Chapter 21

Hours later, in one of Danzo's underground laboratories, the air was charged with a cold, calculated tension. The stone walls echoed with the slightest sound, as enigmatic figures dressed in the garb of Root lined up silently in front of the enigmatic leader.

With his single scar crossing his right eye, Danzo remained unflappable, his penetrating eyes sweeping the room. "The situation in Konoha is becoming increasingly delicate," he began, his voice low and steady. "It is essential that we maintain control and order within the village, and for that, we need to manipulate the people's perceptions."

The Root ninjas remained motionless, their expressions hidden behind masks, but their eyes attentive to the instruction to come.

"Spread rumors," Danzo instructed with a calculated tone. "Rumors that Kushina Uzumaki is a threat, that she might lose control over the Kyuubi at any moment. That she is not just the carrier of the beast, but a potential weapon that could turn against us. This will justify any future action we may have to take."

A subtle nod of the head was the only response from the Root ninjas before they disappeared into the shadows, ready to fulfill the order.

Alone now, Danzo allowed a glimpse of his frustration and envy to show through. "Minato Namikaze...", he murmured with disdain. "You took the position that should have been mine. And you, Kushina Uzumaki, a jinchuuriki who can barely keep her beast under control. You are not even fit to fulfill the duty that was imposed on you."

The bitterness in his voice was palpable, and for a moment, the laboratory seemed even colder and gloomier.

Danzo then summoned a particular Root ninja. "Come," he said, with a wave of his hand. The ninja approached, his body tense and ready to receive the next order.

"Bring me the two treasures," Danzo ordered with authority.

The Root ninja nodded, a silent understanding passing between him and Danzo. Without a word, he turned and disappeared into the darkness of the laboratory to fulfill his leader's order.

The Root ninja's footsteps were almost inaudible as he moved away, his figure vanishing among the shadows that intertwined with the darkness of the underground laboratory. Danzo remained still, his posture rigid and his mind tirelessly working, plotting the next moves in his complex political chess game.

Not long after, the Root ninja returned, moving with precision and silence. In his hands, he carefully held two white cloths, hung so that only the tips revealed strands of red hair, indicating the hidden value of what was being transported. The cloths waved slightly with the movement, suggesting the delicacy and importance of the items they protected.

Danzo fixed his gaze on the cloths for a moment, and then his lips moved subtly, barely pronouncing the words. "Let's see Orochimaru," he said, his voice even lower than before, laden with the urgency of one who knows that time is a scarce and precious resource.

"I have already wasted too much time, I can not waste any more."

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Three days had passed since Danzo had sent his Root ninjas to sow discord in Konoha. Far from there, on the border of the Hidden Mist Village, an imposing figure was crossing the territory. Long, wild red hair floated in the wind, and behind him, nine majestic tails waved, their tips adorned with what appeared to be fox fur. His pointed ears also left no doubt about his unique nature.

With a sardonic smile, Kurama, the very Kyuubi, walked with the confidence of someone who knew they were about to embark on an unusual mission. "I can't believe the system gave me the mission to become the leader of the Hidden Mist Village, as well as to save the Mizukage," he murmured, his deep voice resonating with a mix of surprise and enthusiasm. "Well, it's the same wish, so I'm not complaining."

Suddenly, several shurikens cut through the air towards him, but Kurama simply twirled his body with supernatural agility, dodging the projectiles with a fluid and elegant motion.

"Ooh, what a warm welcome," he cheerfully commented, a mischievous smile shining on his face.

In an instant, several ninjas from the Hidden Mist Village appeared, positioning themselves in the trees around with a threatening presence. Their dark clothes blended with the damp environment, and their intentions did not seem welcoming at all.

"You know how to make a visitor feel special," Kurama joked, his mocking tone echoing between the trees.

One of the ninjas, with the arrogance that was peculiar to him, asked, "Who are you to dare cross the border of our village without permission?"

With a commanding calm, Kurama replied, "It would be more productive for all of us if you called the Mizukage. I have a matter of utmost importance to discuss with him."

The ninjas looked at each other, evidently suspicious of this stranger with the audacity to summon a meeting with their leader. One of them, with a sarcastic smile that could barely be seen under the mask, mocked, "And why would the Mizukage waste his time with a nobody like you?"

Kurama raised an eyebrow, the sardonic smile still dancing on his lips. "This 'nobody' who wishes to speak with the Mizukage can do so for better or for worse," he said, his voice casual, but with an undertone of threat that was impossible to ignore. "The choice is yours, of course."

One of the Mist ninjas, younger and less controlled, felt a shiver run down his spine in the face of Kurama's imposing presence. The pressure emanating from that being was so dense and heavy that it seemed it could crush the very soul. He took a step back, despite himself, his fear clearly showing in his gaze.

Another ninja, more experienced but still uncertain, stood firm, although his hands were slightly trembling. He knew they were not dealing with a mere intruder.

The ninja who had mocked earlier, trying to maintain his posture, smiled again, his voice full of scorn. "So, what are you going to do, 'nobody'? Are you going to attack us?"

Kurama tilted his head to the side, his smile widening. "I could," he said, his eyes gleaming with an implicit challenge. "But why would I waste my energy when you're going to take me to him anyway?" The mockery in his voice was as sharp as the shurikens that had been thrown at him.

Faced with this standoff, an older ninja, whose wisdom had been tempered in many battles, stepped forward. "I will inform the Mizukage," he said, the tone of his voice showing a reluctant respect in the face of the power that Kurama displayed. "Wait here."

Kurama nodded, satisfied, and without another word, found a place to sit. He chose a large moss-covered rock, crossed his legs, and settled down with the grace of a predator resting, but whose senses remained alert.

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