Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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Hiashi was quite surprised by Muzan's visit.

Although the Hatake and Hyuga clans were among the wealthiest in Konoha, they rarely interacted. Moreover, it was a pivotal time—the Third Hokage was stepping down, and the Fourth Hokage was about to be chosen.

Muzan's identity was sensitive, though Hiashi wasn't afraid of him. What concerned him more was who Muzan might represent.

Neither Orochimaru nor Sakumo were people the Hyuga clan could afford to offend, making the situation awkward for Hiashi. Although the Hyuga clan supported the Hokage, they lacked top-tier combatants, leading to insecurity when dealing with powerful figures like Orochimaru and Sakumo.

"This is a personal visit," Muzan stated.

To avoid misunderstandings, he clarified that he was not acting on Orochimaru's behalf.

"I'm speaking only for myself, not for Orochimaru-sensei," Muzan emphasized, ensuring Hiashi understood. It wasn't hard to infer who Muzan was connected with, though Hizashi, who had accompanied him, remained silent, following Muzan's lead.

"So, a personal visit," Hiashi echoed, making no mention of his earlier use of the Byakugan. Since it was his younger brother, Hizashi, he couldn't treat it as a family law issue. Only Hiashi knew what had occurred, and he saw no need to escalate matters.

"Hizashi, show Muzan around and introduce him to our Hyuga traditions."

Given Muzan's status and strength, Hiashi couldn't afford to treat him lightly, especially with their collaboration on the Konoha Hospital project.

As Muzan left the courtyard, Hizashi quickly caught up and whispered a warning in his ear, advising him about the Hokage's election. The Fourth Hokage had already been chosen, and the announcement was only a matter of time. Supporting Orochimaru now would mean opposing the Third Hokage's decision.

The Hyuga clan had always followed the Hokage's lead, ensuring their clan's prosperity despite their lack of elite fighters.

After Hizashi left, Muzan didn't linger. He had no interest in sightseeing and no time to waste. His mission had been accomplished.

However, something unusual happened on his way back. The once-crowded road gradually emptied until Muzan found himself alone. His instincts kicked in.

"This doesn't feel right," Muzan muttered. He had walked this road many times, but now, no matter how far he went, he seemed to end up back where he started.

"Genjutsu…"

He closed his eyes briefly, and when he reopened them, he was no longer in Konoha but in the Forest of Death.

A murderous aura filled the air, causing birds and animals to flee. Muzan swiftly drew his sword, sensing enemies nearby.

In an instant, he slashed through a massive tree, revealing two shinobi who had been hiding behind it.

"Impressive," one muttered.

The genjutsu specialist, Yamanaka Kazuma, had intended to trap Muzan again. But Muzan's swift strike had shattered the illusion before Kazuma could react. His companion held him back before he could attempt another genjutsu.

"These must be Root operatives," Muzan thought. They lacked the usual Konoha emblems, yet they knew the village too well to be ordinary intruders.

Only Danzo could be behind this. Though their previous conflict had supposedly been resolved, it seemed Danzo had other plans.

"They won't just let me walk away," Muzan mused, assessing his attackers.

Yamanaka Kazuma unsheathed his sword. Behind his fox mask, his eyes locked onto Muzan. He knew of the Hatake clan's swordsmanship and realized Muzan was no ordinary opponent.

"Wind Style: Gale Palm!"

Kazuma launched a swift attack, trying to catch Muzan off guard. But Muzan, highly trained in taijutsu, easily dodged the strike.

As he moved, the shadow beneath him shifted.

"The Nara clan," Muzan observed calmly.

Nara Okishima and Yamanaka Kazuma were seasoned partners, their teamwork nearly flawless. Muzan knew not to underestimate them.

As Kazuma charged forward, Muzan sidestepped, knowing a direct clash would be risky. The moment Kazuma's blade missed, a shadow crept up Muzan's side, attempting to bind him.

"As expected from Root operatives," Muzan muttered, evading again. The failed Gale Palm had knocked down several trees, casting long shadows as the sun set.

"Boom!"

Muzan slammed his fist into the ground, creating a fissure that allowed him to escape Okishima's shadow technique.

Using a chakra scalpel, Muzan cut through the earth, avoiding the shadows closing in around him.

"The Nara's shadows are more dangerous than their blades," Muzan noted as he focused on Okishima, aware that the strategist was the real threat.

Okishima retracted his shadow, scanning the ground for signs of Muzan's movements. Spotting a disturbance, he threw a kunai with an explosive tag.

"Boom!"

The explosion shook the ground, but Muzan had anticipated it. His chakra scalpel cut through the earth, allowing him to avoid the blast.

Emerging from the ground, Muzan closed the distance, his chakra scalpel glowing as it cut through the air. Blue light bloomed, and Okishima quickly formed hand seals.

"Shadow Summoning!"

The setting sun cast long shadows, giving Okishima the perfect conditions for his jutsu. He summoned nearby shadows to trap Muzan.

To avoid touching the opponent's shadow, Muzan halted his attack. Instead, he transformed his knife-hand into a fist. Although he couldn't use his chakra scalpel to end the battle, his Strange Power Fist was still devastating.

"Boom!"

Even with shadows summoned for defense, Okishima couldn't withstand the raw power of Muzan's punch. He crossed his arms in a desperate attempt to block the blow.

Leaves scattered as Okishima was blown away, crashing into a broken tree.

"Cough, cough."

His hands trembled uncontrollably. The exchange had lasted mere moments.

Yamanaka Kazuma stood between them, gripping his sword with both hands, warily watching Muzan.

"His strength is terrifying," Kazuma remarked, noting Okishima's severe injuries.

"Yeah…"

Despite their injuries, neither considered abandoning the mission. Danzo's orders were absolute.

Though Okishima wasn't dead, his hands were too damaged for further combat. Their strategy shifted—Kazuma would take the offensive while Okishima provided support.

"Shadow Smoke Screen Jutsu!"

Using smoke bombs for cover, Okishima created a black shadow sphere, enveloping Muzan in darkness. Inside the sphere, Muzan could feel his movements becoming sluggish.

"This isn't water... what is this?" Muzan thought.

The shadow technique, combined with Okishima's injuries, slowed Muzan's movements. Realizing the danger, Muzan acted quickly.

"I don't know what this is, but it won't stop me!"

"Wind Release: Whirlwind Fist!"

Muzan unleashed a burst of wind, tearing apart the shadow sphere and scattering the smoke.

Without Okishima's support, Kazuma couldn't handle Muzan alone. Muzan's kunai cut through Kazuma's defenses, stopping mere centimeters from his neck.

"Ding!"

A sharp sound rang out as Kazuma's sword deflected the blade. Though his life was spared, his shoulder was slashed.

"Muzan, they're my subordinates," a voice called out. "They're here on my orders."

Danzo appeared, his bandaged arm hinting at the Sharingan he had transplanted after the Third Ninja War.

"I'm curious about one thing," Muzan said coldly, eyeing Danzo. "Do you really think those two could kill me?"

Danzo remained calm, though Muzan's tone suggested a readiness to escalate the conflict. With both operatives injured, only Danzo stood between them, and Muzan knew Danzo's secret techniques couldn't prevent his defeat.

"This wasn't an assassination," Danzo said. "I simply wanted to lure you here for a private discussion."

Ignoring his wounded men, Danzo continued, "What I have to say shouldn't be discussed within the village."

"Orochimaru has failed in his bid to become Hokage. You understand the consequences, especially regarding the experiments in the hospital…"

Muzan had conducted human experiments, using the hospital as a cover to capture prisoners for his tests. Exposure could land him in Konoha's prison.

"Are you threatening me?" Muzan asked coldly.

"No, you misunderstand," Danzo replied. "If I can investigate your activities, so can the Third Hokage. He's just been too busy with the transition to the Fourth."

Muzan didn't deny it. Large-scale experiments wouldn't go unnoticed forever.

"I can offer you a secure location for your experiments, free from ANBU scrutiny."

Muzan considered his options. He could either defect to the Land of Waves, where Pakura had prepared a lab for him, or accept Danzo's offer and continue his work within Konoha.

Muzan's blood-red eyes narrowed at Danzo. "What do you want in return? I don't believe you'd take this risk for nothing."

Danzo smiled slightly, sensing victory. "My request? Join Root. Inherit everything from me. Become the new Root of Konoha."

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