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Mizuki had always known, deep in his heart, that ambitious people like him were rarely welcomed in Konoha. Seeking power was risky. Wanting more strength than one deserved was even riskier. He always believed that someday he might overstep, commit an offense, or be accused of harming his comrades.
But never—not even in his wildest nightmares—did he imagine he would be accused of something as grand as subverting Konoha itself.
His jaw dropped.
Me? Overthrowing the entire village? Since when?! Why didn't anyone tell me I had that kind of ability?!
"This must be a mistake!" Mizuki cried, tears dripping down his face. "This is an injustice as large as snow falling in June!"
He sobbed loudly.
"If I was being accused of harming a comrade, I'd accept it! I'm not a hypocrite—I know what I've done. But overthrowing Konoha?! How could I possibly do that?! I'm a nobody!"
He slapped his knee despairingly.
"I've worked in Konoha for so many years. I know I'm not talented. I know even I feel like an insect sometimes… but to accuse me of overthrowing the whole village?! Isn't that too much?!"
Before he could cry further—
"Shut up!"
A cold voice echoed in the interrogation room.
"No one who enters Root is ever wronged. Prepare yourself. You will be… dealt with tomorrow."
Mizuki froze.
His lips trembled.
He was… actually going to die? Today? Tomorrow? Just like that?
The interrogator's emotionless tone made his legs weak. He felt as if his soul had been scooped out of his body. He couldn't even form words anymore. His vision blurred with fear.
And then—
"BANG!"
The interrogation room door swung open, slamming into the wall with a thunderous echo.
A slow, deliberate tapping of a cane followed.
Mizuki knew that sound.
He slowly lifted his head—and immediately recognized the approaching figure.
Shimura Danzo.
A member of the Konoha Elders.
A man who stood at the top of the political hierarchy.
And in Mizuki's terrified eyes, he looked like a heavenly savior descending to rescue a poor soul.
Danzo's voice was authoritative, righteous, and furious.
"I instructed you to bring Mizuki-kun here for investigation. Is THIS how you 'invite' someone?!"
His cane slammed against the ground.
"This is merely a questioning session—yet you dare sentence a loyal Konoha shinobi to death?! Who gave you that authority?!"
His presence filled the room like a storm. For a moment, he looked less like Shimura Danzo and more like Sarutobi Hiruzen himself.
The Root interrogator immediately straightened.
"Y-Yes! I understand, Danzo-sama!"
Danzo didn't hesitate.
He raised his cane—
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The cane struck the interrogator's shoulders repeatedly. Painful, punishing blows.
Danzo's eyes narrowed.
"This is your punishment. Now leave. Write a 20,000-word self-criticism and submit it immediately."
Humiliated and terrified, the Root operative bowed and fled from the room.
Only after he left did Danzo turn toward Mizuki.
And then—he smiled.
A stiff, frightening smile that could give nightmares to children.
But to Mizuki, in this moment?
It was the warmest, kindest smile in the world.
If Mizuki weren't tied up, he would've dropped to his knees immediately.
If you don't dislike me, I'm ready to call you "Father"!
Danzo approached him slowly and personally untied the steel wires.
Mizuki was moved to tears.
He wasn't sure if he should cry in gratitude or faint from fear.
Danzo gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Let's talk somewhere more comfortable."
---
A few minutes later…
Mizuki found himself inside a luxurious underground office—an exact replica of the Hokage's office.
Danzo poured him a cup of tea with astonishing gentleness.
"Mizuki-kun," Danzo began, tone solemn, "the accusation of subverting Konoha isn't wrong. You're involved in a joint conspiracy."
Mizuki choked on his tea.
"W-What—?!"
Danzo slid a scroll toward him.
"This contains intelligence regarding the Uchiha clan. They are targeting you—using you in a conspiracy against Konoha."
"My intention was only to question you. But those fools below acted recklessly. I apologize for their behavior."
Mizuki's heart melted.
Elder Danzo—apologizing to him?!
To him, a nobody?!
He waved his hands frantically.
"No need! No need at all! Elder Danzo, if you need anything of me—anything—I'll cooperate fully!"
Danzo nodded in satisfaction.
Time for the real plan.
"Ahem. Mizuki-kun, I will speak plainly."
He leaned forward.
"I need you to infiltrate Uchiha Souji's circle. You will act as our undercover agent. Anything he does, you will report directly to me."
"This is for Konoha's peace. For the Will of Fire."
Danzo observed Mizuki's reaction…
And noticed that Mizuki looked completely uninterested in the Will of Fire.
So Danzo changed tactics instantly.
"Of course, we will reward you. Once the mission is done, you may join Root as a squad captain."
Mizuki's eyes widened.
"A… squad captain?!"
"Indeed. Our benefits are wonderful. Even Anbu officers want to join us, but cannot."
Danzo lowered his voice.
"In Root, even the Hokage cannot command you."
Mizuki's heart was pounding.
A safe job.
High pay.
Rapid promotion.
Prestige.
Power.
Respect.
This was the opportunity he'd dreamed of for years.
Being a spy? Easy! Every shinobi ended up as a spy at some point!
Mizuki's imagination ran wild.
He could already see the future:
Joining Root… becoming captain… then Jonin… marrying Shimura Shira Fumi… becoming a respected elite… becoming someone important…
The peak! The absolute peak of life!
Mizuki rubbed his hands together excitedly.
He finally nodded with determination.
"No problem, Danzo-sama! I'll do it! For Konoha!"
Danzo smiled smugly.
Perfect.
A loyal, gullible, eager pawn—secured without spending a single coin.
No bribes needed.
No negotiations.
A true "Root believer."
No wonder Uchiha Souji had set his eyes on this man.