In the Root Office
Danzo bluntly stated that he wanted to recruit Sora to join Root.
Sora looked directly at Danzo and asked, "Lord Danzo, may I ask you a question?"
Danzo nodded. "Go ahead."
Sora asked directly, "Lord Danzo, do you want me to stand on your side?"
Sora was no longer just an ordinary shinobi on the margins. Now, he was like a valuable asset that everyone wanted to recruit. Since Danzo approached him so directly, Sora decided to be equally direct. His purpose was clear - if Danzo wanted his allegiance, what benefits would he receive? It would be impossible to join Root and work for Danzo without getting something in return.
Danzo narrowed his eyes and asked, "I do want you to stand on my side. What do you want in exchange?"
Sora said seriously, "Lord Danzo, I believe you know I've always wanted to prevent Kushina from becoming a Jinchūriki. I hope to change the candidate for the Nine-Tails. Uzumaki Miyuki is a member of the Uzumaki clan like Kushina, and she's also very talented. I've heard she's mastering sealing jutsu very smoothly. The Jinchūriki candidate doesn't necessarily have to be Kushina, especially since my Mangekyō Sharingan can also control the Tailed Beasts."
Danzo didn't answer immediately. He had already guessed that Sora's request would be to change the Jinchūriki candidate. Indeed, as Sora said, the candidate didn't necessarily have to be Uzumaki Kushina.
"So, what can you offer me?" Danzo asked.
Sora replied in a deep voice, "As long as Kushina doesn't become a Jinchūriki, I will stand firmly behind you in the future. I will only follow your orders and become your most loyal subordinate!"
Danzo studied Sora carefully. Just considering Sora's value alone, it would be enough reason for him to agree. He knew that Sora had sneaked into Kumogakure and released the Eight-Tails. If he secured Sora's loyalty, then Sora, who possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, would give him the power to control the Tailed Beasts.
But simply agreeing to Qianyu's terms wouldn't be Danzo's style.
"I can consider this matter, but it depends on your performance. You need to prove your loyalty to me. There's an opportunity coming soon. I'm travelling to Amegakure. You can be my bodyguard and accompany me."
Sora's eyes flashed with interest. Amegakure? It seemed Danzo was planning to move against the current Akatsuki organization.
Sora bowed and said, "Yes, Lord Danzo, I'll do whatever you request!"
The current Akatsuki wasn't the extreme terrorist organization it would become in the future. Instead, it was a group determined to create world peace without using extreme force. In this war-torn period, many people joined the organization, and Akatsuki gradually grew and gained recognition.
Since Amegakure was located at the border of three warring nations—Fire, Earth, and Wind—it held a special position in the ongoing conflict. It might be possible for Akatsuki to realize their vision and end the Third Shinobi World War.
Sunagakure was currently leaderless after the disappearance of the Third Kazekage, so they had little interest in continuing the war. As for Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen would prefer to end the war through peace talks. Iwagakure was unlikely to be reasonable since they, along with Kumogakure, had provoked this war. However, with enough incentives, even Iwagakure might be persuaded to back down.
But Danzo would never allow the Third Shinobi World War to end this way. He believed that only through war could Konoha grow stronger and gain more resources and leadership. Moreover, Konoha's situation appeared to be improving.
Therefore, Danzo deceived Hanzo, the Salamander of Amegakure, suggesting that Akatsuki might gradually replace his position as the leader of Amegakure. Concerned about his leadership role and preserving his power, Hanzo was successfully manipulated by Danzo.
Previously, Hanzo the Salamander had aspired to achieve peace and unify the five great nations, eliminating war through his own efforts. However, after realizing that the existence of ninjutsu and shinobi would only bring endless war, he began gathering strength and seeking control over Amegakure. Later, he became obsessed with his own life and status, growing hostile toward anything that might threaten his position. He would kill such threats with all his might. By this time, Hanzo had abandoned his original beliefs.
Hanzo had considered eliminating the growing Akatsuki organization but hesitated because they were from the same village. Now, Danzo had successfully influenced his decision.
Going to Amegakure meant they would be going after Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan. For Sora, this was a significant opportunity to witness a major event and gain points.
The reason Danzo asked Sora to accompany him was because Sarutobi Hiruzen knew about the mission to eliminate Akatsuki. If Hiruzen had known about it, he would have likely led peace talks instead. Konoha had already lost so much, and Danzo couldn't allow Konoha to suffer further losses. Instead, they needed to continue the war to make up for those losses elsewhere.
By bringing Sora to Amegakure, Danzo would make it clear to others that Sora was part of his faction. At that point, Sora would have no choice but to become his subordinate and work for him faithfully.
As for the Nine-Tails, Danzo didn't care whether the Jinchūriki was Uzumaki Kushina or Uzumaki Miyuki. As long as he had Sora with his Mangekyō Sharingan, the Nine-Tails would belong to Danzo. So, to ensure Sora's complete loyalty, he was willing to let Uzumaki Miyuki become the Jinchūriki.
Danzo said to Sora, "Come to Root headquarters at noon tomorrow and follow me to Amegakure."
"Yes, Lord Danzo," Sora replied.
Sora left the Root office. Both men were satisfied with their conversation. With Danzo's support, the matter of Uzumaki Kushina was essentially settled, and Sora could also gain witness points by going to Amegakure.
...
Sora left and prepared to go home.
On the street, he spotted a familiar figure. His expression immediately turned serious when he realized that beside Uzumaki Kushina was Uzumaki Miyuki. Judging by how they were holding hands, they seemed very close.
"Sora!" Uzumaki Kushina saw Sora and excitedly waved her hand, trotting over to him.
"Sora, when did you get back?" she asked.
Sora smiled and replied, "I just returned today. I went to your place, but you weren't home, so I left a note. Are you out shopping?"
"Yes! Sora, guess what? One of my clan members has come to Konoha. Let me introduce you!" Kushina said excitedly.
Obviously unaware that Sora had already found Uzumaki Miyuki, Kushina eagerly pulled Miyuki over and introduced her. "Miyuki, this is the Sora I've been telling you about!"
Uzumaki Miyuki bowed slightly to Sora. "This is our first meeting. Hello, my name is Uzumaki Miyuki."
Sora was stunned for a moment before responding, "Hello, nice to meet you for the first time."
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