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Hokage Office.

The moonlight was shining through the glass window of the Hokage's office. Hiruzen was looking over the top secret report sent by his Anbu agent Bear. His eyes narrowed as he read information regarding a certain root spy.

'Touma Asai. 8 years old. Orphan. Recruited by Danzo into the root program two years ago due to his high aptitude for taijutsu and weaponry. Has above average memory retention and intelligence. Currently in the 4th year of the academy with the mission to spy on Sasuke Uchiha, Daichi Hekima and Naruto Uzumaki.'

Hiruzen smoked his pipe as he carefully read the details of the report. 'Bear is doing excellent work…. Danzo knows that Sasuke is untouchable as long as Itachi is alive and that I have my eyes on Naruto. He won't risk going after either of them as long as they are within the village. But Daichi on the other hand… Even the threat Kensei poses won't hold him back for long… It's been almost 2 months since I assigned those three with their tasks. It's time I had my chat with Kensei. Time to see if he's as motivated as before. In the event he won't help me… I'll have to persuade him or find someone else. Jiraiya has his own tasks and I can't ask him to take on more work…'

Hiruzen sat in his chair and then looked at the Hokage hat on the table. 'I need to think about a successor… There is no one capable in the village that can become the 5th at the moment. And Jiraiya has no intention of wearing the hat… If I can hold on for another 5 or 6 years then maybe Kakashi might be ready by then…'

Hiruzen let out a smoke filled breath and stood up and paced around the room. 'There is one who is capable. But that's impossible. She might never set foot here let alone lead the village…'

He returned to the table and secured all the documents and left the Hokage tower shortly after. He was headed home. Due to the Hokage residency being near the tower it didn't take him more than a couple minutes to reach the place. He opened the doors to his home and was met with silence and darkness. A reminder that he had lost his wife and of a strained relationship with his son.

After having some food Hiruzen went to his bed. 'I'll speak to Kensei tomorrow. I might also be able to see how far Daichi has come along in his nature training.'

—-

Root Base - Underground.

Danzo was reading the report written by Touma Asai. It contained information not only on Naruto, Sasuke and Daichi but also on the clan heirs.

'What is Hiruzen thinking? Why hasn't he let Daichi get ahead? Did he not think the child was capable or did the boy reject the offer? His character says otherwise. He is obsessed with getting stronger. Training everyday and expanding his knowledge. I doubt he would turn down an offer to skip a grade… Or am I missing something? And then there is Sasuke Uchiha. Being in second place has certainly had an effect on him. He's constantly training to keep up with the boy. If I can get him on my side things will get a lot easier. But as long as Itachi is alive I can't do that without him doing damage to the village… Damn you Itachi.'

Danzo clenched his fist as he thought about the Uchiha. He then looked at the blonde whiskered boy and his face had an expression of contempt.

'How could the child of one of the greatest geniuses of an era be a complete idiot? He has no talent and his skills are worse than even the normal students. Looks like his only worth is the nine tails inside him… I need the Sharingan and the power of the first Hokage before I go after him.'

—-

It was Sunday morning. The streets of the village were less busy than usual. A plain unassuming man was walking through the road. He traveled for a while before he reached his intended destination. He met a barrier at the front of the house. Nostalgia filled the man as he remembered the day the barrier around the house was set up. He injected chakra into the barrier and it wasn't long before the occupant of the home came out to greet him.

Kensei was reading a book when he sensed a fluctuation in the barrier. It only took him a moment to recognize the chakra and his eyes slightly widened.

'Why would he be here?'

He stepped out of the house and went to meet the unexpected guest. He looked at the man and realized it was a transformation jutsu.

"Hiruzen is that you? What's with the getup?"

Hiruzen released his transformation jutsu. "Hello old friend. Certain circumstances have forced me to use cautious methods. We need to talk."

The tone in Hiruzen's voice sent alarm bells ringing in Kensei's head. He opened the barrier and let the Hokage in.

Hiruzen smiled as he entered the place. "I still remember the day Lady Mito helped you set this up. Truly something else."

"Mm…" Kensei hummed in response. He looked at his once close friend. "What's going on Hiruzen?"

"Why do you ask that?"

"You're here in disguise and without your guards. Do I need to say more?"

Hiruzen sighed. Kensei was always sharp. 'Not that I did much to hide my suspicious behavior anyway.'

"Let's go inside. There are some matters of importance we need to discuss."

Kensei looked at him for a few seconds and then led him inside. He prepared some tea and poured two cups.

"Where is Daichi?" The Hokage asked.

"He's out training."

"He is quite dedicated." Hiruzen replied, sipping his tea.

"Mmhmm!"

Both of them sat and said nothing for several seconds before Hiruzen broke the silence. "I'm investigating Danzo and the Root."

Kensei's eyes widened as he heard the news. "What? Are you serious?"

"Yes. But there is more."

Kensei looked at Hiruzen with slight confusion.

Hiruzen spoke, seeing Kensei's questioning look. "I'm also investigating someone with ties to Orochimaru. I believe Danzo and Orochimaru are still in contact."

"I thought you took care of Root?"

"I ordered Danzo to disband the foundation but he has disobeyed my orders. I can no longer tolerate his actions. I need to cripple his power inside the village. For that I need to know exactly what he's capable of. I've tasked some of my Anbu with the job but something like this will take time."

Hiruzen took another sip from his cup as he finished explaining.

Kensei knew that Hiruzen considered Danzo as a close friend. So he couldn't believe he was actually going through with something like this. "You're actually doing it. I can't believe it. Does this have anything to do with our last conversation?"

"The conversation where you said Danzo would betray me and one day would be the death of me?... It might have played a small part."

"So what do you need me for? It sounds like you have everything under control."

"You and I both know it's not that simple. Danzo has associates he can use outside the village. Especially… in the capital." Hiruzen finished and looked Kensei in the eye.

Kensei's eyes narrowed in realization. "So that's what this is about! You want to use my contacts in the Daimyo court to help you… Tough luck there Hiruzen. They're not gonna help you."

"I know… I know they won't help me. They're your friends and not mine. They don't owe me anything…"

Kensei frowned as he heard the Hokage speak. He knew Hiruzen would always have a plan when trying to negotiate.

Hiruzen looked at Kensei and smiled. "They won't help me. I'm well aware of that fact… But they will help you."

"So you want to drag me into this huh. And why would I get into the middle of this mess?"

"Revenge. For Hotaru."

"Don't say his name. You have no right." Kensei was angered that Hiruzen would bring up his son's name at a time like this.

Hiruzen sighed and spoke. "I'm sorry about what happened. I know that deep down if you had the chance you wouldn't hesitate to kill Danzo. I'm giving you that chance."

Kensei gripped his knees as he thought about it. 'He's partially right. If I have the chance to kill Danzo I would… But I won't.'

Kensei let out a breath and looked at the kage. "You're right. The need for revenge is still there in my heart… But I'm not going to take your offer. Because if anything happens, if anything goes wrong then I'm not the only one who gets affected."

Hiruzen only needed a second to realize the implications. "Daichi. You're worried about his safety…"

"Yes." Kensei answered after a few seconds of silence.

Hiruzen smiled as he looked at his former Anbu commander. "You would turn down the chance to get even with the person responsible for the death of your son for someone else… You really have changed. I'm glad young Daichi has had such a positive impact on you."

Kensei grunted but had a small smile on his face. "He's a good kid. I never thought I would feel like this again…"

"Yes. He has a good character." Hiruzen looked at the last bit of tea in the cup as he remembered the moment when Daichi comforted Naruto at the playground. From all the reports he read he knew that Daichi was someone who would stand up for his friends.

"Hiruzen!"

The Hokage looked up at Kensei.

"Daichi currently has a carefree life. The only thing he's concerned about is his training and academics… But if I get involved in this Danzo business then sooner or later Daichi will be dragged into it as well. And you and I both know Danzo has no qualms about fighting dirty. Daichi will get caught in the crossfire and I don't want that."

Hiruzen sighed hearing Kensei's reasoning. "I'm afraid it might be a bit late for that."

"What are you talking about?"

"Danzo already is aware of Daichi and has his eyes on him."

"I figured. I know he'll keep an eye on all the talented kids in the academy. I figured Danzo already knows about Daichi and he's aware of the kid's talents."

Hiruzen shook his head. "No you don't understand. I mean Danzo has already sent one of his agents to spy on Daichi."

"What?" Kensei's eyes widened as he heard this.

"He has sent a child in the root program to infiltrate the academy with the sole purpose of spying on Daichi and getting close to him. Danzo is efficient when allocating his root forces. He wouldn't send one of his ninjas for nothing. I believe Danzo will make a move on young Daichi before he graduates."

Kensei was silent as he processed this information. After several seconds of silence he asked. "How accurate is this information?"

Hiruzen took out a scroll from his sleeve and opened it. The scroll had several folders. Hiruzen took one folder and gave it to Kensei.

It was the folder containing documents on Touma Asai. Before Hiruzen came to speak with Kensei he had dug up more information about the child and with Bear's report, it presented accurate and thorough information about the child.

"You may not want to engage in a fight with Danzo but soon you'll have to. He'll be coming for young Daichi. Just like he did with… Your son."

Kensei clenched his fists in anger. 'That bastard.' He then looked at Hiruzen. "What about you? Are you just going to sit and do nothing? Root shouldn't even be active right now. So are you going to let him go after the kid?"

"Danzo knows I won't let him operate his forces again. But if he manages to get backing from the Royal court then he can make things difficult for me. Or he can wait until I die and go after young Daichi… Regardless, no matter what, Danzo will go after your grandson. It's not a matter of if, only when."

Kensei knew Hiruzen was right. Danzo was not someone who would back down once he had his sights set on something.

He let out a breath and looked at Hiruzen.

"So what's the plan?"

Author’s Note:

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