Beneath the Village Hidden in the Leaves, there exists a dark organization known as Root! Konoha flourishes under the sunlight, while Root thrives in the shadows. And within that darkness, one man reigns supreme—Danzo Shimura!
Most of Danzo's body was wrapped in bandages, with one eye completely covered. Around him, several Root ninjas stood with their heads bowed, listening to his orders.
After a long silence, Danzo finally spoke: "Tomorrow, you will assassinate the Third Hokage as he travels to the Daimyo's office to request reinstatement as Hokage. The village has declined under his rule, and he must not be allowed to return to power!"
"Yes, Lord Danzo!" The Root ninjas responded immediately, like mindless puppets, prepared to execute even an assassination against their own village's leader without hesitation.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Kakashi stood before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Kakashi, tomorrow I will be heading to the Daimyo's mansion to formally request my reinstatement as Hokage. I would like you to lead the ANBU and escort me there."
Kakashi was momentarily taken aback. This plot felt strangely familiar. Wait, wasn't this the time when Danzo planned to assassinate the Third Hokage? Why hadn't Danzo approached him yet?
His momentary pause didn't go unnoticed by Hiruzen. "Is something the matter, Kakashi?"
"No, it's nothing, Lord Third." Kakashi quickly adjusted his thoughts. "It's a good thing that you're reclaiming the Hokage title, but since we can't rule out an attack, I suggest we split into two groups. I can disguise myself as you and take the main road while you take a safer path. That way, even if there's an ambush, it won't delay your audience with the Daimyo."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow but nodded in approval. "That's a sound plan. Very well, we'll proceed with your suggestion."
"Understood, Lord Third. I'll make the necessary preparations."
"Good. Thank you for your diligence, Kakashi."
After Kakashi left, Hiruzen smiled to himself. "He's grown sharper."
Meanwhile, Kakashi couldn't shake the question: Why hadn't Danzo approached him? In the original timeline, Danzo would have tried to manipulate him. What changed?
Unbeknownst to him, Danzo had indeed considered recruiting Kakashi but ultimately decided against it. This Kakashi was different—less consumed by darkness, more focused and composed. Danzo saw no advantage in trying to sway him; it was too risky. Thus, Kakashi was never approached.
The next day, following the plan, Kakashi used the Transformation Jutsu to disguise himself as the Third Hokage and traveled with the ANBU.
The journey was eerily quiet. Just as Kakashi started to believe Danzo had called off the attack, a group of masked ninjas appeared!
The ANBU immediately engaged the enemy, pulling them away from Kakashi. He tensed—if his memory was correct, this was where he would meet Yamato!
Sure enough, a young masked ninja appeared, staring directly at Kakashi, still disguised as the Hokage.
With a sharp voice, the young ninja declared, "Wood Release: Great Forest Technique!"
Kakashi's pupils contracted. It was just as he thought—this was Yamato! No one else could use Wood Release.
In an instant, Kakashi dispelled his transformation, revealing himself. Lightning flickered in his hand as he countered the attack with a Chidori, slicing through the incoming wooden branches. In the same motion, he delivered a precise kick to the masked boy's chest—Yamato, or rather, Tenzo, as he was called at the time.
Sparks crackled around his hand as Kakashi spoke in a low voice. "Wood Release? Who are you?"
Although he knew Tenzo wouldn't answer, Kakashi still asked to maintain appearances.
As expected, the young ninja remained silent. Kakashi let his Chidori fade and said, "Go. One day, Konoha will need you."
Unlike his past self, Kakashi knew how important Yamato would become in the future. There was no need to eliminate him.
Tenzo hesitated for a brief moment before retreating. His instincts told him that this silver-haired ninja, only a few years older than himself, was far stronger than he appeared. He wasn't an opponent Tenzo could defeat.
Back in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen had returned safely, officially reinstated as Hokage.
"Lord Third, among the attackers, there was a ninja who used Wood Release. His skill wasn't formidable, but his technique was undeniably Wood Release!" Kakashi reported.
Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly. "Oh? So there are still Wood Release users in this world…"
He fell silent for a moment before dismissing Kakashi. "I understand. You may go."
"Yes, Lord Third."
As Kakashi turned to leave, Hiruzen suddenly spoke again. "Kakashi, I've observed your changes. You're recovering from the darkness much faster than I expected. That's commendable."
Kakashi stopped, surprised by the remark. He lowered his head slightly and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Lord Third. I'm doing well now."
Hiruzen smiled. "That's good to hear. Konoha needs young talents like you. One day, this village will rely on your strength."
Hearing such words from the Hokage himself, Kakashi couldn't help but feel honored. "You're too kind, Lord Third."