobi World' truly means."
His contempt for the nobility ran deep.
As someone raised under the red banner, he held no reverence for bloodline superiority or inherited privilege.
The records in Root's archives spoke volumes about the corruption of these so-called aristocrats. Frankly, they deserved to be eradicated.
Danzo had even entertained the idea—should he do this world a favor and wipe them out?
A purge of the bloated, gluttonous noble class… the end of hereditary rule…
Of course, for now, it was just a thought.
The nobility weren't the real issue.
The bigger question was whether he was prepared to sever ties with the Third Hokage.
Should he break away from Konoha entirely?
It was a serious consideration.
But crucial figures were still within Konoha.
And if he left, what would become of Root's ideology?
Danzo shook his head, dismissing the distractions.
For now, he could only take things one step at a time.
If he didn't resolve his physical limitations and continue strengthening his power, he would eventually be swept away by the tide of events.
And the system's warnings were clear—if he allowed himself to drift aimlessly, his fate would mirror that of the original timeline.
If he had to fear every step forward, then it was better to bet everything on one decisive gamble.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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