“Any progress with the experiments?” Danzō cut straight to the point, wasting no pleasantries.
“Transplanting the First Hokage’s cells is no simple matter,” came Orochimaru’s distinctive, raspy voice.
“Then speed it up!” Danzō’s tone remained flat and urgent.
“Understand this — without my protection, this laboratory would have been discovered long ago!”
“In that case, Root should grant me greater support!” Orochimaru flicked his tongue over his lips.
“Besides — the theory that First Hokage’s cells are compatible with the Sharingan remains unproven.
I require test subjects — Uchiha clansmen!”
“The war with Iwagakure is over.
Our best window has closed.
But… these are unsettled times.
Opportunities may yet arise.
I shall keep watch,” Orochimaru continued.
“For now — I require additional resources.
Here is my list.”
He handed Danzō a prepared note.
Danzō glanced at it once, folded it away in silence, turned and leaned on his cane to leave.
After a few steps, he paused and looked back.
“My men report they sensed someone nearby.
Be cautious.
Do not expose yourself.”
“Is that so?” Orochimaru chuckled darkly.
“It matters little.
If discovered, I shall simply leave the village.”
Danzō said no more and departed with his escort.
Neither Danzō nor Orochimaru could have known — their entire meeting had been watched clearly by Ryuu through the Telescope Technique.
“They didn’t detect me.”
Having observed every movement, Ryuu dismissed the glass orb and ended the jutsu.
He was no voyeur, nor curious about Orochimaru’s experiments — he only needed to confirm he remained unseen.
One thing, however, stood out: from their conversation, they intended to capture Uchiha clansmen for experimentation.
Putting together what he knew of the story and their exchange, Ryuu understood their true goal.
Orochimaru was helping Danzō implant Sharingan into his arm — and the First Hokage’s cell transplants were meant to make it viable.
“Touch not those I hold dear… or I shall show no mercy,” Ryuu vowed silently.
Half a lifetime in this world had stirred real attachment.
His parents’ care these months had touched him deeply; Uchiha Takibi and his wife had truly become family.
He had made friends within the clan as well.
With power now his to wield, he would never allow those close to him to be struck down in secret.
Strangers within the clan, however… he would not trouble himself.
If they fell victim to Orochimaru or Danzō, it would simply be their misfortune.
The next day.
Ryuu reported for duty and patrolled as always.
The routine was familiar, yet chatting and laughing with his clansmen kept it pleasant enough.
“Heard it?
Konoha and Kirigakure clashed again yesterday.
Casualties on both sides.”
“Of course I heard.
Ao led them, meant to strike from behind — until Shisui appeared and sent them running.”
“Ao?
The one who stole a Byakugan from the Hyūga?
Ran with his tail between his legs before an Uchiha!”
“Uchiha are the strongest!
Konoha stands on Uchiha shoulders!”
“Enough politics — who is Konoha’s true beauty?
Have you decided?”
Ryuu steered the conversation sharply elsewhere before it spiraled into clan grievance and resentment toward the village — a cycle that only bred bitterness and mistrust.
And you, Ryuu… training at the grounds every day?
Surely not just for taijutsu!”
The shift worked.
Voices rose in lively debate, all previous ill will forgotten.
“Uchiha Ryuu!
Stop right there!”
A voice — heavy with frustration and fury — rang out.
They turned to see a young man storming toward them.
It was Sarutobi Asuma, the Third Hokage’s son.
“Lord Asuma,” one clansman sneered.
“Why so much anger?”
“None of your business!” Asuma shot back.
“Just because you are the Hokage’s son does not mean you may strut so!” the Uchiha retorted hotly — bold in words, yet careful not to truly provoke him.
“Stand aside!
I seek only Uchiha Ryuu!” Asuma snapped, glaring.
“Asuma in his youth… what a hothead,” Ryuu thought.
He had seemed so different in adulthood — easygoing, wise.
Yet history recorded it: Asuma had been a rebellious youth, clashing with his father and vanishing to wander the world.
“This concerns me alone.
Stand back,” Ryuu told his companions.
He stepped forward and faced Asuma.
“Speak your mind!” Ryuu said bluntly.
“Stay away from Kurenai!” Asuma warned threateningly.
“Or else — do not blame me for what follows!” “Monday to Friday – Update 3 Chapters a Day”
“Saturday and Sunday – Off”