Danzo is a man who never lets go easily. He makes the hardest decision, sacrifices the most but for the greatest cause. Being strict isn't a trait, it's a necessity. When he was still serving in the ranks, he believed that only discipline and order is what keeps a ninja at his best. And now, he still lives up to those understandings. Things like emotions, camaraderie, and teamwork are also essential for a ninja. But there are times when they are unnecessary. He believes that a ninja should be perfect, a ninja should be more than just an individual. He believes that a ninja should be… more than just a soldier. It should be an army.

That is why he established ROOT. An organization that represents one objective, one vision and one mission. ROOT's objective is to ensure the well-being and safety of Konohagakure. Its vision is to create a Konohagakure that is both feared and respected in all aspects and throughout the entire Nations. Its mission is to do anything necessary to make the foundation's goals and ambition comes true. Danzo did all he could. He did his best to make what his organization is today. He could only care less for status, or what the other authorities are spreading out about his foundation.

Those were never important. ROOT is a dagger, unrestrained and only lowered when told to, beneath the light's shadows. It is the darkest penumbra that exists at the world's darkest hour. What better place is there to be for a shadow other than the day? ROOT is always subtle. Their planning for their operation is always classified and not all members of its foundation could know about it. Even certain authorized officers are not safe from this rule. There are no delegations in ROOT. Everyone works the same job, and that is to follow instructions, do as you're told and not ask questions about it.

ROOT is your family. There is no any other family other than ROOT. Members who joined ROOT that came from a clan or a family must leave them. ROOT is their family now. There is no I in ROOT. Everyone is ROOT. Everyone represents ROOT. In ROOT, you have no identity. You are what you are named. There is no need for feelings. It will only hinder you. There are no failures in ROOT. There is only success. Should you fail, you will be labeled as a disgrace. You will no longer take part in ROOT. You are a failure.

Danzo's single narrowed eyes gazed upon the scenery before him, taking in what Konoha has to offer. Standing still, the old war hawk of Konoha is standing on the edge of the Hokage tower, his greying hair being one of the reminders of his age. The cold and quiet night is the perfect example of what a ninja should be; at least that's what he thought. To be silent, still, unwavering and loyal. Yet managed to look professional at the same time. That is a ninja.

But sadly, those things are no longer visible in this generation. It might sound senile: an old man trying to bring back the old ways… but it's necessary. And it's more than a way.

Danzo believed that his ideal is far better than those of his teammate, the so called Hokage. He too believed that his teammate has gotten weak, soft. He could do a far better job than him. He could be a better Hokage than Sarutobi Hiruzen. That is why, ROOT also exist. To become a dagger that is unknown even to the Hokage, to become a talon that strikes unknowingly.

Konoha will change. He promised that. But in order to do so, he will need to most ultimate weapon.

A Jinchuriki.

"Achoo!"

Rubbing the bottom of his nose, Naruto Uzumaki grimaced in annoyance. "Ugh… I really need that coat now…" he muttered lowly as he trudged along the cold yet crowded street of the Human village. He had a rather uneventful day. First thing first, he woke up in a hospital and later, he faced some problems that he hoped he won't ever see again. And third, he returned to the hospital because he got hurt while dealing with his problems.

"Shush it." The woman, who is walking in the same pace as him, told. "Don't whine, you said it yourself. It's just a scratch, right?" Alice Margatroid had find amusement in teasing her fellow blonde. Though she wouldn't admit that so blatantly. She giggled, before saying, "Winter will be over soon, and spring will come. Then let's see if you will still complain."

Spring is beautiful in Gensokyo. It really is. It's one of the most worth seeing and experiencing season out of all the other seasons out there. Sure, every season have their own charm, but for her, spring is the most worth experiencing. At her statement, the male blonde scoffed. "Yeah right… I'm not planning on staying here for long anyway, it's like what… my third day here… and I got things I'll need to settle back home."

"And by things you mean those gentlemen that we met earlier today?" Alice inquired.

"Yup and their lot." Naruto nodded. "There are more of them, a whole entire fucking army of'em."

"You seem to know much about these individuals…" Alice trailed off. It's not strange if he had any connections or relations to whoever this people are. But if they can enter Gensokyou through any means, it'll be troubling and the Hakurei miko will need to know about this. Alice is not dumb to not know that Naruto and Reimu have a little bit of black blood going on, she found out about it through Marisa, who was more than happy to supply her with the knowledge.

"Of course, I was their top and finest member."

Alice nearly tripped on her own two feet. Her sudden pause caused the ninja to stop too, wandering why she is like that. Looking weirdly at the woman, Naruto asked. "What?"

Alice pointed a shaky finger at him, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "B-Bu-You I-…" she finally snapped. Her hands gripped the boy hard on his shoulder, her face transforming into something that can't be mentioned. "THEN WHY THE HECK ARE YOU RUNNING AWAY FROM THEM?!"

.

.

.

Literally, every single persons' eyes are on the two blondes. Alice noticed this and was conscious about it. She blushed, knowing that she had just burst. Still with her hands on the boy's shoulders, she lowered her head to hide her embarrassment. Naruto pitied the girl, so he did one of the many kind acts there are.

POOF

They're gone from the scene, and shortly later, they found themselves in a more secluded area of the village. Alice looked around, shocked that they had just teleported somewhere. Naruto raised his hand before the woman could do an even more unladylike act. "Calm your panties woman." She did not do what he told her to, but she did calm down. Naruto walked away, turning his back to Alice. He stood silent, before talking. "Look, about me and these guys… it's something personal. Way personal. It's true that they're after me, but it's best for you to not know what it is. Yet."

He faced her again, a serious look on his face. "All I can say is this: There will be more of them coming, and it won't be pretty."

"Then that's a huge problem!" Alice shouted. "You're bringing foreign threats into Gensokyo, should the miko know of this, you'll be punished." Alice stated, as if that's the most crucial part. She locked her gaze into Naruto's eyes. "Not only the miko, I will have also find this problematic."

"Then get me the gap woman!" the boy countered in a similar manner that Alice did a few minutes ago. "Do you think I want to be here? Huh?" Naruto shook his head in exasperation, not knowing how to handle the matter. He paused to think, thinking of a way to solve the matter at hand. "Okay, okay… look, I got this. What if we work together? Confidentially."

The doll maker does not like where this is going, but she can't help to ask either. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"If I can prevent any chaos that'll be caused by my guys, and you can get me the gap hag, then it'll be a win-win situation, no?" he concluded.

Alice was hesitant on answering. Naruto elaborates further, convincing her. "Look, Danzo, no doubt the mastermind behind all this, has a way of getting into Gensokyo, something that is impossible without this gap hag." He stated as a matter of fact. "And this gap hag of yours, she can send people back right? Then we'll get her to help us."

Alice's reaction to that was immediate. "Impossible."

"Oh yeah? Try me." Naruto challenged with a smirk.

The doll maker nodded, denying the possibility in Naruto's statement. She sat on a wooden bench that is available, crossing her arms. "It's impossible no matter how you see it. Yukari won't be available until spring, she hibernates. And it's impossible, I repeat, impossible to figure out where she lives. Secondly, I'm not so sure on how you could go against an entire army all by yourself. You will need people to help you."

Naruto did not miss a beat to disagree with Alice. "It's possible as long as we're serious about this. I'm not going to give up just because some lonely hag needs her beauty sleep, I will eventually know and meet her and who says that I'm alone?"

"What do you mean?" Alice asked, puzzled.

Naruto chuckled, amused. "Silly Alice, you don't know what a ninja can do. Look. Danzo's men may be loyal, but they are naïve to the boot. They had their head filled with empty promises, so empty that it's as much as lies. All I need to do is to act leader then boom, I have my own group of loyalists. I was there when they 'promised' us for a better world and place to live in. All I need in order for all this shit to blow over without anyone noticing is for you to cooperate with me and do as per instructed."

"You're cynical…"

"Cynically smart my dear." An uneasy feeling went down Alice's stomach. She was pinned between a rock and a hard place. With Naruto being the rock and this trouble of his being the hard place. She needs to make a careful decision here. If she were to tell Reimu, there will be only violence between these two. But if she were to be involved with Naruto, she'll drag herself into all kinds of trouble. This is as hard as choosing which strings would she use for the day…

Getting Yakumo Yukari to work together is not easy, especially knowing the woman's attitude. And she is not entirely convinced that Naruto could pull this off without difficulty. The outcome of both choices will surely disadvantage her in some ways, be it in trust or wellbeing. But the threat is too serious to be left alone, this can't be ignored. She had seen what those men could do. And even if they're just humans, no ordinary human could breathe out fire and create walls of dirt with such ease. And there's an entire army of them. Great.

"So what do you choose doll face? You do this with me, or you'll complicate matters further with your friends?" he's luring her into helping him. She knows it. But, it is to save and protect Gensokyo. As if to prove her point, Naruto speaks again. "Danzo could have hundreds of his best men to storm this village, I don't know how you'll take care of that, but trust me, it won't be easy. And you girls here are strong, don't get me wrong, but there is a reason why they are called ROOT."

"They grow and leech off minerals…" Alice muttered out in understanding.

"Bingo."

…

Forgive her, Reimu, Marisa and Gensokyo.

"… Fine, I'll stick with your plans." Alice said.

"Good." Naruto nodded. "I will start planning. We will use your home as base. You can start by silencing that witch."

Alice's reaction to that was immediate. "How dare you!"

"It's either that or more people getting 'silenced' by Danzo's boy toys!" Naruto growled out. "Look, I'll be honest here. I'll kill one to safe thousands. I'll kill thousands to save millions."

"There's no difference!" the puppeteer spat out heatedly. "You hypocrite, you said that you want to protect Gensokyo, I was wrong." She was about to turn and leave, but Naruto stopped her. He grabbed a hold of her hand, forcibly. "Let me go!"

"Listen."

"No, let me go!"

"Listen!"

Alice stopped moving, her body went numb. Her eyes wide, she was left to wonder what that inhumane feeling that she felt a moment ago was. Naruto panted, his chest heaving up and down. Soon later, he eventually calmed down. He finally spoke. "Alright. Do whatever you can to stop that witch from babbling her cock sucker to that shrine bitch or anyone else, I don't want word to get out. We clear?"

Alice nodded weakly.

"Good. Now go, I'll be going to gather more research. I'll return to your house when I'm done." Was the only thing he said before disappearing in a lump of smoke.

Alice was left alone in the quiet and secluded area of the village. She felt regret, anger and doubt inside of her. But her resolves remain strong. She will stop this incoming danger from harming Gensokyo, but she won't let her own way be cast aside. The puppeteer took off to the air.

She needs to talk to a dear friend.

There is no rest for a shinobi. Struggling his way through the thick and dense forestry of Gensokyo. They say the forest is one of the many homes there are for a shinobi. Naruto finds truth in that statement. The green leaves here are coated in snow and the air is still as chilling as he remembers it to be. Not to mention, he is also dressed in a set of clothing that no longer feels comfortable to him.

He is making the mountain, the largest mountain, his destination. It's called Youkai Mountain, a place that is no doubt dangerous. Regardless, he still needs to check the place out. He overheard some people talking about a shrine on top of it, and he thought that Reimu was the only shrine maiden around… looks like he's wrong.

The reason why he's making the mountain his first destination is because it could be a potential rally point for Danzo's men. Danzo's a good tactician, damned man had been doing it for most of his life, and he'll no doubt use the mountain as a base of some sort. The reason being because the mountain is positioned rather strategically to the Bamboo forest of the lost, The forest of magic and also the human village. He doesn't know what other places are there available in Gensokyo, but he's afraid that they'll have to wait.

After hours of trudging, he finally reached the start of the mountain path. The blonde Uzumaki gulped. He balled his fist, determination growing in him. "Oh well… might've just finished this as fast as I can." He begins his long trek up the mountain. The way up is hard, yet something tells him that the way down will be much harder. He is used to travelling long distances, he'd spent a long time escaping from Danzo's men after all. All the way from Kiri to Suna, from Suna to Iwa.

So going up a mountain won't be too hard, right?

Oh how wrong he was.

Two hours. That's how long he'd spent trying to climb the mountain. He thought that sticking to the mountain path might make things longer, so he decided to take a little detour. And by detour he means climbing steep cliffs, crossing deep ravines, and other challenges that he encountered. This whole thing is starting to tire him out. Even with his status as a stamina freak, he could only handle much. He's in the middle of climbing a cliff, using his hands, feet and chakra as support.

"Dirty women and their dirty flying skills…" he murmured under his breath, and unknowingly, he had just made everyone capable of flying at Gensokyo sneezed. He made his way up the steep cliff, the cold acting as an obstacle to him. Still, the climate does not affect his unwavering determination in the slightest. In fact, it adds more fuel to his flame.

"C'mon…" he jerked his elbow, making it bend, "Hup!" then he launched his body upwards, grabbing hold of the cliff's edge. He carried his body, afinally finding land. He gasped and panted in extreme exhaustion. His body cool down easily due to winter, but the cold and the sweat is not a good combination. It could get him into a serious case of hypothermia. But that's the least of his worries.

The blonde Uzumaki looked around, and noticed that there is a pathway nearby. He walked over to the pathway, following it will eventually lead him somewhere. It's not long until he finds himself walking towards a tall, familiar Torii gate structure. Unlike the Hakurei shrine's red, this one is pure wood, making it brown in color. Naruto restlessly steps inside the shrine territory, where he began to get a god survey of the area. The courtyard is wider and cleaner than Reimu's, facility is better than Reimu's, looks more comfortable than Reimu's and definitely not so deserted looking as Reimu's.

That shrine girl was just lazy in the first place… he just hopes the shrine girl here isn't as bad Reimu.

He walks further, deeper into the seemingly empty shrine. The wind chimes chiming as a small winter breeze brushed passed them. Naruto is now standing in front of the bell where they usually pull the rope and pray for their wishes. He's not going to do that, it's silly no matter how he sees it. There's no one here, maybe the Miko is outside or somewhere…

"Oh hello, we have a visitor?"

Naruto turned around to see who the voice belongs to. Behind him, seemingly having just entered the shrine's ground, is a girl. Of course, she is taller than him. The odd thing about her is her green hair. He may be blonde, he knew it's natural, but never in his whole life he'd ever seen someone with a green hair. The girl is wearing the same type of clothing Reimu is wearing, albeit in a different color and style. She looked fairly surprised at seeing him. Her reaction supports this predicament.

She approached the blonde, before bending down, emphasizing her voluptuous figure. This does not affect the boy, instead, he finds he curious on how could a person be walking with a pair that big. The woman gave him a warm smile, her hand patting his head. "Are you lost? Do you need help in finding where your parents are?"

.

.

.

She. Did. Not. Just.- wait… wait… this is good. Yup. This is good. If he could worm his way into her head, making her think that he's just some lost and defenseless kid, he could do all the research he wants about this shrine without getting trouble. If he were to get in trouble, he could just blame it on this bitch. Who cares? Well, here goes all his ten years of acting practice…

"Oh Onee-chan I'm scared, I was just with my mommy but I got separated from her, boo hoo…" behind the well and perfectly executed helpless expression he's making, is a smirk that could make the most diabolic and cynical man alive proud. Naruto Uzumaki is good bulshitting people up. And when he's good, he likes it.

The green haired girl made a concerned expression. "Aww you poor thing, let me help you then." She took a moment to analyze the boy further, she then gasped seeing the red area on his chest. "You're injured! You should be at the clinic, not here." If this woman has a maternal side, then this would be it.

Naruto, needless to say, is enjoying this. "No need Onee-chan, the blood is not mine. My mother was actually hurt, we were attacked by some monsters a while ago, the monster managed to rip my jacket, but my mother took the hit." He'd won the world's greatest actor award right now. "Please help me find her Onee-chan!" a lone and single tear dropped from the corner of his eyes.

Just like that, he has the woman on the grasp of his palms.

"I will search for your mother." The green haired shrine maiden declared with a firm tone. The determination in her eyes is flaring. "You can go inside and wait, but don't get lost okay?" she ruffled the blonde's hair. "What does your mother look like?"

Naruto opened his mouth.

His eyes widen.

"I love you, Naruto."

He closed his mouthagain, his teeth grinding against each other. He looked away, definitely troubled. "S-She has red hair… red hair…" he whispered out.

The miko nodded. "Okay, red hair, got it." The miko then takes off to the skies, with the intention to search for the boy's mother.

Naruto muttered something under his breath. He crossed his fingers into an all too familiar hand seal. A smoke burst into existence, and when it clears, it reveals an exact replica of him. The looks, the height, and even the presence. "You know what to do." He told the clone who nodded in affirmative.

"Yeah, yeah…" the clone then burst into smoke. It clears, revealing not a boy, but a woman with a stunningly beautiful feature. Her long red hair is like the color of blood itself, her eyes are purple, akin to that of a lavender plant. There is this huge gash on her stomach area, a well execute henge by the blonde ninja. The now woman transformed clone jumped away, disappearing into the tree lines in order to play his – her – act.

Naruto stood in silence. Lying to a seemingly kind woman and having forced to bring out a person from within his memories…

Today is the worst day ever.

"Alice!"

Seeing Alice Margatroid in her home wasn't all that too strange for one Kirisame Marisa. She scurried to the door frame, where her doll making friend is standing. Marisa's expression is urgent, worry dripping wet from her face. "Listen here Alice, Naruto got attacked! We need to go and help the kid, who kno-" she wasn't able to finish her statement.

"Ssh… it's okay Marisa, I… know…"Alice pressed her thin finger upon Marisa's lips. Her eyes betraying her expression. How could she do this to her own friend, best friend more over. Regardless, she has made up her mind. This is better this way.

Marisa looked surprise. "You knew!?" her voice screeched out. "Then let's go help the kid! He could be getting his ass handed to him right now!" Marisa grabbed her broom and hat, ready to barge out from the door. To the witch's surprise and shock, Alice's hands blocked the exit from her. Marisa was beyond shocked now. She's blank. An angry expression crossed her face, something that is rarely seen on her person. "What the hell Alice?! He could be dead right now! I'm not going to stay put and let a kid getting killed by some people, move it!"

Alice won't budge. Her face and head lowered, her arms firm. "I'm sorry Marisa… but it's fine." The doll maker raised her face. Long gone is the worried expression and all trace of nervousness. They were replaced by a blank and almost emotionless façade. "Naruto can take care of his own… he told me not to get you involved with him." she revealed. It was not entirely a lie. Naruto did not want anyone to be involved with this whole charade. Or soon to charade. Alice pursed her lips, her heart clenching tight. Having to lie to your best friend hurts her. It hurts her deeply.

Alice's reasoning did not calm the witch one bit. Instead, it brought up more questions. "Are you sure…?" Marisa asked slowly, still prepared to take matters at hand. She knows that the boy is secretive. Hell he's too obvious that it's easy to tell how much of a mystery he is. And just like any other person in Gensokyo, she hates mysteries. "He really is fine?"

The other blonde female nodded, her look of hurt did not disappearing. "I am. He also told me not to let you tell anyone about this." Here comes the hard part. And it's not how she'll lie, it's how she'll take in the guilt afterwards. "Naruto does not want anyone to know that he is in trouble." Alice stated before Marisa could protest. "I find that very noble of him." she did not. "So please Marisa, as a friend, I'm asking you to not tell anyone about this." She pleaded, yet it's like tasting poison on her tongue. "Pretty please?"

The black-white witch was not sure on how to respond to her friend's statement. She has mixed feelings. One part wants her to go out there and help the ninja with his problems. But another wants her to respect his decision for not wanting to get anyone else involved with the matter. Marisa was actually surprised to know that things turned out like this. Who are those people that attacked Naruto anyway? Something tells her that no Youkais are involved in any of this… she would call it fishy, but she lacks the intuition to label it so.

As a friend, Marisa could accept and respect Alice's suggestion. Alice must respect Naruto to go all the way to tell her not to butt in with whatever it is that he's dealing with. Yet Marisa's concern is still there. While she knows that the boy can handle himself – in more ways than one – she's not so sure in letting him getting all dirty by himself. It's just wrong for her. So wrong. There's nothing wrong in wanting to help someone, she knows that. But there is also a limit to where she could step. If this is as personal to Naruto as she thought it should be, then she won't do anything. But if this is serious… then she'll step in.

The ordinary witch of Gensokyo finally made her decision, unknown of the effect it might cause. "Fine. I won't do anything… but if things get outta hand…" she left the sentence hanging.

The seven colored puppeteer nodded, a smile of appreciation on her face. "Um. I'm thinking of the same thing too."

A teasing smirk made its way onto Marisa's face. She leaned in close to the doll maker's zone, elbowing her on the stomach lightly, almost as if suggesting something. "So, what made you this assertive eh? Did our little Naruto finally made a way to that cute heart of yours. Hm? Hm?"

Damn her and her antics! Alice coughed, though there's no denying the redness on her face. "S-Shut up! Says the one who's so 'concerned' enough to go and help him with this trouble of his."

The roles are reversed now, almost instantly. The witch sputtered incoherent words, denying what Alice had suggested. "I-It's not like that okay?! I-I'm just curious on how he'll deal with those people who is stalking him, okay?" Marisa stated with a huff. "It's not like I'm worried, well I am worried but… it's not that much…" her words got softer, her face growing redder.

Alice felt her eyebrows twitching for some reason. And why the hell is she pissed off at a certain ninja? Well, it's no matter. As long as she is going at it in her own pace, she's sure that things will slide over easily. Of course, that alone is easier said than done. She still has future matters to worry about, but now's not the time. Now is the time to plan. Naruto will probably return later than she expected. Looks like she has a little bit of free time for herself.

"Hey Alice," a sudden call from her friend snapped her from her thoughts. "Are you coming to the Hakurei shrine for the blossom viewing session in spring?"

Ah, the blossom viewing session, something that is done yearly at the beginning of spring. It's an event where known individuals in Gensokyo gather at the Hakurei Shrine to drink and talk or, in other words, spend their quality time together. There is a reason why the event is held at the Hakurei Shrine. Simply said, the flowers that bloomed there are considered to be mystical, even more so than the ones in the netherworld, at least what was forced to be there.

She attended some of its past events, though not as often as her witch friend. She has her research and her home is too cozy for her to leave. Alice admits that she does enjoy such events, but she could only spare so much of her time. And about Marisa's question, something tells her that she won't be looking forward to it so much this year…

"Ah… I'll think about it." She replied with a convincing smile.

"Well okay then." Marisa's face suddenly brightened up, she snapped her fingers, emitting a resounding snap. "I know! Why don't we invite Naruto too?"

CRACK

"Alice, you okay?" Marisa asked her friend in concerned. She heard this loud crack, but nothing happened. Nothing except for her friend who turned her head at her too fast for comfort.

"I-I-I'm fine… hehehe…" inwardly, she's not. The last thing she wants is for that trouble maker to cause and bring more of his trouble to the public. "S-Sure… why don't we ask him next time."

"Okay, ah! Look, I just finished a new spell here…"

Alice hoped that that boy really knows what he's doing. For both his and Gensokyo's sake.

"Sakuya, tell me… who is this fellow?"

Inside a dark, red tinted and decorated room, a childlike voice asked a second party. The atmosphere is drenched in an aura of dread, yet this person is living around just like she would with the air. The small sound of shuffling of paper and fabric could be heard, as if someone is pulling a piece of paper from their pocket.

"I'm afraid that I am unable to answer that question, Mistress." Another voice, this time more mature, elegant and soft, spoke with regret.

"Hm… I see." The first childlike voice said out in a disappointed manner. "Reimu could only tell me so much about our newest and by far the most promising residence of Gensokyo…" the clinking of glass could be heard, followed by the sound of pouring liquid. The owner of the voice was silent for a few seconds, before speaking again. "Then I guess it's only fair if I were to find out about him myself isn't it." That was not a question. It's a statement that needs an answer.

"Yes Mistress."

A cunning smirk could be seen glowing in the dark, the deep and dark tint of red provides a terrifying gradient to the pearly whites that the owner has, the sharp twin fangs that poked out from the upper jaw glinted in the dark red tinted room almost intentionally. "Fate is at play… and only few know what it is that it is playing." The voice mused on. "I want this person invited as guest to my residence, I will leave that to you, Sakuya."

The other person nodded, both in respect and honor. "Of course… Mistress Remilia."

The dark red glint that are Remilia's eyes are like the starting light for a race. It is unknown who is participating, but it is clear that there is no winner in this race…

"Naruto Uzumaki… such an interesting name. Be glad that you have attracted the attention of the Scarlet Devil herself."

"Achoo!" Naruto sneezed for the second time today. He brushed under his nose, trying to his best not to be bothered by it. "Ugh… I swear to God…"

"Oh and why would you do that?"

The blonde haired Uzumaki turned his head sideways, greeted by an unfamiliar person. It was a girl, she looks younger than him and has a blonde hair with a lighter contrast than his. She is wearing a short simple purplish-blue dress with a frog print design, large white sleeves stitched onto the torso, and a white collar. Also wears a light brown wide-brimmed hat with two frog eyes on the top and a pair of white thigh high knee socks and a pair of black shoes.

Is that hat alive…?

Naruto dismissed the thought, before putting on a bored expression. The girl is still looking at him as if she's expecting an answer. Instead of directly answering her, he shooed her away with a wave of his hand. "Move it kid, nothing for you to see here." He said to the girl with a dismissive tone.

The female hat wearing girl simply raised an eyebrow. Then, a look of realization crossed on her face. "Ah… you're an outsider… no wonder." She muttered under her breath. She crossed her little arms, the previous expression that she had on her face not disappearing. "So, what are you doing here?" it is more of a demand instead of a question.

The male blonde glared without any form of threat. He is just annoyed to know that he has a little girl who likes to butt into people's business. If that is not annoying, then he doesn't know what is. "None of your cute little head's business little girl, now move along now." Again, he dismissed her in a rather bored manner.

This irritates the girl, the vein pulsing on her… hat? Clearly shows it. She gritted her teeth, rolling up her sleeves while glaring at the taller blonde in front of her. "Why you little…" she then came to a halt, realizing something important. He is an outsider. And what does outsider wants?

Powers.

Or something like that. These random outsiders have been popping into Gensokyo lately. Some have visited the shrine, carrying their guns and swords and also their hopes of finding more superpowers. They call it superpowers, she calls it one of Yukari's toys. Still, it's quite fun seeing these little boys with their toys claiming that they will rule Gensokyo and finding their own place in the world. This boy is probably no better than them anyway, so she'll see how it goes.

"Ahem." The hat wearing girl coughed into her fist. She smiled, extending her hands sideways in an introducing manner. "I am Suwako Moriya the Goddess of this shrine." She introduced herself graciously. But in reality, there is nothing but childish are around her. "Speak to me mortal, and I shall grant you what it is that you desire."

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.

.

"Yeah right, I'm outta here." Naruto took a three tentative steps back, before turning his body around to leave.

"Waaaait!" Suwako launched her being into the taller boy, crashing to his back. "You can't just walk off after I did my introduction okay! At least let me finish what I wanted to say!" she gripped her frame unto the boy's back, straddling him from behind. She clutched and is stuck on the boy's back, much to his irritation.

"Get off from me you troll!" he tried shaking the girl off, but it's futile. She's like a baby sloth stuck unto her mother's back. "I said get the fuck off!" he then managed to throw the girl off from him, but she manage to do a small air flip, before landing safely on her own two feet.

"Hup!" she landed on the ground, her feet straight. She then pointed an accusing finger at the boy, an angry expression booming in on her face. "Hey! What were you thinking on pulling that kind of stunt to a woman?! It's a good thing that I'm safe!" she shouted, pissed off.

"I wasn't thinking, you made me do that!" Naruto retorted, stepping forward. "And you're no woman, you're just a girl!" he took another step forward, drawing himself closer to the girl. His words and stepping of feet caused the so called Goddess to step back. "Aha, see this? You're scared, you're just a little girl!"

Naruto then stopped, crossing his arms. "Hmph, I'm leaving. I've done what I came here for. Tell the shrine girl that I'm sorry for lying to her. Bye." he disappeared into thin air in a plume of smoke and leaves, creating a mess out of the shrine grounds.

The hat wearing girl was still in shock of what happened, someone had just disappeared in front of her eyes after all. Then she regains her focus, returning to her state of awareness once again. In an instant, the look of surprise disappeared from her face, replaced with an interested one. Suwako giggled, then that giggle turned into a full grown laughter.

"Interesting… Oh I'm glad that Kanako isn't here…"

"Danzo-sama, the 13th division is ready for your orders."

"Danzo-sama, the 14th division is ready."

"Danzo-sama, the 15th division is ready for orders.

In front of him are his three most trusted generals. They are dressed in standard ROOT ANBU gear with the exception of the tattoo on their left shoulder. They are also equipped with a signature white cloak, and red scarf, symbolizing their ranks. The one standing on the most right is the leader of the 13th division, a tall and burly man with his face covered by a blank white porcelain mask. The one in the middle is a woman, shorter than the man, she has long black hair tied to a ponytail, her wakizashi strapped to her right side. She too is equipped with the ROOT uniform. The final one is a male, shorter than his two fellow generals. He has a short black hair, and a short sword strapped to his back.

Danzo stood from his throne, facing the three ROOT generals. His bandaged form is like saying that he's too old to even touch them. But to those who personally knew of Danzo's capability, they will know the real truth behind those bandages. Danzo raised both of his hands, as if saying grace. He discarded his walking cane, not needing it.

Alone, only the four of them inside this dark and soundproofed room hidden beneath Konoha itself, they are deciding the future of Konoha.

"The foundation of Konoha has weakened. It is only us, ROOT, that remains strong. If the ROOT is weak, then the tree will fall. We will stay strong, and ensure that the tree survives. As the founder of ROOT, I give you three permission to rally your own armies, group, organization to ensure the safety of Konoha. We have learned of a foreign place far different from ours, and the lives that are lost in the process of doing so will not be wasted. Muster your men, you will show this foreign continent how powerful ROOT is."

His speech ended in silence. All three generals saluted firmly. "Yes Danzo-sama!"

"Good. May you keep the foundation's vision as your own."

The three masked people disappeared into cloud.

In Gensokyo, everyone shuddered. Excluding a certain Gap Youkai…

A/N: Du du du dun!

Shit just got real. ROOT is trying to invade Gensokyo? Oh yes! There will be shit ton of fighting, conspiracy, trouble, struggles and other action packed shit you guys will find out there!

Is Danzo an ass?

Will Naruto be able to keep Gensokyo safe?

And what of our hero's useless ability to get the interest of dangerous people?!

So much questions, yet much more chapters to write. I hope you all have a nice day/night!