A cool morning breeze drifted through the open windows of the Senju estate. Sunlight spilled across the courtyard, painting the ancient residence in a calm, golden glow.
The tranquility did not last.
The front gate burst open.
Tsunade stormed in with Shizune close behind, both clearly having not slept. Her hair was slightly disheveled, her expression dark.
"Where is that brat?!"
She headed straight for Ren's room.
Empty.
"Damn it! Where did he run off to this early?"
Her raised voice drew the others out. Karin peeked from her doorway. Hikari stepped out quietly, arms folded.
"You're looking for Ren? He might be in Yugao's room."
Tsunade's face instantly darkened.
That little bastard.
She took two steps toward Yugao's room—then suddenly stopped. She turned and pointed at Hikari and Karin.
"Shizune, keep an eye on them. No wandering."
"Eh?"
Before Shizune could respond, the door to Yugao's room opened.
Ren stepped out, looking mildly confused.
"Sensei? You're back? Why so urgent?"
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him, then glanced at Yugao emerging behind him.
Yugao's cheeks were faintly flushed.
Tsunade chose not to dwell on it.
"Forget that. Something major happened. Hokage-sama wants you immediately."
"So urgent?" Ren asked, his tone perfectly controlled.
"And you didn't come back last night, Sensei?"
"Don't start," Tsunade snapped. "That damn Danzō…"
Her fists tightened.
"He had contact with Orochimaru. With Orochimaru's help… he defected."
Ren froze theatrically.
"What?! Orochimaru? Danzō? Together? Hokage-sama went personally—how did he escape?!"
"Because Orochimaru was there," Tsunade said grimly. "And Danzō's subordinates coordinated well. They broke through."
Her eyes hardened.
"You know he can't leave. He knows too much."
Ren's expression darkened.
"I know. I'll go to Hokage-sama now."
He paused just long enough to glance at Yugao—and at Hikari, who was watching from the doorway.
"Yugao, report back to ANBU. Tell Kakashi his squad may be requisitioned."
"Hikari, return to Root. Gather everyone. We may deploy at any moment."
Without another word, Ren hurried out.
His face looked grave.
Inside, he was smiling.
Finally.
After Tsunade left, Hikari lingered in the hallway, her eyes drifting back toward Yugao's room.
"First mission," Yugao said lightly. "Better get ready."
Hikari nodded.
Then she paused.
"…Why are you changing your bedding again? Didn't you just replace it?"
Yugao stiffened.
"I spilled milk this morning."
Hikari tilted her head slightly.
"…That doesn't smell like milk."
Silence.
"Smells like… something floral."
"Go prepare," Yugao said smoothly.
Hikari eventually left.
Yugao exhaled sharply once the door closed.
That liar. 'It'll be quick,' he said.
In the Hokage's office, Ren listened solemnly as Hiruzen explained the events of the previous night.
His reaction was flawless.
Shock. Anger. Betrayal.
"We never imagined it would turn out like this…" Hiruzen sighed heavily.
But inside, he had already concluded something.
Ren's investigation had cornered Danzō.
That was why he ran.
And if Danzō had run—
Then there were even more secrets buried beneath the surface.
"Ren," Hiruzen said at last, voice firm, "you will command this operation. You may mobilize Root, portions of ANBU, and even border defense units if necessary."
His gaze sharpened.
"Bring him back alive if possible."
A pause.
"If he resists—do not let him leave the Land of Fire."
Ren bowed.
"I understand."
He turned and left swiftly.
Behind him, Hiruzen exhaled softly.
"Danzō… I hope this is not our final farewell."
Rain fell endlessly in Amegakure.
Nagato stared through the window, lost in thought.
Konan entered quickly.
"There's news."
He immediately erected a sound barrier.
"What does he want this time?"
"Both Rain and Akatsuki are to mobilize."
Nagato's eyes narrowed.
"Explain."
"Danzō defected."
Silence.
Then Nagato stood abruptly.
"Defected?"
"Yes."
Konan relayed everything.
Ren's deception.
Danzō believing Akatsuki would shelter him.
The brewing storm across the nations.
Nagato's eyes burned.
Hanzo was dead.
Danzō…
"…will die."
Konan nodded.
"Ren says this operation will be large. He guarantees Danzō's death."
Nagato's breathing steadied.
"Then we move carefully. Obito. Itachi. Kakuzu."
A faint pause.
"And perhaps… we show some 'good faith.'"
Konan pressed her lips together slightly.
She knew Ren's version of "good faith" far too well.
Across the Five Nations, the storm spread.
Iwagakure mobilized.
Kumogakure prepared.
Sunagakure debated fiercely.
Everyone reached the same conclusion:
Shimura Danzō's head contained priceless secrets.
No one would ignore this opportunity.
Two days later, near the border of the Land of Grass—
Ren led his forces swiftly through the forest.
Root members moved in disciplined silence.
Behind him were newly recruited Uchiha.
Their hatred was sharp and personal.
Danzō had approved the massacre.
That alone was enough.
Ren glanced back.
"Shisui. Keep them steady."
"I understand."
Hikari, masked at his side as personal guard, leaned closer.
"You're hiding something."
"Not at all."
Ren smiled faintly.
This was more than pursuit.
This was execution.
And then—
The system panel flashed.
[New Mission Acquired]
[Hunt Shimura Danzō]
Perfect.
Ahead—
A distant explosion echoed through the valley.
Ren stopped.
Countless chakra signatures converged.
The battlefield had formed.
"Prepare for engagement."
His lips curved slightly.
"The show begins."
Three days after fleeing Konoha, Danzō stood within the forests of the Land of Grass.
Exhausted.
Cornered.
He stared into the trees, memories flashing unbidden.
Decades ago, he had helped build Konoha.
Now it would become his grave.
Beside him stood "Orochimaru," watching with cold amusement.
"I've cleared many obstacles for you," the disguised Ren said lazily. "Isn't it time I received payment?"
Danzō glared.
"You opportunistic snake."
"Profit above all," Ren replied softly. "Your own philosophy."
After a long silence, Danzō tossed him a scroll.
"Hashirama's cells. Five pairs of Sharingan. That's what I have."
Ren caught it smoothly.
A useful bonus.
Then he smiled.
"There's good news and bad news."
Danzō's expression hardened.
"You've been found."
Before he could respond—
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
Explosions detonated around them.
Flames surged.
Shockwaves tore through the forest.
Root shinobi reacted instantly.
Earth walls rose. Water barriers formed. Insect swarms shielded.
But Danzō already understood.
They were not alone.
Ren's voice echoed lightly amid the smoke.
"You've made many enemies, Danzō-sama."
A pause.
"You're not just famous."
Another explosion roared.
"You're universally hated."
And from the shadows of the forest—
Figures began to emerge.
The hunt had begun.
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