Danzo : This Time I Want to Be a Good Person

Amid Hanzō's inner conflict and concerns, Danzo finally arrived at the Hidden Rain Village.

To prevent him from plotting anything sinister, Hanzō had specifically ordered that Danzo be met at an outpost on the outskirts of the village. As soon as he arrived, they would escort him directly to Hanzō without allowing him to wander within the village.

"I can't believe that old Hanzō actually fears me this much. I'm a good person, after all," Danzo muttered under his breath, draped in a black raincoat, with a small sigh.

The Rain Ninja leading him tensed upon hearing this, a cold sweat running down his back.

Danzo, a good person? This was perhaps the funniest thing he had ever heard.

If someone as ruthless as Danzo could be called a good person, then was there even such a thing as a bad person in this world?

Though he thought this, he dared not say it aloud.

"Apologies, Lord Danzo. After all, this meeting is of great importance. Lord Hanzō specifically instructed us to act in secrecy," the Rain Ninja explained politely.

Danzo, unfazed, waved a hand dismissively.

"It's fine, I understand," he said, then proceeded to observe his surroundings.

Unlike Konoha, the architectural style of the Hidden Rain Village leaned more industrial.

Due to the constant rain in the Land of Rain, each building had densely packed drainage pipes along its outer walls, giving the village a unique aesthetic.

Moreover, the village's drainage system was well-developed, with vast underground sewers designed to handle the heavy rainfall. These were wide enough to accommodate battles between powerful shinobi, like Six Paths of Pain and Jiraiya.

On the streets, neon lights flickered, casting a blurry, ambiguous glow amidst the downpour.

It was an era of cold weapons, yet the village exuded a clear industrial vibe—truly peculiar.

While Danzo was lost in thought, a ragged child approached them.

The Rain Ninja leading him quickly stepped forward, blocking the child's path.

"Hey, kid, what do you think you're doing?"

A stern voice came from under the hood of the Rain Ninja, unintentionally revealing the symbol of a ninja—a forehead protector.

Upon seeing the protector, the boy immediately regretted his rash decision and dropped to his knees.

"Sorry, Lord Ninja, I was just trying to gather some money for my mother's medical bills..."

"Do you know who you're blocking?"

The Rain Ninja's gaze turned icy as he prepared to kick the reckless child aside. But before he could move, a hand landed on his shoulder.

"Don't worry about it," Danzo said, stepping around the Rain Ninja. He crouched slightly, pulling out several bills from his pocket.

"Here, take this. Make sure your mother gets the care she needs."

He patted the boy's head and placed the money in his hand.

Before the boy could even react, Danzo stood up and walked away.

[Detected gratitude from the child, Sora, skill point +1.]

The Rain Ninja leading him glanced back at the boy, who was now bowing deeply, overwhelmed with thanks. He couldn't help but ask, "Lord Danzo, isn't that a bit much? That kid's just a civilian."

Danzo merely responded coldly, "Please make sure to keep an eye on him. I don't want my money to be stolen or spent inappropriately."

Though the Rain Ninja was confused, he had no choice but to comply. At the very least, he had to show respect to this high-ranking Konoha official.

He summoned a hidden Rain Ninja, gave him instructions, and quickly disappeared.

Soon, a massive building appeared before Danzo.

This was the core of the Hidden Rain Village—the headquarters of its leader, Hanzō of the Salamander.

After announcing his name, Danzo was allowed to pass through and finally entered Hanzō's office. There, he came face-to-face with the man known as the "Demigod" during the Second Great Ninja War.

Hanzō, on the other hand, observed the man known as the "Darkness of Shinobi," Danzo, a half-century-old shinobi with an infamous reputation.

While Hanzō was confident in his superior strength, when it came to treachery and ruthlessness, he knew he was no match for the man in front of him.

The phrase "Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo Shimura—one bright, one dark—helped Konoha rise to prominence" wasn't just some empty words.

Over the years, countless strong individuals had been secretly eliminated by Danzo. It could be said that without Danzo, there would be no Konoha's current glory.

As for Danzo and the Konoha faction he represented, Hanzō had to approach them with utmost caution.

"Lord Danzo, I apologize for not hosting you sooner during your stay in the Land of Rain," Hanzō said, rising slightly, his words sharp and pointed.

The underlying implication was clear—Danzo had been in the Land of Rain for days, what exactly had he been up to?

Leaning on his cane, Danzo smiled slightly, "I originally came to meet Lord Hanzō, but unfortunately, I came across some unfortunate souls along the way—homeless and suffering. My heart couldn't bear to ignore them, so I had to stop and offer help."

Hanzō couldn't help but sneer inwardly, eyeing Danzo with suspicion. "I didn't know the infamous 'Darkness of Shinobi' had such a soft side."

Danzo simply waved his hand dismissively. "It's just that I couldn't bear to see people suffer."

He sighed, his tone full of feigned melancholy. "I'm getting old, you know. I can't stand to see others in pain."

Hanzō listened to Danzo's heartfelt words, but in his mind, he was thinking,

'I don't believe a word of it.'

'I have to Investigate!'

Hanzō was determined to get to the bottom of what Danzo had been up to in the Land of Rain. Until he did, Hanzō doubted he could sleep soundly.

However, his more pressing concern was not Danzo's actions, but the damn Akatsuki organization.

"That being the case, Lord Danzo, what brings you to see me?"

In truth, it was Hanzō who had invited Danzo, but there were certain things that had to be handled discreetly—what was said in private should not be made public.

Hearing Hanzō's question, Danzo knew it was time to get to the point.

He raised a hand, and immediately, a group of Root ninjas, prepared in advance, tossed several bodies wrapped in body bags from a scroll.

"What is the meaning of this?"

Hanzō feigned caution, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Danzo smirked inwardly, but maintained a composed exterior.

"These are the bodies of Rain Ninjas killed by the Akatsuki!"

His voice darkened as his gaze became sharp.

"Lord Hanzō, don't you think you've been a little too lenient with this organization?"

After verifying the identities of the bodies, Hanzō's anger erupted!

"I thought they were a rising force in the Land of Rain, but it turns out they're nothing but a pack of wolves with hidden ambitions!"

Hanzō roared in fury, and even Danzo had to admit—he was playing his part well!

Danzo's approval only solidified the other Rain Ninjas' belief in the accusations.

Before long, they joined in condemning the Akatsuki as a common enemy.

After finishing his political performance, Hanzō turned to Danzo. "What do you think, Lord Danzo?"

Danzo's lips curled into a slight grin as he raised a finger slowly.

"I have a plan. A plan that can destroy the Akatsuki."

After the meeting, Danzo entered the lounge and gazed out over the sprawling village through the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Lord Danzo, did you call for me?"

Root ninja Tatsuma appeared at his side, kneeling on one knee as usual.

This time, Danzo didn't waste words. He simply handed Ryoma an envelope.

"Take this to the Akatsuki and meet with those three young ones. Also, inform them of Hanzō's plan."

"Remember, do it in my name."