Chapter 14: System Rewards

Kumogakure had declared war on Konohagakure.

The official reason? Konoha had allegedly murdered Kumogakure's diplomatic envoy. News of the declaration spread like wildfire across the entire shinobi world.

The Land of Lightning immediately sealed its borders. All foreign merchants and travelers were detained. Though their lives were spared, their possessions were confiscated under the pretext of wartime requisitioning.

At the same time, the borders of the Land of Fire were swarming with shinobi, poised for battle. The major villages began scaling back their missions, consolidating their forces while keeping a watchful eye on Kumo's movements, waiting for the right opportunity to profit from the chaos.

Iwagakure, too, started making strategic moves in the Land of Grass, prompting Kusagakure to send envoys seeking aid from Konoha.

As for the truth behind the war? It no longer mattered.

Deep within the headquarters of Root, in the vast underground chamber where he had once awakened, Danzo sat upon a stone throne, a symbol of his authority. Before him stood Orochimaru.

"You may leave for now," Danzo ordered.

"Yes, sir." Nonō Yakushi, who had been standing by his side, bowed respectfully before withdrawing.

Orochimaru observed Danzo closely. "You don't seem particularly pleased. Sarutobi is getting old. Once this war is over, you may very well become the Fourth Hokage."

Both men had just received their orders from the Hokage. Orochimaru was to be relieved of his duties in Root and sent to the Land of Grass to deter Iwagakure's ambitions and stabilize the situation.

Danzo stood, his steps slow and deliberate as he descended two steps toward the laboratory. Orochimaru followed at a measured distance.

"Danzo-sama, surely you know what it is that I truly desire?" Orochimaru licked his lips, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Danzo, attuned to the serpent-like shinobi's mannerisms, furrowed his brow. Under his unwavering support, Orochimaru had grown bolder, more unrestrained.

"But you are correct," Orochimaru continued, his tone thoughtful. "Aging leads to decay. Our sensei is already old… In truth, I believe you are better suited to be Hokage than he is. I could even offer my assistance."

"That won't be necessary." Danzo rejected the notion without hesitation.

He knew well that Root had flourished in recent years precisely because he had maintained a semi-retired stance, staying out of the political spotlight. Both the Hokage and the major clans preferred it that way. Were he to openly seek the Hokage position, his "old friend" in the office would be the first to stand in his way.

Orochimaru's expression flickered with disappointment before curving into an unsettling smile.

"What a pity… Given enough time, my support might become less… useful."

Danzo understood the underlying message but chose to ignore it. The two men reached the laboratory.

Inside, standing beside two large containment vessels, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with barely concealed excitement as he began his report.

"Your approach was indeed correct, Danzo-sama. The clones show no signs of soul rejection. However, integrating Wood Release cells remains a challenge… If I had more time…"

His voice brimmed with eager anticipation.

Danzo extended a hand, running his fingers along the cool glass of the containment units. Years of investment and Root's extensive funding had led to this moment.

For all his depravity, Orochimaru was undeniably a genius.

Finally, a path to shedding his aging body was within reach.

Danzo's silent approval emboldened Orochimaru. Though the initial ideas had been Danzo's, he had been the one to bring them to life.

Staring at the clones floating within the tanks, Orochimaru exhaled in admiration.

"This is truth… A beauty understood by so few."

Danzo glanced at him, suppressing a sigh.

I have no interest in whatever twisted fantasies you have, Orochimaru. I simply wish to replace this decaying body.

Still, he couldn't deny the brilliance of Orochimaru's research.

"Truth only appears monstrous to the ignorant," Danzo remarked. "But in reality, it is eternal beauty."

Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with newfound appreciation. "I never expected such insight from you."

Danzo's gaze remained fixed on the clones, his mind wandering. "One who dwells in the darkness can often see things that remain hidden beneath the light."

Orochimaru's smile widened as he licked his lips.

Suddenly, Danzo's body tensed—only for a fraction of a second—but it was enough for Orochimaru to notice.

"Enough. You should report to the Hokage. Don't cause trouble in Konoha… otherwise, you'll put me in a difficult position."

Orochimaru gave Danzo one last glance, then turned toward his creations. His grin deepened.

"My offer still stands. If you become Hokage, Konoha might become a much more… interesting place."

With that, he walked away, leaving Danzo alone to process the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind.

[System Notification: Recognition received from key character—Orochimaru. Task completed.]

[Fortune… Establishing connection…]

[Fortune… Copying…]

[New Ability Acquired: Absolute Comprehension (True Knowledge Belongs to the Few)]

A strange sensation rippled through Danzo's soul, something intangible yet profound. It was as if the world had suddenly become clearer.

He raised his hand. A Rasengan materialized, spinning with effortless control.

Infusing chakra into the technique, the Rasengan shifted and expanded, quickly stabilizing into a Giant Rasengan.

Excitement flickered in Danzo's eyes. The Giant Rasengan had been an ongoing project of his, but today—without even trying—it had come to fruition.

Even more thrilling was the surge of inspiration he now had for further development.

Absolute Comprehension… Danzo clenched his fist. This ability didn't enhance his raw strength, but it drastically raised his potential.

His Wind Release had already been among the best in the shinobi world. Even after discovering the training methods used in the anime, he had struggled to refine advanced techniques. High-level jutsu weren't easy to develop.

Unless one is the Child of Destiny, that is.

And yet, here he was, grasping the next level as if it were second nature.

This power might not grant instant dominance, but it paved the way for exponential growth.

Looking over the jutsu and sealing techniques he had mastered, Danzo realized he now possessed deeper insights into their applications.

Given time, his strength would rise to new heights.

Unexpectedly, Orochimaru had been the first to acknowledge him.

Suppressing his excitement, Danzo smirked.

'Could it be that, as fellow villains, we are simply drawn to one another?'

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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