Hiruzen hands over Naruto to Sakumo.
"Take care of him. He is the hero of the village. His parents sacrificed their lives to protect the village. I don't want their legacy to suffer any harm."
"Don't worry, Hokage-Sama. He is the son of Fourth Hokage. Also, Minato was Kakashi's Sensei. I will protect him."
Sakumo carries a sleeping Naruto in his arms. Hiruzen nods to Sakumo and flickers away.
A few moments later, Hiruzen arrives at the destroyed, hidden room. He is stunned to see the present condition of the room.
"How come?...the barrier is still present. How did the enemy breach the barrier? Biwako… Biwako…"
Hiruzen had a bad feeling as he frantically shouts the name of his wife. There is no response. Hiruzen rushes inside the remains of the room and searches.
Soon, he spots the body of an old woman. He hugs the woman in his arms as tears trickled down from his eyes.
"My awful premonition came true. Biwako…"
Hiruzen stayed still for a while and mourned in grief over the death of his wife.
"I have to look for that Uchiha kids for answers. He is the only alive witness of the entire incident."
Hiruzen carries away the dead body of Biwako.
--
Inside the Hidden leaf hospital,
Tsunade clicked her tongue as she looked at Izuna.
"His Chakra reserves are dry. He has suffered a tremendous loss in vitality, and there is a fist-size hole in his guts. I wonder how this kid survived this incident. It is a miracle he made it up to here."
Tsunade inspects the unconscious Izuna.
'Don't die, kid. I believe in you, your words gave me a new hope in my life. I don't want your flame to extinguish before it could shine brightly.'
Tsunade frantically uses her Healing Jutsu to heal Izuna. The wound around Izuna's stomach is healing at a very slow pace. Despite all of Tsunade's efforts, Izuna failed to gain consciousness.
'What things transpired for him to suffer such a wound? Earlier, nine tails appeared and attacked the village. This kid isn't reckless enough to engage in a fight with Nine-tails despite knowing the odds of the victory.'
Hiruzen arrives at Konoha's hospital and directly meets with Tsunade.
"Tsunade, how's that kid doing? Has he gained conscious?"
Tsunade shakes her head in denial and replies to Hiruzen,
"Sensei! He is still in a coma. His injury is very fatal. I don't know when he will retain his consciousness. Sensei, fill me on the details of the events which transpired in the village."
Sensing no harm in describing the situation to Tsunade, Hiruzen explains everything to Tsunade.
Tsunade sighs in grief and looks towards Izuna.
"I still can't believe both Minato and Kushina lost their lives in this incident. Even Izuna is in such terrible shape. The enemy must be insanely powerful for such a thing."
"Yes, earlier I sensed an enormous amount of Chakra on the periphery of Konoha. That Chakra outburst was on a different scale, even the chakra of Nine-tails couldn't compare to it. What kind of enemy is after Konoha?"
Hiruzen reveals this matter to Tsunade. Both of them contemplate on this matter.
An Anbu arrives in the room and bows down to Hiruzen.
"Lord Third! The village elders wish to start an emergency meeting. They request your presence in this meeting."
"I will be there shortly." Hiruzen nods to Anbu. The Anbu member flickers out.
"Sensei! Looks like your retirement days are over. You have to re-handle the affairs of the village." Tsunade remarks.
Hiruzen sighs again and leaves the hospital.
'The village comes before the family, I can't allow this incident to ruin the efforts of Hashirama and Tobirama Sensei.'
--
In a meeting hall,
Various village elders and clan leaders gathered to discuss the course of action required. Hiruzen arrives at the meeting hall and the discussion starts.
"Our village has lost its leader. We need to reinstate a new competent Hokage to look after the village. Otherwise, the power of Village will weaken and the enemy will use this opportunity to strike us down." Danzo raised this matter.
"I agree with Danzo, we have to reinstate a new Hokage to maintain stability in Village." Homura agrees with Danzo.
"It would be difficult to search for an ideal candidate for Hokage's position. Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Sakumo had already refused the position and there aren't any other capable shinobi present in the village." Koharu speaks the matter.
"I think I will…"
"Why not allow Lord Third to retain the position of Hokage? He had done a fine job leading the village in the past, and all of us are aware of his abilities. He can continue his reign until we groom a successor for the position." Shikaku cuts off Danzo and presents his opinion.
"Hmm… that's a wonderful idea." Many other elders and clan leaders chimes in.
"It's decided then, Lord Third will retain the position of Hokage until we find a new successor." Koharu and Homura pass the final verdict.
"I don't agree with your decision. Hiruzen isn't competent enough, all of us have seen this during the Third Ninja War." Danzo stands up in disagreement.
"I don't quite agree with your opinion, Danzo-Sama. Lord third did a good job of handling the peace treaty. Konoha would have suffered more losses if the war continued. So, I support Lord Third." Shikaku interrupts Danzo again.
"Shikaku has a point. The wits of Lord Third prevented heavy losses to the village." Many other elders chimed in.
"Very well, the meeting is officially over with Hiruzen Sarutobi reinstated as the Hokage. He will still be the Third Hokage of Leaf Village." Koharu and Homura end the meeting.
--
A few moments later,
Hiruzen, Homura, Koharu, and Danzo sit around a table in a private room near Hokage's Office.
"I still don't agree with your decision." Danzo slams his hand on the table.
"Danzo, Hiruzen is the most powerful shinobi in the village. Also, all other potential candidates are not interested in the position or they aren't fit for it." Koharu tone down Danzo.
"Anyway, we have gathered here to discuss the cause of the Nine-tails attack. Hiruzen, you were in charge of the matters of Jinchuruki. How things escalated to this extent?" Homura questions Hiruzen.
"The enemy could breach the barrier, and he even killed Biwako and rest of the anbus guarding the Jinchuruki. Minato had sealed the nine-tails in his newborn son, Naruto Namikaze.
Also, an Uchiha kid close to Minato and Kushina fought with them. The kid is in serious condition. I hospitalize him in the leaf Hospital. He has the answers to all of our questions." Hiruzen explains things to his friends.
"Hiruzen hand over the nine-tails and that Uchiha kid to Root. Nine-tails will turn into a weapon that will protect the Konoha. Our Konoha has weakened in these past few years. If we can control Nine-tails, then our power will increase drastically.
Also, I will interrogate that Uchiha kid and gather all intel of the incident." Danzo demands.
"No, that won't do. Naruto is the son of Minato Namikaze. His father sacrificed his life to save the village. Naruto is a hero of the Village. I won't allow you to turn Minato's legacy in a mindless weapon.
As for the Uchiha kid, I don't have any say in that matter. He is the disciple of Tsunade, Sakumo, Minato, and Kushina. I don't think Sakumo and Tsunade will allow you to interrogate him in Root.
I will question the kid and get answers from him. Now, if you have any other intel on this matter, then present it." Hiruzen denies all the requests of Danzo.
Tch…
Danzo clicks his tongue and scoffs.
"I do have information regarding the Nine-Tails. Someone summoned the Nine-tails inside the village. It appeared in a puff of smoke similar to a summoning.
Also, it appeared near Uchiha compounds. While fighting against Nine-tails, I noticed it was under a strong Genjutsu.
This only leads to one conclusion. Uchihas controlled the Nine-tails. They released the Nine-tails on Village and caused this massacre."
"Danzo, the Uchiha police force helped a lot during the Nine-tails attack. They were the ones who were the first to take action and evacuate civilians.
Also, Fugaku with many other Uchiha clan elders fought against Nine-tails. I don't think your claim makes any sense. It can be a coincidence or a setup against Uchihas." Hiruzen disagrees with Danzo.
"Naïve, you are too naïve, Hiruzen. A normal Sharingan can't control the Nine-tails, but what about the Mangekyo Sharingan? I am sure you are aware of the prowess of Mangekyo Sharingan. Madara Uchiha was a prime example of this. He attacked the village with Nine-tails." Danzo states the fact.
"This makes sense. But we still can't blame the Uchihas with no solid proof. Their contribution and merits are undeniable. Let us leave it for now and focus on the stability of Village."
Hiruzen ends the discussion as he walks out of the room. Koharu and Homura follow him along.
Danzo looks at their departing back and clutches his fist.
'I am still weak compared to Hiruzen. Orochimaru, I hope your research is fruitful otherwise I would have to get rid of you.'
Danzo looks at his right hand.
Inside the leaf Village Hospital,
Izuna's Chakra recovers enough to trigger his healing factor. The wound around his stomach heals at a rapid pace. In a few moments, his wound closes and Izuna gains consciousness.
Tsunade who is examining a medical report nearby notices the change in Izuna's body.
"This is… Incredible!"
Izuna opens his eyes groggily and inspects his surroundings. He lies on a bed with an IV-drip attached to him. Izuna slowly stands up and removes the IV drip.
"Kid, you finally gained consciousness. How are you feeling right now? As a medic, you must know your condition better than anyone else."
Izuna flexes his hands and muscles. The soreness he felt earlier fades away. He takes a few steps and stands in front of Tsunade and bows to her.
"Thank you, Tsunade-San. I have recovered from my injuries and I am good to go."
"You should thank Hiruzen-Sensei. He was the one who sent you here. You were in terrible shape when you arrived here? Also, what was that just now, kid?
Your healing was almost on the same level as my Creation Rebirth, if not higher." Tsunade curiously looked at Izuna.
'Ugh! How to explain this to her?'
Izuna stays silent. Tsunade sighs and remarks,
"I know every Ninja has their own secrets and techniques. If you don't want to reveal it, then it is fine with me. But you can always trust me."
"Thank-you, Tsunade san. I hope you won't mention this to anyone. I will reveal everything to you in the future."
Suddenly something clicks in Izuna's head and he anxiously questions Tsunade.
"Tsunade-san, where is Naruto? The son of Minato and Kushina. He was with me before I lost consciousness."
"Calm down! Izuna. Naruto is fine. Hiruzen-sensei is taking care of him for now. He will eventually assign a caretaker for Naruto." Tsunade calms down Izuna.
"Tsunade-san! I have a request for you if you are fine with it." Izuna requests Tsunade.
"Well, make your request. I will fulfill it if it's within my capabilities." Tsunade assures Izuna.
"Tsunade-san, the village won't allow me to take care of Naruto. I am an Uchiha and many elders will be against the decision. So, I would like to request you to take care of Naruto for at least five years.
You can leave him when he enters the academy. At that time, I will personally train Naruto. This was the last wish of Minato and Kushina. I hope you agree with me."
Tsunade ponders for a while before sighing,
"Fine, I will take care of Naruto. Initially, I planned to leave the village with Shizune. But your request has delayed my departure. I will talk to sensei about this matter.
Also, Naruto is a part Uzumaki like me. So, it makes us a family. I will be his Godmother and take care of him."
Tsunade agrees with Izuna's request.
"Also, Hiruzen sensei wants to know the details of the entire incident from you. Apparently, you are the only survivor who knows about the details."
"I will answer all of his questions after the funeral."
Izuna changes his clothes and teleports from the spot.
--
Later during the funeral ceremony,
Izuna joins other Uchihas in mourning. He silently stares at the crying baby Naruto placed in a basket in front of the Symbol of Will of Fire.
Hiruzen walks forward and addresses the ceremony,
"We lost many lives, including the Fourth Hokage Minato and his wife, Kushina Uzumaki. The facts behind the incident are still unknown.
But for now, let us mourn our comrades."
All the shinobis silently pay their respect to their dead comrades.
Tsunade walks to the basket and picks Naruto in her arms.
Tch…
Danzo clicks his tongue and stares at Hiruzen. Hiruzen ignores Danzo and continues with the ceremony.
'At least, Naruto won't have a miserable childhood this way. Minato and Kushina, this is the best I can do for the current Naruto. He needs motherly love and Tsunade will be an excellent mother.'
Izuna stares at the departing back of Tsunade and other villagers.
--
Inside the private room,
Danzo slams his hands on the table and questions Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen, what's the meaning of this? Why would you allow Tsunade to take care of that jinchuruki? You also know how irresponsible she is?"
"Danzo, I won't hear any question on this matter. Tsunade volunteered to take care of Naruto. Also, both of them are part Uzumaki.
I will change Naruto's last name to Uzumaki to prevent Minato's enemy from hunting down his son. Staying with Tsunade will also grant him additional protection." Hiruzen rebukes Danzo.
"We agree with Hiruzen's decision. We have other important matters to handle. Almost one-third of Central Konoha was destroyed. We have to conduct a meeting with various Clan heads to discuss reconstruction and relocation." Koharu and Homura discuss serious matters.
"Let us summon them and start the meeting."
--
Inside the large meeting room,
Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura sit on elders' seats with various clan leaders seated around a table. A large map of Konoha is placed on the table, and Danzo explains the plans to clan leaders.
With a long stick in his hands, Danzo moves back and forth around the table as he explains,
"The Nine-tails caused major devastation throughout the village. Almost one-third of the village is destroyed. For the reconstruction, we have decided to revise a number of the Village's boundaries."
He points the stick at a certain part of the map and explains,
"We'd like the Aburame clan to move into this district. The clan previously submitted a request to occupy the forest, so we took that into consideration."
Shibi Aburame nods to Danzo, and Danzo continues.
"The Nara clan's territory was not part of the stricken area, so they will remain where they are. The Leaf Police Force headquarters which sustained damage will be rebuilt here."
Danzo points at the furthest end of the village, almost near the outer periphery of the Village. Fugaku frowns at this decision.
"And the Uchiha clan will move along with the headquarters…"
Fugaku stands up and slams his hands on the table.
"Lord Danzo! The Uchiha clan makes up the Leaf Police Force that protects the Hidden Leaf. As such, that location is too far from the village center. We wouldn't be able to act swiftly in an emergency."
Other clan leaders nod in agreement. Danzo cuts off Fugaku and argues,
"We have the ANBU Black Ops for such emergencies."
"The Leaf Police has to commute to the training ground, does it not? This location is near an area that's ideal for training. You can use that area exclusively for the Uchiha's training grounds." Hiruzen points out the facts.
"Continuing on… In conjunction with the reconstruction of the Leaf Police Headquarters, the Uchiha clan will also relocate. Home and buildings that were spared will be…"
Danzo continues to explain the construction plans.
--
Inside the Naka Shrine,
Many Leaf Police force members gathered for a secret meeting. Fugaku and an elder led the meeting.
Izuna walks to the Naka Shrine and notices Itachi at the Tori Gate of Shrine.
"How are you doing, Itachi?" Izuna questions him.
"I am doing fine, Izuna nii-san. Father has summoned you for the meeting." Itachi replies to Izuna.
Izuna walks inside the Naka Shrine and meets with Fugaku,
"So, the dog of Anbu has appeared for the meeting." One of the police force members taunts Izuna.
"What are you doing at this secret meeting?" Another police member questions him.
"What I am doing here is none of your business?" Izuna activates his Sharingan and stares at the police member.
The police force members activate his Sharingan and stare back at Izuna. Izuna murmurs,
'Genjutsu: Sharingan'
The police force member sweats profusely and pants heavily. Another member tries to dispel the genjutsu but fails.
"Enough… stop this unnecessary quarrel right now." Fugaku bellows.
Izuna dispels the genjutsu and walks in front of Fugaku.
"You have summoned me, clan leader."
"Yes, today we are conducting a secret clan meeting and you are also one of the elites of the clan. We will start the meeting now." Fugaku signals to start the discussion.
"During the nine-tails incident, we Uchiha were not credited because they feared that we used our Sharingan to manipulate the Nine-Tails." One of the Uchiha member remarks.
"Even worse, there are some who say that the Uchiha caused the Nine-tails incident!" Another member yells.
"They are sending us to the outskirts of the village to keep an eye on us!" Another member states his opinion.
"This is just like during the second Hokage's era when the Uchiha were rounded up and isolated in one part of the Village!" Another member complains.
"This time, it is even further away! The village suspects us!" Another member chimes in.
"Captain, we can't accept this decision! We should reject this outright!" One of the members riles up the crowd.
"Captain! Captain! Captain!" all of them shout in unison.
"You are absolutely right. But the other clans have accepted their respective relocations as well. The Uchiha cannot be the lone voice of dissent." Fugaku interrupts them.
"But Captain!..."
"I'll do what I can to negotiate the conditions. But we must accept the move. Pass the word around. That is all. Dismissed." Fugaku dismisses them.
Izuna stands and starts to walk away but is interrupted by Fugaku,
"Izuna, stay behind. I have some matters to discuss with you."
Izuna stops in his tracks and waits for Fugaku to speak. After a while, when all members dispersed, Fugaku speaks,
"Izuna, you have been part of Anbu since the tenure of the Last Hokage. So, this makes you a trustworthy person in the eyes of Hokage. I would like you to monitor Village elders, especially Danzo Shimura and the Hokage, and report their matters to me.
The welfare of the clan should be prioritized. I don't want our Uchiha Clan to fade in the annals of history similar to the Senju Clan. You will be our spy in the Anbu."
'What? He wants me to spy in Anbu. I don't want the Uchiha clan to go extinct. I will act accordingly for the betterment of my family.'
"Yes, clan leader. I will take care of that."
Fugaku nods and dismisses Izuna.
'I am strong enough to deal with Danzo. But first, I have to collect proofs against him. Orochimaru is still in the village. After Orochimaru leaves the village. I will put my plan into action.'
Izuna is lost in his thoughts as he flickers towards his house.
Izuna is packing the luggage with his family. Their house survived the Nine-tails attack, but they had to shift to a new location.
Izuna picks up lots of his luggage and makes some hand signs and store it in a scroll.
'Enclosing Technique'
"My, my! That's too convenient Izuna-chan." Fumiko looks at Izuna in amazement.
Izuna scratches his head and replies,
"I learned Fuinjutsu Techniques from Fourth Hokage and his wife, Kushina Uzumaki," Izuna replies with a sad expression.
The atmosphere turns gloomy. Akira, Yagami, Aiko, Fumiko, and Shisui silently stare at Izuna.
An Anbu flickers and appears in front of Izuna.
"Vice-Captain! Hokage-sama has summoned you. Please follow me to the Hokage-Office."
The Anbu whispers to Izuna. Izuna flickers towards Hokage's Office and the Anbu member follow him.
--
Inside the Hokage office,
Hiruzen sat on a table with eyes closed. Danzo, Koharu, and Homura stand in front of him.
"Hiruzen, I would like to watch the interrogation. I just want to hear the details of the incident." Danzo demands.
"We would also watch the interrogation." Koharu and Homura states.
"Danzo, the kid has done no crime. He is a trusted member of Anbu who has progressed in Ranks with his merits. Reaching Vice-Captain Rank in a year speaks for his talents and skills.
You don't have to be skeptical about him. He was very close to Minato and Kushina from his childhood. I don't doubt the credibility of his words." Hiruzen defends Izuna.
"Hiruzen, the Nine-tails attack has heavy involvement of the Uchiha clan. You want me to believe this incident does not involve the kid.
I had checked the records of his presence in Village. For the past three months, he was away from the village. Just before the Nine-tails attack he miraculously appeared out of nowhere.
He even survived the attack against Nine-tails, which killed the Fourth Hokage and his wife. Do you want me to believe his story?"
Danzo persists.
"Fine! I will call the Inoichi of the Yamanaka clan to monitor the kid. He will be easily able to spot any lies mixed within the truth." Hiruzen agrees to Danzo.
"No, that won't do. He is an Anbu Captain. He specializes in information gathering and disposal. Tell Inoichi to use the 'Psycho Mind Transmission' technique of their clan to enter inside the kid's subconsciousness and search his memories. I will send one of my Root members to extract information from the kid." Danzo adds another condition.
"Danzo, your action might earn us his distrust. Are you sure you want to do such a thing?" Hiruzen questions.
"I will go to any extent for the sake of Village. This is a grave matter. Many villagers lost their lives. I won't sit quietly in this situation." Danzo continues.
"Yes, Hiruzen! Danzo is right in this matter. We agree with him, it is better to take some necessary precautions then betting on circumstances. Also, we hope that as an Anbu Vice-Captain, he will understand the graveness of matter." Koharu and Homura agree with Danzo.
Hiruzen rubs his forehead and sighs,
"Fine, I agree with your terms. I just hope that it won't earn us the distrust of Uchiha clan."
--
In a separate room,
Izuna arrives with the Anbu member. The Anbu member explains things to Izuna.
"Vice-Captain! You are aware of the recent development of events. You are the sole survivor of the attack who knows the information of the Culprit.
Hokage-sama! Just want to ask some questions from you regarding the incident? We hope for your co-operation."
Izuna looks at the surrounding Anbu members and nods to them.
"It's fine. I will comply. There is nothing to hide in this situation."
"Please, Vice-Captain!" The Anbu member leads Izuna inside a closed room with a chair in the center.
Izuna sits on the chair and closes his eyes and patiently waits for Hiruzen's arrival. A few minutes later, Hiruzen together with other elders and Inoichi Yamanaka arrives inside the room. Other members of Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Force follow them closely.
"Izuna Uchiha, I don't doubt your credibility and merits. It is just that the recent events had a tremendous impact on the Village. I hope for your co-operation." Hiruzen walks in front of Izuna and speaks to him.
Izuna nods his head and replies,
"I will follow your instructions. As long as the questions aren't related to my secrets and powers, I will answer them."
"Very well! Let us start with the details of the Nine-Tails attack." Hiruzen questions Izuna.
"Narrate the entire series of events for us."
Izuna narrates the entire incident involving the Nine-tails. How Minato used 'Reaper Death Seal' to seal Nine-tails. How he used the 'Eight Trigrams Seals' to make Naruto the new-jinchuruki. How Nine-tails in a struggle to save itself mortally wounded Minato and Kushina.
Hiruzen looks toward Inoichi, who nods his head. Hiruzen continues,
"Can you describe the characteristics of the assailant? You must have faced against them?"
"The assailant used space-time ninjutsu to breach the barrier. He wore a one-eyed mask white mask with some markings. He extracted Kyubi from Kushina and attacked the village." Izuna explains.
"That's not all the details, I am sure you know much more." Danzo interrupts the interrogation.
"Yes, there are other details, but they aren't relevant to the Nine-tails attack." Izuna calmly replies to Danzo.
"Then can you explain those extra details? We are interested to hear the entire details," Danzo presses the matter.
"If you want to hear them so badly, then listen. A powerful entity attacked us while we were fighting against the Nine-tails. He easily destroyed our barrier with a snap of his fingers and pushed back the combined might of Minato, Kushina, and me.
His target was me for some unknown reasons. He captured me and flew away from the village. I could somehow escape from his grasp thanks to my abilities. And you know the later series of events. Also, I am sure some of you must have sensed the massive influx of Chakra.
That was the chakra of that entity. I would rather advise all of you to get ready to face against him rather than playing some politics and power game." Izuna looks towards Danzo and scoffs.
"Izuna, if it is fine with you then can you allow Inoichi Yamanaka to enter your subconscious and allow him to relay the series of events to us." Hiruzen inquires.
"I will only relay important information about the attack. I will hide all of my secrets and jutsus. If you agree with my conditions, then you can continue." Izuna states his condition.
"Very well! I have no problem with your condition." Hiruzen nods his head.
Inoichi slowly enters Izuna's subconscious mind. Izuna sorts all of his memories of the Nine-Tails attack and presents them to Inoichi, who relays them to others using a special device.
"So, that's how it is. Now, we have an important clue regarding this matter. Konoha won't sit idle and find the perpetrator of the attack." Hiruzen clenches his fist in anger.
"I am not satisfied yet." Danzo interrupts Hiruzen and signals his Root member.
The Root member walks up to Izuna and places his hand on top of Izuna's head and enters his mind together with Inoichi.
"Danzo, stop it. It will put a mental burden on that kid's consciousness." Hiruzen tries to stop Danzo.
Inside the Izuna's sub-consciousness, the Root member forcibly tries to break all the mental barriers and blocks.
'I have to get the information required by Danzo-Sama. Danzo-sama wants me to unveil all the secrets of this kid. I have got this chance, I won't spare even a small piece of information. I have to scavenge all of his secrets.'
Before the Root member could intrude further, a pair of large Sharingans appears in Izuna's subconscious mind. Another purple and blue eyes appear with Sharingan.
'Genjutsu: Five Senses Breakdown'
The Sharingan casts a powerful genjutsu on the Root member. The Root member suffers a backlash. His body slowly limps on the ground.
Foam froths from his mouth and blood leaks from his eyes, ears, and nose. He lies on the ground and his body twitches uncontrollably.
Even Inoichi suffers from backlash, but his condition is much better. Inoichi's entire body is covered in sweat and pants heavily.
'What was that? Thankfully, it wasn't directed at me or I would have suffered the same fate as this guy.'
Inoichi sighs in relief and looks at the twitching Root member. Immediately, two Root members beside Danzo flickers in front of the Root Anbu and carries him with them.
One of them walks towards Danzo and silently conveys some information.
Tch…
Danzo silently clicks his tongue. Anger is apparent on his face.
"What's the meaning of this?" Danzo bellows at Izuna.
"You have permanently injured the mind of one of my elite of Root. What excuse do you have for your crimes?" He continues.
"This Root member tried to infringe on my secrets and techniques despite my warnings. He suffered a backlash from my mental barriers in his attempts. If you want to blame someone, then blame him. I did not fault in this matter." Izuna replies without even looking at Danzo.
"I hope you have got your answers. I have matters to attend to. I will take my leave." Izuna continues.
Hiruzen nods at him.
Izuna stands up and flickers away from the Interrogation Room. Danzo clenches his fist and walks out of the room. His Root lackeys follow him.
Three years passed in the blink of an eye.
Izuna has been regularly doing missions in Anbu. He has become the Captain of Team Ro because of his contributions. During this time, he will sometimes train with Itachi and Shisui.
Itachi has graduated from the academy and recently became a Genin. Orochimaru had escaped the village when Hiruzen found out about his experiments. Kakashi was able to get over his grief from the death of all his team members thanks to Izuna and Sakumo. Sakumo personally trained Kakashi and Kakashi grew a lot stronger.
Initially, Kakashi faced a lot of problems with the management of Chakra. Izuna solved the problem of the Chakra drain caused by Sharingan. He created a Fuinjutsu seal to deactivate Kakashi's Sharingan. Kakashi had to form a Ram seal to activate the Sharingan.
Kakashi still adopted his usual style of covering his left eye with the headband.
--
Izuna lies on the training ground while monitoring the progress of Shisui and Itachi. Both of them have grown stronger than their Original counterpart thanks to Izuna's training.
Izuna will secretly train Shisui in the construction of Susanoo. Shisui quickly grasped the technique and improve at a rapid rate. Now, he can make an upper Body Humanoid Susanoo.
'I have successfully mastered many other Kekkai Genkai nature Transformations. I have to figure out a way to learn Sage Mode. If I can learn the 'Six Paths Sage Mode' then I can easily heal Minato and Kushina.
The 'Sin Seal' has stopped bothering me. The Yin half of Nine-tails provides ample amounts of Chakra for the seal to suck dry. In my current state, I can easily defeat Grandpa Madara with his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. As for Rinnegan… let's not talk about that.
I am currently the strongest shinobi of the Shinobi World, excluding the Otsutsukis and that unknown cloaked person.'
A shiver ran down Izuna's spine when he thought about that fight.
'Who was he? He is aware of this 'Sin Seal' and its's powers. I refuse to believe I killed him with that attack.
I don't know the extent of his powers. But if I have to make a guess, then he is at least as strong as Momoshiki Otsutsuki. I wonder what happened to him after my attack.'
Izuna shakes his head and quietly stares at the interactions of Shisui and Itachi. A young Sasuke walks up to him and lies beside him.
"Izuna Nii-san, teach me a jutsu. Father won't teach me any jutsu, and Itachi Nii-san is busy training with Shisui Nii-san. Only you can teach me a jutsu now." Sasuke stares at Izuna with his puppy eyes as he puffs up his cheeks.
Izuna pokes Sasuke's cheeks and reply,
"Sasuke, you are only four this year, why do you want to learn ninjutsu this quickly?"
"Nii-san, I want Father to praise me just like Itachi nii-san. So, Nii-san, please teach me a jutsu." Sasuke stares at Izuna with puppy eyes.
'Aw… so, cute. I can't say no to such a cute expression.'
Izuna pulls Sasuke's cheeks.
"Ok! I will teach you 'Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu'. You can later impress Uncle Fugaku with the jutsu. Now, follow me to the Nearby lake. I will show you the hand signs for the jutsu. Memorize them and practice slowly."
Izuna walks to the Uchiha lake and slowly makes the hand signs for the technique.
'Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique'
He spews out a large fireball above the lake. Lots of lake water evaporates from the jutsu.
"Now, it's your turn."
Sasuke haphazardly makes the hand signs and spew out a small orb of fire that flickers for a while before extinguishing. Sasuke drops his head depressingly.
Izuna rubs Sasuke's forehead.
"Don't be sad, Sasuke. You did well for your first attempt. If you practice diligently, you will eventually reach the same level as me."
Izuna cheers up Sasuke.
"Come, I will treat you to your favorite popsicle."
"Yay! You are the best Nii-san." Sasuke hugs Izuna.
Izuna and Sasuke walk through new Uchiha compounds while licking a popsicle. Izuna receives a signal from a nearby hidden Anbu member. He stops in his footsteps and urges Sasuke to continue,
"Sasuke! Big-Brother has some urgent work to handle. Go and play with your friends. Also, don't be mean to Naruto. Don't allow others to bully him. He is also my younger brother, just like you.
So, that makes you an elder brother to him. Protect your younger brother from bullies."
Sasuke puffs his cheeks in annoyance.
"Nii-san, why I have to take care of that baka Naruto?"
Izuna gently strokes Sasuke's head.
"He is the son of my late teacher. So, it is my responsibility to take care of him. If you take care of Naruto and protect him from bullies, I will teach you many cool new jutsus." Izuna tries to entice Sasuke.
"If you say so, I will play with Narutoand protect him from other bullies." Sasuke nods his head.
"You can also call him during your training, I will teach both of you. Now, big-brother has to go." Izuna vanishes from the spot in a burst of particles.
"Wow! So cool. I want to learn thisjutsu." Sasuke looks with shining eyes.
--
Inside the Hokage's office,
Izuna appears in front of Hiruzen inhis Anbu costume.
"You summoned me Hokage-sama." Izuna bows in front of Hiruzen and waits for his orders.
"It has been four years since you joined the Anbu. From a normal member to a Captain, you have risen in ranks quickly. I havereceived your request for retirement from Anbu.
I would like to know the reason behindthe request. Your career as a shinobi is at its peak, and Anbu lacks geniuses like you. It would be a waste to let go of such talent from Anbu." Hiruzen stares at Izuna.
Izuna removes his Anbu mask and replies to Hiruzen,
"I had my fair share of bloody battlesand missions throughout my career as an Anbu. I am tired of all this bloodshed and Iwould like to explore the world outside Konoha. So, after my retirement, I will journey across the 'Shinobi World'."
'Also, I have hit a plateau in my growth recently. I have mastered and honed my skills in these three years. I am not a rookie with a lack of experience anymore.
I have to figure out a way to master Senjutsu or Sage Mode. I will start with Shikkotsu Forest. Then there is a lack of proper summoning creatures for me. I haven't been able to form a proper contract yet. The 'Sin Seal' won't allow me to form a contract.'
Hiruzen contemplates for a whilebefore he replies,
"I will process your request as soon as possible. But before you retire from Anbu, I have a Last mission for you as an Anbu Captain."
"Please, Hokage-sama! I will complete the mission." Izuna nods to Hiruzen.
"Humm… Amegakure has been sufferingfrom a civil war since the Third Shinobi War. Hanzo's rule in Ame lead to many bloody slaughters and large-scale genocides.
Recently, a new organization calledAkatsuki has appeared. You are aware of the fact that Orochimaru escaped from the village this year. I have my suspicion of him joining this organization."
Hiruzen picks up a file from the table and passes it to Izuna. Izuna skims through the file while listening to details from Hiruzen.
"We don't have any detailed informationon this organization. But from our sources, we have tracked the origin of this organizationto Amegakure. Our previous attempts to gather any intelligence failed miserably. All of our previous spies are MIA or murdered in cold blood."
Hiruzen passes another list with the name of spies and their duration of mission in Amegakure. Hiruzen continues.
"Danzo previously lead his Root team to investigate the matter. But I had lost trust in him after his recent attempt to assassinateme. He has grown quite power hungry in all these years. But I can't remove him, his Root is too crucial for the survival of Village."
Hiruzen sighs and reminisces abouthis past.
'Sensei! I have failed the last missionyou gave me. Danzo became the darkness of the Village, but he is slowly getting consumed by this Darkness.
I can't bring myself to kill my discipleand now my lifelong friend. I am too soft-hearted.'
Hiruzen takes a deep breath andcontinues.
"I have issued this top-secret missionto you. It will be an infiltration mission. Infiltrate the Amegakure and gather intelligenceon the current situation of Ame.
Also, remember. If the situation turnstoo dangerous to continue the mission, immediately abandon the mission and retreat to Konoha.
You are the third person to master the 'Flying Thunder God Jutsu', your life is far more valuable than any intel. It won't be anissue for you to escape from enemies' encirclement. Now dismiss."
Hiruzen dismisses Izuna. Izuna disappears from the spot in a burst of particles.
"I still can't get used to this kid's technique."
Hiruzen slumps down on Hokage's chair and smokes from his pipe.
'Orochimaru! I hope I haven't made amistake to allow you to live.'
Hiruzen contemplates while smoking from his pipe. He pulls out the drawer and picks up a large Crystal sphere.
"It's time to watch the progress of Konoha's new seedlings."