Naruto's Strongest Force

Hokage Building

"It's actually Danzo's doing!"

The Third Hokage was a bit shocked. The incident with the sixty infants caused an uproar in Konoha and was a significant factor in Orochimaru's eventual defection from the village. Orochimaru took the blame for the crime at the time.

Unexpectedly, Yamaki claimed that Danzo was behind the kidnappings. This was highly plausible given Danzo's recent behaviour over the past few years!

Moreover, someone had survived those experiments.

Danzo had hidden Tenzo, which was an unforgivable act!

"Tenzo, do you know Wood Release?"

Tenzo nodded, forming hand seals, and his arm transformed into a wooden staff.

The Third Hokage nodded with satisfaction. "Although your origin is part of a conspiracy, nurturing a Wood Release user has always been a dream for Konoha. Since you possess Wood Release, you shouldn't be hidden in Root."

"The Jinchuriki's child is already five years old. The sealing techniques of Wood Release are becoming increasingly important for the village. We need you, Tenzo. Will you join the Konoha ANBU?"

Tenzo looked at Kakashi, who gave him an encouraging nod. "I'm in the ANBU now, contributing to Konoha."

Tenzo nodded. "Lord Third, I'm willing to join ANBU. Tenzo is my codename in Root; you can call me..."

Kakashi tilted his head, "Yamato, perhaps?"

Tenzo paused and then smiled. "Yes, call me Yamato."

"Very well. You are now a formal member of ANBU. For now, follow Kakashi and work on mastering the sealing techniques of Wood Release," the Third Hokage instructed.

"Yes!" Yamato's typically emotionless eyes seemed to light up.

"I will handle Danzo. You two may go," the Third Hokage waved them off.

"Yes!"

After they left, the Third Hokage picked up his pipe and took a puff. "Deputy Chief Yamaki, please use the front door next time. It avoids misunderstandings."

Yamaki appeared from the window. "Did you like the gift, Lord Third?"

The Third Hokage remained silent momentarily and then asked Yamaki another question. "Was it really Danzo who kidnapped the sixty infants?"

Yamaki smiled and nodded. "Is this important?"

The Third Hokage nodded.

Yamaki shrugged. "It's absolutely true."

The Third Hokage asked, "What do you want?"

Yamaki's smile faded. "Lord Third, you know our Uchiha clan has no major conflict with Konoha, but Danzo keeps targeting us."

The Third Hokage said, "Danzo has been stripped of all his positions. He's just a civilian now."

Yamaki shook his head. "As long as Root isn't disbanded, his ambition will continue to grow."

The Third Hokage was silent for a moment. "Even if I publicly order the disbandment of Root, it won't have much effect."

Yamaki knew this wasn't entirely an excuse. Root's members were complex and numerous, all brainwashed by Danzo. Even if the Third Hokage ordered its disbandment, they would secretly regroup.

"Any loss to him is a gain. After all, he's always scheming against the Uchiha," Yamaki said indifferently.

The Third Hokage weighed the situation. Danzo's hidden ambitions have recently become more apparent and must be addressed.

Although the Uchiha had recently caused Konoha some trouble, the village hadn't suffered any actual loss. Instead, the peace negotiations with the Hidden Cloud had been advantageous.

Now, Yamaki brought the much-needed Wood Release user. To be honest, the Third Hokage had mixed feelings about Yamaki, both admiration and frustration.

Moreover, Yamaki was too powerful to antagonise.

"No problem. I will announce the disbandment of Root in the name of the Hokage!"

Yamaki stood up and bowed slightly. "Lord Third is wise. The Uchiha clan will always support you. I have many clan matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."

"Hmph!" Although unfamiliar with this gesture, the Third Hokage guessed it was some sort of salute.

That Yamaki had no sense of decency.

The Third Hokage snorted as he watched Yamaki leave.

...

Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village

Ao, who had failed his mission, returned to the village with Zabuza and a group of elites.

"Zabuza, if it weren't for your recklessness, we would have infiltrated Konoha!" Ao was annoyed by Zabuza's arrogance.

"Hmph, I'll take full responsibility. If the Elder blames us, I'll bear it alone!"

Zabuza looked frustrated, thinking Ao's claim that they would have infiltrated Konoha was far-fetched.

"You!" Ao was furious with Zabuza but recognised his talent. Despite his youth, Zabuza was nearly a Jonin-level ninja.

Besides, the mission had already failed, and he had no other options. They could only await the Elder's decision.

Ao stopped arguing with Zabuza and quickly led the group to the Elder to report.

In recent years, the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, had found and implanted Isobu within himself, becoming a Jinchuriki. Over the past two years, he gradually gained complete control over the Tailed Beast and began significant reforms.

The Elder's power had gradually diminished, and the village was divided into two factions: the Mizukage faction led by Yagura and the Elder faction led by the Elder himself.

The Elder was a master of intelligence, bringing countless opportunities to the Hidden Mist, but he was wary of the bloodline clans and advocated weakening them.

The Mizukage was powerful but conservative, advocating peaceful relations with the bloodline clans.

After Ao reported the mission's outcome, he knelt, awaiting the Elder's decision.

The Elder's expression remained cold, seemingly having expected the failure.

"Since that's the case, put Zabuza into the assassination squad for training."

"As for you, Ao, you're sentenced to a year of confinement."

"Thank you, Elder!" The punishment was light, and assigning Zabuza to the assassination squad was almost a reward.

Compared to other punishments in the Hidden Mist, a year of confinement was nothing.

Ao and Zabuza were quickly taken away.

The space behind the Elder twisted, and a masked Obito appeared.

The Elder bowed towards him. "Lord Madara, I've already restrained Ao."

Obito nodded, simulating a deep voice. "Yagura's threat to us is growing."

"What do you plan to do?"

"My people are coming. In seven days, lure Yagura out."

"By your will, Lord Madara."

The Hidden Mist had too many elites, and the bloodline clans were troublesome.

Those who can't be used must die!

...

Seven days later,

Obito arrived at the Hidden Mist village entrance with Pain's Deva Path and Konan. Upon seeing the three, Yagura immediately drew his weapon. "Who are you!?"

Obito's Kamui eye spun wildly, and a powerful gust of wind pinned Yagura to the ground.

In an instant, Yagura lost consciousness.