Naruto: Starting with Snatching the Mangekyō Sharingan

Aburame Ryouma and Orochimaru exchanged a glance, instantly understanding Danzo's intent.

They were well aware of who the orphanage caretaker was and knew exactly what Danzo was planning.

On the way there, Torune hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Danzo-sama, why are we heading to that orphanage?"

Even though he understood Danzo's intentions, he knew he had to ask the obvious questions at times like this.

"The Foundation needs Yakushi Nono's assistance. We require her, a kunoichi of exceptional skill, to infiltrate Iwagakure as a spy and gather intelligence," Danzo replied in a low tone.

"But Yakushi Nono has left the Root and is now associated with the Uchiha clan. She's holding a key position at the ShinTen Biotech. Will the Uchiha clan even let her go?" Torune asked softly.

"Danzo-sama," Orochimaru interjected, his voice smooth yet persuasive, "perhaps choosing someone else would be wiser. The Uchiha clan won't release her easily. Besides, Yakushi Nono's position at the institute is far from ordinary—she's not just a regular researcher."

"Yakushi Nono is the perfect candidate for the job. No one else can bear this responsibility," Danzo said coldly. "She has no choice. As a shinobi of Konoha, she must fulfill her duty."

Danzo was well aware that Yakushi Nono was now employed by the Uchiha and occupied a vital position at their research institute. Yet he didn't care. The Root had recently grown stronger, and he was looking for an excuse to deal with the Uchiha clan anyway.

Danzo had coveted the Sharingan for a long time, even mastering the Uchiha's forbidden Izanagi technique. This proved that his desire to confront the Uchiha wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision—it was a meticulously laid plan.

Aburame Ryouma mulled over Danzo's words and finally decided to advise further.

"Danzo-sama, I believe we should exercise caution. The Uchiha clan's strength cannot be underestimated, and now may not be the best time to provoke them."

Danzo, walking ahead, stopped and turned to face Torune. His tone was laced with confidence.

"Torune, no one understands the Uchiha clan better than I do—not even the Uchiha themselves!"

As the Second Hokage's disciple, Danzo had inherited Tobirama's extensive research on the Uchiha. He knew many of their secrets, even the mysteries of the Mangekyō Sharingan. Not only did he understand how the Mangekyō was awakened, but he also knew its inherent flaws. This knowledge was the source of his confidence.

After the Nine-Tails' rampage, the three Mangekyō users in the Uchiha clan had pushed their abilities to the limit. Danzo speculated that both Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Shisui's Sharingan were on the verge of blindness, making them unfit for prolonged high-intensity combat.

To Danzo, this meant the Uchiha would be reluctant to squander the limited uses of their Mangekyō techniques on trivial matters.

Aburame Ryouma was visibly surprised, unsure why Danzo was so confident. Orochimaru, observing from the side, narrowed his eyes and thought, It seems Danzo is hiding more than he lets on.

Noticing their reactions, Danzo smirked. "Don't worry. The Uchiha clan is no longer a threat."

Although still uncertain, Torune decided to drop the subject. He had already fulfilled his duty by voicing his concerns. Meanwhile, Orochimaru silently speculated, Could it be that the Mangekyō Sharingan has a fatal flaw?

At this point in his life, Orochimaru had no obsession with the Sharingan. To him, the Mangekyō was merely a powerful dōjutsu—a fascinating subject of study, nothing more. Watching Danzo's confident stride, Orochimaru smirked inwardly. It seems this old fox has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. The Second Hokage certainly left behind quite the legacy.

Before long, the trio arrived at the orphanage located on the outskirts of Konoha.

The once-dilapidated wooden building was now a fully renovated structure resembling a modern apartment complex. After joining the ShinTen Biotech, Yakushi Nono had used her position to secure funds for a complete overhaul of the orphanage.

Standing before the gates, Danzo narrowed his eyes. 

This orphanage seems well-funded. Perhaps another approach is needed.

While Danzo focused on the surroundings, Orochimaru's attention was immediately drawn to a child practicing palm healing techniques in the courtyard. The boy, with grayish-white hair and black-rimmed glasses, stood apart from the other children, who were playing. Immersed in his training, he seemed entirely unaware of the world around him.

"This child has remarkable potential," Orochimaru remarked, a sly smile curling his lips.

"Perhaps his talent even rivals that of Kakashi."

Mystical Palm Jutsu, an A-rank medical ninjutsu, was no small feat. The boy appeared to be just a few years old, yet he had already mastered the technique to a basic level. Such talent was comparable to the prodigy Hatake Kakashi.

"Perfect," Orochimaru mused. "My lab needs an assistant. With a little nurturing, this boy could become an exceptional researcher."

At that moment, Yakushi Nono emerged from the orphanage. Her expression shifted momentarily upon seeing Danzo and the others, but she quickly composed herself. Approaching the gate, she asked calmly, "What brings you here, Danzo-sama?"

Danzo's response was equally composed. "Won't you invite us in?"

"There's no need for formalities. Speak your mind, Danzo-sama," Nono replied evenly.

Glancing at the children gathering around, Danzo said coldly, "Some matters are best discussed in private. We wouldn't want to alarm the children, would we?"

Hearing the veiled threat, Nono's heart sank. She knew Danzo's visit boded ill.

"Very well. This way, please," Nono said after a brief pause, opening the gate and leading them to a conference room.

As they walked, Torune leaned toward Danzo and whispered, "Danzo-sama, there's an Uchiha present in the orphanage. They've already left—should we stop them?"

Danzo dismissed the suggestion.

"No need. Let them go. We can use this to gauge the Uchiha clan's intentions. If their ambitions overreach, I'll see to it personally."

Hearing this, Nono's worry deepened. She understood that Danzo's real target was the Uchiha, and she was merely a pawn in his scheme to ignite conflict.

Meanwhile, within the Uchiha compound, the returning shinobi immediately reported the situation to Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Akira.

Sitting across from each other, both men exchanged knowing smiles.

The opportunity they had been waiting for had finally arrived.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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