The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima

Danzo took a breath as he recalled the chilling encounter. "He spoke about the Uchiha massacre as if he knew the hidden truth behind it. Things only 4 people in the village should be aware of."

The Third Hokage groaned as he thought of the implications. "Danzo, that secret… If it got out, it could destabilize the entire village."

"I'm aware of the danger, Hiruzen. And, what's even more disturbing, he also knew about the forbidden Izanagi jutsu."

Tobirama's eyes narrowed as he understood the meaning of Danzo's words. "I assume even amongst the Uchiha it's only known to a few? For him to possess such forbidden knowledge suggests he may have had some ties to them… or he could be an Uchiha himself."

Hiruzen frowned at that possibility and his mind raced as he tried to make sense of this revelation. "An Uchiha…? Lord Tobirama, do you think he could be someone who survived the massacre? Perhaps using that forbidden jutsu."

Th Second Hokage crossed his arms as his suspicion deepened. "It's possible. If this man is aware of the Izanagi and the truth of the massacre, he could be one of the Uchiha who was brought back to life and escaped detection, someone who's been in hiding all these years."

"I'm not so certain." Danzo meanwhile was unsure of that theory. "When he spoke about the massacre he didn't seem angry and he didn't show any extreme emotions of hate. It looked like he just wanted me to know about it… But then again it could be a mask. It's not far-fetched to think he might be an Uchiha biding his time to seek revenge or justice for his clan in his eyes."

But Hiruzen thought about it for a few more moments and shook his head firmly, his voice resolute. "No, that doesn't add up. After the massacre, we took meticulous care in accounting for every member of the clan. We counted every body, confirmed every name and disposed of them. There were no survivors unaccounted for. If there had been, we would have known."

Tobirama's expression remained stern as he considered Hiruzen's words carefully. "Hmm… You're right, Hiruzen. I've looked over the investigation records. The village was thorough, but it's still possible that someone could have slipped through the cracks. Or perhaps this 'Dragon' may not be an Uchiha, but he could be someone who gained access to their secrets—perhaps through one of the Sharingan eyes or forbidden scrolls."

Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "We've seen before that there were those willing to exploit the Uchiha's legacy for their own ends. But to possess knowledge of both the Izanagi and the massacre… This man is no ordinary threat. If he's not an Uchiha, he could be someone with ties to the clan or its remnants."

"Could this Dragon have any connection with Itachi Uchiha? Could he have told him?" Tobirama pondered.

Danzo and Hiruzen were silent as they thought of such a scenario.

'Itachi knows about Shisui's eye in my possession and he knows the truth about the massacre… So it's a possibility… But would he really do it?' Danzo wondered.

''Itachi loves the village and Sasuke even more. He won't take any action that would endanger his brother…" While Danzo was suspicious, the third knew what kind of a man Itachi was. So he was certain Itachi didn't leak any intel. "With what Danzo said, I think this Dragon might be someone from inside the village. Or someone exceptional at hiding in plain sight and gathering intelligence."

Tobirama stayed silent as his mind pieced together the fragments of information. "If he's been hiding in the village, biding his time… He could either be a powerful spy or he could be a Leaf ninja, someone who's decided to go rogue, who knows our ways and who's been gathering power and knowledge in the shadows."

Hiruzen's face hardened as he considered that scenario. "If that's the case, then he's even more dangerous. A rogue ninja with such strength and access to top level secrets… He could destabilize everything we've worked to build."

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Tobirama nodded, his mind set on the next steps. "He hasn't done anything till now. But we don't know if he's just waiting for the right time. We need to tighten our surveillance, investigate any unusual activity within the village for the last several years."

Hiruzen crossed his arms, deep in thought. "To think we wouldn't have found out about him if it wasn't for this incident... A man who knows Root's secrets, who has such knowledge and strength to infiltrate and attack it alone, and makes such careful strategies… He calls himself 'Dragon' huh?"

Danzo looked up at Tobirama and Hiruzen, a rare expression of uncertainty crossing his features. "This man… he's no ordinary shinobi. If he has the knowledge and power that I suspect… he could become a threat to the entire village."

Tobirama sighed and agreed. "We need to find him, Hiruzen. We cannot allow him to use those dangerous tools against the village."

"I have a feeling this 'Dragon' might have a relationship with Kensei. Not sure what it is though." Danzo said as he looked at Hiruzen.

Hiruzen nodded. "We don't know that for sure. I'll question Kensei when he gets back, but right now, I'll mobilize Anbu to search and track this Dragon down. But before that, we need to assess the damage, understand what was taken, and prepare for any potential threats."

Danzo's voice was low, almost a whisper. "'Dragon'… he's something I failed to anticipate. If he's planning something with the Sharingan and the jutsu he stole..."

Tobirama's expression hardened. "Danzo, this is a consequence of the path you've chosen. The tools you've used, the secrets you've kept… they have a way of coming back to haunt you. This mess. It's your fault..."

Danzo nodded, his face pale and drawn. "I know… I know that now."

"We'll start unraveling the mystery of 'Dragon' with his connection to Hotaru. Now this is no longer your concern, Danzo. We will clean up this mess. But as I said before, Tsunade and Shizune come above everything. Now that this matter is settled I'll focus my efforts on her rescue." Tobirama spoke and Danzo could see anger hidden beneath his calm face.

The second Hokage looked directly at Hiruzen. "It's time…" The Third Hokage nodded and turned to Danzo.

The air in the room grew heavy with the weight of unspoken realities. Danzo, weakened and fully aware of the gravity of his situation, took a deep breath before speaking again. His voice carried a tone of finality. �

"Hiruzen… There's one last thing I must ask of you before… before the inevitable happens."

Tobirama's patience was wearing thin. "You've already done enough, Danzo. Whatever you have to say, it's likely too late for that."

Danzo met Tobirama's gaze without flinching, though he acknowledged the truth in his words. "I know I have no right to ask for anything, given what I've done. But this is important… It's my last request."

The younger Senju, still simmering with anger over Danzo's actions, immediately narrowed his eyes. "You dare to make a request after all the problems you've created? You've betrayed the village, desecrated my brother's legacy, committed several treasonous actions, indirectly strengthened a possible enemy and now you think you can ask for leniency?" The Second Hokage had been calm at the beginning but the more he learned after speaking with Danzo the angrier he got.

Danzo met Tobirama's gaze. The Second Hokage could see regents haunting those orbs. "I'm not asking for leniency… only for time." Danzo spoke with a calm tone.

Hiruzen, who had been silently absorbing the revelations of the past several minutes, looked at Danzo with curiosity and caution. "Time? For what, Danzo? You know what your fate must be. Why should I delay it?"

Danzo's gaze shifted to Hiruzen. "I know that neither you nor the village can forgive my actions, and I accept that. But before I'm executed, I ask that you delay it. Just for a short time. Until we know the fate of Tsunade and Shizune."

Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He hadn't expected Danzo to bring up Tsunade. He knew that among his two remaining loyal students, she was the only one qualified to take his mantle and the one who might be able to save the village in the turbulent times ahead. "You're asking for a delay… because of Tsunade? Why, Danzo? What do you hope to accomplish?"

"Is this some kind of ploy, Danzo? Trying to buy time, probably thinking of another scheme to save yourself. After everything you've done, understand that I don't trust you!" Tobirama's voice was filled with suspicion and interjected before Danzo could respond.

Danzo ignored the sharp tone and accusations from Tobirama and spoke directly to Hiruzen. "You know as well as I do, Hiruzen, that Orochimaru is a threat like no other. As long as they're in his hands, the village is at risk. The chances of a successful rescue diminish with every passing moment. I know Orochimaru better than most. His tactics, his hiding places. I can help you find them."

While Hiruzen was silently studying Danzo, Tobirama wanted to argue. But Danzo spoke again before he could. "I understand your anger, Lord Tobirama. But this isn't about me… it's about the village. About Tsunade."

He then turned back to his old comrade. "I know I won't survive much longer, but… let me use what's left of my life to bring him down, if necessary… You promised… To let me end it on my terms. Give me this, Hiruzen. Please."

Hearing those pleading words, the Second Hokage crossed his arms and remained silent. His anger, slightly diminishing. He had been keeping a close eye on Danzo's chakra and body language. Everything he sensed and saw told him that Danzo was telling the truth.

Hiruzen's expression meanwhile remained stoic, but there was a flicker of something—perhaps a hint of the old camaraderie they once shared—within his eyes. "You're saying you'd use yourself as a weapon against Orochimaru?"

Danzo nodded, his voice resolute. "If it comes to it, yes. I've already sacrificed much for the village, and if this is to be my final act, then so be it. If you allow me to live long enough to ensure Tsunade's safety—or to take out Orochimaru if a rescue isn't possible—I will do so without hesitation. Afterward, you can carry out my execution as planned."

Tobirama looked at his once trusted pupil and internally sighed. He spoke in a somewhat calmer tone. "Danzo, you understand that a sacrifice at this point won't redeem you right? After everything that's happened… This is no different than a desperate gambit."

Danzo didn't look away from his former teacher. "I'm not asking for redemption, Lord Tobirama. I know I've strayed far from the ideals you and your brother stood for. But my death can still serve the village, even if only in this final act. Orochimaru is a threat that must be dealt with swiftly. If I can help do that, then let me. Let me make one final contribution to the village… I want to see the future that lies ahead for the village." 'And do what needs to be done to secure it.'

The Second Hokage was scrutinizing his former student and he understood one thing. 'He's telling the truth.'

Hiruzen considered Danzo's words carefully, his mind weighing the possibilities. The Third Hokage had seen much in his long life—too much. He knew the depths of Danzo's ruthlessness, but he also knew that when it came to protecting the village, Danzo had never hesitated to make hard decisions, no matter how grim.

Finally, Hiruzen sighed. "If you can aid in Tsunade's rescue, or if you can bring down Orochimaru, it might be the only useful thing you have left to offer. But know this, Danzo, this is not a reprieve. The moment Tsunade's fate is determined, your life is forfeit."

Danzo gave a small nod of understanding. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Tobirama, though still angry, recognized the pragmatism in Hiruzen's decision. He crossed his arms, his tone grudging but accepting. "If you're lying, Danzo, if this is some trick to escape your fate… you won't live long enough to regret it."

Danzo met Tobirama's gaze with a level stare. "I know."

Hiruzen stepped forward, his voice filled with finality. "We'll delay the execution, but only until we know Tsunade's fate. I'll have Anbu keep a close eye on you. Make no mistake, Danzo, you will not escape the consequences of your actions.."

Danzo nodded once more, his face a mask of grim determination. "I have no intention of escaping anymore, Hiruzen. My only goal now is to see that the village survives, even if it means my death."

Hiruzen gave a final nod, signaling the end of the discussion. "Fine. We'll focus on rescuing Tsunade and Shizune. After that…"

With that, the decision was made. Danzo's fate was sealed, but his final day would be spent ensuring the safety of those who could still save the village—a final, desperate act to atone for a lifetime of dark deeds.

The three men stood in silence and the tension between them slowly faded as they contemplated the uncertain future that lay ahead.

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Author's Note:

I was listening to Hans Zimmer's 'Flight' and 'If you love these people so much' soundtrack while writing this.

I wonder how many of you guys agree with my decision regarding Danzo. Many will have a negative opinion about him. But at the end of his fight with Sasuke on that bridge, we got a glimpse of his inner self.

In my opinion, a man like Danzo should have a worthy ending…

Then again, I might just let him rot in a cell till the conclusion of this arc and then just execute him… Well, We'll see what happens.

Regarding Danzo's strength, I have to put it somewhere a little bit higher than Kakashi in my story. But a few levels lower than the Third Hokage. I haven't had the chance to create a solid stat for him. Sorry to those who asked. I might show it in a future chapter if I get the chance. Not making any promises tho.

And Regarding DAichi's strength, remember, he went head on with kakashi in chapters 157 to 160. And he's only gotten stronger. Kakashi is also stronger here than in his canon counterpart.

If I have to give an accurate estimate, Daichi is between Elite Jonin and Sannin level. Close to Sannin level.

The advantage is that he has 'Analyze skill, Parallel processing skill, Hypercognition skill, and all those works like a sharingan on steroids to him. He also has several destructive Jutsus. SO right now age is the only thing restricting him.

If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.

Patre /MonkWithAPen (No space)