Chapter 15: The Two Mountains of Konoha: Hiruzen and Danzo's Resolution Part 2

 Danzo's words had a point. 

Hiruzen felt conflicted. 

Continuing to indulge Xia Yu felt wrong, considering the numerous complaints from the "bachelors." However, interrupting this "Uchiha child-making machine" also seemed a waste. At this rate, within a year, there could be a substantial number of new Uchiha children. 

The radical Uchiha ideology had faded. With proper guidance, these young Uchiha could become as loyal as any other clan in Konoha. Hiruzen had absolute confidence in his ability to instill loyalty.

After much contemplation, Hiruzen sighed, "Alright, I agree with your plan for now. I can manage the complaints for about half a year. But what if Xia Yu doesn't exhaust himself to death by then?"

Danzo smirked, "Don't worry. If that happens, I'll take care of it."

Hiruzen nodded silently, not entirely comforted by Danzo's assurance.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Danzo said, standing up and swiftly exiting the Hokage's office. He had an important meeting to attend.

---

Late at night, in the Root organization's base…

Two figures cloaked in black appeared in the hall of the Root organization. Danzo, seated in the main chair, opened his eyes slightly and said, "You've finally arrived, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru's sinister smile curled, "Tsk tsk tsk… Danzo, long time no see. How have you been?"

"Spare me the small talk," Danzo replied, "Do you have what I asked for?"

Orochimaru pulled out a scroll from his robe, "Everything you need is right here."

Danzo's eyes gleamed as he signaled to his subordinate. The man swiftly took the scroll from Orochimaru.

"Release!"

With a puff of smoke, a grotesque white arm adorned with ten Sharingan eyes and a face resembling the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, appeared.

Danzo maintained a stoic expression, but internally he was ecstatic. With this arm, his power would significantly increase, potentially surpassing his lifelong rival, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Orochimaru and his companion moved closer. Orochimaru taunted, "Danzo, don't just stand there. Time is of the essence. Even with Hashirama's cells maintaining the Sharingan's viability, I recommend you proceed with the transplant immediately."

Danzo removed his cloak, "You're the best at this sort of thing. Perform the surgery now."

Orochimaru licked his lips, his sinister smile widening, "Tsk tsk tsk… I didn't expect you to trust me so much. Aren't you afraid I'll kill you during the procedure?"

Danzo snorted, "I trust you won't. This is my territory. If you try anything, my elite guards won't let you leave alive. Besides, you have no reason to kill me."

Instantly, dozens of masked Root ninjas appeared around Danzo.

Orochimaru surveyed the room with a mischievous grin, "Relax, I was just joking. I won't harm your precious leader. After all, our cooperation must continue, right, Danzo?"

He turned to the cloaked figure beside him, "Proceed with the surgery."

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru," the figure said, revealing his face.

Danzo's eyes widened slightly, "You... are Kabuto Yakushi?"

Kabuto smiled slyly, "Ah, Danzo-sama still remembers me."

He stepped forward with a deferential expression, though his eyes briefly flashed with hidden resentment. He loathed Danzo. Years ago, during the Third Shinobi World War, a young Kabuto had suffered a severe head injury, losing all his memories. He didn't know his village, parents, or even his own name.

He would have died alone, but he was found by Konoha's medical team, specifically by Nonou Yakushi, a kind-hearted woman who also ran an orphanage. She healed him, took him to the orphanage, and named him Kabuto.

Kabuto thrived under Nonou's care, discovering his exceptional talent for medical ninjutsu. Life seemed good until one night, three figures—Danzo, Orochimaru, and Torune Aburame—visited the orphanage.

Nonou, once the top intelligence officer in Root, known as the "Wandering Priestess," was forced by Danzo to return to espionage, threatening the orphanage's safety. Kabuto, overhearing this, volunteered to join Root to relieve Nonou's burden and provide for the orphanage.

Yet, betrayal followed. Danzo never intended for Kabuto and Nonou to survive. He orchestrated a situation where they would kill each other. In a tragic twist, Kabuto accidentally killed Nonou, who, in her dying moments, didn't recognize him.

Devastated, Kabuto lost his sense of self. Orochimaru appeared, revealing the truth about Danzo's manipulation. From that moment, Kabuto harbored a deep hatred for Danzo, but he followed Orochimaru's plan, suppressing his vengeance.

Danzo observed Kabuto and remarked, "I didn't expect this child to survive. Orochimaru, you choose your people well."

Orochimaru smirked, "Indeed, Danzo. I didn't bring him just to assist with the surgery. I want you to place him among Konoha's Genin, so he can participate in the Chunin Exams. Don't worry, he will deliberately fail."

Danzo raised an eyebrow, "Infiltrating him isn't difficult, but I want to know your purpose."

Orochimaru spread his hands, "To gather intelligence, of course. Each Chunin Exam attracts promising young ninjas from various villages—their future elites. The more information I gather, the better for me. Plus, if your new arm has any issues, he can assist you."

Danzo surprisingly agreed, "Fine. I'll do it."

Orochimaru, satisfied, said, "Excellent. With that settled, I'll take my leave. The original owner of your new arm has been quite restless. I need to keep an eye on him."

With that, Orochimaru vanished in a puff of smoke.

Kabuto's medical skills were exceptional, and with the aid of Hashirama's cells, the arm transplant was completed in just half an hour.

Danzo flexed his new arm, "Very good, it fits perfectly."

Kabuto respectfully replied, "I'm glad to hear that."

Danzo nodded, "Starting tomorrow, you'll be an official Genin of Konoha. Participate in every Chunin Exam from now on."

"Thank you, Danzo-sama," Kabuto said, bowing and exiting the room.

Once Kabuto left, one of Danzo's subordinates whispered, "Danzo-sama, Orochimaru openly placing his man in Konoha is suspicious. Should we eliminate this Kabuto?"

Danzo shook his head, "No. He must live. Orochimaru's real target isn't me; it's his master, Hiruzen Sarutobi. No matter who wins between them, it will benefit me. Prepare a metal brace to conceal my new arm. No one should know about the Hashirama cells and Sharingan."

"Understood!" the subordinate replied.

Danzo continued to admire his new arm, confident in the power it would bring him.