Chapter 12

[Due to reaching 400 Power Stones, double releases were scheduled for today!! I have the chapters set to release an hour apart, so enjoy!! I'll reply to comments once I make it home.]

In the dimly lit chambers beneath Konoha, Shimura Danzo sat motionless, his one visible eye fixed on the kneeling ROOT agent before him. The agent had just finished delivering his report on Garp and his grandchildren's training session, and the implications were staggering.

"Wood Release?" Danzo's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of shock and disbelief. "You're certain of this?"

The ROOT agent nodded, his face impassive behind his mask. "Yes, Danzo-sama. The girl, Konan, manipulated wood with ease, combining it with some form of paper technique. It was unmistakably Mokuton."

Danzo's mind raced, processing this information. Wood Release, the legendary Kekkei Genkai of the First Hokage, thought to have died out with Hashirama Senju. Its reappearance could shift the balance of power in the ninja world dramatically.

Suddenly, pieces began to fall into place in Danzo's mind. Garp's unexpected arrival in Konoha, his meeting with the Hokage, his visit to the Senju compound...

"Of course." Danzo muttered, rising from his seat and beginning to pace. "The real reason for their visit. It was never about a simple vacation or diplomatic overtures."

He turned sharply to the ROOT agent, who remained kneeling silently. "The Wood Release scrolls. That must be what Garp is after."

The agent tilted his head slightly, a gesture of confusion. "Sir?"

Danzo's eye narrowed. "The secret scrolls detailing the intricacies of Hashirama's Wood Release techniques. They're kept under heavy guard in a secure location within Konoha. Garp must have learned of their existence somehow and come here under the guise of a friendly visit to gain access to them."

The ROOT agent absorbed this information silently, waiting for his master's next words.

Danzo resumed his pacing, his mind working furiously. "But how did the girl acquire Wood Release in the first place? And why reveal it so openly during training? Unless..."

He paused, a new theory forming. "Unless they already have partial knowledge of the technique. Perhaps they came not to steal the scrolls, but to complete their understanding of Wood Release."

The implications were staggering. If Garp and his charges already possessed even a fraction of Hashirama's legendary power, they could pose a significant threat to Konoha's supremacy.

Danzo's expression hardened, his decision made. "We cannot allow this power to leave Konoha. The girl must be recovered and brought under our control. As for Garp..."

He trailed off, his eye growing cold. "Garp has become too dangerous to be left alive. His power, combined with his unpredictability and lack of allegiance to any hidden village, makes him a threat to the entire shinobi world order."

The ROOT agent remained silent, awaiting orders.

Danzo turned to face him fully, his voice taking on a tone of deadly seriousness. "Listen carefully. I want all ROOT operatives combat-ready within 48 hours. We will eliminate Garp and recover all three children."

The agent's head snapped up in surprise. "All three, Danzo-sama?"

Danzo nodded grimly. "Yes. The girl with Wood Release is obviously crucial, but the other two have shown remarkable abilities as well. The boy with lightning techniques could be molded into a formidable weapon, and the quiet one with the strange Dojutsu... there's more to him than meets the eye, I'm sure of it."

He paused, considering his next words carefully. "This operation must be executed flawlessly. Garp has already demonstrated power beyond what we initially estimated. We cannot afford any mistakes."

The ROOT agent bowed his head. "Understood, Danzo-sama. What of the Hokage? Should he be informed of our plans?"

Danzo's expression darkened. "No. Hiruzen is too soft-hearted. He might try to resolve this diplomatically, giving Garp and the children a chance to escape. We cannot take that risk."

He turned away, gazing at a map of Konoha on the wall. "This is for the good of the village, for the stability of the entire shinobi world. Sometimes, the shadow must act where the light cannot."

The ROOT agent rose silently, understanding his dismissal. As he turned to leave, Danzo spoke once more.

"One more thing. Increase surveillance on Garp and the children. I want to know their every move, every conversation. If they so much as sneeze, I want to know about it."

The agent nodded and vanished in a swirl of leaves, leaving Danzo alone with his thoughts.

The old war hawk's mind was already racing with plans and contingencies. Garp's elimination would have to be swift and absolute. The children would need to be secured quickly, before they could use their considerable abilities to escape or call for help.

And after... Danzo allowed himself a small, grim smile. With Wood Release under Konoha's control once more, combined with his own leadership, the village's supremacy would be all but assured.

"Soon." Danzo murmured to the empty room, "Konoha will stand unchallenged, as it was always meant to be."

~

Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of one of Konoha's many parks, Tsunade and Dan sat side by side on a bench, their hands intertwined. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the couple.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Dan said softly, his eyes on the sunset but his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

Tsunade nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder. "It is. Moments like these... they make you forget about all the chaos in the world, even if just for a little while."

Dan squeezed her hand gently. "Tsunade, there's something I've been wanting to ask you."

She lifted her head, looking at him curiously. "What is it, Dan?"

He took a deep breath, then turned to face her fully. "We've been through so much together. The war, the losses, the triumphs. Through it all, you've been my rock, my inspiration."

Tsunade's eyes widened as she began to realize where this was going.

Dan continued, his voice filled with emotion. "I can't imagine facing the future without you by my side. Tsunade Senju, will you marry me?"

For a moment, Tsunade was speechless. A whirlwind of emotions passed through her – joy, love, a tinge of sadness for those who couldn't be there to share this moment.

"Dan, I..." she began, her voice choked with emotion. "Yes. Yes, of course I'll marry you!"

Dan's face broke into a radiant smile, and he pulled Tsunade into a tight embrace. As they held each other, Tsunade felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.

"I just wish..." she whispered, her voice muffled against Dan's shoulder.

Dan pulled back slightly, looking at her with understanding. "Nawaki," he said softly.

Tsunade nodded, a sad smile on her face. "I wish he could be here for this. He always liked you, you know. Said you were good for me."

Dan cupped her face gently. "Nawaki is here, Tsunade. In our hearts, in our memories. And I believe he's watching over us, probably grinning that big grin of his and saying 'It's about time!'"

This drew a watery laugh from Tsunade. "You're right. He would be happy for us."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, basking in the glow of their newfound engagement and the memory of those they had lost.

Finally, Tsunade spoke again. "You know, with everything that's been happening lately with the ongoing war – I almost forgot that life goes on. That there's still joy to be found, even in these troubled times."

Dan nodded thoughtfully. "Speaking of Garp-san, what do you make of him? He seems to have stirred up quite a bit of excitement in the village."

Tsunade's brow furrowed slightly. "He's... unlike anyone I've ever met. His power is immense, that much is clear. But there's more to him than just strength. The way he talks about peace, about protecting the weak... it's almost revolutionary."

"Do you think he could be a threat to Konoha?" Dan asked, his voice low.

Tsunade shook her head. "No, I don't think so. At least, not intentionally. But his presence here, his ideas... they're going to cause waves, whether he intends to or not."

She paused, thinking back to the conversation with Garp and Mito. "You know, he made me think about things I haven't considered in a long time. About the way the Shinobi World functions. It's... unsettling to think about."

Dan listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "Change can be unsettling. But sometimes it's necessary."

Tsunade nodded slowly. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it's time for some changes. And who knows? Maybe Garp and his grandchildren are the catalyst we need. Or it could be you, Mr. Hokage."

As they continued to talk, discussing their hopes for the future and plans for their upcoming wedding, neither of them noticed the ANBU agent approaching silently.

The agent cleared his throat softly, causing both Tsunade and Dan to start slightly.

"My apologies for the interruption, Tsunade-sama." the ANBU said, bowing slightly. "Your presence is required in the Hokage's office immediately."

Tsunade frowned, rising to her feet. "Did Sarutobi-sensei say what this is about?"

The ANBU shook his head. "No, Tsunade-sama. Only that it's urgent and concerns our... recent visitors."

Tsunade's frown deepened. She turned to Dan, apology written on her face.

Dan stood as well, giving her a reassuring smile. "Go. Duty calls. We'll continue this conversation later."

Tsunade nodded, then leaned in to give him a quick kiss. "I love you." she whispered.

"I love you too." Dan replied. "Now go, before the old man sends more ANBU after you."

With a last smile at her new fiancé, Tsunade turned and followed the ANBU towards the Hokage's Office.