"Agreed."
After thinking for a long time, Shimura Danzō finally nodded. At the same time, he took a catalog scroll from his robes and placed it on the table.
"This contains the catalog and descriptions of all the forbidden techniques recorded in the Scroll of Seals. You may choose any three."
Although Uchiha Ren 's demand had left Danzō somewhat dissatisfied, the condition Ren offered was also far beyond what he had expected.
Originally, Danzō's ideal outcome was simply for the Uchiha Clan to cooperate with him and send one or two jōnin squads to assist Root in ambushing Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He hadn't expected Ren to promise a Kage-level shinobi instead.
Because of that, Danzō immediately agreed to Ren 's request.
After all, a mysterious Kage-level expert, if used properly, could easily change the outcome of a battle. That was far more valuable than two jōnin teams.
Uchiha Ren was slightly surprised by Danzō's straightforwardness, but he said nothing more. He reached out, took the catalog scroll, and began reading through it.
Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.
Flying Thunder God Technique.
Spirit Transformation Technique.
Super Beast Imitation Drawing.
Impure World Reincarnation.
Summoning Technique: Rashōmon.
Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags.
Eight Gates.
Wood Release Secret Techniques…
The dazzling list of techniques made Ren click his tongue in amazement.
Many of these jutsu were the signature techniques of famous shinobi.
For example, Minato Namikaze's Flying Thunder God Technique, or the Eight Gates used by the Might clan.
However, Ren didn't hesitate for long. He quickly selected the techniques that the Uchiha Clan truly needed.
He pushed the catalog scroll back and said calmly,
"I want the Spirit Transformation Technique, the Eight Gates, and Summoning Technique: Rashōmon."
For Ren himself, the power of the Flame-Flame Fruit was already more than enough for a very long time. For now, he had no need for additional jutsu to enhance his strength, nor did he have the spare time to study countless techniques.
Rather than dabbling in everything and mastering nothing, it was better to focus on a single path and develop the Flame-Flame Fruit to its absolute limit.
The three techniques he chose were precisely the ones the Uchiha Clan currently needed most.
The Spirit Transformation Technique specialized in cultivating the soul, while the Eight Gates specialized in strengthening the body.
Ren didn't expect the Uchiha to reach the level of Dan Katō or Might Guy with these techniques. It would be enough if they simply used them to enhance their spiritual power and physical strength.
For Uchiha who possessed the Sharingan, strengthening both mind and body would provide enormous benefits.
The Uchiha Clan, with its thousand-year heritage, never lacked powerful offensive ninjutsu.
But for ordinary Uchiha without the Mangekyō Sharingan, their defensive capabilities were somewhat lacking.
That was precisely why Ren chose Summoning Technique: Rashōmon—to fill that weakness.
After all, when the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, used the Five Rashōmon Gates, even a Tailed Beast Bomb enhanced with Susanoo's blade had its trajectory deflected.
Its defensive power was self-evident.
Danzō didn't comment much on Ren 's choices. Instead, he gave a glance to the Root shinobi standing at his right.
The Root ninja nodded and rummaged through his pouch before taking out three scrolls.
Danzō accepted them and placed them on the table.
"My sincerity has been shown," he said as he stood up.
"I hope the Uchiha Clan will not break their promise."
Ren also stood and smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. Give us some time to prepare. Within three days, someone will arrive at the location you designate."
Danzō nodded without another word and turned to leave.
Uchiha Fugaku quickly stood to see him off.
Once their footsteps faded into the distance, the smile on Ren 's face vanished, replaced by a solemn expression as he sat back down.
The First Elder, Uchiha Setsuna, and the Second Elder, Uchiha Ya, exchanged glances.
Though both were full of questions, neither spoke.
Soon after, Fugaku returned to the reception room.
Ren immediately asked,
"Well?"
Fugaku nodded firmly.
"They've already left the Clan Compound."
Hearing this, Uchiha Ya quickly turned toward Ren .
"Ren , are we really going to help Shimura Danzō assassinate Hiruzen Sarutobi? This isn't a small matter. If it's exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable."
Beside him, Setsuna let out a mocking laugh.
"Funny. I wonder who it was that jumped up in excitement the moment Danzō offered a seat on the Konoha Council of Elders, practically ready to agree on the spot."
"And now you're scared?"
"Heh."
Uchiha Ya glared at him.
"I admit I lost my composure! Danzō's offer was simply too tempting!"
"But thinking about it now, the risks are far too high. Hiruzen Sarutobi isn't someone easily killed. If the plan fails, we'll be in serious trouble."
Ren waved his hand.
"That's enough. It's not entirely the Second Elder's fault."
"If Minato weren't someone on our side, even I might have been tempted by Danzō's offer."
"A seat on the Konoha Council of Elders…"
"Danzō really made a grand move."
Humans truly were fickle creatures. Ever since stepping into the light, Danzō had changed so much that Ren could barely recognize him anymore.
Fugaku frowned.
"Ren , from the sound of it, you don't actually plan to cooperate with Danzō. Then why did you agree just now?"
Ren smiled faintly.
"If I didn't agree, how could I drive him into complete madness?"
"And if he doesn't fall into madness, how can he be destroyed?"
"Besides, I did agree to cooperate with him—on the condition that Hiruzen Sarutobi is successfully assassinated."
"If Hiruzen doesn't die, then naturally our agreement doesn't count."
Uchiha Ya frowned.
"But Ren , you promised to send a Kage-level fighter. Among the Uchiha, the only ones at that level are you, Fugaku, and Shisui. All of you are easily recognizable."
"If Hiruzen recognizes any of you, then he absolutely must die."
"And if we hold back during the fight, Danzō might see through it."
"So what do we do?"
Ren replied calmly,
"That's why the Kage-level fighter who ambushes Hiruzen must fight with full strength."
"But that person must not be from the Uchiha Clan."
He paused, a smile appearing on his face.
"I already have someone in mind."
"We'll go to the Black Market and hire an S-rank missing-nin."
"Fugaku, go to the Black Market immediately and ask them to contact a shinobi named Kakuzu. Leave the assassination to him."
"This Kakuzu only cares about money. Increase the reward—it can be treated as the price the Uchiha Clan paid for those three forbidden techniques."
"And keep this matter extremely secret. It would be best if Granny Cat handled the transaction."
"There must not be any trace leading back to us."
Fugaku instantly understood Ren 's intentions.
"Understood. I'll personally visit Granny Cat."
A playful smile appeared on Ren 's lips.
Kakuzu was known as the 'Little Third Hokage,' while Hiruzen Sarutobi was the elderly Third Hokage.
He wondered what kind of scene would unfold when these two 'Third Hokages' met.
Hopefully Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't die too easily.
Otherwise, things might become far too entertaining.
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