Naruto: Starting with Snatching the Mangekyō Sharingan

Hokage Office, Konohagakure

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk in the Hokage's office, poring over the report submitted by Hiashi Hyuga. His brow furrowed deeply in thought.

"Madara intended to seize a Byakugan to locate the Tailed Beasts? Could his true aim really be the Tailed Beasts?" Hiruzen muttered, a sense of unease gnawing at him.

Theoretically, the Byakugan was an excellent tool for reconnaissance, making it plausible for such a purpose. The higher the purity of the Byakugan, the stronger its visual prowess. While ordinary Byakugan users could only perceive within a range of a few hundred meters, a high-purity Byakugan could extend its vision for kilometers, even up to ten kilometers—a remarkable difference.

If Madara's goal was to acquire a pair of high-purity Byakugan, then it made sense, at least on the surface. Within the Hyuga clan, the purest Byakugan naturally resided within the main family's lineage. Unlike the Sharingan, the Byakugan was always active upon awakening and could be used once extracted.

Thus, Madara targeting Hinata Hyuga for her Byakugan seemed plausible. Yet, Hiruzen couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

"Is this a deliberate leak, or does he truly dismiss the power of the Great Nations, believing it doesn't matter if we know his objective is the Tailed Beasts?" Hiruzen speculated aloud.

"If it really is Madara," he murmured, recalling faint memories of the man from his youth, "his personality would align with such arrogance. Madara never regarded anyone as his equal except for the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju."

Madara had always respected strength above all else. The weak were nothing to him. Hiruzen vividly remembered how Madara humiliated the Second Tsuchikage, Mu, and a young Onoki during peace negotiations in Konoha. That memory had etched itself into his mind.

"If this truly is Madara, his disdain for the other villages explains his actions. But..." Hiruzen frowned, "why would someone like him stoop to kidnapping children twice? That doesn't fit his character."

Madara's arrogance and ambitions were legendary, but even during his battles to destroy Konoha, he had never resorted to such underhanded tactics.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside the office. Danzo Shimura entered, leaning on his cane.

"Hiruzen, I heard there was trouble with the Hyuga clan. Madara attempted to kidnap Hiashi Hyuga's daughter, Hinata?" Danzo asked.

Hiruzen nodded, handing Danzo the report. "That's correct. According to this, Madara is after a high-purity Byakugan to locate the Jinchuriki. His ultimate goal appears to be the Tailed Beasts."

Danzo scanned the report, his lips curling into a cold smile. "Madara, that arrogant relic, hasn't changed. He truly holds no regard for the Five Great Nations."

Danzo's understanding of Madara's personality was evident.

"Danzo," Hiruzen said, leaning forward with his hands clasped, "do you really think Madara would stoop to abducting children? It feels more likely that someone is using his name to sow chaos."

Danzo let out a dry chuckle. "People change, Hiruzen. The Madara of old might not have done this, but defeat at the hands of the First Hokage could have driven him to such desperate measures."

Hiruzen exhaled deeply, taking a puff from his pipe. "Perhaps. People do change. But as Hokage, I must tread carefully. The weight of Konoha rests on my shoulders."

Danzo's expression darkened. "That weight has made you soft, Hiruzen. Once, you were decisive. Now you hesitate."

Hiruzen remained unfazed. "You wouldn't understand, Danzo. You've never carried this burden."

Danzo's face twisted in frustration, but he composed himself. "Regardless, you should treat this as if it's truly Madara. Underestimating him would be a fatal mistake."

"I'm aware," Hiruzen replied, his tone firm. "I'm not arrogant enough to dismiss the threat. But tell me, Danzo, why are you really here? Is the Root so idle these days?"

Danzo's eyes gleamed with intensity. "Hiruzen, this situation demands stronger measures. Let me take charge of the Jinchuriki's training. I can turn them into Konoha's greatest weapons!"

"Absolutely not," Hiruzen shot back. "Your methods are too inhumane. The Root might break their spirit, but a perfect Jinchuriki needs emotional balance. Even Kumogakure has shown us that."

Danzo's frustration was palpable. "Hiruzen, my methods are effective! The Nine-Tails' chakra is volatile and full of malice. Only someone devoid of emotion can handle it properly. Sentimentality is a liability!"

Hiruzen glared at him. "And if the Jinchuriki loses control due to your methods? The Nine-Tails isn't a mindless beast—it's intelligent and opportunistic. If it breaks free, who will bear the consequences? You? Or me?"

Danzo gritted his teeth. "You'll regret ignoring my advice, Hiruzen. Mark my words."

"Regret?" Hiruzen's voice hardened. "Danzo, I am the Hokage!"

Danzo fell silent, his frustration evident. Without another word, he turned and left, leaving Hiruzen to his thoughts and the ever-present weight of Konoha's future.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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