Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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"Of course, there's something I didn't tell you. Use your mind before acting. Not everyone is worthy of trust."

Muzan was confident in Uchiha Shisui's future strength. However, it was unfortunate that Shisui's intellect was so deeply focused on the issues of Konoha and the Uchiha clan that he failed to notice the hidden threat: the sixth man lurking in the shadows. This oversight led to his tragic end and a series of devastating events.

Even at the young age of five or six, Shisui already possessed profound knowledge. Yet, he often quoted, "With great power comes great responsibility." This principle had guided him throughout his life.

His life's purpose was set early on: to grow stronger, mend the relationship between the Uchiha clan and Konoha, and bridge the gap to ensure mutual acceptance.

At this moment, Shisui's resolve was firm. He knew that to achieve his goals, he had to become much stronger.

"I'll train hard to become stronger and shoulder the responsibilities that come with power!" Shisui declared with unwavering determination. "And I won't trust just anyone!"

Seeing Shisui's resolve, Muzan nodded slightly, feeling somewhat relieved. His extensive guidance was intended to prevent Shisui from meeting a tragic fate. There was something critical Muzan wished to invest in.

As one of Konoha's top genjutsu specialists—and potentially one of the strongest in the entire ninja world—Shisui was destined to be a Kage-level powerhouse. Muzan, understanding this potential, formed a hand seal, retrieving several experimental tools from a sealed scroll. He then took out a container, cut his palm, and allowed his blood to slowly drip into it.

Shisui, watching from the side, didn't fully understand what Muzan was doing until Muzan handed him the container of blood. His expression was solemn as he spoke:

"To change the future of the Uchiha clan, your strength alone won't be enough. But with my help, your path will be smoother. If you ever find yourself on the brink of death, step into the shadows, avoid the sunlight, and drink the blood inside this container."

Muzan's blood was unlike ordinary blood; it wouldn't rot or deteriorate, capable of withstanding long-term storage. This blood held the potential to transform the drinker into something far more powerful.

If Shisui chose to drink it, gaining powers akin to Muzan's, it would be a significant asset to Muzan's plans. However, if that moment never came, this day's events would still leave a lasting impact on Shisui.

"Understood," Shisui replied, though he didn't fully grasp the importance of the blood. Despite the unusual nature of the gift, he accepted the sealed scroll, keeping it close, prepared to use it in a moment of true desperation.

"Then, we'll part ways here. We'll handle the early stages of the war. You kids should stay in Konoha and focus on your training!" Muzan lightly tapped Shisui's head, offering a gentle reminder to the next generation.

In the original timeline, geniuses like Uchiha Shisui would have already participated in the ongoing wars between the villages. Even low-level missions were perilous. However, due to certain tragic events, Kumogakure's vitality had been significantly weakened, easing the intensity of the Third Shinobi World War.

Kumogakure, as the instigator of the war, was under immense pressure. Beyond Konoha, another village—Iwabugakure—was also watching them closely. However, Ōnoki had no intention of allying with Konoha, not yet.

Muzan passed through the Uchiha clan's district but didn't return home; there was no one there. Instead, he headed straight to his laboratory, where he stored his experimental equipment. Unlike the standard lab tools, his custom-made gear was far better suited to his needs. With enough funds, he could afford to be extravagant.

For now, Muzan had no plans to find an assistant. He opened a notebook filled with dense notes and data, carefully reviewing the direction of his research.

This time, he would take a different approach. Genetic enhancement wasn't something that could be achieved overnight. The sun remained his greatest weakness, causing him severe harm. But what was it about sunlight that was so dangerous?

Sunlight was composed of multiple elements: ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, visible light, and radiation. Muzan planned to test each of these components individually to pinpoint the exact cause of his vulnerability. This knowledge would allow him to at least temporarily mitigate the threat of the sun.

Muzan meticulously outlined his plan. He knew, for example, that some hospital disinfection tools emitted ultraviolet light. He could use these directly. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, he felt discomfort but didn't experience the burning sensation.

He concluded that ultraviolet rays affected him, but they weren't fatal. Dark clothing could block sunlight and shield him from some of the ultraviolet rays. This was why Muzan always wore dark clothes; they lessened the sun's impact on him.

However, investigating radiation was far more challenging, especially given Konoha's current technological level. While Orochimaru's research was centered on biology, Muzan had to delve into the realm of physics on his own.

"At least I've made some progress," Muzan muttered, engrossed in his experiments, unaware that someone was looking for him outside.

Muzan's return to Konoha wasn't solely for rest and recovery. He was also there to receive a reward. However, this critical detail had slipped his mind, leading to many ninjas searching for him in vain.

"No way! Didn't Muzan come in with you?" one ninja asked.

"No, he didn't come in with the main group. I didn't see him at the gate!" another responded.

"You're kidding! Hokage-sama is waiting for him!"

With no other options, the search fell on their shoulders. Many ninjas, just returning to Konoha, were tasked with locating Muzan before they could rest.

Only Anko and Mari, as his companions, had any idea where Muzan might be. There were only two possible places: the Hatake estate or Konoha Hospital.

They split up. Anko headed directly to Konoha Hospital, where she indeed found Muzan near the entrance.

"Knock, knock!"

Muzan, whose experiment had been interrupted, felt a flicker of annoyance. But when he turned and saw Anko, his expression softened.

"Didn't I tell you last time not to disturb me when I'm experimenting? And cut down on the sweets! You'll turn into a sweet potato!"

"What does it mean to become a big sweet potato? Does it mean getting bigger?"

Anko instinctively ignored Muzan's reprimand, glancing down at the village from the mountaintop. From this height, the winding streets almost resembled a river, flowing with purpose.

Muzan's comment about a "big sweet potato" made Anko feel uneasy, especially as she began to suspect it was a derogatory term.

"What exactly do you mean by that?" Anko turned to Muzan, seeking clarification.

"It's just that… your tonnage… it's not what you think," Muzan replied with a teasing smirk.

"You jerk!"

Anko immediately understood the insult and tried to rush at Muzan to teach him a lesson. But how could she be faster than him? Muzan effortlessly sidestepped her attack, placing a hand on her head to keep her at bay. He was careful not to let her crash into the equipment, as his experiments had already begun. He gently pressed her down on a nearby bench, their height difference now glaringly apparent.

Anko glared at Muzan's waist, but no matter how much she struggled, she couldn't break free.

Just then, Mari rushed into the room, his eyes widening in shock as if he had stumbled upon a secret.

"Sorry for disturbing you!"

The sound of the laboratory door slamming shut snapped Anko out of her confusion. She realized the awkward situation she was in and punched Muzan in the chest.

"You idiot, go explain it to him!"

She turned away, embarrassed and unable to meet Muzan's gaze.

It was just a simple misunderstanding, but now someone had seen it!

Muzan's expression darkened as he packed up his tools. He headed out of the lab, spotting Mari hiding in a nearby corner, while Anko lingered on the other side of the room. Muzan called out to them both.

"Stop imagining things!"

After calming down, Mari realized that nothing inappropriate had happened. Knowing Muzan's usual attitude towards Anko, he doubted there was anything more to the scene than rough handling during an argument.

"Let's go to the Hokage's office. You two, follow me."

Despite Muzan's personal plans, they were still a team, completing joint missions. Their recent achievements were supposed to be celebrated together after the Third Shinobi World War. However, as Muzan's reputation grew, waiting was no longer an option.

At the Hokage's office, a group had already gathered, including Konoha's top brass and several elite jounin, all awaiting Muzan's arrival. Despite the long wait, no one complained—not even Danzo, who, though usually brooding in the shadows, had a glint of anticipation in his eyes.

"Knock, knock!"

Muzan pushed open the door, unfazed by the formidable presence in the room. Anko and Mari followed half a step behind him. Anko, usually fearless, hesitated upon seeing the group of powerful figures.

"We've been briefed about the battlefield. Thanks to your strategy, Konoha achieved an unprecedented victory," the Third Hokage spoke, unusually without his pipe. Dressed in his Hokage robes, he appeared more authoritative as he smiled at Muzan.

"As a reward, we'll grant you the equivalent of two S-rank mission payouts, along with a jutsu from the Sealed Scroll."

The Third Hokage's offer was generous. It also carried an underlying message: as Orochimaru's disciple, Muzan's success would reflect well on Orochimaru's bid for the Hokage position. This victory could also elevate Muzan's status as a candidate for the Fifth Hokage.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Muzan replied, bowing his head respectfully. "But after the main forces have rested, I would like to join the battlefront in the Land of Wind."

The senior officials exchanged concerned glances. Even Danzo seemed ready to oppose the idea.

"You're aware there's a massive bounty on your head in Kumogakure, right? Bounty hunters see you as a walking treasury," the Third Hokage said.

This wasn't an empty threat. According to Konoha's intelligence, numerous bounty hunters had already begun making their way to the Land of Fire with plans to capture Muzan. If Konoha weren't the strongest of the ninja villages, these mercenaries might have already invaded.

"It's too dangerous for you to leave the village right now," the Third Hokage continued, unwilling to let a valuable Konoha asset risk his life. "A genius who hasn't fully matured is no different from any ordinary ninja."

None of the senior officials supported Muzan leaving. They believed that staying in the village and honing his skills would bring greater benefits to Konoha.

"When war broke out, as Hatake Sakumo's son, I was on the front lines. If I didn't have the strength, I wouldn't have dared," Muzan said confidently.

The elite jounin in the room nodded in approval. The Third Hokage recognized that the new generation had truly matured. War had a way of tempering even the strongest of shinobi.

"Besides, my presence on the front lines could also help," Muzan added, tapping his temple. If he couldn't shift the tide of war with sheer strength, he could certainly do so with his intellect.

War tested a shinobi's true capabilities. The senior officials exchanged looks. If Muzan's knowledge of the Land of Wind could influence the battle, it might be worth the risk.

"I'll send a team of shinobi to protect Muzan and ensure his safety," Danzo said, breaking the silence. But it was clear he had his own agenda.

Everyone in the room knew Danzo's reputation. If Muzan were to die under Danzo's "protection," Konoha would lose a promising genius, and Hatake Sakumo's clan would be fully alienated.

"Anbu will be better suited for this mission," the Third Hokage said, overriding Danzo. "I agree that Muzan can go to the Land of Wind, but he must follow Orochimaru's orders."

The Third Hokage's decision was final. He handed a letter to a nearby shinobi, who would deliver it to Orochimaru.

"Give this letter to Orochimaru."

"Understood."

To ensure Muzan's safety, the Third Hokage decided to send an Anbu team with him. Whether or not Danzo's operatives would be among them was unclear, but one thing was certain: Muzan's actions were causing significant changes in Konoha. At least the newly graduated genin wouldn't have to go to the battlefield just yet.

After the meeting, as everyone began to leave, Danzo was the last to rise. The Third Hokage stopped him.

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