Danzō: Naruto Has the Potential to Become the “Shadow of the Ninja”

The immense underground space was surprisingly bright.

Naruto examined the circular, empty building—apart from the support pillars and the talismans stuck to them for reinforcement.

"Director~, what is this place?"

At that moment, Naruto didn't forget to ask questions, pretending he didn't know where he was.

As for Nonō, who had led him here, she opened her mouth but couldn't say anything.

How could she explain this?

That she had deliberately brought Naruto into an abyss?

Faced with this, Nonō could only pray silently in her heart, begging the gods for forgiveness.

And the pain in her heart only grew stronger.

Soon, Danzō appeared.

Tap.

Tap.

Leaning on his cane, he slowly advanced and finally stopped in front of Naruto.

As for Nonō—she had vanished without anyone noticing…

"So it's you… old man…"

"Stop pretending, Uzumaki Naruto… or should I say, Nine-Tailed Demon Fox…"

The moment Naruto opened his mouth, Danzō interrupted him.

With one look, Danzō had seen through Naruto's act, despising his feigned demeanor.

Just like in the original story, he despised Sai's forced smile.

And Orochimaru, who shared the same mindset as Danzō, also had a natural aversion to Sai's fake grin.

In a way, this too was a form of "sincerity."

"Hmph… crusty old geezer."

Naruto let out a growl, and his expression slowly shifted.

From an innocent, naïve façade to a face filled with malice and scorn.

And that… was Naruto's true nature.

A natural malice that seemed to overflow.

His mocking, carefree look, as if nothing in the world truly mattered to him.

Faced with this truth, Danzō squinted.

He was observing.

Observing what kind of creature the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox really was.

First, he ruled out Minato Namikaze, then Kushina Uzumaki.

So, only two explanations remained.

First possibility: Uzumaki Naruto was influenced by the hatred of the Nine-Tails, and it was all the beast's fault.

Second possibility: long hated and scorned by the villagers… the environment shapes the man, and man cannot exist independently of matter. Uzumaki Naruto, raised in constant negativity, had eventually developed the personality of a delinquent.

If the second reason was true…

Then, how interesting… The one who had spread the rumor that Uzumaki Naruto was the Nine-Tails was none other than himself.

In other words, it was because of him that Naruto had become like this.

A question arose:

If Minato and Kushina, in the afterlife, knew their child had turned out this way, what would they think?

An immense sense of euphoria filled Danzō's heart.

"Insulting people is very rude," Danzō said cheerfully.

"I haven't even held you accountable for spreading rumors about me…"

Naruto called out Danzō directly, showing that he knew who was behind it.

This made Danzō flinch slightly.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't know this—so how did this kid figure it out?

Who had told him?

Was it Kakashi Hatake?

Or perhaps the three former members of the Fourth Hokage's personal guard—the users of the Hiraishin: Genma Shiranui, Raidō Namiashi, and Iwashi Tatami?

Only those four had enough reason to speculate and inform Naruto.

"Do you intend to kill me? Just like you killed the Kumo ninja leader, Zabuza Momochi, Yomi…"

"Hmph, that depends on how much you want to die… Even if I don't lift a finger, someone else will take care of you."

Naruto hinted that he wouldn't need to act himself—someone else would do it.

He was thinking of Sasuke.

But Danzō interpreted it differently… the Uchiha.

Like that certain Uchiha genius who had recently revealed he possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan and explained its powers.

"That is indeed something to watch out for…"

Danzō nodded, acknowledging Naruto's warning.

Shisui Uchiha… that young man posed too great a threat.

Kotoamatsukami—such a technique should not exist in this world.

In fact, the entire Uchiha clan shouldn't exist.

Watching the confrontation between Naruto and Danzō—their verbal exchange—Kyūbi was dumbfounded.

Danzō was undoubtedly one of the worst humans in the ninja world.

But Uzumaki Naruto was not far behind.

What was this?

A duel between demons?

Danzō's unshakable composure, Naruto's unending eloquence…

Crucial discussions about the future of the Uchiha, Konoha, and even the entire ninja world were taking place in this Root hideout.

Naruto and Danzō negotiated for a long time.

Only Kyūbi knew the content of their discussion.

Both sides sought to achieve their own goals.

Eventually, they came to a sinister agreement regarding a certain young genius.

The plan to eliminate… Shisui Uchiha was sealed with an unspoken accord.

As for their disagreements about the plan's details…

Differences are normal, right?

Let's just find common ground and set aside our differences.

First, we kill Shisui Uchiha, alright?

Then we go our separate ways—you continue on your solitary path, and I'll follow my sunny road.

And if we end up tearing each other apart like dogs later, that's fine.

In the end… Naruto raised his hand. "I'm outta here."

With an arrogant stride, Naruto walked away, defying all authority.

Shortly after, Danzō displayed a cold and sinister smile.

A subordinate asked him why he was smiling.

Danzō replied, "Don't you think that kid, Uzumaki Naruto, would be perfect to inherit the darkness of Konoha?"

All men are destined to die, and in recent years, he increasingly felt the decline of his body.

After his death, who would bear Konoha's darkness? That was a crucial question.

And Uzumaki Naruto seemed perfect for the role.

...

Konoha Hospital

Itachi, having just completed his first mission as an ANBU member, rushed to the hospital after learning Izumi had been injured.

An unexpected anxiety gripped his heart, making him realize how important this girl was to him.

Mōryō… the ninjas from the Land of Demons…

He only hoped Izumi was okay.

The white hospital room was filled with the scent of disinfectant.

Itachi gently pushed the door open and saw the fragile girl lying on the bed.

"Izumi…"

"Itachi, you came to see me…"

Izumi gave a weak smile.

She was under the sheets, barely able to move.

"I heard that you…"

Itachi, already not very talkative, didn't know what to say at that moment.

But that simple interaction magically erased their previous argument.

It was as if… they were on good terms again.

Itachi walked closer, pulled up a chair, and sat down.

Izumi reached out from under the sheets, and Itachi took her hand in his.

A comforting warmth passed between their hands, and both smiled.

But in the next second, Izumi's words made Itachi's expression change.

"It was thanks to Naruto that I was saved…"

Naruto?!

As Izumi explained what had happened, Itachi understood the full story.

Uzumaki Naruto… again Uzumaki Naruto!!!

A wave of violent emotions surged in his heart.

"Itachi… what's wrong? You look terrifying…"

Itachi, his face twisted with anger, didn't even realize how hideous his expression had become.