Danzo Shimura

Hokage's Office 

The Third Hokage exhaled a puff of smoke from his pipe, his gaze distant as he looked out the window over the village. His voice was calm but carried the weight of finality. 

"Guy… you know why that boy cannot join the Academy." 

But Might Guy stepped forward, his usual enthusiastic expression replaced by rare seriousness. 

"Hokage-sama, with all due respect, the only thing he struggles with is chakra control. Everything else—he excels in! He's defeated almost every other kid in taijutsu and physical ability. So why can't he join? There are students who have failed multiple times but still get the chance. Why can't he?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi turned slowly, his wise eyes narrowing slightly. For a moment, he was taken aback. He had never seen Might Guy so resolute, so unyielding—especially for the sake of another. 

"Guy…" he said, lowering his pipe. "I understand your concern, and I respect your conviction. But you must understand the responsibility I carry for this village and its people. To allow that boy to pursue the path of a ninja without chakra… would be to send him toward certain death." 

He stepped forward, folding his hands behind his back. 

"Without chakra, he cannot perform even the most basic techniques: tree-walking, water-walking, wall-climbing. He cannot summon creatures for aid or use jutsu in battle. Right now, he may surpass his peers who rely on ninjutsu or genjutsu, but as time passes… that gap will widen. You know this as well as I do." 

Might Guy clenched his fists. 

"But Hokage-sama! You allowed me into the Academy! I was no genius—my talent was born from hard work and willpower. Akuma is the same. If you gave him a chance—" 

The Third Hokage raised a hand gently, silencing him. 

"No, Guy. You misunderstand. You had chakra. Even if it was weak at first, it strengthened your body and helped you recover. It allowed your hard work to bear fruit. But that boy… has none. His path would be far crueler than yours." 

The room fell silent. The ticking of a clock echoed faintly. 

After a long pause, Might Guy spoke again, his voice quieter but no less firm. 

"Then… at least give him a chance until the Chūnin Exams. If he cannot keep up, I will stand down. But please… let him prove himself. Konoha's history has made exceptions before. In times of war, children were sent to the front lines. Can't you make an exception for Akuma, just as you did for me?" 

The Third Hokage closed his eyes for a moment, the lines on his face deepening. He remembered the wars, the sacrifices, the burden of decisions that cost young lives. Slowly, he reopened his eyes, gazing into Might Guy's unwavering stare. 

"That… was during a time of war, Guy. We had no choice but to send even the youngest to fight. Those were desperate times. But now, we live in peace. If I allow Akuma to join, other parents will demand the same for their children—children who are not ready. Our resources will be stretched thin, and the strength of Konoha will be compromised." 

Sarutobi placed his pipe back between his lips and took a slow puff. 

"As Hokage, I must think of the village as a whole. I cannot risk Konoha's future for one boy's dream. I'm sorry, Guy. Akuma cannot join the Ninja Academy." 

Might Guy took a step back, the fire in his eyes dimming. He lowered his head, his shoulders trembling—not with anger, but with helplessness. He had pushed as hard as he could, but the Hokage's words were final. 

For the first time in a long while, Might Guy felt ashamed—ashamed that he couldn't help Akuma achieve his dream. He remembered the boy's bruised fists, the countless hours spent under the scorching sun, refusing to quit. How could he tell Akuma that all that effort wasn't enough? As he walked out of the Hokage's office, only one thought lingered in his mind: How was he going to break this news to Akuma? 

Hokage's Office – Moments After Might Guy Left 

The Third Hokage sat in silence, the scent of tobacco from his pipe filling the room. His gaze lingered over the village—a village he had sworn to protect. 

Suddenly, a voice emerged from the shadows. 

"Hiruzen. Why did you call me?" 

A man stepped forward, his right eye hidden beneath an eyepatch—Danzo Shimura. 

Hiruzen didn't turn. He exhaled a slow puff of smoke before replying, his voice calm but filled with authority: 

"Danzo. I want you to observe a boy—his name is Akuma." 

Danzo's brow furrowed, irritation creeping into his tone. 

"A boy? Without a chakra network? Hiruzen, you waste my time." 

Turning to leave, Danzo was halted by a single word. 

"Stop." 

Danzo froze. Glancing back, he saw Hiruzen's gaze—sharp, unwavering, serious. 

"When I was observing my grandson through the Crystal Ball, I noticed Akuma nearby. Out of curiosity, I continued watching. That's when I saw it…" 

The Third Hokage paused, taking another drag from his pipe before continuing. 

"Akuma struck Uchiha Sasuke unconscious with a single blow. But that wasn't what alarmed me. For a fleeting moment, I sensed something emanating from the boy—something ancient and primal. An aura so sinister, it sent a chill down my spine. Such darkness… it cannot be ignored." 

Danzo narrowed his eyes. 

"If that's true, then the answer is simple—eliminate him before he becomes a threat." 

Hiruzen shook his head slowly. 

"No. I will not allow such a drastic measure without understanding the truth. For now, you are to observe him—nothing more. Report everything you see. I will decide if he poses a danger to Konoha." 

Danzo scoffed. 

"Still as soft as ever, Hiruzen. Your leniency will be Konoha's downfall." 

Hiruzen's gaze did not waver. 

"Perhaps. But as long as I am Hokage, I will protect this village my way. Now, Danzo—follow my orders." 

For a moment, the room was silent. Then, with a smirk and a faint scoff, Danzo retreated into the shadows, disappearing as silently as he had arrived. 

"Hmph. As you wish... Hokage-sama." 

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