Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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Although the villagers might not fight on the battlefield, their potential power couldn't be underestimated. Their extended roles, from nurses in the hospital to vendors, were integral to the foundation of Konoha. If the villagers were lost, Konoha would face serious difficulties. For various tragic reasons, villagers who initially didn't want to participate in the war found themselves inevitably involved.

"This kid is truly capable. The new generation of Konoha has grown up," remarked Koharu Utatane, half-squinting her eyes. Ever calm and analytical, she focused on matters beneficial to the village. Muzan's actions, she realized, were of great importance to Konoha, and her gaze drifted toward the shadowed figure of Danzo Shimura.

"I heard there was a battle recently, and Muzan was involved. But who was his opponent?" she pondered. Though she operated covertly, clues pointed to Muzan if one investigated carefully.

Conflicts among shinobi were not unusual. However, Muzan's actions were abnormal—he had seriously injured someone, and now that individual had disappeared from Konoha. The only one capable of orchestrating such an incident was Danzo.

"I know what you're thinking," Danzo spoke coldly. "I only want to bring him into Root. He and Orochimaru are the same type of people. Such individuals are not meant to stand in the light."

Danzo observed the cheering villagers through his crystal ball, thinking, "Darkness breeds strength."

He envisioned a future where, as Hokage, he would hand over the power of Root to the new generation. Muzan was the most suitable candidate to lead Root, inherit Danzo's ideals, and continue to serve as the village's unseen foundation—its hidden root, buried in the shadows.

"Indifferent and ruthless," was Danzo's evaluation of Muzan. He recognized that such a person could betray the village if it came down to his principles. Therefore, Muzan had to be kept firmly under control.

"Everyone has the right to enjoy the sunlight, Danzo," came the authoritative voice of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, cutting through Danzo's thoughts. Taking a puff from his pipe, Hiruzen's voice grew hoarse, but firm. "Have you forgotten what happened to the Second Hokage before his death?"

A subtle twitch crossed Danzo's face. How could he forget? His closest opportunity to become Hokage had slipped away because of his hesitation.

"I understand," Danzo replied curtly, though his clenched fists revealed his inner turmoil.

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The blood donation drive was a success. As the mastermind, Muzan didn't involve himself directly in the hospital's operations but instead observed the long queue from the hospital's rooftop.

"This will ensure the wounded on the front line are well supplied. The blood will be processed by the machine and refrigerated accordingly," Muzan mused. He always acted with a clear purpose. Once the objective was set, the steps toward achieving it were methodical. Of course, unforeseen variables were always the true challenges.

"Leave the details to Shōnen Jianhe. You're the commander of the medical-nin; I'd rather lie back like a lazy fish," Muzan remarked, his tone light. Jianhe had almost become his assistant—a surprising role for a special jōnin, especially during war.

"If you hadn't reminded me, I would have forgotten. Now that we have enough blood reserves, even if we're injured in the battle against the Kumo-nin, we can save lives more effectively," Jianhe said with a sigh of relief. By following Muzan's steps closely, the pressure on the front lines could be alleviated. As for medical supplies, they were still working on that.

Just as they were finishing their busy afternoon and preparing for dinner, an unexpected visitor appeared at the hospital. A thin, middle-aged man with a cold, unnerving aura made everyone uneasy.

"It seems you know who I am, so introductions are unnecessary. As expected of the son of Konoha's White Fang, you remain calm in my presence," said Danzo Shimura, his voice low and commanding.

Danzo's appearance was surprising. As the leader of Root, he rarely showed himself to outsiders, so many didn't recognize him.

"Danzo, is there something we need to discuss?" Muzan asked, his blood-red eyes beneath his black hood focused on the man. Danzo's sudden visit hinted at ulterior motives.

Danzo disliked the way Muzan stared at him. He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a near whisper. "This isn't the place for such discussions. If you're interested, follow me."

Whether Muzan agreed or not, Danzo was confident Muzan would come. The Third Hokage's last words had struck a deep nerve. Danzo's inability to become Hokage haunted him, driving him to more extreme measures over the years.

Muzan followed Danzo, who moved faster than most jōnin. This made Muzan realize that many had underestimated Danzo, thinking him just an aging bureaucrat. As a disciple of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, Danzo possessed vast knowledge of ninjutsu. Even if not at the Kage level, he was still an elite jōnin.

At this point, Danzo wasn't yet weakened as he would be in the future. Both he and the Third Hokage were nearing the end of their physical primes. Danzo's true strength was often overlooked, but in reality, he had the ability to compete for the Hokage position with genuine power, not just through underhanded schemes.

They arrived at the Forest of Death, standing on a large tree. Danzo got straight to the point.

"I know exactly what kind of person you are. That's why I'm concerned you might betray the village. But something happened today that made me reconsider," Danzo said, extending a hand in invitation towards Muzan.

"Everyone has the right to seek the light, but I believe light doesn't always mean standing in front of others. You proved that today."

Muzan had proposed the blood donation plan and had Shōnen Jianhe implement it. Outsiders didn't know of his involvement. Muzan didn't need to stand in the light—those in the hospital and Jianhe understood his intentions. It was just a matter of how much each person saw.

"I can offer you a chance. For the sake of Konoha, join Root. I promise, once I become Hokage, you will lead Root. You will be Konoha's hidden foundation," Danzo proposed.

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