Danzo

Tsuyu while still in the middle of the third year applied for another advancement. Hiruzen does not make any argument as it's already agreed upon now that if Tsuyu wishes to then she would be allowed. Her talent and result is apparent. 

Her status as a jinchuriki that is able to perfectly control Kyuubi power made Danzo and the council think of her not as a faulty bomb like Naruto is, but a weapon of mass destruction ready to be launched at any time; and the sooner Tsuyu can be put up to use, the better. While Naruto and the others were stuck in 2nd year of academy, Tsuyu managed to get into the 4th year already.

Sasuke tried to apply many times as well since he too is already more advanced than his peers but Iruka only really says Tanya is a special case.

Sasuke eventually gave up. He thinks about it and he starts to believe Tsuyu's advancement is not only about her strength. But most likely her maturity, intellect, and leadership. Sasuke has to admit that he lacks commanding talent; not that he's that social. In class Tsuyu can make friends with everyone, her words and eloquence flatter people just right where it needs to be. While in training she can command and does not have any scruple using authority.

Tsuyu also does not look down on anyone and always believes in the potential of people, even the civilian ninja. This contrasted with Sasuke who always felt the Uchiha clan bears a prestige and reputation civilians and small clans can't compare to. Of course, Tsuyu's beliefs on these stems from facts that a lot of geniuses come from civilians or people that had no clan nor notable bloodline in this ninja world. 

Unlike the Leaf, from her reading she knows that other Nations don't have as many kekkei genkai as in the Land of Fire and Land of Water. But they had come up with strength of their own - their kages are a prime example. As for those without any bloodline nor heritage of a clan backing them? Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and her own late father are prime examples. Though Orochimaru is one in a million genius while the other two had luck and connections.

***

As the Kunoichi class in the evening was over, Tsuyu wiped off her makeup and is finally able to remove the freaking dress.

The swarm of seniors always screaming 'SO CUTEEEE', doesn't make the class any more bearable than it is.

Putting that behind her back, she's on the way to the training field as usual. But all of a sudden she felt a cold gaze onto her back.

She turned to the dark corner with wariness. A shadow of a figure looms there. The figure steps out of the darkness to reveal itself.

'You have a keen sense for your age... you can be a good sensor...', the raspy old voice came from the lips of the man with a bandaged face covering his right eye. An X mark scar on his chin proving the battle he had gone through in his prime.

Tanya looked at the old man for a second, scrutinizing his appearance and demeanor. She finally realised who he is. A member of Konoha Council, also called the assistant to Sandaime, Shimura Danzo.

Realising he's someone with a high status second only to Hokage himself, Tanya immediately kneeled on one knee.

"I pay respect to you, Lord Danzo", Tanya remains respectful and formal, betraying her cute childlike appearance at first sight.

'Stand up, Uzumaki Tsuyu. I just want to have a chat with you', Danzo felt satisfied seeing Tanya's immediate recognition of himself and her respect for him. It means Tsuyu is very aware of the political structure of Konoha, despite her age. So Danzo don't bother to introduce himself.

Tsuyu stood and stood up straight. She does not relax her stature in front of her superior.

'It's been awhile since my old self took a walk around the village. I hope you can accompany me for a while', Danzo looked at Tsuyu expectantly.

"It would be my pleasure Danzo-sama", Tsuyu said respectfully.

Danzo hm-ed, and walked along the streets of Konoha. Tsuyu already wonders what Danzo wants. Perhaps it's simply an assessment of young talent, perhaps. But regardless, she would want to maintain a good relationship and connection.

The streets of Konoha are buzzing with activities and are very lively. Danzo is still a well known figure among the older generations and they each bowed in respect for him. Younger generations do not seem to know much about him in contrast.

As Danzo walks along the street of Konoha, he suddenly asks Tsuyu a question.

'Tsuyu, what do you think is needed to achieve and maintain the current peace?'.

Tsuyu frowned for a second before regaining her composure. This seems like a test perhaps. She knows Danzo's ideology and method is definitely different compared to Hiruzen but her answer will remain true regardless because it's a fact.

"I believe it's power, Danzo-sama".

Danzo is satisfied hearing the response.

'Correct. From what I know, you are a keen reader. You must know how Konoha came to be, unlike most children your age who do not like history'.

"Yes, Danzo-sama. The village is founded by Hashirama Senju, the first Hokage, starting from union of Uchiha clan and the Senju clan. The other clans joined along and form Konoha".

...

As Danzo walks, he spoke,

'I was about your age when the first Shinobi war was ongoing. I was sent on my first 'mission', sent to the battlefield to kill... peace we have had a lot of blood behind them'. He reminisces about the time he was in the academy, among the very first batch of students after the academy was established by Tobirama.

Danzo looks at the Hokage Rock.

'Do you think the 1st Hokage made a mistake?'. He eyed the face of Hashirama Senju, the very founder of Konoha.

Tanya also looks at the 1st Hokage face. He understands Danzo's question and answered truthfully.

"His ideal is admirable, and in a perfect world, if everything goes according to what he wants, I personally would want his vision to come true and wouldn't say it's a mistake". After all, in a perfect world where everyone is so nice it is the most desirable world without any drawbacks.

Danzo almost felt a little disappointed hearing Tsuyu's words.

"But- the 1st Hokage is too naive. He can only be so idealistic in his decisions and visions because he has the power to achieve it and to not worry about failing. He can stretch his hand to give an olive branch to everyone because he is not afraid of anything to begin with".

Tsuyu looks at Hashirama's face with a judging look like he's an idiot before continuing.

"Peace that was achieved ultimately is only temporary. The moment his life comes to an end, despite his will that's carried forward, Konoha lacked the deterrent power like the 1st Hokage once had. The 1st Shinobi war started not too long after his death; it's quite obvious his death is a major factor that caused Konoha to be involved. And the scale of the war is even worse than it had been during the Warring State period…". Tsuyu despises war, and no matter what it's a waste of resources and energy overall. Hashirama's ideals are indeed very good but it's simply impossible due to inherent human nature. It's nothing but a daydream.

Danzo nodded at Tsuyu's response.

'You understand history very well'. Danzo had a rare smile on his face. 

'And you are right in your conjecture. I have seen with my own eyes the power Hashirama Senju had… worthy of the title God of Shinobi. Everyone fears him more than he is respected. Perhaps you wouldn't believe me if I told you what he is capable of'. Danzo mused, wondering if Tsuyu will believe if he says Hashirama can create a wooden golem as big as 9 tails and beat the bijuu like trash. Perhaps Tsuyu will think he's a lying old man trying to trick children into believing fairy tales.

It's also why Danzo is obsessed with wood release and sharingan too since Madara can go toe to toe with him. Danzo had a look of longing as he gazed into the Hokage Rock. In fact, it's not just Danzo. The experiment with Hashirama cells started even with approval of Hiruzen and willing participation of volunteers.

However Danzo continued the experiment behind Hiruzen's back, because for him the cost of few children is nothing compared to having Wood Release. For someone who has seen comrades, acquaintances fell in battle, and then seeing hundreds and thousands of deaths during 3 total wars, his view on sacrifices is no longer anything personal. Just a number on paper.

'Tsuyu, if you want to maintain the peace we have now, what would you do?'.

Tsuyu didn't delay her answer. 

"I will train to be stronger. Konoha's strength is what kept it's peace, and my own strength contributes to it".

Danzo expected the answer. But now comes the more important question.

'But what if you had to sacrifice your morals, and even your allies?'.

Tsuyu's answer could have been a direct 'as long as the end goal is met', but at the end of the day she will not stray from her principle and humanity.

"As for 'morals', I would do what it takes to achieve peace. But if the moral in question involves sacrificing the people that matters to me, then the sacrifice already outweighs the benefit of peace for me. I personally believe peace is only worth it if the people you care about are there with you". Tsuyu is honest in the last sentence. 

While she prioritises her own peace most, her past life with her squad and now having Naruto as her brother makes a lot of her decisions involve others' wellbeing as well.

Danzo nodded. He's not disappointed in the answer, and cannot refute her words. Perhaps Tsuyu's answer is selfish in nature as it means she won't sacrifice those important to her for the whole village. But for her to admit her nature is commendable; also it means she is controllable and have weakness and thus he can trust such a person more.

Danzo takes out a piece of paper from his sleeve, as if already prepared for Tsuyu.

'It's a chakra induction paper. Mold your chakra through them'. Danzo just handed it to her. Most children of shinobi and people with clans behind them already had this and tested their children early on. The paper is very expensive for orphans like Tsuyu and Naruto so they cannot afford them without starving for a month.

Tsuyu took it without question, not caring about Danzo's intention and immediately channeled her chakra through them. She is also very curious as to what affinity she had.

The paper starts to crumble into dust, leaving nothing behind.

'Your major affinity is towards the Earth nature transformation. It is quite rare, second rarest next to having affinity towards Wind nature among Konoha shinobi', Danzo commented.

Danzo takes another scroll from inside his cloth, handing it to Tsuyu. He actually prepared 4 other scrolls of other releases just in case. Danzo's intention is very direct. He wanted to control Tsuyu. But Tsuyu is far too intelligent and is too emotionally secure and stable for the usual scheming and emotional manipulation. Danzo had monitored Tsuyu through Root all these years after all and her personality is pretty much established. Then the only other way to gain control of Tsuyu is using favor. And he is honest this time, no twists or convoluted plans or what not.

'It's a C ranked Earth Release; Rock Scatter Blast. You can take your time mastering it. I am looking forward to your progress, Tsuyu-kun', Danzo look at Tsuyu with expectation.

Tanya takes the scroll with an unhidden smile on her face. Putting aside Danzo's intention, she can guess it at least means he appreciates her talent.

"Thank you Danzo-sama. I will make sure to remember this favor".

Danzo dismissed it with a hand raised. Danzo, as an expert in reading human emotions, can see the happiness in Tsuyu's face and appreciation. He is right about Tsuyu - that she craves power. Her daily consistent training already proves otherwise. But now he already confirmed it. And it makes it easier to have her under his command.

'It's only a C ranked technique. It isn't worth much. I am only hoping to see your talent flourish. You will be an important asset to Konoha in the future'.

Tsuyu nods. But she knows the jutsu is not as easy to get as he says; not as a normal orphan that is. 

"I will try my best to live up to your expectations", Tsuyu bowed respectfully.

'Good. Practice well. Hm. It seems I have taken too much of your time. You may leave'.

Tsuyu bowed again and left. Already planning to practice the hand seals and the jutsu. Just after Tsuyu was out of sight, an ANBU came to Danzo's side.

'Danzo-sama, Sandaime is asking to meet you in his office'.

Danzo didn't reply. He already knows his contact with Tsuyu will trigger a reaction from his old friend. Not that he cares. What can Hiruzen say? He only talks to her and gives her a C rank jutsu; which is not that valuable considering Tsuyu is their own jinchuriki. He didn't do anything wrong at all but he still has to give face to the Hokage so he starts to walk back to the Hokage office.

Danzo believes Tsuyu will come to find him willingly someday. Because only he can give her the power that she craves.

***