Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

"Mikoto? Who is that? I know a Mikoto, but... Wait!"

A silence settled, heavy and almost unreal. Hiruzen narrowed his eyes.

Shikai nodded, impassive.

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen ran a hand over his face, visibly troubled.

"The young people of today... or should I say the adults of today. Mikoto... cheating on Fugaku with a young man the age of her son?"

He shook his head and added:

"Be careful, Shikai. I'm sure Fugaku knows something. The Uchiha are cunning. This could be a scheme."

"I doubt it, Hokage-sama. We've already..." Shikai paused, sketching a nostalgic smile.

Hiruzen raised a hand, interrupting him.

"Don't say any more. I understand."

He sighed deeply, speaking aloud as if to himself.

"Would this be the influence of Jiraiya? It doesn't matter. Let's move on to more serious matters."

Hiruzen rummaged in his pockets before handing a sealed scroll to Shikai.

"Here's a scroll containing a rare kinjutsu: the *Rinha no Jutsu*. A transformation technique of S-rank. It would be imperative for you to learn it."

Shikai took the scroll with a neutral expression, although his eyes betrayed a glimmer of interest.

"What's the mission, Hokage-sama?"

Hiruzen's face became grave.

"Infiltration and assassination. Your target: one of the jinchūriki of Kumogakure."

****

Shikai had just completed one of the most perilous missions of his career: the assassination of Yugito Nii, the jinchūriki of Matatabi of Kumogakure. An operation that had required months of infiltration and machinations. Under the identity of one of the target's few childhood friends, Shikai had slowly woven his web, manipulating events until he could strike without raising suspicions. But, contrary to Hiruzen's explicit orders, he left subtle clues pointing towards Konoha, and specifically Danzo, to divert attention.

With time, Shikai's missions became increasingly bloody. He assassinated enemy jōnin, influential clan leaders, and wealthy merchants who funded factions opposed to Konoha. But the most worrying of his actions was his method.

The assassinations took place in broad daylight, often under the eyes of witnesses. But these witnesses were paralyzed, unable to move, as if caught in a temporal stasis. All they saw was a black flash crossing the area, and when their mobility returned, the target was already dead.

The nickname *DarkRai* became a symbol of terror throughout the shinobi world.

During his missions, Shikai did not limit himself to assassinating. He discreetly collected DNA from his targets: blood samples, strands of hair, pieces of skin. He was obsessed with the infinite possibilities offered by forbidden jutsus and genes.

In his secret laboratory, Shikai experimented relentlessly. The *Rinha no Jutsu*, the forbidden technique given to him by Hiruzen. This technique allowed him to copy the physical appearance, chakra, and even the memories of someone whose DNA he possessed. However, it had a major weakness: he could not use any of the ninjutsus of the copied person, which made him vulnerable when using it.

One day, as he finalized a new experiment, Shikai activated a small electronic chip he had created, connecting it to his own chakra. This revolutionary invention allowed him to evaluate his body in real-time, and even that of others, their physical attributes, chakra, jutsu, secret techniques, weapons... Everything. Not only would it be useful for his experiments, but also for combat.

"Finally," he murmured, a dark smile on his lips. "With this, I will transcend human limits. And regain my strength from before even faster."

Although Hiruzen believed he had manipulated Shikai by rewarding him with forbidden jutsus and funds, he began to feel a certain unease. Shikai was becoming increasingly independent, even though the young man trusted him completely.

One evening, as Hiruzen meditated alone, Danzo approached.

"Hiruzen, Shikai is becoming dangerous. He assassinates with such precision and coldness, do you think you can still control him? I think it would be better to..."

Hiruzen remained silent for a moment before replying.

"He will remain under my control, it's useless to think of fishing in troubled waters. Even if you're right. Shikai is not a man who can be fully controlled. He is totally faithful and loyal to the village. The only things that could turn his loyalty are either love or if Kushina wakes up."

Danzo sniffed, his expression still cynical.

"He would be better off in my Root... sooner or later..." He murmured to himself as he left.

***

The assassination of Yugito Nii quickly spread throughout the shinobi world. Although no one knew the identity of *DarkRai*, his name was on everyone's lips. His ability to eliminate such a powerful target and disappear without a trace made him a legendary ninja, almost an invincible shadow.

In Konoha, only a few people knew the truth. In addition to Hiruzen, individuals like Jiraiya, Danzo, and certain members of the ANBU—notably Kakashi, Shisui, and Itachi—were aware of his role. Recently, Mikoto.

**Year 61**

As Shikai entered the REM sleep stage, Fugaku, who had just been cheated on by a masked Shikai, entered the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen was in the process of sorting the remaining documents to put them in the drawer when he saw Fugaku enter suddenly.

"A coup d'état!!"

Hiruzen was already on his guard when Fugaku spoke.

"Third Hokage, for calling me at this hour, I hope you have something urgent to tell me." He said coldly.

"Huh? You called me."

"The ANBU DarkRai, told me that you called me in an emergency."

"I didn't call you... Wait! You said DarkRai?"

Hiruzen's face became darker, quickly understanding the situation.

"That damn kid, what is he doing with Fugaku's wife right now?"