Chapter 24: You Can’t Fool Me.

Author Note: Nothing of importance, just enjoy the chapter, and if you have any questions, make sure to comment!

And like always, remember if you want to read up to 12 chapters ahead go to https://www.patreón.com/cornbringer

I'm currently updating the novel 2-8 chapters a day in patreeeeon. On chapter 35 so far, though by the end of today it will be chapter 37-40.

Discord invite: https://discord.gg/XHduApz

Enjoy you sexy bastards.

NOTE: Takeshi's POV comes next chapter. There you will know his thoughts of Danzo and everything, so avoid another riot so sound. You only get one at month, use it wisely.

Jokes aside, yeah, wait for tomorrow, the next few chapters are enlightening.

--------------------------------------------------------------

[Two weeks later.]

[Third Person POV.]

It had been two weeks since the Nine Tails' attack, and the village of Konoha was still largely in ruins. The once bustling streets were now filled with debris and corpses, remnants of what had been homes, shops, and offices. Rebuilding efforts were underway, but the scars of that fateful night were deep and far-reaching.

Despite Konoha's current state, a funeral for those who had fallen was being held.

Takeshi stood among the gathered crowd, dressed in black clothes. He stared ahead, his expression distant and unreadable, as if he were looking at something that wasn't there, his eyes lost in the background.

Itachi, standing a few feet away with his own family, couldn't help but notice the emptiness in Takeshi's eyes. It was a stark contrast to the determined and focused demeanor he had known from his friend. Itachi's gaze lingered on his friend, a sense of unease growing within him. Takeshi's usual spark was gone, replaced by a hollow look that seemed to pierce through everything around him.

Itachi couldn't help but blame himself a bit for this. If only he had been stronger… he could've maybe done something to help his friend, to save his family.

The service continued, with speeches from the village elders and the Hokage, paying tribute to the brave souls who had given their lives to protect Konoha. Yet, through it all, Takeshi remained detached, his mind seemingly elsewhere. He barely registered the words spoken, the names read out loud, or the grief-stricken faces around him. Everyone around him was crying, but him.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Itachi found himself walking over to Takeshi. The crowd began to disperse, leaving the two boys standing together in silence. Itachi studied Takeshi's face, searching for the right words.

"Takeshi," Itachi began softly, trying to draw his attention. "Are you alright?"

That was a stupid question, Itachi knew that, but it was the only thing he could say.

Takeshi blinked, as if coming out of a trance, and turned to face Itachi. His eyes, though still distant, focused slightly on his friend. "I'm fine, Itachi," he replied, his voice devoid of its usual warmth. "Just... thinking, that's all."

Itachi fidgeted. "It's okay to feel, you know. To grieve. You are allowed to cry."

Takeshi nodded slowly, but his expression remained unchanged. "I know," he said quietly. "Thanks though."

Itachi placed a hand on Takeshi's shoulder, offering a silent gesture of support. He didn't press further, understanding that his friend needed time. The village might have been in ruins, but their bond remained strong. And Itachi was determined to help Takeshi find his way back from this hole, no matter how long it took or what it took.

—————————————————————————————————————

As the funeral ended and the crowd began to disperse, Takeshi made his way towards the exit, his steps slow and heavy after his talk with Itachi. The weight of the day pressed down on him, mingling with the profound sense of loss he felt. He barely registered the murmured condolences and sympathetic looks from the villagers around him.

As he reached the outskirts of the gathering, an elderly figure stepped into his path. Shimura Danzo, his face a mask of solemnity, approached Takeshi with an air of benevolence. His presence was almost paternal, a stark contrast to the sinister reputation he held among those who knew the darker side of Konoha's politics.

"Takeshi," Danzo greeted, his voice gentle and warm. "I wanted to offer my condolences for your loss. Your parents were exceptional shinobi. Some would even call them heroes, and how could they not? They died protecting this village, without hesitation or remorse."

Takeshi looked up at Danzo, his eyes still hollow, before forcing a faint smile, a practiced gesture that didn't reach his eyes. "Thank you for your kind words, Lord Danzo," he replied, his voice polite but distant.

Danzo's eyes narrowed slightly, a calculating gleam hidden behind his kind facade. "They were heroes, Takeshi, don't ever forget that. Their sacrifice will be remembered by all. If you ever need anything, know that my door is always open to you."

Takeshi nodded, the empty smile still on his lips. "I appreciate that," he said, his tone respectful. "But if you'll excuse me, I need some time alone."

Danzo stepped aside, allowing Takeshi to pass. "Of course, my boy. Take all the time you need. And remember, the village is here for you."

As Takeshi walked away, he felt Danzo's gaze on his back, a lingering presence that sent a shiver down his spine. He didn't trust the old man, but he couldn't afford to show any weakness. Not now, not ever.

—————————————————————————————————————

[Root.]

Later that night, in the dimly lit confines of one of Root's secret bases, Danzo Shimura sat alone in his private chamber. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. He stared at the flame, his mind wandering back to the events of the day.

"It was such a shame, but it was necessary. They would've gotten in my way," he murmured to himself, his voice a low rasp in the silent room. "Necessary to have them out of the picture. Yoshiro and Mai Arata were too strong, too devoted to the village and their son. Their presence would have hindered my plans."

Danzo leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he recalled his encounter with Takeshi at the funeral earlier this morning. The boy's faint smile, the empty look in his eyes—it was as if he was staring into the void, disconnected from the world around him. It was a sight that pleased Danzo more than he cared to admit.

"Takeshi," he whispered, his voice carrying a mix of admiration and anticipation. "A genius in the making. His parents' deaths have left him vulnerable, a state of mind I can use to mold him into the perfect weapon."

He closed his eyes, envisioning the potential that lay within Takeshi. The boy had already shown remarkable skill and determination. Without any formal training, he had managed to kill one of his operatives. With the right guidance and training, he could become one of Root's most formidable assets—no, one of Konoha's greatest weapons.

If he trained him well, Takeshi could become his successor for when he becomes the Hokage, a deadly shadow to protect Konoha and himself.

"It won't be long now," Danzo continued, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Today, he showed me a glimpse of what he can become. That faint, empty smile... it held nothing at all. It was as if he had already begun to detach himself from the emotions that make people weak. Just a little more and he will be ready."

He tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair, his mind working through the next steps of his plan. Root needed someone like Takeshi, someone with the potential to rise above the ordinary and become an extraordinary force. His operatives were useful, but none held the potential Takeshi held.

Taking him now would ensure Takeshi was loyal to the village, Root, and most importantly, to himself.

"Patience," he reminded himself. "It is only a matter of time. Soon, the child will be ready to see that the path I offer is the only one that can give his life meaning. He will come to understand that the village's protection requires sacrifices, and he will embrace the role I have planned for him."

All he had to do was wait for Hiruzen to lower his guard once more, and the rest would follow on its own.

Danzo's smile widened, a cold and calculated expression. "He will be mine to shape and mold. And when the time comes, he will be the weapon that ensures Konoha's dominance in this unforgiving world."

With that thought, Danzo extinguished the candle, plunging the room into darkness. He sat there, surrounded by shadows, his mind already plotting the next moves in his intricate game. The pieces were falling into place, and soon, Takeshi would be the key to unlocking the future Danzo envisioned for the village.

 —————————————————————————————————

 [Uchiha Compound]

[Main House]

In the quiet of their home, Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha sat facing each other, the weight of recent events still pressing heavily on their minds. Mikoto's eyes were filled with concern as she looked at her husband, her voice tinged with urgency.

"We need to talk about Takeshi," she began, her tone serious. "We need to help him… He's been through so much, and now he has no one. We owe it to his family to protect him."

Fugaku nodded, his expression uncharacteristically soft. "I know, Mikoto. The boy has lost both his parents in the attack, and he's been left vulnerable. If he's left alone… the vultures will come raining on him."

Mikoto sighed, her gaze dropping to her hands clasped in her lap. "One already did… Shimura Danzo approached him after the funeral. It was subtle, but I could see the interest in his eyes. Nothing good ever comes from that man, Fugaku. If he gets his claws into Takeshi, I fear what might happen to the boy, I fear what he will turn him into."

Fugaku's jaw tightened at the mention of Danzo. "Nothing good will come out of that. Danzo's methods are ruthless, and his intentions are always shrouded in secrecy. He uses people as pawns for his own ends. Takeshi would be no different."

Mikoto reached out, placing a hand on Fugaku's arm. "We could take legal custody of him. That way, Takeshi would be under the protection of our clan. We can give him a stable home, protect him from Danzo's influence, and ensure that he grows up in a loving environment. Itachi has already grown close to him, he loves him like a brother, and having him here would be good for both of them."

Fugaku considered her words carefully, his eyes meeting hers with a determined look. "You're right. However, we can't fully adopt him without creating some problems within the clan council. That said, we can still have someone else within the clan, someone of confidence, take the legal aspect of this. We owe it to the Arata family to look after Takeshi."

Mikoto's eyes softened with relief. "Thank you."

Fugaku nodded, his resolve firm. "I'll handle the legalities. We'll make sure everything is in order. I already have the person in mind for the job, Toren Uchiha."

"That's Shisui's father, right?" Mikoto nodded, a hint of relief evident in her features.

Fugaku affirmed with a curt nod, his mind already racing through the necessary steps they would need to take to secure Takeshi's safety. "Yes, Toren is well-respected within the clan and has a strong sense of justice. But most importantly, he's loyal and will do as I ask."