Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I own none of it.
Summary: A more rational Danzo takes on team 7. The world changes accordingly
Chapter 0 - Prologue
The rhythmic tapping of an old man's cane echoes through the dark halls of the Hokage tower. It's owner halts before the desk of Konoha's absolute ruler.
"Lord Hokage. The spy has been successfully flushed from our ranks."
"This was your plan Councillor Shimura? Jeopardize our Jinchuriki, risk the scroll of seals, and injure one of our academy instructors?"
"Framed another way, awaken our Jinchuriki to their potential, arm them a jutsu that would allow them to undo the sabotage done to them, and the whole academy saved from continued sabotage. And as for the scroll of seals, it was never at risk."
After Danzo removes the scroll, impossibly hidden within his robe he continues. "I believe what you lost was a well detailed scroll in the kage bunshin no jutsu and its variants. Hardly something we needed to be concerned with getting back to your student."
A few taps of the old Kage's pipe punctuate a wizened sigh. "And I suppose this wouldn't be the end of your plan would it?"
"Kakashi's... distanced approach would only drive away the Uchiha. His hands off approach would never make up for Naruto's lack of education. And Sakura? You think he would be able to turn a civilian into an effective shinobi? He could hardly work with Obito."
"Team 7 will not be slaves to Root. Those boys have had enough of their lives sacrificed to the village already."
"Of course. Root is disbanded by your decree."
"What would you have me do then, old friend?"
After a tense moment of silence, Danzo speaks with the full authority and confidence of a venerable S-Class Shinobi.
"I, Councillor Shimura, Jonin of Konohagakure no Sato, retired ANBU commander, student of Lord Tobirama. Officially petition to be the Jonin Sensei to Genin Squadron 7. Not as Root soldiers, but as the heirs to my own Will of Fire."
A charged silence weighs on the room as Hiruzen appears pensive, as if weighing the future of the entire village on this choice. After a particularly long drag of his pipe he breaks the silence.
"Granted. Do not make me question my decision."
A shallow bow, and a muttered agreement later. The Darkness of Shinobi steps back into the shadows.
His cane makes not so much as a whisper as he departs.
Author's Note.
Alright, it's been a long time since I tried to write anything. So hopefully this goes okay.
Few notes for potential readers! I myself am a part of the lgbt+ community and there will be plenty of characters in this that will be under the rainbow.
I don't plan on adding any major OCs. I don't have a release schedule and never will. Also I am currently in need of a beta reader!
So if all that doesn't scare you away I hope you all enjoy my attempt at my own take on one of my favourite fictional worlds.
PS. I've edited and restructured the story for better readability.