198

Current Day

Danzo sat at his desk, posture straight and composed, exuding the calm authority of a man in full control. His face, though lined with age and experience, showed no signs of injury or weakness. His black hair, streaked slightly with gray, was neatly combed back, and his sharp eyes gleamed with the intelligence of someone who had spent decades mastering the hidden workings of Konoha. His movements were deliberate, calculated, the mark of a leader who always stayed several steps ahead.

In his hands, he held a letter from Hisato Mura—a name that hadn't crossed his mind in years, yet carried significant weight. Hisato's message was simple: after years of isolation, he was ready to pass on his legacy, specifically the genjutsu techniques that had set him apart from all others. The old shinobi had requested Danzo's presence along with three of his most skilled genjutsu users for a final lesson. The letter seemed genuine, devoid of any hidden intent, which intrigued Danzo all the more.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing as he reread the letter. Hisato's decision to share his knowledge now, after years of refusing to do so, was unexpected. But it made sense. Age was creeping up on the old man, and the need to pass on his life's work must have weighed heavily on him. Hisato had no heirs left to receive his teachings, and while Danzo had always respected the man, it was surprising that he had chosen to leave such valuable knowledge with him.

Danzo's fingers tapped lightly against the desk as he considered his options. The genjutsu techniques Hisato possessed were powerful—techniques that could turn the tide of battle, confuse entire units, and break the wills of enemies. Having that knowledge in Root's hands would be an invaluable asset. Hisato's techniques, combined with Danzo's vision for Konoha's future, would ensure the village's dominance in the shadows for years to come.

Still, there was a small voice in the back of Danzo's mind, urging caution. Hisato had been unpredictable in the past, and this sudden willingness to part with his legacy felt… convenient. But then again, it might simply be the natural progression of time. Men like Hisato, who had lived through so much loss and grief, often sought to leave something behind, to ensure their efforts weren't forgotten.

Danzo set the letter down, his gaze growing more thoughtful. The next step was simple: arrange the meeting, bring along three of his most trusted genjutsu specialists, and ensure that everything went smoothly. Hisato may have trusted Danzo, but Danzo never entered a situation without being prepared for any possibility.

A small smile crept onto Danzo's face as he stood and moved toward the window of his office, gazing out at Konoha. The old shinobi was finally stepping back into the fold, ready to pass on his genius to the village. This was a rare opportunity, and Danzo intended to make the most of it.

His thoughts briefly lingered on Hisato's sons—both lost to the life of a shinobi. Danzo knew the truth about the younger son's death, but that information wasn't something Hisato needed to know. It was better left in the past, buried with the mission that had required those sacrifices. Hisato had no reason to suspect anything, and Danzo would ensure it stayed that way.

Now, the only thing left to do was make the arrangements. Danzo turned away from the window, a plan already forming in his mind. Hisato was handing him a powerful weapon—one that Danzo would wield with precision and care for the good of Konoha.

The meeting would go ahead as planned, and by the end of it, Danzo would possess one of the most dangerous genjutsu techniques ever devised. Hisato's legacy would live on, even if the old man himself didn't realize the full extent of what he was giving away.