Kotoamatsukami… didn't fail.
Not exactly.
From Danzo Shimura's perspective—
The Yin Release chakra of the Mangekyō had already engulfed Shenyue Yuan.
Completely.
And yet—
He couldn't lock onto him.
Couldn't select him.
…Impossible.
He had never used Kotoamatsukami before—
But even so—
He knew.
Something was wrong.
Terribly wrong.
In that instant—
A hand struck from behind his right eye.
Fast. Precise.
Clawing straight toward the Mangekyō.
"AAAAAH—!!"
Pain exploded.
From the eye socket—
Straight into his brain.
Before he could even react—
His vision blurred.
Shenyue Yuan—
Had appeared behind him.
Without a sound.
And in a single motion—
Plucked the eye out.
The Mangekyō Sharingan—
Gone.
Their strength was equal.
The moment the eye was taken—
Danzo endured the pain and retaliated instantly.
His right hand lashed forward—
Clawing toward Shenyue Yuan's eyes.
If he could take mine—
Why can't I take his?
Kotoamatsukami had already been used once.
Even if the eye was stolen—
It wouldn't activate again anytime soon.
But—
When his fingers tore through the white bandages—
He grabbed—
Nothing.
…
Only then—
It struck him.
Shenyue Yuan…
Had no eyes.
A blind man.
And still—
Untargetable.
Plan successful.
Shenyue Yuan's leg swept out.
A kick—
Carrying the full force of a Leaf Whirlwind.
Boom—!
Danzo raised his arm just in time.
A heavy impact echoed.
He avoided a direct hit—
But the force pushed them apart.
Ten meters.
Distance regained.
"Danzo-sama…"
Shenyue Yuan stood atop the roof.
Smiling faintly.
The stolen eye resting in his hand.
"See you."
A casual wave—
Then—
He vanished into the darkness.
"My Mangekyō—!"
"Damn you—GET BACK HERE!!"
Danzo roared.
Blood streamed down from his empty socket.
He lunged forward—
Leaping across the rooftops.
But—
Too late.
Shenyue Yuan was already gone.
Without a trace.
"Good… good…"
"Shenyue Yuan…"
"No matter where you run—"
"I will find you."
"And you will pay."
His expression twisted—
Barely human.
But deep down—
He understood.
Even if he caught him now—
He couldn't win.
Not anymore.
Better—
To confront Hiruzen Sarutobi.
And—
Mobilize Root.
Issue a kill order.
…
The night deepened.
Pitch-black.
Stars drifted silently overhead.
Konoha—
Was unnaturally quiet.
Empty rooftops.Darkened streets.
Even the once-bustling commercial district—
Had shut down completely.
The Uchiha massacre had shaken everything.
In less than a minute—
Shenyue Yuan had already left the Shimura compound.
Hidden nearby—
Hokage直属 ANBU observed.
But did nothing.
They remained in the shadows.
Silent.
Watching him disappear.
Under the pale moonlight—
Shenyue Yuan quickened his pace.
Attacking Danzo—
Had been necessary.
To solidify his identity as a rogue ninja.
And taking Kotoamatsukami—
That was insurance.
A hidden trump card—
For infiltrating Akatsuki.
As for the cooldown—
Perhaps…
Orochimaru could solve that.
For now—
The eye was sealed.
Stored safely inside a container—
Within a sealing scroll.
With his current chakra—
Implanting it directly?
Unwise.
As he turned a corner—
A new panel appeared.
Visible only to him.
[Random Mission: BGM][Description: A protagonist should have their own theme music. As a system, I refuse to let my host appear without one.]
[Requirement: Hum any song in front of a villain.]
[Mission Complete!][Reward: You may select a personal BGM.]
…
So that was why—
He had been humming earlier.
The reward?
Not impressive.
But—
Acceptable.
…
Hokage Tower.
Inside—
Hiruzen was about to dismiss the meeting.
Allow the elders to rest.
Then—
A furious voice echoed up the stairs.
"Monkey—!"
"You'd better give me an explanation today!"
All three turned.
And saw him.
Danzo.
Covered in blood.
Disheveled.
Barely standing.
"…Danzo?!" Koharu Utatane stared in shock.
"Who did this to you?!"
Homura Mitokado narrowed his eyes.
Observing.
Hiruzen looked at him.
Paused—
Then revealed just the right amount of surprise.
"Danzo…"
"Who did this to you?"
Two identical questions.
Two heavy blows.
Danzo's anger surged.
"You're still pretending?!"
He pointed at Hiruzen.
"Was Shenyue Yuan sent by you?!"
"Shenyue Yuan…?" Koharu murmured.
The name sounded familiar—
But she couldn't place it.
Homura spoke instead.
"He's the civilian prodigy."
"The one said to rival Itachi."
"…What?" Hiruzen's expression darkened.
"You're saying—"
"He did this to you?"
"Enough with the act!" Danzo snapped.
"There are only four of us here!"
"If you have a problem with me—say it!"
Hiruzen sighed.
"…You misunderstand."
"I did not send him."
Danzo clenched his jaw.
"Then explain this."
"With that much noise in my compound—"
"Why did no one come?"
Hiruzen shook his head.
"You've forgotten."
"Konoha… no longer has a police force."
"…Then ANBU?! Your直属 forces?!"
"Danzo."
"That is your territory."
"If you are willing to hand over its defense—"
"ANBU can begin patrols immediately."
"...You—!"
Danzo froze.
Speechless.
Then—
Something clicked.
If Hiruzen refused to admit involvement—
Then he could leverage the village instead.
Legitimately.
"…Fine."
"Very well."
"If he wasn't sent by you—"
"How do you plan to deal with him?"
Hiruzen turned to Koharu.
His voice firm.
"Dispatch a team immediately."
"Investigate Shenyue Yuan."
"Bring him back."
"If he resists—"
"Label him a rogue ninja."
"If necessary—"
"Execute on sight."
"…Understood." Koharu nodded.
Danzo sneered.
"In that case—"
"Lift my confinement."
"I'll lead Root myself."
"I'll capture that arrogant brat."
Koharu and Homura both turned—
Looking toward Hiruzen.
Waiting.
Then—
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
"…No."
"After what happened with the Uchiha—"
"I am considering disbanding Root."
A pause.
"So this matter…"
"Will be handled by Koharu and the others."
"Danzo."
"You are injured."
"I will have ANBU escort you to the hospital."
"We will discuss the rest after your recovery."
"It is decided."
He raised his hand.
Two ANBU appeared instantly—
At Danzo's sides.
"…You're disbanding Root?"
Danzo's voice trembled.
Disbelief.
Then—
Rage.
"Hiruzen—"
"You will regret this."
"Enough."
Hiruzen's voice turned cold.
"I am the Hokage."