Chapter 170: I am Jaido!

A single candle flickers, casting an eerie glow across the room. Danzo, an elderly but formidable figure with half his face concealed by bandages, is immersed in a task when he abruptly halts, his expression growing stern.

DANZO (gruffly): Why do you disturb me?

A swift, masked figure materializes, bowing respectfully.

MASKED SUBORDINATE: Forgive the disturbance, Lord Danzo. I bring urgent news.

The masked figure offers a list to Danzo. As he scans it, his gaze stops at a particular name, and a subtle frown creases his features.

DANZO: Uchiha, Sasuke...

Internally, Danzo's mind echoes with the name, but in truth, he is reflecting on Itachi, Sasuke's elder brother. A vivid memory surfaces, Itachi's parting words lingering ominously in the elder's thoughts.

ITACHI (FLASHBACK) (voice echoing) If you harm Sasuke…Nothing will stop me from ending your life.

Danzo's recollection of Itachi's warning echoes in his mind. Though he gazes at Sasuke's name on the list, his thoughts are ensnared by the specter of the powerful and enigmatic Itachi Uchiha.

Despite his composed exterior, Danzo shudders inwardly.

Danzo didn't even dare to turn around and look at his young foe.

Subconsciously, he was afraid of the power hidden within the boy's eyes, the eyes that could only be wielded from those within the uchiha clan.

For a man as prideful as Danzo, this fear he felt, was beyond humiliating.

However, you don't survive as long as Danzo did within the turbulent world of shinobi, without learning patience and knowing which battles to fight.

DANZO (whispering) Itachi...

Despite the apparent calm, Danzo's heart harbors a curse—that the tool he meticulously crafted had slipped from his grasp.

He realizes the futility of controlling Itachi, whose strength and capabilities were inherited from the Uchiha clan.

Itachi, a force to be reckoned with, elicited a unique blend of fear and respect from Danzo.

The power he held, an embodiment of the Uchiha might, made him an adversary unlike any other.

An Uchiha so unlike other Uchiha, but the blood which flowed in his veins was certainly thicker than most, his powers and abilities were the only proof he needed.

A genius among geniuses.

Danzo, without revealing a trace of emotion, recalls the turmoil within the Uchiha clan, his failed attempts to fully manipulate Itachi, and the realization that the Uchiha prodigy was beyond his control.

DANZO (to himself) A tool that defies its owner...has no right to exist.

Masked subordinate remains unaware of the turmoil in Danzo's thoughts.

Danzo's face remains a stoic mask as he muses on the changing tides.

DANZO (outwardly calm) The threat of the Uchiha is almost fully extinguished. If Sasuke eliminates Itachi, it would be one less obstacle to securing my control over the village.

An inscrutable game of power unfolds silently within the dim chamber, the pieces shifting to Danzo's advantage, as he contemplates the approaching graduation of Sasuke Uchiha.

DANZO (to himself) The pieces are finally moving into place.

As the masked subordinate awaits further instructions, unaware of the intricate chess game playing out in Danzo's mind, the elderly leader contemplates the unfolding events with a masterful and secretive intent.

Almost unconsciously, Danzo clenches his bandaged arm with his other hand, a habitual gesture born of both pain and contemplation. Thoughts swirl in his mind, weaving together a sinister tapestry of plans and calculations. The eradication of the Uchiha clan had granted him immeasurable power and knowledge, and now he saw the opportunity to rid the village of their remnants.

DANZO (to himself) Finally, the time has come.

His gaze shifts to the next file of potential graduates. In normal circumstances, Danzo wouldn't bother scrutinizing the younger generation so closely, especially this close to graduation. However, the aftermath of the Uchiha massacre had forced him to operate in the shadows.

Root, his now clandestine organization, may have been eradicated on the surface, but Danzo refused to let his life's work crumble to dust.

He continued to exert influence, to some, his words carried weight that surpassed even the Hokage's.

As he read this year's students names such as Hyuga hinata, Choji Akimichi and Ino Yamanaka appeared, though they were all great potential assets all those students were the next heirs of their clans. As of now Danzo had less influence than he had a few years prior, but even then, trying to recruit the next heirs was a stupid idea without proper planning.

DANZO (muttered)…what a waste…if only I were to become hokage…

In his mind, Danzo truly believed that he needed to become the next hokage, though that power and influence was not so easy. The politics involved in choosing the next hokage were complicated; even the fire lord themselves was involved; unless Danzo was certain that he had enough leverage to state his claim, he would never act.

DANZO (puzzled)…?… This is child…

Danzo's eyes narrow as he scans Haruno Sakura's file—a young girl with pink hair.

Despite her excellent academic performance, Danzo deems her talents not so impressive.

Though her grades were excellent, many factors seemed to make it difficult for him to see her as a potential future asset. Her lack of a notable clan lineage and her parentage from ordinary shinobi further disinterest him.

At the very least, he did not see the benefits outweigh the efforts.

His typical recruits were those who either had nothing or those that exhibited anti-social tendencies.

Especially those still for those rather young. Sakura in the other hand had nothing he could exploit, though her file mentioned that she had sentiments towards Sasuke the same as so many others, sadly it seemed to be one sided; nothing worth exploiting.

To Danzo, she was far from what he seeks.

No real darkness or vulnerability he could feasible exploit.

He shifts to the next file, belonging to a boy named Homura. A grunt escapes Danzo's lips as he recalls attempting to secure the boy two years prior. The attempt failed, hindered by Homura's class teacher, Umino Iruka.

The boy, though smart and talented, bears a terrible personality, seemingly self-centered.

Yet, it's not his demeanor that concerns Danzo; it's the thirst for power and the suspicions of clandestine activities.

He first became a figure of interest after the boy made contact with the nine tails jinchuriki almost a decade ago, then his name did pop up several times.

But according to one of his spies he had planted within the hokage's office, it seemed that the hokage became very interested in the boy over 3 years ago after a certain incident.

There was no doubt in Danzo's mind that there more to the story.

Danzo didn't enjoy not knowing things.

He had always somewhat been suspicious of Homura, he had a sentiment that there was more than meets the eye about the boy.

Children acting as assassins was not uncommon but one's whose origin and birth was archived within konoha was difficult to dispute.

Danzo's mind flits to Orochimaru, a figure he had feared, and wonders if Homura could become another snake to crush.

DANZO (muttering) Keep an eye on him.

Resolute, Danzo moves on to the next file—a boy with silver hair and blue eyes. Initial impressions suggest remarkable talent. As Danzo delves deeper into the file, a cunning smile creeps across his face. It's a predator's smile, marking the discovery of a potential tool, a pawn in his intricate game of power.

DANZO (perhaps aloud) Ah, this one might prove useful.

The candlelight flickers, casting shadows that dance upon the walls, mirroring the unfolding machinations within Danzo's calculating mind.

The scenery shifts to a bustling shopping district. A young boy, Jade, clad in slightly gaudy clothes, is fervently trying to court a young lady with brownish hair.

JADE (enthused) Come on, Chigusa-chan! It'll be so much fun. We can go to that fancy restaurant I told you about!

Chigusa, somewhat perplexed, hesitates.

CHIGUSA(skeptical) But, Jade-kun, the prices there are... a bit much. And you sometimes…hm…eat a bit…

Jade, undeterred, leans in with a mischievous grin.

JADE (smiling) I am truly sorry about that, it is quite shameful of me. Sometimes I forget that I have a warrior's appetite. However, if we dine at such a lavish establishment, your lord father might finally acknowledge me as your…*cough* special companion. The more people see us together the more likely your father will be willing to accept our relationship. Allowing us to finally move to the next step in our grand romance.

Chigusa blushes, moved by Jade's words. As he goes in for a kiss, she pulls back, slapping him gently.

CHIGUSA (teasing) Please, Jade-kun…. W-We can't show others…such a public display of affection.

Jade, recovering, feigns casualness with a laugh. He nonetheless uses the supposedly years of learning of being a perfect gentleman; as the lord of cornfields' 3rd son.

It was a beautiful and elegant demeanor that Jade moved in front of Chigusa before taking a knee in front of the young lady.

He extends his hand, and Chigusa hesitates before taking it.

She shyly but ultimately agrees to grab the hand of the prince in front of her as his kind ebony eyes stared into her eyes. 

Soon enough the couple walked together hand in hand. 

As they walk together, Jade's internal monologue plays out.

JADE (V.O.) (laughs internally) Lucky me, I dodged that one. Free meal, here I come.

Cue a sudden interruption by a young blond boy, NARUTO, who is loud and curious.

NARUTO (excited) Hey, you! Big guy!

Chigusa tightens her grip on Jade's hand. As a blond boy, wearing an orange tracksuit landed next to them seemingly from out of nowhere.

Though for a ninja village, display like those were common, though normal inhabitants that had little interaction with shinobi would sometime be surprised by people landing next to them out of nowhere.

Chigusa unintentionally grabbed Jade's muscular left arm hidden within his luxurious looking long sleeve. Trying to hide from the seemingly threat that had just appeared. 

CHIGUSA (confused) Do you know him, Jade?

Jade, trying to remain composed, denies any knowledge.

He then casually flips the green hair strands hiding half of his face with his left hand in a careful but dignified motion, as he seemingly tries to regain some semblance of calm. 

As he then proceeds to slightly wipe away small speck of dust on his lavishly designed white noble like suit. He had the appearance not only of a high noble but also of an elegant samurai, though all he had missing was a sword to perfectly complete the outfit. 

Which would have made him look like a warrior out of some legend.

JADE (smiling) …I am afraid that I don't, Chigusa-chan. Let's keep moving.

Naruto, persistent, confronts Jade.

NARUTO (Suspicious) hm…You look like him…but the size and hair color are all wrong?

Naruto carefully took a look at the tall gentleman, his most distinguished features were his long, flowing green mane as well as his gaudy suit that looked overly designed, almost otherworldly. It was not only overly designed with patterns but as well as metallic features, that showed the man was not only a person of seemingly high birth but also a warrior.

JADE: I am not sure that I follow what you are implying, young man.

NARUTO (curious) Are you…like…Homura's dad or something?

CHIGUSA (raises an eyebrow) Homura? What's going on, Jade?

Jade, feeling the pressure, reassures Chigusa.

JADE (smiling nervously) Hahaha… I am just as astonished as you, Chigusa-chan, he's probably just confused. Don't worry about it. Let us depart.

As they continue walking, Naruto becomes more insistent.

Then finally as if he had put everything together after following the couple for several minutes; Naruto suddenly seemed to have an apotheosis. 

NARUTO (grinning) I get it! You're Homura, aren't you? Using some transformation jutsu!

Passersby start to take notice as the accusation gains volume.

Passerby 1 : Transformation jutsu?

Passerby 2: What's going on?

Ad several passerby seemed to start paying to the commotion being caused by Naruto, Jade, seemed to get more and more anxious. Especially since the boy called Naruto was blocking his path.

JADE (V.O.) (Nervously): This is… this is bad. This little moron has managed to catch everyone's attention with his loud mouth…if I don't do something soon it will be bad.

Though he failed to realize he was not the only one who was starting to feel nervous about everything currently happening.

CHIGUSA (worried) Why does he keep calling you Homura, Jade? And why do you look so scared?

Jade, glancing back, spots two LEAF SHINOBI approaching. He panics, trying to save face.

JADE (nervous) Don't listen to him, Chigusa-chan. Sometimes, beggar children try to come up with strange schemes, I truly apologize that you've had to experience such a shameful display. Let's just go.

As they walk away, Naruto, not giving up, shouts.

NARUTO (determined) I'm onto you, Homura!

The tension builds as the camera follows Jade, Chigusa, and Naruto, and the shinobi patrol close in.

SMALLER OFFICER: What's going on here? Wait, it's you again!

Two officer of the law arrived to check on the commotion just as all the previous actors were ready to escape the eye of the crowd. As soon as one of them saw Naruto his sight immediately towards the blond haired child.

NARUTO V.O (scared) O-hoho! It's those guys again. Better make a run for it…darn it, even though I haven't done anything this time.

Though Naruto's luck would soon shift unbeknownst to him.

LARGE OFFICER (surprised): Hey that guy is…

The large man looked at the man named Jade and was surprised at seeing the latter, which caused the smaller officer to shift his sight from Naruto to Jade.

SMALLER OFFICER: Huh? Wait a second…

The man took out a piece of paper with some type of drawing, the drawing itself seemed more artistic than accurate, though the features described were clearly quite similar.

SMALLER OFFICER: Hey, you! We have some questions to ask you.

As soon as the man approaching Jade, the man let go of Chigusa's left hand and tried to retreat by trying to run away only to be stopped and falling down, as he happened bump into the larger officer as he had appeared behind the latter without notice.

Though it was enough for Jade to seemingly burst into nothingness as a cloud of white smoke as it soon revealed a younger boy in Jade's place trying to stop his nostrils from bleeding.

HOMURA: kuh!…(What is that guy made of? It was like I hit a brick wall…wait a second)

Homura soon realized that his hand was much shorter than before, and that the color of his sleeves went from white to dark.

He soon realized that his transformation failed, as he subconsciously undid it as he had suffered an inconvenience.

NARUTO (grinning) hehehe! I knew it was you!

LARGE OFFICER (angry) You again! Can't you stop causing messes, kid. When will you learn?

Homura, with an air of defiance, rolls his eyes.

HOMURA (sarcastic) Ah, sorry for living my life, officer. Didn't know it was such a crime.

SMALLER OFFICER (irritated) Enough with the attitude, kid. We've warned you about transforming yourself inside the village.

Homura, now serious, meets their gaze.

HOMURA (defiant) Show me where it says it's illegal. I bet you can't.

The officers exchange another glance, realizing they might not have a clear answer.

LARGE OFFICER (muttering) It's not about the jutsu, it's about what you do with it.

Homura smirks, knowing he's pushing their buttons.

HOMURA (smirking) So what? Can't a man, just use transform himself as he plans to go to a restaurant? I didn't know this was the hidden mist village?!

The smaller officer, annoyed, leans forward.

SMALLER OFFICER (enraged) Cut the crap, Homura. We know you're up to no good. We've received enough complains about you in the past 3 months from to make a whole book out of it. You're definitely coming with us this time.

As soon as his partner finished talking, the large officer casually picked up Homura with one arm.

But before anyone could do anything they were slightly surprised at the sight of a beautiful young female making her way to them.

CHIGUSA (softly) Jade-kun... Is this your true form?

Her voice carries a blend of emotions, a restrained vulnerability. Homura, sensing her hurt, decides to play the villain; though that thought quickly went away as he could not even fathom taking on such a role.

So he somehow blurted something ridiculous that would only happen when someone has a brain fart.

HOMURA: A-A-Amnesia! I have amnesia!…W_why have I turned into a child!?

Not only were all the party involved surprised but so were the people standing nearby, though no one believed him; evidently enough.

As he was met with cold stare by almost anyone he happened to cross eyes with. It wasn't long after that pathetic display that he was escorted to the police station for questioning.

And the repercussion although not severe were still somewhat high as soon as Umino Iruka had been contacted; though it was a story for another time.