Going after Danzo pt.2 (fixed)

[Ajamu POV]

Right after I said, "Wake up, Itachi," snapping him out of his shock, he blurts out:

Itachi: "What do you mean 'going after Danzo,' and how did you do that?"

I smirk, keeping my expression enigmatic.

Ajamu: "That's for me to know. As for you, find out if you can. You were once part of Root—you should know where Danzo is. Let's move."

With that, I summon all my shadows but leave 50 behind to continue defending the Uchiha compound. Before departing, I decide to inspect the Root operatives we've defeated so far. Their deaths have granted me additional experience points, which I allocate toward Strength and Agility—two stats crucial for close-quarters combat.

Moments later, approximately 450 shadows gather before me, including Miko, alongside around 50 fallen Root ninja. I inquire about the latter group, and my shadows provide a detailed report:

20 had implanted Sharingan.28 possessed Byakugan, either naturally (from the Hyuga clan) or artificially implanted.The remaining 2 wielded rare techniques: one with Wood Release and another with Iron Release jutsu.

Naturally, I raise them as shadows. The Wood Release user turns out to be Yamato, still under Root's control. Itachi hadn't extracted him yet because Yamato was notoriously difficult to subdue. According to Miko, she managed to take him down using Amaterasu and her eye techniques—a testament to her skill.

As for the Byakugan users, I consider experimenting with their eyes later, though merging them remains uncertain. For now, I prefer focusing on the Sharingan, planning to test combinations when time permits.

[Flashback]

(Miko's Perspective)

My lord tasked me with eliminating anyone interfering with our clan compound. Since arriving, waves of enemies have kept coming, but I'm not alone. Reinforcements from my king bolster our ranks, and together with 20 shadow warriors from my clan, we hold this section of the battlefield.

Another group approaches—a contingent of 50. Their numbers swell because no one who enters ever leaves alive. Through telepathic communication, I issue orders:

Miko: "Ten of you stay with me; the other ten circle around and cut off their escape route."

They nod silently, melting into the shadows without hesitation.

Emerging from the darkness near the advancing group, I signal my team. Five of us remain hidden within the shadows, while the others form a circular perimeter around the enemy. At my command, I hurl a kunai into their midst, halting their advance. Before they can react, I lead five shadows forward.

Summoning fire-based jutsu, I unleash a devastating barrage:

Miko: "Great Dragon Flame!" x2

"Firewall!" x2

"Flame Winder Whirlwind!" x2

Flames engulf the area, trapping the enemy in a fiery inferno. Approximately 20 fall immediately, but the survivors retaliate with water, earth, and wood release techniques. Despite their efforts, my second wave of attacks breaches their defenses, leaving 18 standing.

Meanwhile, the ten shadows I dispatched earlier ambush a trailing group, following instructions to retreat only if overwhelmed.

Now it's 20 versus 18. I signal my group to handle the remaining 17 while I focus on the lone Wood Release user. Securing such a rare technique will surely earn praise from my king.

Both sides charge, exchanging kunai and jutsu. When the Wood Release user attempts to trap me with roots erupting from the ground, I evade effortlessly using Body Flicker Technique. Closing the distance again, I activate my Sharingan, forming a transparent red cube that seals both of us inside. Escape is impossible unless I release it.

Within the confined space, I waste no time. Activating Amaterasu, I ignite his arm to prevent further jutsu usage. He counters by creating wooden barriers to contain the black flames and severs the infected limb, visibly startled.

Blinding him with a burst of Fire Release, I follow up with Lightning Release: Chidori , driving it straight toward his heart. However, it turns out to be a wood clone. Sensing danger, I whirl around just in time to parry his weapon strike. To my surprise, I feel no pain—his blade passes harmlessly through an illusion.

Seizing the opportunity, I grab him and deliver a fatal blow with Chidori. His body collapses, lifeless. Hoisting the Wood Release user onto my shoulder, I return to my king, confident in my success.

[Back to Ajamu's POV]

Upon reuniting with Miko, I point at Yamato, prompting a screen to appear:

[You will retain your original name. From now on, you are called Yamato.]

Turning to Miko, I commend her efforts:

Ajamu: "You did very well, Miko. I'm pleased with all of you."

My shadows respond in unison, their loyalty unwavering:

Shadows: "It is an honor to serve our king."

Satisfied, I address the group:

Ajamu: "Alright, we're heading to Root to retrieve my second eye from Danzo. Moving through the village with all of you would draw too much attention, even at night. All shadows, return to my shadow realm—except Yamato, Gaku, Miko, and Itachi."

The screen updates, confirming: [500 Shadows Saved.]

Glancing at the remaining quartet—Gaku, Miko, Itachi, and Yamato—I instruct them:

Ajamu: "Yamato and Itachi, lead the way. Miko, Gaku, and I will follow. Use your new eye to familiarize yourself with its abilities."

With that, we set off, navigating the shadows toward Root headquarters.