Arc 2 Chapter 8 Part 2- Age: 10.04, Year: 14.04

With the holidays officially over with, I'll be back to the usual schedule for uploading chapters!

...

I stood in the center of the bustling workshop, a sturdy table cluttered with tools and materials surrounding me. The smell of fresh paint and the sound of laughter filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of voices discussing plans for the modifications. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease swell within me as I look around at the progress.

I was practically avoiding the elephant in the room, occupying myself with this, even if this sort of activity, or at least collaboration was necessary for the ninja involved.

The Kaguya had dipped their toes in the village already, it was just a matter of getting the rest of the village to treat them like any other clan that needed doing.

And what better way to do that, than to help out the couple next door upgrade from a food stall, to an actual establishment by having the Kaguya build it for them.

I was currently staring as the last of the finishing touches we're been made.

“Danzo-kun!” The woman called out, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “What do you think?" She questioned me, eyes wide and filled with elation.

I didn't blame her for her excitement. Couples their age- They were in the their twenties as far as I can remember, rarely got the oppertunity to own land this early.

I've known these two for as long as I could remember- it was admittedly nice to see them so happy. I approached her, a smile breaking across my face. “It looks great! You both have an incredible eye for design." I remarked with a grin.

The compliment unsurprisingly makes the smile on her face grow more as she waves a hand at me for it. "Okay pull it back a little! It's not that good!" She shook her head, a giggle coming out.

Her partner chose then to chime in, his blonde hair pattered with white spots courtesy of the paint brush in his hands “We really couldn’t have done this without your support, Danzo-kun." His gaze turned slowly upwards towards the ninja currently installing the restuarent's sign.

I rolled my eyes at him in response. “The credit belongs to you both. You put in the hard work, I just threw money at the problem." I finished with a snort, earning a somewhat disbelieving look from black-haired wife.

...Admittedly enough, their first names were lost to me but I was too deep in to ask them for it at this point.

As the Kaguya finished up his task, he took a step back and wiped his brow. “I believe that's everything.” He remarked somewhat passively before he walked over towards the blonde Namikaze and reached a hand out.

The man in response immedaitely handed him his pay for the job and thanked him once again for the effort before he turned towards me, the Kaguya disappearing in a body flicker moments later.

To my surprise though, it's the wife that speaks up instead. “Danzo-kun, we really can’t thank you enough for the loan.” She remarked swooping her head down for a moment before balking at the loose strands that swept over her face.

Her partner noded enthusiastically, adding, “Yeah, we promise to pay you back as soon as we start getting customers through the door. It’s just a few more modifications, and we’ll be up and running!”

I raise an eyebrow and feigned confusion while putting on my best serious face. “Loan? What loan? I’m not sure what you’re talking about. You must have me mistaken for someone else entirely,” I elected to start picking at my right ear for added measure.

At that Mrs Namikaze raised her head, in surprise before locking eyes with her husband for a moment before the two shared a laugh, clearly amused by my over-the-top act. “Come on, Danzo-kun! I thought you ninja were supposed to be better at this sort of thing!”

Her partner noded solemnly at that. "We’re committed to paying you back, no matter what it takes. That money helped us-”

I waved a hand dismissively, suppressing a grin. “Oh, you mean that generous donation to your cause? That wasn't a loan to begin with, that was just me paying for free ramen for life.”

They both laughed at that one, but I can see a flicker of concern in their expressions. “Seriously, though,” Mrs Namikaze insisted, “we promised we would pay you back and that's what we're going to do. It's the right thing to do.”

I faked contemplation, leaned on the workbench and crossed my arms. “But wouldn't the real right thing to do be letting me enjoy free ramen for life? You really wouldn’t want to taint that with old-fashioned concepts of repayment, now would you?”

The couple exchanged glances, trying to stifle their giggles while remaining firm. “We're not letting you wiggle out of this that easily, Danzo-kun! You deserve to be repaid,” her partner argued, his tone playful yet serious.

I dramatically leaned back, placing a hand on my forehead. “Oh, woe is me! What a burden I must carry, to be adored with such insistence! Whatever shall I do?”

The wife pretends to ponder that for a moment, then shakes her head with a smile. “You are hopeless, you know that?”

“Hopelessly charming, you mean!” I smirk, straightening up again. “But really, it’s fine. Take this as an investment in good neighbors!" I can practically feel the warmth oozing out of them right now. “In all seriousness,” I add, dropping the act, “I’m not worried about repayment. Seeing you thrive is all the reward I need." I really lay it on thick-

Mrs Namikaze chose to cut me off by letting out a long, exasperated sigh before swooping down and pulling me into a hug, her arms wrapping around me tightly.

I've got three different stages of advanced Observation Haki- How the fuck did she catch me off-guard!?

“There,” she says, her voice muffled against my shoulder. “That’s our payment, then. A hug for a generous idiot who won’t let us pay him back.”

Chuckling, I relax slightly, returning the embrace with a gentle pat on her back. “I am only accepting this on account of having been caught off-guard.”

My attempt at humor however falls flat on account of her husband who chose to bow his head slightly, the playful mood momentarily giving way to sincerity. “Danzo-kun, really, thank you. You’ve done more for us than you know, and it means a lot.”

I shift uncomfortably, caught off guard by the seriousness of the moment. "...It's really not that big of a deal..." I said, trying to play it off. "I make a lot of money running around stealing clans ya know?" I deadpan.

But before I can deflect any further, the wife released me and ruffled my hair without hesitation, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Well, not all of us can do that, Danzo-kun.”

I pushed her hand away with mock annoyance. “Hey! Respect the hairstyle!”

Her laughter ringed out at that, the atmosphere light once again, and I can’t help but join in. “Well, if I didn’t ruffle it a bit, you wouldn't have got your money's worth!” she teased.

...Minato you better be worth all this torture, I swear!

Wait hold up, isn't it a little early for him? Is there a whole generation before that little fucker pops up...? Better question would he even pop up anymore?

...Eh, who even cares at this point honestly.

"This is the thanks I get, I help you out and you decide to ruin my hair?" I shook my head, with mock exesperation which only seemed to make her giggle again while Mr Namikaze just scratched at his head, completely forgetting the paint brush he was holding.

...

With a good-natured smile on my face, I waved goodbye to the couple as I walked away. “Don’t forget the free ramen for life, or I might start charging you!” I called back.

Just as I'm about to turn the corner, I heard a light thud behind me. I idly noted the Kaguya that jumped down from a nearby rooftop and started walking beside me.

“You know,” he began, looking ahead with a tilted head, “I imagine it's rare to see you act like a carefree child like that.” There was a questioning tone to his voice.

I chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck. “Carefree? Please. I was merely exercising my right to annoy my neighbours! Didn’t you see how much fun I was having?”

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “Right. Fun. Setting people up for life- I imagine many would agree in the fun-ness of that,”

I elect to feign offense at that by placing a hand dramatically over my heart. “How dare you compare me to everyone else!" Which earned me a snort. “Speaking of fun, what was your name again?”

His expression shifted for a moment. “Danzo-sama, you’ve known me for months by now.”

I tap my chin, acting contemplative. “Months, you say? Maybe that’s why I can’t remember! All I recall is that white hair and those ominous eyebrows.” I added a wave of my hand. "I knew my teammate for years, you wanna guess how long it took me to learn her name?" I asked with a straight face.

"...A concerning amount of time I imagine." He replied, taking my comment in stride. "Kuro Kaguya." He added on.

I blinked at that.

"They named you Black Kaguya? Did you bleach your hair or something?" This fucker had whiter hair than most of them- "...Are you secretly Zetsu?"

He blinked at that, once again ignoring what should've been a somewhat insulting comment. "That is not a name I recognise, nor do I recognise the word bleach for that matter." He remarked with an apologetic tone to his voice.

...Why was he treating me like I was a kage or something!?

"Right..." I promptly clicked my fingers as I finally remembered who was he related to. "You're the son of the alcoholic elder I cured of chakra cancer!" I deadpanned.

He gave me a long look at that one- Have I finally pushed him too far!?

"...I don't know what cancer is, but yes," He nodded, utterly unbothered. "I am indeed that elder's son." A beat passed as I just stared at the guy like he was the problem. "I am grateful you managed to remember."

Kill me. Kill me now.

I pause on our little walk, in the middle of street, with onlookers all evidently watching the Kaguya with thinly veiled curiosity. "Don't take this the wrong way, but is there a reason you don't seem to care that I keep insulting you?"

For some odd reason that made him stare at me like I was insane. "...You gave my daughter a chance at a better life, Danzo-sama." I blinked at the words. "No words will ever change my opinion of you."

I am not above admitting to pouting at that. “Not sure how much of a life that is if she inherited your hairstyle,” I crossed my arms and gave him a side-look. "...Makes you look like an errant ghost wandering around."

He rolled his eyes at that before smiling of all fucking things. "You have a very strange sense of humor, Danzo-sama."

...Roll with it. “Of course! Soon enough, I’ll have my own comedy tour drenched in blood and dark jokes,” I declared as we continue walking, the walls of the village bustling with life around us.

Just then, Kuro paused for a moment, his posture slightly stiffening- And as much as I'd like to take credit for his sudden mood swing, it wasn't my fault.

“Looks like we’re not the only ones enjoying the sunshine,” he muttered, indicating toward the entrance of Konoha's largest farmer's market.

My brow furrows as I spot the unmistakable silhouette of Kakuzu looms, his presence always a mix of intimidation and business-like demeanor.

Honestly, I am more surprised he noticed him.

I should keep an eye out on this one.

“I'll be excusing myself, Danzo-sama,” Kuro said, his voice low and respectful.

I let out a nod in response and watched him disappear into the crowds.

As Kuro retreated, Kakuzu approached with his usual intensity, his features set in a serious expression. I take a moment to gather my thoughts, feeling the lighthearted atmosphere from moments before morphing into something else.

“Danzo,” he greeted, his voice flat but with an underlying weight. “I need to talk to you about some matters regarding your finances. We need to discuss a potential investment strategy.”

Sheesh I know I told him to keep it in the underneath but I didn't expect him to paint a red layer over it! Tsunade could fuckin' see through that!

“Of course,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral. “Let’s find a quieter spot for that though.” Grabbing a hold of him, to his surprise and sudden wariness, I flash-stepped our ass outside the village.

...

After getting a hold of himself, the man let out a disgruntled sound of annoyance before clearing his throat. “There are rumors circulating among the clans,” Kakuzu began, his voice steely. “About your involvement in the…strategic operation that you had me undertake.”

I arch an eyebrow, my interest piqued. “Rumors? I wasn’t aware my name had been brought into them.”

Kakuzu’s expression hardens as he continues. “Whenever anything happens these days, your name is almost always considered to be the cause of it.”

“And yet they don’t always see the bigger picture,” I respond, keeping my voice calm. “What do you suggest we do about it?”

"The last thing you need is for people to start assuming too much. You know how people love to talk.” He mutter's dryly before reaching into a pocket. “I have a list of foreign ninja who might be susceptible to persuasion,” he stated, pulling out a small piece of parchment from his cloak. “Ninjas who could be bought off or manipulated in your favor. Provided you've had no contact with them, I can have them be the cause of the second rumor.”

I noded slowly, mulling over the options. Kakuzu is devious enough to know there's something going on- As far as he and the public were concerned, the fire noble's death had been faked, but that's where it ended.

If I had to guess, the man likely thought we had said Fire Noble stashed away somewhere, which wasn't wrong. The only piece of information he, as well as everyone else was missing was just how cooperative said noble truly was.

Kakuzu, along with a majority of the world, believed that cooperation ended the moment the Fire Noble came back to life or was under threat- It would never occur to them that he would be willing to die to make these rumors true.

It was that singular facet that just showed exactly how dangerous Edo Tensei, when used properly, truly was.

 “I'll trust your judgement on them.” I shrugged. I could always scout them out later myself and see what they're made of. "Have the rumor go through them."

He nodded at that, slowly. His concern and worry plastered plainly on his face. 

Kakuzu’s expression shifts slightly. “I have to admit, I’m not fully convinced this is the right call to begin with,” he admits cautiously. “Spreading rumors can be a slippery slope, especially those involving nobles. The implications of his death were serious enough, but faking it has somehow made it worse.”

"Who said we faked it?" I deadpanned to the man, earning a very long look in response. At said look, I let out a snort and leaned against a tree. “You’re right. But that’s exactly why we need the distraction. If we can twist the narrative effectively, we can divert attention away from the chaos already brewing.”

Kakuzu narrowed his eyes, his skepticism palpable. “I don’t have all the details of what you intend to do, Shimura- Nor do I want any. But there's only one way this ends-"

"Your advice is noted, Kakuzu, but it's like you said, you don't want to know the truth so why poke at it?" I raised an eyebrow at him. The words earned me a muted nod in responce.

I think the man was actually enjoying his new occupation in life considering he seemed to be afraid of losing it.

“So, I’m to continue spreading whispers that create ripples- leading people to question the motives behind the noble’s fake death and linking it to other families’ ambitions?"

I nodded at that. "For the most part yes, just follow the script." I let out a slight sigh and looked upwards into the sky. "Honestly, everything's basically going as predicted, it's kind of boring."

For some odd reason when I looked back down towards Kakuzu, I found a fearful expression on his face, even if he tried to hide it as he made his way back to the village.

Honestly though it really was going pretty well- no one truly believes in the so-called death of the noble. The rumors swirl and the speculation around it is running rampant, painting a picture of uncertainty and mistrust. Yet, that very disbelief has created an environment that could implode with the barest hint of pressure.

The only thing was, we were the only ones that can cause that pressure.

The clans chatter in hushed tones, grappling with the implications, while the other villages look on with suspicion, questioning what Konoha stands to gain from this ruse.

No body was ever found- a factor that, in any normal world, should have signaled the end of the charade. Instead, it gave way to chaos. The political atmosphere was filled with a thick cloudy veil right now, and with it, foreign operations were likely stirring within the Fire Country, each village sent spiraling into its own investigations. They scoured for any traces of the noble, believing that there’s a deeper conspiracy at play, and that Konoha is hiding something important.

Which is true- but that wasn't what they should've been looking at. Hell that was why they were going to lose in the long run. Believing that and focusing on our reasoning for faking it convinces them that the longer this charade goes on for, the more vulnerable we become when it's the complete opposite.

The longer they waste on shitstain-san, the easier the coming war's going to really be.

I idly wondered how the coming Kage Summit was going to go, knowing that for the second time since the founding the village systems, Konoha once again held all the cards in their hand.

The last time had been the tailed beasts that Hashirama divided out across the nations... but even a blind man had seen that coming.

No one was going to see this one coming- the kages likely thought Konoha only had the noble's card, and nothing else.

I couldn't help but start laughing at the thought, the sound echoing through the forest.

...

Hope You Enjoyed! Don't Forget Feedback!

Should be released for free on 10/01/2025 (hopefully)