One week later, Kioshi leaned his head back against a tree in one of the village's public training grounds. He'd been allowed to leave the hospital not long after Inochi's visit and was now enjoying the newfound freedom.
Kioshi spent the first day releasing all the sailors and getting them situated to head back to their homes. He had personally got the Hokage to compensate the captain for his ship, and once the situation was fully explained, damages due to his and the village's incompetence were forgiven. The men and cabin boy had been grateful as they left.
Lixin was also doing well. The man had visited a few days ago. The mission leader still held some, shock, hurt, anger, and guilt for what happened, but he was quickly adapting. He even joked that his wife liked his young looks. Being frozen in time made his wife technically older than him now. His only regret was not being present for his son's birth or first years of life. But he was currently enjoying fatherhood.
Kioshi was happy for him. His thoughts travel to his own children. By this time, he'd missed their births as well. Were they being treated well? Despite the anger at what brought them into existence, his only feeling towards them personally was concern. They were innocent in all this.
Would they be raised into monsters? Would Kumo fill them with hatred and lies?
He needed to retrieve them, but the Raikage wouldn't surrender such assets easily. A great amount of bloodshed or stealth would likely be needed. Innocents would likely die in the struggle, and even with all his power, victory wasn't assured. Kumo had two Jinchuriki along with their Kage. Kioshi might be able to store enough energy to battle one or two on equal terms, but he couldn't compare to any of their regeneration speeds.
That was one of the weaknesses of his chakra-saving technique. His core remained high A-rank no matter how much chakra could be stored elsewhere. A ninja's core was where chakra was generated. He could be worn down easily with constant battle, and once he was out of chakra, he'd be at a disadvantage. It would take weeks to build up strength again.
Exposing his abilities in a quest against Kumo would also bring him into the spotlight and focus of more enemies. Would his children really be safer in his hands? He planned to go up against Danzo, the Akatsuki, Tobi, and Zetsu. Infants wouldn't be able to defend themselves against such enemies, not to mention Kumo trying to get them back. Unless the lightning nation was completely destroyed, they would want retribution for the "theft" and damage caused. Could he really afford to get sidetracked with more responsibilities and conflict?
No, he decided. He needed to become stronger and deal with other threats first. Taking on too much too soon could spell his downfall. Besides, Kumo might have a change of heart with time. They allied with Konoha for the fourth shinobi war in the TV show. Self-preservation could overrule pride, and they weren't complete monsters. If Kioshi waited and got strong enough, the right amount of fear or respect might allow a peaceful arrangement to be reached.
Actions shouldn't be based on anger or fear. No matter what he felt currently, logic and his goals of a peaceful and free world needed to remain at the forefront.
He also admitted to himself that he didn't know if he was ready to become a parent. He might have the mind and experiences of an adult, but the hormones and treatment that came being in a teenage body made those thoughts distant. Would he even be a good father? And could he actually find and take care of all of the children?
How many even were there? Things could be stored after all. His DNA could be creating more children even now, not to mention how many could already be in existence. The situation was a bit overwhelming.
The sound of labored breathing and sword hits against wood rang in the background. Sasuke was currently practicing sword forms against a tree not far away. Kioshi was supposed to be watching to offer instruction, but it was hard to keep his eyes open.
His exhaustion wasn't just mental. They had just completed morning exercises together. His muscles had lacked use in the last two years, so they were easily fatigued. Chakra stimulation and his current medical ninjutsu abilities could only do so much. Strength and endurance were best built naturally.
The morning had consisted of a jog through one of Konoha's forests and stretching and weight exercises on a training ground afterward. This is where he and Sasuke were currently located. The young Uchiha had joined him in his rehabilitation process, and it said a lot about Kioshi's physical state that an academy student could keep up with him.
Neither used chakra throughout the process. This allowed true muscle to be gained. During the breaks afterward, Kioshi built up more chakra in his dimensional realm. He wanted to be fully prepared to face Danzo. Once he got the man alone, the man would meet his end. Hopefully…
Kioshi wasn't arrogant enough to be totally assured of victory. Danzo was crafty and was an S-Rank with powerful infused bloodlines. Even with stored chakra and his Dojustu, the battle would be close. But the risk was worth the reward. He was done procrastinating.
Thoughts of retribution were interrupted when a new presence entered the clearing. Kioshi kept his eyes closed as the figure paused with surprise, then slowly approached. The form didn't stop until their faces were almost touching.
"Mr. Kio…?" A wary and curious voice asked.
Kioshi opened one eye slightly. It met the large familiar blue ones belonging to a young yellowed-haired boy with dark green goggles resting on his head. The boy's eyes blinked at the familiar red and purple-ringed eye he saw in return.
"IT IS YOU! I KNEW IT!" He said, jerking back and pointing a finger.
"Hello, Naruto," Kioshi smiled wearily. "It's been a while..."
The young jinchuriki being addressed frowned, then smiled, then frowned again, as if he didn't know what to think. Naruto settled to scratching his head sheepishly in response. "Y-yeah it has been a while Mr. Kio. He hee. You must have gone someplace far away for a long time."
The boy put up a fake cheerful smile, but Kioshi could see the hurt underneath.
"I'm sorry I didn't come meet you at Ichiraku Ramen like I promised," Kioshi apologized, knowing this was the reason behind the emotion. In the year before he'd left for Kiri, he'd started to gain a relationship with the boy. He'd done this partly because the connection could be useful in the future and partly out of sympathy.
Naruto had very few people at this point that didn't abuse him, either by harsh or ignoring actions. Being the target of one of Naruto's attention-gaining pranks three years ago, Kioshi had evaded and caught the culprit. Instead of giving a reprimand, Kioshi praised the ingenuity of the trap and offered to take the boy out for ramen.
They'd set up a schedule after that. Every month they would meet to eat and talk, sometimes more when Kioshi could afford it. He'd had such an outing right before the Kiri mission, so he hadn't seen the need to tell the boy he was leaving. He figured he'd be back in time.
That had been a mistake.
"It had nothing to do with you." Kioshi assured firmly. "I was captured on a mission. I just recently was able to escape. I would never stop seeing you willingly."
"Really?" Naruto blinked, conflicting emotions flashing again, going back and forth between being surprised, emotional, and interested. It seemed the boy couldn't decide whether to be happy that he hadn't been abandoned or give into his desire to ask about the experience. Eventually, he settled on the last.
"That's so awesome Mr. Kio!" Naruto said with a raised fist. "You must be super strong to survive! Who captured you!? How did you get away!?"
Kioshi smiled with fond exasperation at the excitement. Only Naruto would bluntly proclaim his experience as "awesome." The boy's social skills and sense of reality really needed some work. Then again, Naruto's positive outlook and blunt and unfiltered feelings were probably what made his talk-no-jutsus on enemies and friends so effective.
Unfortunately, Sasuke overheard the happy words and wasn't as amused. "Hey! Leave him alone Dobe! Show some respect! "The young Uchiha had stopped his training and was now coming up to the yellow-haired boy angrily.
"Why should I Teme!" Naruto shot back defensively, getting into a taijutsu fighting pose. "Mr. Kio is my friend. He likes talking to me!"
"His name is Kioshi," Sasuke growled. "Not whatever you are calling him! And I've known him far longer than you. He's never mentioned you, so leave!"
"Ha. Jokes on you! He's never mentioned you to me either! So that makes us even! You must be unimportant too!" Naruto shouted back in triumph, lifting his head up in pride as if he hadn't just insulted himself as well with the comeback. "Hey, Mr. Kio, are you really friends with Sasuke bastard? How is that possible? He's such a jerk!?"
Kioshi sighed. Was the hostility between the boys really necessary? He understood the rivalry came from certain insecurities, but it was still unhealthy. He didn't mention his connection to either of them for this very reason. It was just a new source of competition.
"I'm helping Sasuke learn how to be a ninja," Kioshi said to Naruto in answer. "I'm his unofficial sensei."
Naruto's eyes widened at this in shock, then glared at the Uchiha sullenly.
It was now Sasuke's turn to tilt his head up smugly.
"W-well, that only explains why you are so much better than everyone else!" Naruto spluttered, trying to get back some momentum. "IT WON'T STOP ME FROM BEATING YOU ONE DAY! BELIEVE IT!"
"I can teach you too, Naruto," Kioshi offered, seeing the boy's distress and desire.
"Really?!"
"WHAT!"
Both boys spoke explanations at the same time. Naruto looked ecstatic, while Sasuke looked absolutely horrified.
"I don't see why not?" Kioshi shrugged. "It would be nice for Sasuke to have a training partner, and I have a feeling the two of you will push each other to excel." Honestly, he should have offered something like this before now. The arrangement might prod the two to form an open friendship sooner than in the canon universe. This would be beneficial for both boys. Whether they admitted it to each other or not, hardship and loneliness connected them. It also didn't hurt that they both had a strong desire to get stronger.
"You are the best Mr. Kio Sensei!" Naruto shouted with another raised fist. "With your help, I'll be Hokage in no time!"
"I don't doubt it," Kioshi smiled.
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The next few hours were spent watching Sasuke and Naruto fight each other in heated spares. And they were heated... Both seemed determined to prove their worth. Sasuke beat Naruto aggressively without mercy, but Naruto had the stamina of a nuclear sun. Both were exhausted when Kioshi finally called for it to end.
When Kioshi took them both out for ramen afterward, Naruto instantly turned cheerful, but the excursion did little to uplift Sasuke's vengeful mood. Naruto was too focused on eating and talking to notice, but the jealous glares were obvious. This was probably due to the fact that Kioshi was listening attentively to yellowed hair's long rambles about pranks and goals, that or Sasuke just hated the food. Nothing could be done about it though. The coin had landed on Naruto's pick of a restaurant a Kioshi wasn't going to stop talking to the Jinchuriki.
000000000
That evening Sasuke remained sullen as Kioshi walked next to him down the street. Kioshi turned grim as well when they entered the Uchiha compound. Kioshi's landlord had given away his apartment in his years away, so he currently didn't have a place to live. Sasuke had offered a place.
Honestly, Kioshi would rather live elsewhere. The empty cold streets were something he'd rather avoid. But the last thing he was going to do was let Sasuke suffer the place alone. Who's idea was it to leave the boy here anyway? Sasuke might own the compound, but staying isolated in a place of death and murder couldn't be healthy, especially for someone so young.
But maybe the familiar surroundings brought comfort as well. Perhaps it was better to face the situation head-on.
With this in mind, Kioshi spoke up when they reached Sasuke's house. "Sasuke, I'm going to go look around the compound for a little while. I need to pay my respects."
He'd avoided going into alleys or people's houses until now. It was where most of the slaughter had taken place. It was a brutal reminder of his failure.
Sasuke became thoughtful, then hesitant. "Can I come with you?"
Kioshi blink in surprise but nodded. "If you want."
Together they slowly weaved through the houses and streets one by one, giving attention and thought to the signs of flight, battle, and death. Konoha seemed to have gathered the bodies and mopped away the majority of the blood, but splatters and stains on some materials were still visible. Dropped weapons and broken architecture had also not been fixed or gathered.
Rats and insects infested both the alleyways and inside the homes due to food and clothes that had been left unattended for a year. The smell of perishable foods coming from tables, fridges, or garbage cans was strong enough to gag on.
Walking through Shisui's house was the hardest. Seeing a smiling photo inside of the happy Uchiha, himself, and Itachi together reminded Kioshi of what was lost.
When they reached the massacre memorial stone, Kioshi found two more names of Uchihas that would be missed. Kioshi didn't know them well enough to know where they lived, but they had been good training partners. Both were skilled in Kenjustu and gave him a good challenge.
Kioshi knelt there at the stone for some time- sad, sullen, and angry. Konoha burned the dead when they died, so there were no gravesites to visit. Families would be given a plaque with a name as a remembrance, and if the person died in service or in a significant event, then their name would be placed on a memorial stone as well. It seemed less personal in Kioshi's opinion, but he supposed kneeling over someone's rotting corpse or ashes wasn't that appealing either.
He ran down each name slowly, swearing again that he'd stop the man that had pushed things to this point.
000000000
Two days later, Kioshi started to make good on the promise. The weekend was over, so Sasuke had returned back to the academy. Members of Anbu had also stopped shadowing him.
Kioshi was currently investigating a secret entrance down into Root headquarters. His past efforts to expose Danzo had paid off. The entrance had been discovered years ago, and it was one of few that hadn't been buried after the organization had been disbanded.
The Hokage had visited him that morning and confirmed that Danzo had indeed been kicked from the council like in the original timeline. This knowledge had been obtained indirectly. When the Hokage had asked his opinion on how to handle Kumo's transgressions, Kioshi had asked what Danzo's opinions were on the matter.
Hiruzen had explained wearily that Danzo had retired due to his weakening body and mind. Yeah right. The man would never give up power willingly. This was obviously just the official story.
But it did confirm one thing. Danzo had been punished for ordering the Uchiha Massacare, which meant the support and sanction of Root were likely gone as well. Hiruzen had never liked the organization. If he was angry enough to relieve Danzo of his station, then the elder's source of power and influence would have also been taken.
That meant that exposing the organization's continued existence would show Danzo's disrespect and inability to follow orders. Due to this, Danzo would be doubly infuriated if Kioshi was found once again snooping around.
That was the hope. If Kioshi could get the man to attack, then any aggressive action could be proclaimed as self-defense.
Cautious steps were taken as Kioshi traveled deeper through the long dark access tunnel. His past investigations had led him to discover many underground facilities beneath Konoha. Most facilities were separate from each other, which meant if one cell was "Rooted out", others would remain unturned. Danzo's brainwashed followers were a moving infestation. The Hokage was either not aware of this, or the old man was simply too lazy or trusting to implement a thorough examination.
It didn't matter though. Kioshi would cut the head from the snake. Danzo was the glue that held Root together. Once he was gone, the rest would fall.
Kioshi investigated the tunnels for some time, but any Root member he came close to retreated. There were many sensors among them. Kioshi could have attempted to hide his presence with mental chakra, but that ability required a deep amount of immersion and focus to perform. This would leave him vulnerable to attacks. He also didn't want to expose the ability just yet. He simply ignored the retreating presences and continued to push deeper.
A breakthrough happened when Kisohi finally discovered a hidden passage leading to an incriminating section of the network. Luminous lights lit up the place, and the area looked brand new like it had been recently dug out and polished. There were bunk rooms outfitted with clean crisp sheets, and moving in further, there was also a lab with varying chemicals processing in bubbling fashions.
A side room also contained snarling caged animals that looked sick or malformed in some way or another. The lack of human experiments meant Danzo couldn't be incriminated to the extent of Orochimaru, but it was obvious that this place was live and active. This was evidence.
Kioshi continued to walk through the compound. A long hall eventually lead him into a large domed room. The ceiling, walls, and floor were made of seamless stone. It looked like a training arena.
It was at this point that Danzo finally showed himself.
"You are trespassing in a restricted area, Ninja Hirano," the gruff familiar voice admonished behind him.
Kioshi had sensed the man's proximity hours ago, but hadn't reacted, wanting to see how much the man would let him explore unhindered. He smiled and turned. "Mr. Shimura, fancy meeting you here," he responded casually, thoroughly pleased at the man's irritated twitch and the civilian address. Most would refer to a retired ninja by their old title out of respect, but it wasn't required. It was satisfying to remind the man of his current station.
"I thought I made it clear that only certain personnel were allowed in Konoha's underground, boy," Danzo growled, ignoring the slight. "Has captivity damaged your brain?"
"I thought you were retired," Kioshi countered, not letting the subject drop. "Doesn't this mean you're trespassing as well?"
The man's eyes narrowed.
"You aren't even an active ninja." Kioshi continued with a smirk. "I am technical of higher authority, so who are you to order me?"
"Brat," Danzo said. "You know nothing of which you speak."
"Oh, so you are actually working on the Hokage's orders?" Kioshi blinked in false surprise. "A hidden position then? I apologize. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Truthfully, I was only here to make sure this place was secure. These tunnels provide many access points to the village. Recent experiences have made me more cautious, you see. I simply want to feel safe. When I heard you had stepped down from power, I feared the worst."
Danzo looked and Kioshi dully, like he didn't believe a word of it. The slight sarcasm wasn't exactly convincing.
"But now that I know that all is well," Kioshi continued, "I'll go apologize to the Hokage and make him aware of my discoveries. I must be properly reprimanded and instructed on how to handle this new information."
It was a blatant call on the man's bluff if there was one. It seemed obvious that something unsanctioned was going on. The man was too angry and tense for it to be anything else. If Kioshi had wanted to avoid a fight, then he would have begged or sincerely assured the man that nothing beyond these walls would be discussed. But that wasn't the goal. Kioshi continued to smirk, making it clear that he knew the damage his tattling would cause.
"It seems like captivity has made you confident," Danzo acknowledged with a frown. "The rumors are true. You have indeed gained strength. Tell me, what new abilities have you acquired that make you deluded enough to challenge me?"
"I don't know what you are talking about." Kioshi faked innocently. "I'm not trying to challenge anyone. Let me surrender myself to Hiruzen and everything can be straightened out."
A bit of chakra flashed from Danzo at this. In response, twenty Root members entered from the five doors spread out equally around the base exterior of the dome.
"I'm afraid I can't let that happen," Danzo said. "You obviously do not understand the gravity of the situation."
Kioshi's eyes narrowed slightly. He'd known the ninjas were there, but the unfamiliar machines five of them held were a surprise. They looked like satellite dishes connected to car batteries. Should he be worried?"
"Attacking a Konoha ninja unprovoked is treason," Kioshi said calmly, even as adrenaline started to pump. "Especially a clan head."
Danzo scoffed. "You are no clan head. The only clan you've managed to create is with the enemy. You might have even been complacent in the contribution. Your foreign origins show clearly now. You've never been loyal, and you never will be. You see Konoha as a tool, nothing more. You will leave without hesitation once you've gleaned what you can from us. That, or you will seek to rule and lead us to destruction."
"Those are some bold statements," Kioshi said darkly.
"Don't think that I haven't noticed your flashes of anger towards Hiruzen," Danzo said. "Civilians hold more value in your eyes."
"I don't think you are in a position to judge," Kioshi retorted. "After all, you're a "civilian" yourself. By your definition, your opinion should mean nothing! Protecting non-combats is a ninja's duty. They are the foundation and support that we stand on. They are Konoha! And don't lecture me about loyalty! At least the Hokage doesn't need to forgive me for constantly disobeying and doing things behind his back! You use your value as a shield just as much as me, if not more! Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if you've attempted to assassinate Konoha's leader once or twice!"
Danzo twitched fractionally at the last sentence.
"Oh, so you have!" Kioshi said sardonically. "Thanks for confirming it! Honestly, I can't understand how you haven't been executed ten times over! What kind of friend are you? You're the traitor, not me!"
"I do what is best for Konoha," Danzo said defensively. "You are too young and immature to ever understand. Disaster will only come from actions against me. I am the village's hidden strength and security. Without me, it will fall. I must do what is necessary to ensure its survival."
With that, Danzo drew a sword hidden in his robes and dashed forward. Despite his old age, Danzo was extremely powerful and excelled in speed. It was only because Kioshi was already on guard that the first strike was blocked.
They then flashed into a quick battle of kenjutsu. Danzo was slightly faster, having learned to condense and infuse his chakra into his muscles to a greater degree, so Kioshi had to focus intently to overcome the advantage with skill. Kioshi muscles in themselves were also still weak from misuse, so more chakra had to be expelled in a greater amount to give them proper strength. This would have been devastating to normal ninjas in a prolonged battle, but Kioshi wasn't worried. It was what his saved chakra was for.
Danzo, unaware of the last fact, smiled. "You shouldn't have angered me so soon boy. Your arrogance will be your downfall."
Kioshi gritted his teeth. He agreed that death was possible. This battle would take every trick and bit of energy to come out victorious. But he'd rather die than let another victim fall at Danzo's hands.
The battle of swords was even, neither able to get the upper hand. Kioshi sent out a spike chakra from his stomach to shift the tide. This was a variation of Shaed's rocket thrusting technique, the only difference being that the energy was more dense and sharp. Danzo blocked the attack with a powerful technique of his own, causing both combatants to be blasted away from each other.
Danzo made another gesture, and seals were activated. Thick slabs of stone fell and blocked each exit doorway, more echoes of slabs falling behind them following.
"You are surrounded by more than 20 yards of hard stone," Danzo said in the silence afterward. "There is no escape. Surrender now to save yourself pain."
"Are you worried you'd damage my eyes or something?" Kioshi glared in ill amusement. "I assume you want to harvest them after you kill me?"
"You simply have no way out of this situation," Danzo stated, not denying the statement.
"Kumo thought much the same," Kioshi said, not backing down. Honestly though, Danzo's words were a bit worrying. The man was well informed of the basics of his Dojutsu. Surely he knew he could just make a portal out of here, right? What made the man so confident?
As if in response, a spiritual barrier was activated around the entire dome. Okay…this made teleportation to the outside impossible, but it wouldn't stop him from tunneling out. What else was he missing? Did it have something to do with the machines some of the Root members were holding?
Kioshi made five dime-sized purple portals to circle around threateningly as a distraction. His real purpose was to replenish his core and to make sure that the act could still be performed. So far, so good…
Spiritual chakra was used to hide the action, but Danzo scans would still be able to detect something if enough attention was paid.
Something deadly and quick had to be done. If Danzo started activating his implanted eyes, then this battle would get extremely difficult. An Izanagi Sharingan could change anything in reality into an illusion. With it, Danzo could brush off deadly injuries, while simultaneously leaving deadly ones on his opponent.
This needed to be avoided.
Kioshi decided to do the same thing that he'd done with the Kumo sensor at the time of his capture. He started to push long red wisps out of his eyes. He still had enough techniques saved up to blast this place to oblivion. He'd use more portals to shield himself.
Danzo's spiritual scans detected the wisps circling around him. A gesture was made, and the white-masked Root members activated the machines.
The effect was immediate. Pulses of canceling energy immitted all around, destabilizing the wisps and causing them to disperse. This was a surprise. Wisps could be dispelled with canceling techniques but such techniques could usually only be done close to a user's body. These satellite machines appeared to be able to enhance and project canceling energy to a greater distance.
The machine pulses stopped as Danzo rushed at him. They exchanged a few more sword blows before separating again.
The long-distance spiritual destabilization was troublesome. At any moment it could activate and most chakra techniques would be rendered useless.
Some techniques would even explode. Mental and spiritual chakra directed the movements and shape of techniques. Without it, things would be limited to uncontrolled blasts.
Luckily though, the machines seemed to have an effect on Danzo as well. The man wouldn't have deactivated the machines while attacking otherwise.
Kioshi ran at Danzo and the machines turned on again. This caused chakra to flare out from both of them in large amounts as they both inefficiently infused their muscles with speed and strength to counter each other.
Kioshi's core had been topped off in the break, so the lost energy wasn't an immediate worry. But this wouldn't be the case for long. Danzo was implanted with the cells of Hashirama. The man had an initial chakra advantage. The machines blocked off access to the teenager's dimensional realm. Without the energy inside, Kioshi would be quickly worn down.
In the breaks between strikes, Kioshi began to attack the Root members holding the instruments with great ferocity.
The tactic worked. When he attacked the Root members, the machines would deactivate, so that shields could be erected. It seemed like the other five members not holding machines were fast and skilled in ninjutsu barriers. This was annoying since Kioshi couldn't get rid of the threat permanently, but the breaks in the canceling energy at least allowed him to replenish his core to full again.
Could Kioshi use Danzo's own tactic against him? It was obvious the man was seeking victory through endurance. The machines seemed to function on direct chakra. There was no sign of storage seals, fuel, or electrical cords. This meant that there was a limit to them. Their energy would last only as long as the Root members that held them.
Danzo was protecting his eye-filled arm expertly, and striking a fatal blow was proving to be just as difficult. Attacking these areas without abandon might expose himself to damaging strikes. In fact, waiting for the man to activate his Izanagi's might actually be a good thing. It would just drain Danzo faster. He'd just need to make sure the man didn't get too desperate.
If Danzo realized the significance of what he was doing, the man would likely begin to protect his Root members so they could keep the machines going and attack him at full force. This tactic would kill him. An activated Izanagi would mean Danzo could attack with zero fear for his life. A suicide attack could be inflicted and Kioshi wouldn't be able to use a portal to escape. The only reason Danzo wasn't doing this was because the man didn't think it was necessary.
Kioshi continued to blast Danzo with direct beams of pure energy, while attacking the Root members every so often when his energy dropped below 70 percent. Pure chakra couldn't be detected or measured within the nature seals of the body unless you were directly scanned with medical ninjutsu or had a special bloodline. This meant there was a good chance that Danzo would stay unaware that his levels rose at every break. If Kioshi delayed discovery long enough for the Root members to become exhausted, then he could fight Danzo on equal terms.
"How is this possible?" Danzo growled after another minute of fighting. "You should be entering into the second stage of chakra exhaustion by now, even if you are S-rank."
"I could say the same thing about you," Kioshi panted, trying to fake exhaustion, but unable to do it to the correct extent without being stabbed. "I admit, I've been less frugal than you, but you've also expelled a monstrous amount. It seems we both have secrets."
Distract…Obtain information…
Danzo's eyes narrowed at Kioshi's obvious glance towards his arm. "How is it that you know of my abilities?" The former elder asked. "You've often focused on my wrappings today and in the past. Who gave you this information?"
"Isn't it obvious," Kioshi shrugged. "You refused to be healed by me 4 years ago. I figured there was a reason for this. Despite any suspicions you might have had of my intentions, anyone would have wanted to get rid of their ailments if they were truly negative- especially since you were a council member. Any purposeful wrongdoing on my part would be punished and corrected by the Hokage. Since you refused, I figured the aspects you hid were sinister or actually a boon."
"You knew something before then," Danzo glared. "You wouldn't have offered the service in the first place otherwise. Your contempt towards me has been obvious from the beginning."
Kioshi shrugged. "Maybe, but perhaps I just wanted to gain yours and the Hokage's favor."
The truth was that Kioshi had wanted to draw the Hokage's attention to the bandages to at least try to get the elder dismantled. He'd waited until both were present and then offered his healing services to Danzo. The advisor had gruffly refused, saying that the wished to stay with the scars of his failures. Like the friend-loving fool, the Hokage was, the old man either believed this or simply didn't have the desire to question further.
It was infuriating. The Hashirama arm could have proved Danzo's alliance or at least a connection to Orochimaru. That particular bloodline infusion was known as one of the Snake's experimental studies. And any embedded Sharingan would have proved Danzo's disrespect and a potential sinister motive towards the Uchiha Clan.
"Well, I suppose there is no use hiding it then," Danzo said. "You have proved to be a difficult opponent."
Kioshi's eyes widened slightly when Danzo lifted a hand and began to unwrap the bandages around the right side of his face. Danzo was exposing Shisui's eye first. Things were going in the opposite order from Danzo's canon battle with Sasuke.
It made sense though. Tobi wasn't waiting on the sidelines this time, so there was no reason for Danzo to save the technique. Shisui's Kotoamatsikami had a long cool-down time, but it wasn't permanently blinding. It was less damaging than Izanagi.
Kioshi closed his eyes immediately as the wrapping fell. Sharingan genjutsus were powerful, especially at the Mangekyo stage, but they needed eye contact to have effect. It was their one weakness. As long as Kioshi didn't look at the eye, then he was safe from the imprisoning hypnotic patterns.
Luckily, as a past sparing partner to Itachi and many other Uchihas, Kioshi had plenty of practice fighting blind. It also didn't hurt that he'd spent the last two years in darkness. It made his other senses sharp.
"You refuse to look at me boy?!" Danzo snapped, clearly irritated at Kioshi's reaction to the reveal. "Surely you wish to see what I have been hiding?!"
"A Sharingan, I'm guessing," Kioshi stated dully. There was little point in hiding the suspicion. His actions were evidence of it.
"Where are you receiving your information!?" Danzo gritted, barely keeping in his rage. "Has Itachi been in contact with you? Has he sent you here to kill me? Is that why the Hokage refused to discuss the details of your escape?"
The man's eyes widened as if just realizing such truth. "That's it isn't it!? The Uchiha bastard rescued you and has pressured both you and the Hokage to take me down! You're here on their orders!"
"So it is a Sharingan," Kioshi stated flatly, ignoring the man's questions. Danzo must be truly losing it if he actually believed that Hiruzen would take proper initiative and do such a thing.
Still, Kioshi decided to continue the conversation. If the man was in the mood to confess his crimes then he wouldn't stop him. It was something he could show Inochi if an examination of events was required. He had no intention of keeping this confrontation secret.
"It is Shisui's," Danzo revealed, likely hoping to shock him into looking. "I plucked it straight from his eyes. He didn't even struggle. Such weakness, like every other Uchiha."
"So Shisui didn't commit suicide. You attacked him?" Kioshi asked calmly, not rising to the bait.
"Yes," Danzo affirmed.
"You ordered Itachi to kill his clan."
"Yes," Danzo said again. "Though he is a traitor for telling you so."
"Itachi didn't tell me anything," Kioshi said, glaring as best as closed eyelids would allow. "Your jealousy and fear make you threatened by anyone with power! You never gave the Uchihas a chance!"
"It did what was best for the village."
"You did what was best for yourself! You hate anything you can't control!"
"They were seeking to take over Konoha," Danzo stated back simply.
"They wouldn't have if you would have just treated them with respect!" Kioshi said. "You are so full of selfishness and greed that you believe everyone is like you! You see enemies where there are none. You prefer war over peace. I'm over this! It's time you die."
With that, Kioshi rushed at the man once again. The machines activated, but this didn't stop Kioshi. He continued to blast Danzo with erratic chakra and slashed at him with his sword. This forced Danzo to do the same.
Surely Danzo's Hashirama DNA would soon reach its limit, right? Chakra radiated out wastefully around each of them. This continued for long intense minutes.
Thankfully, the Root members activating the machines eventually ran out of energy. Five white masks collapsed to the floor.
"How are you still standing!" Danzo screamed, for the first time showing open panic now that his main ace was down.
Kioshi smiled in relief, true confidence surfacing now. "Did you underestimate me Danzo?" he mocked. "Shame on you. It's one of the basic lessons of a ninja. You really shouldn't have confessed all your crimes so readily. Now, even if you manage to escape, I'll make sure your life in the leaf village is over. Your attack on Shisui will not go unpunished."
"I am just getting started," Danzo growled. Bandages were heard being unwrapped and ominous chakra flared.
Kioshi knew what this was. Izanagi activation. For the next minute, the man would be completely invulnerable.
When the man ran at him, Kioshi retreated. Distance was his friend right now. Even destroying the eye currently would have zero effect. Sasuke had crushed Danzo whole with his Susanno in the TV show, and the man was still able to return without a blemish. Risking himself in offense would be stupid.
The underground dome was large enough that he was able to play cat and mouse without much trouble. The machines were no longer active, so Kioshi created multiple interconnected portals and teleported around.
"Stop being such a coward! Fight me!" Danzo shouted.
"Oh, but watching you run around is just so fun!" Kioshi laughed, coming out of another portal some distance away.
Danzo became so angry at this that he blasted through two of his root members to get to him, killing them instantly. A good leader would have ordered them to retreat by now. Instead, the silent soldiers had been left standing or lying out in the middle of the battle without orders.
The Izanagi's one-minute life was soon up, and the ominous chakra dispersed. Kioshi immediately attacked then, creating five large red portals at once and blasting the man from every direction. The man was incinerated.
Kioshi almost dared to hope that he'd been quick enough. Had it really been that easy? But then a growing presence appeared behind him, causing him to flash away quickly. The ominous chakra of the newly activated eye which had saved the man died along with the appearance. Interesting… An Izanagi eye would go blind after it had been used, not only after its time limit. That meant he could end things sooner.
"How do you know about the forbidden technique?!" Danzo shouted once again in furry.
"A technique?" Kioshi asked in fake confusion. "What technique? Forbidden? I hope you got permission to use it if that is the case."
"I'll kill you." Danzo breathed heavily, hating the mockery. Knowledge on the subject was obvious by how the boy chose to retreat and attack.
Kioshi activated large portals near the man once again. In response, Danzo surrounded himself with chakra-infused wood. It was Hashriamas bloodline technique, so the shield was extremely durable and held up against the powerful blasts that came out of the red energy.
It didn't stop the portals themselves though. Danzo and his dome protection were crushed like a grape when the two disks clapped together.
"Three eyes down…Seven more to go," Kioshi sighed. For some reason, it seemed like Danzo was easier to kill now that he was using his stolen sharingans. Was this because the man less focused and powerful with an Izanagi active? Or was using portals freely without restraint really this powerful?
Kioshi betted on the last. It was only once the machines were destroyed that Danzo showed true fear. He wouldn't be surprised if they were manufactured specifically for him. Danzo was out of his depth when it came to Kioshi's Dojutsu. Izanagi was a last resort. Kioshi would need to watch for any attempts of escape. He didn't want this to turn into a chase or battle among innocents.
Two more Izanagi's were used in the next minute as Kioshi used a combination of himself and his portals to inflict fatal strikes.
Now on his sixth eye, Danzo moved to more drastic measures. The man started to gather a large unstable ball of energy in front of himself. Kioshi could have attempted to absorb the thing with a portal, but he'd figured he'd let the man kill himself. Kioshi had destroyed the spiritual barrier seal surrounding the dome recently while battling, so he could avoid the suicide bomb by teleporting.
True to his prediction, Danzo released all his chakra in a devastating wave. In response, Kioshi instantly created a purple portal in front of him and transported himself to a far exit tunnel. The ground shook from the blast, even from the current distance. Kioshi had no doubt that the earthquake had been noticed by the village above.
He needed to finish the fight quickly. Ninjas would soon be sent to investigate.
When Kioshi teleported back, Danzo had already reformed. It seemed like Izanagi was a complete reset button because the man's monstrous chakra was back as well.
The dome was jagged and much bigger now, stone rubble all around. It was intact though, which was a blessing. This would keep outside forces away a bit longer and prevent escape.
The next few minutes were spent eliminating Danzo's remaining eyes. Danzo couldn't do much to stop it. Kioshi overwhelmed him with unstoppable portals and powerful techniques.
"You're a monster." Danzo panted, once all eyes on his arm were closed and blind.
Kioshi replied by sending himself and more portals at the figure. The man was agile and quick, but the combination of attacks succeeded in being overwhelming once again.
The final blow to Danzo was a portal through the chest. In response, the man lost control of his Hashirama arm and a giant tree began to grow out of it. Some things were destined to stay the same it seemed…
The tree was strong enough to break through the ceiling of the dome and travel upward, beams of sunlight filtering down from far above. Great… Just what he needed. If Konoha wasn't aware of the disturbance yet, they definitely were now. They were directly under the village. Hopefully, everyone was fast enough to get out of the way.
Kioshi absorbed Danzo's head and arm before the man died. The arm was for evidence, and the head was for Shisui's eye. Thankfully, it seemed that Danzo had still subconsciously refused to ruin such a treasure like in TV show, or for some other reason wasn't unable to activate a last Izanagi, because the eye was still healthy and functional.
He wanted the eye to give to Itachi. It could be used to help grant him the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
After the task was done, Kioshi immediately teleported away. If things stayed similar to canon, then Danzo's true death would activate the reverse four symbols sealing technique, which would seal any opponent within range into the man's body on death. Kioshi didn't want to be anywhere close when that happened.
Within an exit tunnel, he felt the technique's activation, and then the last of Danzo's chakra finally faded away. Appearing out in the forest surrounding Konoha, he looked up at the peaceful chirping birds in the leaf-filtered sunlight with contentment. It almost didn't seem real. He'd done it. Danzo was gone.
He made his way slowly to the gate, exhausted, but also feeling like a huge weight had been lifted. The giant tree from Danzo's uncontrolled infused bloodline could be seen in the center of the village when he entered. It wasn't long until Anbu members surrounded him.
Kioshi sighed. The investigators must have recognized the lingering chakra signatures from the battle. He complied and surrendered.
It was time to face the Hokage.