Chapter 917 : A Partnership forms! Danzo's return to Politics!

‘Yes, this way is the optimal path. However, I can't appear too eager, lest he becomes suspicious. In addition, I need to be on guard against any unknown seal…’ Danzo's thought process was exactly as Fujin predicted. It was the most logical option.

Between life & death, any sensible non-suicidal person would choose life. If Danzo was forced to do something that went against his interests and morals, he could always choose to court death at that time. The result wouldn't be any worse than dying right away.

Danzo replied, “Before I answer, I want to know why you want me to swear fealty?”

Akuro chuckled, “What do you think?”

Danzo answered without thinking much since he had already analyzed it, “My first thought was you needed subordinates to aid you against the remaining ancient experts. But if they are as strong as you said, there isn't much I or others could do. So, I suspect you need my help to recover your strength.”

Akuro shook his head, “Don't think so highly of yourself. You can neither help me in battle nor with my recovery. Other than Hagoromo, there hasn't been any ninja belonging to their era who could interfere in our war. Even his sons fell short.

However, that doesn't mean there aren't any geniuses in every era. While too weak to stand alongside us in battle, a handful have managed to craft techniques that surpass their time. Techniques with such depth and innovation that even those of us at the peak can learn from them. Some serve as hidden weapons in our arsenal. Others ignite ideas, sharpen our edge, or push us to evolve beyond our current limits. That’s the kind of value I seek.’

Danzo's eyes widened. He had thought of various possibilities and inclined more towards Akuro wanting to develop a personal force, but what Akuro said hadn't even crossed his mind. Though his words felt logical, they were extremely bizzare!

Before he could say anything, Akuro pointed towards Danzo's severed arm and said, “For instance, the technique you displayed to turn reality into illusion and illusion into reality. It's crude in execution and riddled with flaws, but the core concept is brilliant. With the right adjustments, those weaknesses could be patched.

Unfortunately, my Yin Release isn’t refined enough to recreate it without those eyes. But if someone like Shin’en no Kōshi caught wind of it… he’d chase it like a man possessed.

A cold smirk curved Akuro’s lips. “Naturally, I won’t let that happen. Your first task will be simple. Tell me every soul who knows about this technique. Every last one of them dies before he wakes. This technique will be lost to time.”

Despite his words, Danzo didn't feel a hint of killing intent from Akuro. Akuro’s tone wasn’t threatening or angry. It was calm, almost casual, like he was stating the weather. He didn’t view the ninjas of this era as enemies, obstacles, or even challenges.

Danzo quickly ignored that and instead focused on the more important aspect. He thought, ‘An opportunity! I can use this to pitch Akuro against the ones I find an eyesore! If I play my cards right, I could use this to pave a path for the Hokage's seat! Even if my targets don't know about Izanagi, I can say I suspect they know about it, though I can't overdo this.

It'll be tricky, but I have pulled off much more improbable schemes. The bigger threat here is his words… Every last one dies… That might include me as well, once I'm no longer useful to him. I'll have to eliminate him before that time arrives.’

Danzo's expression didn’t change. He processed Akuro’s words in silence, his mind working furiously behind the calm facade. While his internal alarms blared at Akuro’s threat, he knew better than to show weakness. Instead, he responded with composed defiance.

“I can't betray Konoha,” he stated flatly and continued, “My allegiance to the village is absolute. I am willing to serve your interests, but not at the cost of Konoha's destruction.”

Akuro tilted his head, his expression hidden behind his mask, and asked, “Is that loyalty... or vanity speaking?”

Danzo answered, “You said it yourself. There are always a few geniuses in every era. Konoha houses more of them than any other village. If you're truly interested in collecting techniques and minds that defy time, then Konoha is your best investment.”

After a small pause, Akuro chuckled and asked with amusement, “Are you negotiating for your village?”

Danzo replied without hesitation, “Yes. Let Konoha survive this coming war, and in return, we can offer something of value. Not just knowledge or techniques, but cooperation. You don't need us for strength. But we could cooperate in researching new or advanced techniques. I don't know the capabilities of your comrades, but no other ninja village can offer you the same.”

Akuro shook his head, “Let your village survive? I'm afraid that isn't in my hands. The Divine War consumes everything. Only those fated or blessed with divine luck can escape its clutches.”

Danzo frowned, but it was just for show. He secretly analyzed, ‘As I suspected, he can't control the events once others awake. However, he could have simply lied to me and there wasn't anything I could do, at least openly. Even though his fighting style lacks shame, he seems more honorable. However, that could also be because I don't hold any chips and am completely at his mercy.’

Danzo replied, “A pity. However, as long as you don't target Konoha, I'd propose the same cooperation. Perhaps your knowledge alone would increase our survival chances.”

Danzo looked at Akuro intently, awaiting his answer. He analyzed, ‘From my analysis, he won't have a problem with it, though he might put more conditions. I can't count on the Lightning Crystal Mine to re-enter Konoha's politics any more. Instead, the deal with Akuro will allow me to get back in the council.’

To Danzo's surprise, Akuro replied nonchalantly, “As you wish.”

He didn't put any conditions or negotiate further. Once again, Akuro displayed how little he thought of the ninjas from the current era. However, Danzo didn't care about it. Akuro's agreement had given him two great benefits! The first was undoubtedly his life! Danzo could still fight, but he was no longer confident in getting out alive.

Secondly, his ambitions reignited! Danzo immediately planned, ‘Good! I can now rejoin the council! I'll use the Izanagi matter to get rid of some eyesores. However, I shouldn't target Tsunade for the time being. Fujin may have a secret agreement with Akuro, so I can't pitch the two against each other either. I can't be impatient as there will be several more opportunities in the future.

For now, I should cause conflict between Akatsuki and Akuro. Itachi can use the Izanagi, and so can the other Uchiha according to Fujin's report. If Akuro kills the two, I could direct him towards the leader of Akatsuki, the wielder of Rinnegan. Irrespective of who wins, I'll benefit.

It would be best if Pain kills Akuro, but the chances are very low. Even if Akuro loses, he is unlikely to die…’

As Danzo rapidly calculated his future schemes, Akuro walked towards him, his eyes still closed and sealed, and said, “Don't forget about my first task. I still want every name tied to that technique. Even if you merely suspect them, I want to know the name. Do you understand?”

Danzo tensed slightly seeing Akuro approaching him, but maintained his composure and answered, “I understand.”

Standing just a step away from Danzo, Akuro seemed satisfied. He nodded in approval, seemingly satisfied by Danzo's new attitude. Suddenly, Danzo's instincts flared as the air around Akuro distorted with an immense Lightning energy! Danzo's eyes captured a Lightning cloak appearing around Akuro's body instantly as his right arm suddenly appeared in front of Danzo's face!

Once again, Danzo instinctively wanted to use Izanagi, but he was slow for several reasons. Shisui's eye was far too valuable to be wasted in this manner. In addition, Danzo couldn't figure out where their talks had gone wrong.

Unfortunately, he had no time to analyze nor had any other option. He tried to use Izanagi, but surprisingly, he failed! In a flash, Akuro plunged his fingers into Danzo's right eye socket with surgical precision and plucked out Shisui's Sharingan!

At that moment, there were only two thoughts running through Danzo's mind, ‘Something interfered with my chakra flow! And, Akuro's speed just now was several times faster than when he fought against me earlier! It is comparable to Ay's!’