Danzo took a breath as he recalled the chilling encounter. "He spoke about the Uchiha massacre as if he knew the hidden truth behind it. Things only 4 people in the village should be aware of."
The Third Hokage groaned as he thought of the implications. "Danzo, that secret... If it got out, it could destabilize the entire village."
"I'm aware of the danger, Hiruzen. And, what's even more disturbing, he also knew about the forbidden Izanagi jutsu."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed as he understood the meaning of Danzo's words. "I assume even amongst the Uchiha it's only known to a few? For him to possess such forbidden knowledge suggests he may have had some ties to them... or he could be an Uchiha himself."
Hiruzen frowned at that possibility and his mind raced as he tried to make sense of this revelation. "An Uchiha...? Lord Tobirama, do you think he could be someone who survived the massacre? Perhaps using that forbidden jutsu."
Th Second Hokage crossed his arms as his suspicion deepened. "It's possible. If this man is aware of the Izanagi and the truth of the massacre, he could be one of the Uchiha who was brought back to life and escaped detection, someone who's been in hiding all these years."
"I'm not so certain." Danzo meanwhile was unsure of that theory. "When he spoke about the massacre he didn't seem angry and he didn't show any extreme emotions of hate. It looked like he just wanted me to know about it... But then again it could be a mask. It's not far-fetched to think he might be an Uchiha biding his time to seek revenge or justice for his clan in his eyes."
But Hiruzen thought about it for a few more moments and shook his head firmly, his voice resolute. "No, that doesn't add up. After the massacre, we took meticulous care in accounting for every member of the clan. We counted every body, confirmed every name and disposed of them. There were no survivors unaccounted for. If there had been, we would have known."
Tobirama's expression remained stern as he considered Hiruzen's words carefully. "Hmm... You're right, Hiruzen. I've looked over the investigation records. The village was thorough, but it's still possible that someone could have slipped through the cracks. Or perhaps this 'Dragon' may not be an Uchiha, but he could be someone who gained access to their secrets—perhaps through one of the Sharingan eyes or forbidden scrolls."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "We've seen before that there were those willing to exploit the Uchiha's legacy for their own ends. But to possess knowledge of both the Izanagi and the massacre... This man is no ordinary threat. If he's not an Uchiha, he could be someone with ties to the clan or its remnants."
"Could this Dragon have any connection with Itachi Uchiha? Could he have told him?" Tobirama pondered.
Danzo and Hiruzen were silent as they thought of such a scenario.
'Itachi knows about Shisui's eye in my possession and he knows the truth about the massacre... So it's a possibility... But would he really do it?' Danzo wondered.
''Itachi loves the village and Sasuke even more. He won't take any action that would endanger his brother..." While Danzo was suspicious, the third knew what kind of a man Itachi was. So he was certain Itachi didn't leak any intel. "With what Danzo said, I think this Dragon might be someone from inside the village. Or someone exceptional at hiding in plain sight and gathering intelligence."
Tobirama stayed silent as his mind pieced together the fragments of information. "If he's been hiding in the village, biding his time... He could either be a powerful spy or he could be a Leaf ninja, someone who's decided to go rogue, who knows our ways and who's been gathering power and knowledge in the shadows."
Hiruzen's face hardened as he considered that scenario. "If that's the case, then he's even more dangerous. A rogue ninja with such strength and access to top level secrets... He could destabilize everything we've worked to build."
Tobirama nodded, his mind set on the next steps. "He hasn't done anything till now. But we don't know if he's just waiting for the right time. We need to tighten our surveillance, investigate any unusual activity within the village for the last several years."
Hiruzen crossed his arms, deep in thought. "To think we wouldn't have found out about him if it wasn't for this incident... A man who knows Root's secrets, who has such knowledge and strength to infiltrate and attack it alone, and makes such careful strategies... He calls himself 'Dragon' huh?"
Danzo looked up at Tobirama and Hiruzen, a rare expression of uncertainty crossing his features. "This man... he's no ordinary shinobi. If he has the knowledge and power that I suspect... he could become a threat to the entire village."
Tobirama sighed and agreed. "We need to find him, Hiruzen. We cannot allow him to use those dangerous tools against the village."
"I have a feeling this 'Dragon' might have a relationship with Kensei. Not sure what it is though." Danzo said as he looked at Hiruzen.
Hiruzen nodded. "We don't know that for sure. I'll question Kensei when he gets back, but right now, I'll mobilize Anbu to search and track this Dragon down. But before that, we need to assess the damage, understand what was taken, and prepare for any potential threats."
Danzo's voice was low, almost a whisper. "'Dragon'... he's something I failed to anticipate. If he's planning something with the Sharingan and the jutsu he stole..."
Hiruzen considered Danzo's words carefully, his mind weighing the possibilities. The Third Hokage had seen much in his long life—too much. He knew the depths of Danzo's ruthlessness, but he also knew that when it came to protecting the village, Danzo had never hesitated to make hard decisions, no matter how grim.
Finally, Hiruzen sighed. "If you can aid in Tsunade's rescue, or if you can bring down Orochimaru, it might be the only useful thing you have left to offer. But know this, Danzo, this is not a reprieve. The moment Tsunade's fate is determined, your life is forfeit."
Danzo gave a small nod of understanding. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Tobirama, though still angry, recognized the pragmatism in Hiruzen's decision. He crossed his arms, his tone grudging but accepting. "If you're lying, Danzo, if this is some trick to escape your fate... you won't live long enough to regret it."
Danzo met Tobirama's gaze with a level stare. "I know."
Hiruzen stepped forward, his voice filled with finality. "We'll delay the execution, but only until we know Tsunade's fate. I'll have Anbu keep a close eye on you. Make no mistake, Danzo, you will not escape the consequences of your actions.."
Danzo nodded once more, his face a mask of grim determination. "I have no intention of escaping anymore, Hiruzen. My only goal now is to see that the village survives, even if it means my death."
Hiruzen gave a final nod, signaling the end of the discussion. "Fine. We'll focus on rescuing Tsunade and Shizune. After that..."
With that, the decision was made. Danzo's fate was sealed, but his final day would be spent ensuring the safety of those who could still save the village—a final, desperate act to atone for a lifetime of dark deeds.
The three men stood in silence and the tension between them slowly faded as they contemplated the uncertain future that lay ahead.
—--------------
Author's Note:
I was listening to Hans Zimmer's 'Flight' and 'If you love these people so much' soundtrack while writing this.
I wonder how many of you guys agree with my decision regarding Danzo. Many will have a negative opinion about him. But at the end of his fight with Sasuke on that bridge, we got a glimpse of his inner self.
In my opinion, a man like Danzo should have a worthy ending...
Then again, I might just let him rot in a cell till the conclusion of this arc and then just execute him... Well, We'll see what happens.
Regarding Danzo's strength, I have to put it somewhere a little bit higher than Kakashi in my story. But a few levels lower than the Third Hokage. I haven't had the chance to create a solid stat for him. Sorry to those who asked. I might show it in a future chapter if I get the chance. Not making any promises tho.
And Regarding DAichi's strength, remember, he went head on with kakashi in chapters 157 to 160. And he's only gotten stronger. Kakashi is also stronger here than in his canon counterpart.
If I have to give an accurate estimate, Daichi is between Elite Jonin and Sannin level. Close to Sannin level.
The advantage is that he has 'Analyze skill, Parallel processing skill, Hypercognition skill, and all those works like a sharingan on steroids to him. He also has several destructive Jutsus. SO right now age is the only thing restricting him.
If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.
Patre /MonkWithAPen (No space)