Sora returned to his apartment with a comfortably full stomach. The evening breeze dispersed the lingering scent of barbecue, leaving behind Konoha's unique tranquility. He changed out of his casual clothes and walked into the living room. A black crow shadow perched quietly by his desk. It was Uchiha Itachi's summoned crow. Its scarlet eyes gleamed in the dim light.
Sora paused.
During his training in Myoboku Mountain, he had sent messages via the crow.
Now, it was waiting.
A tiny scroll was tied to the crow's claw. Sora stepped forward and removed it. Unrolling the scroll revealed only a few brief words:
"Midnight, grove at the third training field outside the village."
No unnecessary pleasantries.
Sora rolled the scroll back up and returned it to the crow. The crow flapped its wings and vanished instantly out the window.
Midnight.
The moon hung high.
The grove at the third training field outside the village was shrouded in darkness. Sora arrived early, silently concealing himself in the tree shadows.
Soon.
A lean figure appeared noiselessly at the meeting spot.
Uchiha Itachi.
"You're here." Itachi's voice was as flat as ever.
"Finally get to see you." Sora emerged from the shadows.
His face bore a gentle smile. "Training over?" Itachi asked.
"Stage one complete, I suppose." Sora replied. He knew Itachi wasn't truly concerned about his progress.
Itachi wasted no words.
He cut straight to the point. "The atmosphere within the clan is growing increasingly tense."
Sora's smile faded.
He gestured for Itachi to continue.
"The higher-ups' dissatisfaction with the village is intensifying." Itachi's report was cold and clear. "Father is maintaining calm on the surface, but he's struggling to hold it back."
"He still wants to inform some clan elders about your Uchiha bloodline and the awakening of your three-tomoe Sharingan." Itachi revealed his purpose. "To stabilize hearts."
Stabilize hearts. Sora savored the four words.
The Uchiha clan's issues went far beyond mere stabilization. It was a deep-rooted affliction.
He smiled.
The smile carried a subtle, imperceptible mockery.
"No need for such trouble." Sora said.
Itachi paused slightly. He didn't understand Sora's meaning.
"Stabilization treats symptoms, not the root." Sora continued. "The Uchiha problem doesn't stem from their distrust of the village, but the village's distrust of them."
"It's a vicious cycle."
"Then what do you mean?" Itachi asked.
Sora's face regained that familiar, energetic smile. In the dark night, it seemed somewhat eerie. "What's the best way to relieve pressure?"
Itachi didn't answer. He waited for Sora's follow-up.
"Create something bigger." Sora said. "An event big enough to make everyone temporarily forget the Uchiha and shift their attention elsewhere."
Itachi's body trembled faintly. He seemed to guess something.
"What do you plan to do?" he asked. His voice carried an imperceptible quiver.
Sora's smile widened.
He spread his hands.
"Since they need a common enemy."
"Let's give them one."
"Who is the biggest tumor in Konoha Village?" Sora countered.
Itachi didn't answer. But he knew the name Sora meant.
"Danzo." Sora whispered the name softly.
Danzo.
Konoha's darkness.
In the Uchiha clan's exclusion and targeting, he had played a pivotal role.
Sora had long seen himself as the Hokage's successor. A qualified successor must first eliminate all unstable factors. Danzo was the greatest of them.
A tumor like Danzo was better excised early.
To prevent him from harming others.
"You mean..." Itachi's voice was hoarse.
"Kill Danzo." Sora said bluntly.
His tone was calm, as if discussing something utterly ordinary.
Itachi's body stiffened in place.
"Kill Danzo."
The words exploded like thunder in Itachi's ears.
This was a plan far crazier, bolder, and more dangerous than Clan Leader Fugaku's decision.
"Once Danzo is eliminated, internal conflicts in Konoha will erupt instantly." Itachi said with difficulty. "The power vacuum in Anbu and Root will cause massive chaos."
"Chaos is the best opportunity to reshape order." Sora shook his head. "Moreover, chaos will completely divert everyone's attention."
"No one will care about the Uchiha."
Sora stepped in front of Itachi.
His smile remained gentle.
"This both diverts attention and removes Konoha's greatest tumor." Sora's voice was low. "Then, no one will watch the Uchiha clan."
He patted Itachi's shoulder.
"Now, the Uchiha clan has a choice."
"Slowly walk toward extinction."
"Or fight for a bright future."
Sora withdrew his hand.
He looked at Itachi.
"You will help me." Sora said. It wasn't a question.
It was a statement.
Waves surged in Itachi's heart. He had always sought a way to save both the Uchiha and the village. A perfect solution.
He thought he had found one.
Yet Sora's proposal was more extreme, more direct.
This was breaking the cauldron and sinking the boats.
A dangerous gambit.
But if successful...
Everything would change.
Complexity flashed across Itachi's face.
"Danzo's whereabouts are extremely secretive." Itachi said.
His voice wavered slightly.
Sora said nothing.
He simply watched Itachi quietly. Waiting for his decision.
Itachi's fists clenched tightly.
Nails nearly piercing his palms.
He raised his head.
Crimson Sharingan eyes stood out clearly in the night.
"What do you need me to do." Itachi's voice was low.
Satisfaction tinged Sora's smile.
This was the answer he expected.
"Just help me find out where Danzo is." Sora said. "Leave the rest to me. I believe this isn't difficult for you."
"Notify me when you've investigated."
Over the next few days, Sora enjoyed a proper human life. Feasting and drinking heartily. Occasionally returning to Myoboku Mountain.
Creating a new shadow clone to replace the "orthodox" Senjutsu training.
The clone's progress was impressive too.
The Myoboku clone had learned Frog Kata.
Now practicing various Rasenshuriken.
Sora planned to master Rasenshuriken of all attributes in the future.
He thought: Then my signature move will be Five Elements Rasenshuriken.
Sorry, Naruto-kun. You'll have to pay royalties for using it later.
Today, while wandering the village playing with cats and dogs.
He received Uchiha Itachi's message.
Sora went home and retrieved the black robe and spiral mask he had custom-made outside the village.
Yes. He would disguise as Uchiha Obito to kill Danzo.
Taking advantage of the dead of night.
Using the information Itachi provided.
He infiltrated Danzo's Root base with Mangekyo Sharingan's space-time ability.
Root base's alarm systems.
Were utterly ineffective against Sora.
His right eye's "Ugo no Mei: Manri Ikku" ability allowed marking spatial coordinates anywhere in sight or perception range.
Then swapping with any marked point.
No complex seals needed. Just a thought.
His body rippled like water in place. The next second.
He appeared in the corridor outside Danzo's bedroom.
"Hum."
At the bedroom door. Two Root ninjas stood like statues.
Their faces wore masks carved with beast patterns.
Sora made no sound. He barely breathed.
The air carried a faint bloody scent—from years of dark missions.
"Who's there!" One Root ninja barked lowly. His reaction was quick.
Sora wore the spiral mask. Clad in black robe. Suddenly appearing before them.
This attire was near-taboo in Konoha. The two Root ninjas immediately assumed combat stances. Kunai gripped tightly.
"Your Lord Danzo. It's time he came with me." Sora's voice was hoarse—from deliberate chakra alteration.
The two Root ninjas exchanged a glance. They instantly knew what this meant.
"No chance!" One shouted. His kunai stabbed lightning-fast toward Sora.
Sora didn't dodge. His left eye's "Koko Seirei: Manju Kin'yu" activated faintly. An invisible barrier appeared between them. The kunai pierced the barrier. Vanishing without trace.
The other Root ninja immediately formed seals. Preparing to release a ninjutsu.
Sora gave him no chance.
"Spatial Confinement."
The surrounding space suddenly solidified. The two Root ninjas froze like insects in amber. Their movements halted instantly.
Terror filled their faces. Bodies rigid. Ninjutsu unreleased.
Sora ignored them. They could no longer move.
He stepped forward, intending to pass between them.
Then, his steps paused.
His gaze inadvertently swept the left ninja's hair—pale golden strands still floating in the frozen space.
This hair color...
Sora's masked head tilted slightly.
He turned, walking to the confined ninja, examining him with interest.
This face—this face twisted in extreme fear—looked somewhat familiar.
Yamanaka clan.
Sora remembered. In Anbu's archives, he had seen this person's file.
Yamanaka Fu.
Heh.
An unpleasant name.
Sora's mask hid a soft chuckle.
He extended a finger, lightly tapping the frozen cheek—producing a dull thud like striking hard material.
Sora withdrew his finger, right hand slowly gripping his sword hilt.
*Shing—*
The long blade unsheathed, flashing cold light.
In the other Root ninja's frozen, bloodshot eyes' reflection.
A silver line, too fast to catch, instantly slashed across Yamanaka Fu's neck.
No blood sprayed.
Because space remained frozen.
The head, bearing a terrified expression, abruptly separated from the body—hovering mid-air, mere inches from the neck stump.
The cut smooth as mirror.
Sora sheathed the blade fluidly.
He didn't glance at the floating head again—as if casually swatting an annoying fly.
He turned, walking straight toward the closed door leading to Root's deepest darkness.
Now, only one Yamanaka Fū existed in the world.
Sora proceeded directly to Danzo's bedroom.
The room was pitch black. Only moonlight through the window illuminated a corner.
Danzo sat cross-legged on the tatami. In sleeping robe. Expressionless. As if long aware of Sora's arrival.
Sora said nothing. He knew Danzo was acting.
He was merely a tool.
"Didn't expect you to lose patience so soon." Danzo continued. Mockery on his face. "What do you want? Assassinate me?"
"I want to take you away." Sora said.
"Take me away?" Doubt in Danzo's voice. He seemed pondering Sora's intent.
"To my world." Sora's voice was low.
He extended his hand. Fingers spread.
His left eye's Mangekyo Sharingan spun rapidly. A massive suction force appeared from nowhere.
Danzo's body twisted instantly. He felt an irresistible force threatening to tear him apart.
No time to react.
His body was forcibly pulled toward Sora.
Danzo's body slammed heavily to the ground, the violent pull leaving him dizzy.
He struggled up, looking around—his usually impassive face showing undisguised shock for the first time.
What is this place?
What ninjutsu is this?
Before him, the black-robed, spiral-masked man slowly raised his hand.
He removed the mask.
A handsome, young face with a refreshing smile appeared before Danzo.
Akashi Sora.
The harmless, prodigiously talented Anbu junior who performed innocently before the Third Hokage.
Stormy waves surged in Danzo's single eye.
"Honored, aren't you, Danzo."
Sora's voice lost its deliberate hoarseness, returning to its clear tone.
"This is my world."
"And you are the first guest here besides me."
No more pretending.
Cards on the table.
In his absolute domain, no need for disguise.
"It's you!" Danzo squeezed out the words, instantly understanding much. "The Uchiha clan..."
"Shh." Sora placed a finger to his lips, smile still bright. "Don't jump to conclusions."
"Before we begin, I need to squeeze every valuable thing from you."
His tone light, as if discussing tonight's dinner.
"After all, recycling waste is a virtue."
As the words fell.
*Boom!*
Massive, pure Sage Art chakra erupted from Sora.
Perfect Sage Mode.
One-second switch.
Orange-red eyeshadow emerged around his eyes, adding sacred majesty to his young face.
Perfect. Use this old dog to test Sage Art in real combat.
Sora's figure vanished instantly.
Danzo's battle instinct made him subconsciously sidestep.
A fist wrapped in natural energy grazed his cheek.
The punch's wind tore the air, producing a piercing boom in the silent space.
So fast!
Danzo's heart tightened; he immediately formed seals.
"Wind Release: Vacuum Serial Waves!"
Invisible high-pressure wind blades sprayed from his mouth, crisscrossing toward Sora.
Sora flashed away!
"Just this level?" Sora closed in again, whipping a leg at Danzo's lower body.
Danzo leaped back awkwardly, trying to create distance.
But Sora's speed, boosted by Sage Mode, was unbelievably fast.
Punch after punch, kick after kick.
Seemingly plain taijutsu attacks, each containing terrifying natural energy.
Every clash made Danzo feel his bones shattering.
He was beaten back steadily, no chance to counter.
"Damn it!"
After being sent flying by another punch, Danzo finally resolved.
He ripped off the bandages wrapping his right arm.
A grotesque, inhuman arm exposed to the air.
Pale skin embedded with three unsettling crimson Sharingan eyes.
Most horrifying: from his shoulder, a twisted face protruded—First Hokage Senju Hashirama's.
"Oh?" Sora halted his attack, examining the arm with interest. "This your trump card?"
"Using Uchiha eyes to suppress the First's cells... Genius idea."
"Old dog, you've broadened my horizons."
This "praise" was the greatest insult to Danzo.
He roared, slamming the monstrous arm to the ground.
"Wood Release: Tree Bind Flourishing Burial!"
The pure white "ground" tore instantly.
Countless massive roots burst forth like ferocious pythons, coiling toward Sora from all directions.
[Detected special energy form: Wood Release (Degraded)]
[Commencing source energy analysis...]
[Analysis complete.]
[Disc generated: Shimura Danzo - Wood Release: Tree Bind Flourishing Burial]
Sora ignored the system's prompt.
He merely chuckled softly, clapping his hands.
"Sage Art: Frog Kata!"
Invisible natural energy materialized into attacks.
The aggressive Wood Release roots, upon nearing his body, were precisely severed and shattered by unseen force!
"Your Wood Release, compared to the First Hokage's, is like a child's toy."
Sora's figure ghosted through flying wood chips, reappearing before Danzo.
"Too weak."
Danzo's eyes cracked with rage; he maxed his chakra.
"Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere!"
A highly compressed massive wind orb formed in his mouth, blasting toward the close-range Sora with destructive force.
[Disc generated: Shimura Danzo - Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere]
"Sage Art: Giant Rasengan."
*Boom!*
The clash produced no earth-shattering explosion.
The massive wind orb, upon contact with the Rasengan, was forcibly torn, decomposed, and obliterated by its violent rotation.
"Old dog, is that all you've got?"
"Then today, you die here."
Sora's voice was ice-cold, emotionless.
He lost interest in toying further.
Danzo felt unprecedented fear.
This boy was monstrously strong.
All his techniques were jokes before him.
"Roar!"
Danzo howled skyward, activating Summoning Technique.
*Puff!*
A massive beast with an elephant trunk appeared in the pure white space.
His summoned beast, the Baku!
The Baku opened its giant maw; terrifying suction instantly emerged, attempting to devour Sora.
"A summoned beast?"
"Then try this."
Sora looked up.
His amber eyes instantly turned blood-red.
Three tomoe spun rapidly, connecting into a bizarre pattern.
Mangekyo Sharingan!
"Susanoo."
*Boom!*
Orange-red energy soared skyward.
A massive skeletal upper-body armor enveloped Sora.
Susanoo's hand gripped a "Tenbu Futo no Tsurugi" blade condensed from spatial power.
Facing the Baku's devouring suction, Sora merely had Susanoo swing casually.
No sound.
No effects.
Where the blade passed, space silently cleaved.
The massive Baku, along with its powerful wind pressure, was bisected by the black spatial rift.
Then swallowed by nothingness.
Instant kill.
Danzo was utterly stunned.
Mangekyo... Susanoo...
How many secrets did this boy hide?
He stared at the towering energy giant, heart filled only with endless despair.
Susanoo's massive palm slowly pressed toward him.
No killing intent—more like swatting a fly.
So, this is the end.
Decisiveness flashed in Danzo's eye.
"In that case!" Madness emerged on Danzo's face. "Then we'll die together!"
He tore open his upper clothes, revealing a chest covered in curse seals.
"Reverse Four Symbols Sealing!"
Black curse marks writhed like living things from his chest, spreading instantly over his body.
A massive black sphere erupted centered on him!
Terrifying suction from within aimed to seal everything around—including souls—into oblivion.
[Detected ultimate sealing technique...]
[Commencing source energy analysis...]
[Disc generated: Reverse Four Symbols Sealing]
"Useless."
Sora's voice rang calmly.
Just as the black sphere neared enveloping him, his right eye's Mangekyo spun gently.
"Ugo no Mei: Manri Ikku."
His figure rippled like a water reflection, vanishing instantly.
Reappearing outside the sealing range.
He quietly watched the black sphere devour Danzo's body and that space segment, compressing it to nothingness.
It was over.
Sora dispersed Susanoo and Sage Mode.
He walked to where Danzo last vanished.
Lingering sealing energy fluctuations remained in the air.
For a perfectionist strategist, this wasn't enough.
"A scourge like this—leaving even a single cell is a sin."
"Fire Release: Majestic Dragon Flame Technique!"
A massive flame dragon head roared forth, turning the area to scorched earth.
Scorching heat evaporated everything.
Not even ashes remained.
Flames dispersed.
In the pure white space, only a massive charred mark remained.
Several new discs floated quietly.
[Shimura Danzo - Wood Release: Tree Bind Flourishing Burial]
[Shimura Danzo - Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere]
[Reverse Four Symbols Sealing]
Rich harvest.
Especially the last.
Reverse Four Symbols Sealing: at the cost of life, drags everything around—including souls—into nothingness.
A suicidal sealing technique.
Though one-use, in certain situations, it could have unexpected effects.
The next second.
He returned to his apartment.
Moonlight spilled through the window; all serene as usual.
As if the heart-pounding battle was merely a dream.
He glanced at the wall clock.
Time had just passed midnight.
From leaving, resolving Danzo, to returning—less than half an hour.
Perfect infiltration, perfect assassination, perfect cleanup.
Plan succeeded.
He yawned, storing the black robe in a sealing scroll.
Then walked to bed and lay down.
Tomorrow, Konoha should be lively.
He closed his eyes, soon falling asleep.
...
Meanwhile.
In Root base's deep corridor to Danzo's bedroom.
The frozen space finally began loosening.
The two "Spatially Confined" Root ninjas swayed, regaining mobility.
Their memories stopped at seeing the spiral-masked man appear.
"What... just happened?" One asked, still shaken.
The other's head slowly slid off.
Seeing his dead comrade, he quickly pushed open the door.
The bedroom: empty.
Bedding neat, no signs of struggle.
Windows closed.
Danzo had vanished into thin air.
"How could..."
The Root ninja felt plunged into ice.
Sharp alarms blared the next second, resounding through the underground base.
Konoha's undercurrents began surging.