Goro's Secret

A/N: Double Release (2/2). If you want another Double Release, lets get to 500 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones.

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

Sasuke stood frozen, his body trembling with the aftershocks of adrenaline and rage. Danzo's blood splattered his face, trickling down his cheek in thick, crimson lines. He glanced at his blood-soaked hand, then at his arm, a feeling of relief swelling inside him. For a brief moment, his eyes shifted, the three tomoe in his Sharingan twisting and reforming into a new pattern. But just as the change solidified, Sasuke's vision blurred, and he felt his legs buckle beneath him.

"Mangekyou…" Goro thought, his eyes narrowing as he reached out to catch Sasuke's falling form. Holding Sasuke up by his shoulder, he steadied the young Uchiha, keeping him from collapsing to the ground.

Knowing Danzo was now dead, Goro wasted no time. He moved swiftly, unwrapping the bandages around Danzo's head. With a quick flick of his wrist, he pried Shisui's Sharingan from Danzo's socket and placed it into a small, sealed container. He glanced down at Danzo's lifeless form before tossing the body onto the ground with a dull thud.

'This feels great. I had planned meticulously for this. Now I've got my hands on multiple Sharingan, including Shisui's, and Hashirama cells. Danzo, I'm not done with you. I'll make sure to reanimate you just to mock you again.'

The water barrier that had encased them retracted, the liquid chakra strings unwinding from the Anbu and Shizune. The moment they were released, the Anbu ninja and Shizune dropped to their knees, wincing as they clutched their arms, still throbbing from the tight constriction of Goro's water strings.

Tsunade's gaze shifted between the groaning Anbu, Shizune, and Goro, who stood calmly amidst the chaos he had unleashed. "What is this child…?" she thought, a chill running down her spine.

She stepped forward, kneeling beside Shizune and reaching out with a glowing hand to heal her. But Shizune quickly held up her hands, shaking her head.

"There's no need, Lady Tsunade. He didn't injure us," Shizune said softly, her voice tinged with a strange mix of awe and confusion.

The rest of the Anbu slowly rose to their feet, shaking off the lingering pain. Tsunade glanced at each of them, gauging their condition. "I don't know how to feel about this. He clearly disobeyed orders, but managed to expose those… wretched secrets about that man. He also assisted in the young Uchiha's revenge and didn't harm our ninja," she thought.

"Lady Tsunade, I'd like to talk," Goro said suddenly, his voice cutting through her thoughts. He pulled out a scroll and placed Danzo's severed arm and the eye container inside, sealing them away.

Tsunade's gaze snapped to him, her eyes narrowing. "What do you think you're doing with those eyes?"

Pointing at Sasuke, who he was holding up, Goro replied, "He has the right to them, doesn't he?"

Giving in, Tsunade replied, "I suppose that's true... That being said, we need to have a mandatory talk."

Goro smirked inwardly. 'Heh… After what just happened, I'd think so too.'

Holding up a handsign, Goro released the Water Bound Jutsu. The barrier's top peeled back, and the walls of water pushed outward, avoiding everyone as it dissipated to the sides, leaving the ground dry. "I won't make that mistake again," Goro thought, remembering past incidents where he released the jutsu and ended up getting soaked.

The Anbu tensed, ready to spring into action. But Tsunade raised her hand, a silent command for them to stand down. The Anbu hesitated, their reluctance evident in their stiff postures, but they obeyed, their eyes never leaving Goro.

Ignoring the tense stares coming at him through masks, Goro moved over and slung Sasuke over his shoulder. He turned to Tsunade, his gaze unwavering. "Now that we're talking, I believe it's time I keep my end of the bargain. Remember I said I'd tell you information about the Hidden Waterfall Village?"

Tsunade's brow furrowed. "That isn't what's important right now," she replied sharply.

"I assure you it is," Goro insisted.

Tsunade crossed her arms, suspicion gleaming in her eyes. "What could he possibly have to say that's more important than what just happened?" she wondered. "Speak," she ordered.

Goro cleared his throat, his tone casual as if he were discussing mundane village affairs. "Well, I am the current leader of the Hidden Waterfall. The Takikage."

Shizune frowned, as she shook her head vehemently. "Stop messing around—"

But Tsunade raised a hand to silence her, her gaze locking onto Goro's with intensity as she fell deep into her thoughts. "The Leader of the Hidden Waterfall did appear around the same time he went rogue… The leader also oddly covers their face… But is he strong enough to subjugate a whole vil—"

Tsunade's thoughts halted abruptly, and her eyes widened in realization. "He's not lying!" she exclaimed, disbelief and shock coloring her voice.

Goro's lips curled into a smug smile. "Lady Tsunade, you're extremely perceptive," he remarked.

Shizune looked between the two, confusion etched across her face. "Huh?"

Tsunade took a deep breath, her expression hardening as she regarded Goro with newfound wariness. "What is your purpose, Goro?"

Goro's expression turned serious as he replied, "I seek to be the strongest, but I realized I want to have a home base with people that acknowledge my power and strength. Power is more than just physical strength—it's political, too."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "I didn't ask for a monologue. You know what I was asking."

Goro sighed, a disappointed look in his eyes. "Why do you look at me with such hostile eyes? I'm a ninja from this village who's helped out a lot. I prevented so much damage during Orochimaru's attack with my Water Bound Jutsu."

Tsunade hesitated, memories of the aftermath of Orochimaru's attack flooding back to her mind. "I heard rumors about a mysterious barrier that saved lives…" she thought.

She leaned back slightly, rubbing her temples. "This is an abnormal situation. Sensei liked him enough to give him a personal Chunin exam, and he's only done good for the village. Even now, he's weeded out a thorn," she thought, glancing down at Danzo's lifeless body.

Leaning forward again, Tsunade locked eyes with Goro, her gaze firm. "You cannot have dual allegiance to two villages, even if those villages are allies. The Hidden Waterfall, under your leadership, has quickly grown in economic might. Though I'm not privy to the details of your military, I'm assuming you've gotten stronger in that aspect too. When your village becomes strong enough, you may turn in opposition towards us. You're probably aware of the constant struggle between the Five Great Nations, aren't you?"

Goro nodded. "I have people I care about here. I don't plan on betraying this village. I want to retain relations with the Leaf, but in order for that to happen, I want you to recognize my title as Takikage."

"Lady Tsunade, we can't—" Shizune started, but Tsunade cut her off again, her gaze never wavering from Goro.

"Those are big promises and big requests. Your life is finite, Goro. You can't live long enough to do the things you promise."

A dark smile spread across Goro's face. Without a word, he ripped open the front of his shirt, revealing the black threads stitching his chest together. The sight was grotesque and unpleasant to look at.

"It's not perfect, but I am immortal," Goro declared, a large smile emerging on his face as he looked at the stunned spectators.

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

Reminder: If you want another Double Release, lets get to 500 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones.