Danzo : This Time I Want to Be a Good Person

Could someone as notorious as Shimura Danzo truly believe that they were the future of the Land of Rain?

At that moment, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan all felt a complex mix of emotions.

There was a hint of joy at being acknowledged by such a significant figure, but also wariness and doubt regarding Danzo's intentions.

Observing their expressions, Tatsuma Aburame decided to skip any unnecessary explanations. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a letter.

"This is a letter Lord Danzo wrote to you," he said.

Yahiko was about to take it, but Nagato intercepted and carefully took the letter himself. After ensuring it was safe, he opened it and began reading aloud.

"To the young members of the Akatsuki,

I am Shimura Danzo, from Konoha.

The world today is filled with hardships. Wars rage incessantly among nations, leaving the people displaced and destitute. Meanwhile, the nobles indulge in luxury, and shinobi are pitted against each other in brutal conflicts.

The people are treated as nothing more than livestock—pigs, dogs, cattle. For profit, these aristocrats perpetuate inhumane slaughter.

While the common folk live in ruin, their families shattered and homes destroyed, the nobility feasts in excess, basking in opulence.

'The stench of meat from wealthy houses fills the air, while bones of the frozen poor litter the streets.'

In such an unjust world, I am grateful for the existence of idealists like you, rooted in the people and striving for a better future.

To you, I offer my highest respect.

The future belongs to you, the young, and to the countless ordinary people.

—Shimura Danzo"

When Nagato finished reading, the room fell silent.

Such compassionate words, such keen insight, and such sincere encouragement. Could this truly be the same "villainous" Danzo Jiraiya-sensei had warned them about?

Yahiko, for one, couldn't contain his emotions. Halfway through the letter, his fists were clenched, filled with righteous anger. By the end, he felt a sudden clarity, as if he had been entrusted with a grand and noble mission.

"Lord Danzo's words are absolutely correct!" Yahiko declared with conviction. His tone had shifted, and he now referred to Danzo as "Lord Danzo" with genuine respect.

Nagato, while still sensing something amiss, couldn't find any flaw in the letter's message.

Even Tatsuma, the messenger, was stunned.

Since when did Lord Danzo become so eloquent? he thought. And where did all this righteous fervor come from?

Regardless, his task was complete. Tatsuma bid them farewell and departed.

After he left, Konan hesitated. "So, what should we do next?"

Though the letter had softened their perception of Danzo, it would be reckless to fully trust him based on just this.

"We go!" Yahiko's eyes burned with determination as he made a decisive choice.

No matter what hell awaited them, as long as there was even the faintest hope for peace, he would never back down.

"But what if Lord Hanzō truly…?" Konan's voice wavered, her concern evident.

"No matter what, if there's a chance for peace, we must seize it," Yahiko said firmly.

"However, this time, I'll go alone."

He turned to Konan and Nagato, speaking earnestly. "If anything goes wrong, the two of you must take the rest of the Akatsuki members and hide."

Such a self-sacrificing plan was immediately rejected by Konan.

"Absolutely not! We promised—no matter life or death, we'd stay together. I won't let you face danger alone!"

Even Nagato, usually composed, nodded in agreement. "If something happens, our chances of survival are greater together."

Seeing the determination in his friends' eyes, Yahiko knew there was no convincing them otherwise.

They would never abandon the potential opportunity for peace simply because of Danzo's letter.

As for contacting the three great nations directly to negotiate peace?

What a joke.

Without Hanzō's support, the great nations wouldn't even acknowledge them.

This risk, therefore, had to be taken.

Yahiko clenched his fist and struck his palm firmly. "Relax. Maybe this is all just a misunderstanding."

Nagato gave a slight nod, then turned away. "I'll make arrangements. If anything happens to us, I'll ensure all members retreat immediately."

Konan also stepped away. "I'll prepare some explosive tags, just in case."

Yahiko rubbed his head, realizing he had nothing specific to prepare.

"Oh well. I'll deliver some food to the villagers first."

Having successfully completed his mission, Tatsuma Aburame soon appeared before Danzo.

"How did they respond?"

Danzo was seated cross-legged on a cushion, leisurely placing a cup of hot tea in front of Tatsuma.

Tatsuma accepted the tea with both hands, bowing respectfully before answering. "They had a strong reaction to your letter, but it seems they'll still choose to meet Hanzō."

"As expected."

Danzo picked up his own tea, gently blowing on it before taking a sip.

Seeing Tatsuma hesitate, Danzo chuckled softly. "Speak your mind. There's no need to hold back."

Encouraged, Tatsuma finally spoke. "Lord Danzo, to be honest, I feel those three are a bit too immature."

Danzo smiled faintly. "You mean naive, don't you?"

Tatsuma lowered his head. "Your insight is unparalleled, my lord."

Danzo slowly rose, gazing at the rain falling outside the window. "It's no surprise. Those kids were taught by Jiraiya, after all. If they weren't naive, it would be unexpected."

Tatsuma nodded inwardly. He had seen the legendary Sannin before, though under peculiar circumstances—on the rooftop of a women's bathhouse. At the time, he had mistaken them for spies infiltrating the village.

Unaware of Tatsuma's wandering thoughts, Danzo continued, "But humanity must endure pain to truly transform. When that time comes, you'll be astounded by how quickly they grow."

Tatsuma looked puzzled. "Aren't you worried they'll die by Hanzō's blade?"

In the shinobi world, prodigies were common, but only those who survived long enough to mature held any real significance. Most geniuses were snuffed out before reaching their potential.

Danzo snorted disdainfully at the question.

"If it were the Hanzō of ten years ago, perhaps. But the Hanzō of today? Heh…"

In front of Tatsuma, Danzo didn't bother hiding his contempt for the so-called "Demi-God."

Hanzō had long abandoned his dreams and ideals, devolving into nothing more than a coward. According to the original storyline, after witnessing the power of Nagato's Rinnegan, Hanzō cowered like a stray dog, hiding behind dozens of Ame-nin, perpetually on edge.

Calling him a coward might even be too generous.

Meanwhile, Hanzō also received the Akatsuki's reply.

A cold glint flashed in his dark pupils.

"Spread the word. Everyone, prepare. This time, I will eradicate this tumor for good."

"Yes, sir!"