NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Danzō was stunned.
Brother, if you want to die, don't take me with you!
Before he could refuse, Uchiha Shisui gave him a gentle smile and placed him in an awkward position.
"Danzō, weren't you brave enough to act as bait for Hiruzen just now? It seems you're not a coward after all."
"We in Konoha need people like you, people who are not afraid to sacrifice themselves. Come with me to rescue Lord Tobirama."
"Me…?"
Danzō felt at a loss.
Why was I so stupid earlier? Why did I have to act brave just to steal the limelight from Hiruzen?
Now, Danzō was stuck in a situation where he couldn't refuse. If he did, it would mean that everything he said earlier was nonsense. Everyone would think:
What happened to your so-called ninja determination, Danzō? What about your resolve to protect Konoha? Was it all an act?
Danzō thought he could count on Hiruzen to get him out of this. As long as Hiruzen refused the idea, Shisui wouldn't be able to force him to go.
But when he turned his head, he saw Hiruzen grinning, his eyes filled with encouragement.
"Danzō, don't worry! The Will of Fire will protect you. If you die… I'll make sure to build a monument to honor you as a hero in Konoha!"
Koharu chimed in: "Go for it, Danzō! You'll be remembered as Konoha's hero!"
Akimichi Torifu added: "Don't be afraid, Danzō. You'll die on the battlefield, just like your grandfather!"
"???"
Danzō felt as if he might cough up blood.
Why are my comrades stabbing me like this?
They weren't targeting him intentionally—it was just that his earlier bravery had made everyone assume he wasn't afraid of death.
Now… I can't show fear. It's impossible.
Danzō took a deep breath and prepared to speak, but Shisui walked over and patted him on the shoulder with a sincere smile.
"I was joking earlier. Although Lord Tobirama has appointed Hiruzen as the next Hokage, you're equally important. You'll be assisting him to ensure he stays on the right path."
"Your role is vital, so you can't die with me."
"…Thank you," Danzō replied, his expression complicated.
Suddenly, he felt as if his entire life was a disaster.
Shisui wasn't the original Uchiha Shisui. He was someone who had fused with memories from another world, and those modern memories overlapped with his original self. While the integration process took time, there was one clear advantage—a system called the "Favorability System."
As the name suggested, by earning favorability points, he could gain various rewards, including power-ups and techniques. Favorability tasks were occasionally issued as well, with substantial rewards.
Just a few minutes ago, Shisui had received a new mission:
[Favorability Task: Rescue the Second Hokage. Change the fate of Senju Tobirama. Starting the rescue operation will mark task completion.]
[Reward: Mangekyō Sharingan, +20 Favorability from Senju Tobirama, 2,000 Chakra Points.]
Shisui couldn't ignore this mission. Not only was the reward of the Mangekyō Sharingan irresistible, but saving Tobirama would have a massive impact on Konoha and the ninja world.
While the others began their breakout, Shisui headed directly in the direction Tobirama had gone. When he arrived at the scene, he found a devastated clearing.
The surrounding forest had been obliterated, leaving a massive crater in the ground. The remains of Cloud Shinobi littered the area, but at the center, Senju Tobirama lay collapsed on a slope. His face was pale, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
It was clear…
Senju Tobirama had lost. Despite his strength, he had only managed to kill a few of the Cloud Shinobi elites before succumbing to the overwhelming power of Kinkaku and Ginkaku.
"Heh… the mighty Second Hokage, reduced to this?" Kinkaku sneered.
To prevent any retaliation, Kinkaku and Ginkaku ordered two Cloud Jōnin to finish him off.
Tobirama, coughing up blood, clenched his fists. His dim eyes held a glimmer of hope for the future.
"Is this the end? Agh…"
"It's a shame… I won't live to see Konoha's bright future. Hiruzen, don't let me down."