Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 76: Shadow Hokage (Part 1)

"Lady Tsunade, here's the data I've compiled. What do you think?"

"You're really going to study this?"

Tsunade took the documents handed to her by Hyuga Fuji and spent a full ten minutes reviewing them. Then, with a sigh, she said, "Cultivating cells for research is one thing, but this… this is a forbidden area!"

"Do you think it should be sealed away?"

"It's best if it's never brought into the light." Tsunade handed the documents back to Hyuga Fuji. "Ever since the split-body technique was developed, I knew someone would eventually think of this, but I sincerely hope such technology never sees the light of day. You should destroy it yourself."

To be honest, she regretted agreeing to teach Hyuga Fuji these techniques.

But at this point, it seemed pointless to refuse. If he wasn't learning from her, he could easily turn to Orochimaru or someone else. Moreover, even if Hyuga Fuji didn't study this, someone else would eventually connect the dots between the split-body technique and similar research.

"I understand."

Right in front of Tsunade, Hyuga Fuji destroyed the documents, seemingly to prove his resolve. The act eased Tsunade's concerns significantly.

Watching this unfold, Hyuga Fuji inwardly shook his head.

Technology like this would inevitably emerge. Trying to stop its creation was ultimately futile.

"Lady Tsunade, I actually came here to ask you to help with some administrative work. Lord Hokage has been overwhelmed lately."

The knock on the door came accompanied by Yakumaru's voice.

Tsunade frowned and turned her gaze toward Hyuga Fuji, her lips curving into a sly smile. The message was clear.

"This should be your job, shouldn't it? How much longer do you plan on hiding out here? You're not slacking off, are you?"

"My shadow clone has already been handling those affairs while I've been here learning with you."

As soon as Hyuga Fuji finished speaking, his figure vanished, leaving behind only a Flying Thunder God kunai.

"I'll come back when I have more time."

Tsunade's smile froze on her face.

Please don't come back. You've already learned almost everything in just a few days. What more could you possibly want?

…

In the Hokage's office, Minato looked at the rapidly diminishing pile of documents and then at the two former advisors—Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado—who had been brought in by Hyuga Fuji's shadow clone. A thoughtful expression appeared on his face.

Isn't this a bit too much?

They'd already been removed from their positions. Forcing them to work like this felt… inhumane.

The real Hyuga Fuji, now present in the office, organized the documents and neatly sorted them by serial number. Noticing Minato's conflicted gaze, Fuji glanced at the two diligently working advisors and said softly, "The tasks they've been assigned are all related to resolving issues left behind by the ninja clans. In this regard, they're the true experts. You'll only need to review their work and add your seal."

After a moment of thought, Minato nodded. He couldn't refute the logic.

The leaders of the ninja clans who had aligned themselves with Danzo had already faced punishment. Koharu and Homura, now isolated by their own clans, had lost all influence. They were no longer a threat.

Out of respect for the Third Hokage, Minato had left them some dignity. Still, given their apprehension about potential retribution, assigning them to handle minor tasks seemed reasonable.

The mention of Danzo suddenly brought a headache to Minato. He passed a document from Orochimaru to Hyuga Fuji.

"The Root division left behind too many problems. If these ever came to light, the public outrage would demand Danzo's execution."

Hearing this, Koharu and Homura, who were working nearby, stiffened and focused even harder on their tasks.

Hyuga Fuji took the document and began to read.

Human experimentation, covert missions that couldn't be disclosed…

The darkness within the Root ran deep. While they avoided keeping written records of their operations, the traces left behind in research data and other materials were too numerous to completely erase. There were always breadcrumbs to follow.

Within the report, Fuji even recognized several familiar projects—joint experiments between Orochimaru and the Root.

"…"

So he's shifted all the blame onto Danzo, cleanly absolving himself.

It wasn't just Orochimaru. According to the intel Fuji had gathered, some ninja clans had also pinned their own misdeeds on the Root. While Danzo had been powerful, his fall gave them the perfect opportunity to shift responsibility.

Even Fuji himself had indirectly contributed to this outcome…

Examining the long list of familiar names on the Root deserter list, Fuji quietly returned the document to the table and shook his head. "He may have admitted defeat, but he hasn't given up."

"Indeed." Minato frowned.

Several of the experiments were explicitly authorized by the Third Hokage, a detail Danzo had clearly preserved as leverage against his old rival.

Additionally, Orochimaru's takeover of the Root was met with resistance. Some members had fled with critical data and research, including the division's deputy leader. While the Third Hokage had intercepted some during their escape, many had managed to slip away.

Danzo may have surrendered in the political arena, but he clearly had no intention of fading quietly into the night. After years entrenched in the shadows of Konoha, his arsenal of hidden cards was substantial.

"What's the Third Hokage's stance on this?" Fuji asked.

"He's decided to personally oversee Danzo's imprisonment and has moved into the high-security ward to monitor him directly." Minato smiled wryly. "For now, it's the best we can do until the right opportunity presents itself."

As he spoke, a peculiar expression crossed his face. "By the way, have you spoken to the main branch of the Hyuga clan recently?"

"No, why?"

Minato hesitated before replying, "Take a look at the file in the bottom-left corner."

Fuji was well aware that others were trying to shift blame onto him. However, such matters were difficult to trace, and most accusations were relatively minor.

But the Hyuga clan's actions… were glaringly blatant.

Taking the report, Fuji scanned it briefly before falling silent. After a moment, he said with an unreadable expression, "I'll handle some administrative tasks first, then pay Danzo a visit. Please hand over all files detailing the Root's crimes."

Minato blinked in surprise before nodding thoughtfully.

"Alright. There are also some personal grievances against Danzo from various ninja. You should take those as well."

…

Accompanied by two Anbu operatives, Fuji entered the maximum-security ward and made his way to its deepest confines, ignoring the prisoners locked away in adjacent cells.

This facility housed those guilty of severe crimes, spared from execution for various reasons.

Some of the ninja leaders who had sided with Danzo were now confined here.

The fortunate ones would live out their days in these cells.

The less fortunate… often ended up as test subjects for Root's experiments.

Danzo, as a former Hokage's advisor, held the dubious distinction of being the highest-ranking individual ever imprisoned here. His cell lay at the very end.

Upon arrival, Fuji addressed the Third Hokage, who stood guard outside Danzo's cell. "Lord Third, there are matters I need to discuss with him."

"Be cautious. Don't let him manipulate you."

The Third Hokage nodded, sighing softly before vanishing. It was clear he had no intention of eavesdropping.

Once the Third left, Fuji instructed the two Anbu guards to stay outside the cell, erecting a barrier to block all sound. Alone, he stepped into the cell.

The dim, damp room reeked of mildew and despair. Cracks lined the aged walls, and faint streaks of light barely filtered through the high, narrow window.

For Danzo, however, this environment seemed fitting.

Like the roots of a tree, he had never thrived under the bright, open sky.

(End of Chapter)

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