Konoha: You're letting me build up my bonds, but you're offending the entire ninja world.

He has a talent for swordsmanship and can reach the pinnacle when he becomes a genin. It would be a waste not to train hard.

Most people in the Naruto world, no matter how strong, are still mortals. Using a sword to kill enemies is no less efficient than using ninjutsu, and may even be more efficient.

Ordinary ninjas don't learn many ninjutsu techniques; most of the time, they rely on taijutsu and ninja tools in battle.

When ninjutsu is used, it is either to gain an advantage or to achieve a fatal blow.

Do you really think everyone is like Naruto, able to use Rasengan like a basic attack?

Phew~!

Phew~!

The sound of the swinging echoed in the courtyard, and the warm sunlight fell from the azure sky, shining on Shimura Gengetsu's forehead, where fine beads of sweat glistened.

The practice continued from after lunch until sunset, until a deep voice came from behind, and Shimura Gengetsu stopped.

"Xuan Yue."

Shimura Gengetsu turned around and saw a tall, wrinkled old man.

His left eye was still wrapped in bandages, and his face was sinister, revealing a cold and dark temperament, but when he looked at him, he revealed a smile.

Perhaps because he doesn't smile often, the old man's smile looks very stiff.

This person was none other than Danzo Shimura, the Dark Lord of the Ninja World, the 5.5th Hokage, and the strongest ninja in history.

"Old man, you're back."

Shimura Gengetsu greeted him, but ever since he could speak, he had called Danzo "old man" and never "grandpa."

Danzo didn't care, or rather, even if he did care, it wouldn't change anything.

He can be ruthless to outsiders and scheming against anyone.

But Shimura Gengetsu is his only family member in the world, the continuation of his bloodline.

At the same time, it also embodies his hopes that in the future, he will not only inherit the Root, but also make Shimura Gengetsu the Hokage.

Shimura Gengetsu's talent did not disappoint Danzo; he was almost identical to Kakashi in his prime, and had already reached the graduation standard shortly after starting school.

It's a pity... that it doesn't have a bloodline limit.

Danzo's one eye dimmed; in his mind, even the strongest ordinary ninja had a limit.

Only the Sharingan, or Wood Release, could make Shimura Gengetsu and him stronger.

Thinking about the recent situation in the village, Danzo's mind began to race.

Shimura Gengetsu, who had greeted him, stood there in a daze.

Just after he saw Danzo, the system issued two notification sounds in succession.

[The host has activated the familial bond with Shimura Danzo and received the reward—Wind Attribute (Genius)]

[The host's bond with Shimura Danzo has reached the second stage, and the reward is obtained—Wind Attribute Nature Change (Mastery)]

This was Shimura Gengetsu's first meeting with Danzo after the system was successfully activated, so it's not surprising that he only received the reward now.

The two rewards merged automatically, making Shimura Gengetsu's aura even more formidable.

Especially with his mastery of wind-attribute nature transformation, Danzo should now be considered the strongest wind-style ninja in Konoha, and he's among the top in the entire ninja world.

Not everyone can cut through Susanoo using wind-style chakra and shuriken.

Danzo also noticed Xuan Yue's change, snapped out of his reverie, and slowly walked towards the courtyard, standing still in the open space.

"I happen to have some time today, and it's been a while since I checked on your studies. Let me see how much you've improved."

"Huh? Oh."

Shimura Gengetsu did not refuse. He gripped his sword tightly and charged forward without saying goodbye.

A layer of hazy air swirled around the sword, and a hint of surprise flashed in Danzo's eyes.

A change in properties?!

OK OK.

He mastered nature transformation at the age of six; my grandson has the potential to become Hokage!

In the blink of an eye, Xuan Yue had already arrived in front of Danzo, and his short sword slashed down swiftly.

Danzo easily dodged with a slight sidestep. Xuan Yue's right leg swept across suddenly, and Danzo raised his hand to block. Using the force of the collision, Xuan Yue turned around, created some distance, and then charged forward again.

No matter what, Danzo was at least an elite Jonin, and even if Shimura Gengetsu went all out, he wouldn't be able to pose a threat to him.

Shimura Gengetsu had no intention of holding back, and he unleashed his full power in swordsmanship and ninjutsu.

He has all the rewards for the second phase of the bond system, and the person in the world least likely to hurt him is Shimura Danzo.

A quarter of an hour later.

Gengetsu Shimura stopped, panting heavily, his chakra completely depleted.

"Well done, Xuan Yue, but don't be arrogant. You are just a genius, not a true powerhouse."

Danzo could no longer contain his smile; Shimura Gengetsu's performance today had greatly exceeded his expectations.

He was very skilled in using wind-attribute nature transformations, and his fire-style ninjutsu was also quite impressive.

If I could get another pair of eyes

The future of Konoha will belong to the Shimura family!

Thinking of this, Danzo was even happier and led Shimura Gengetsu into the house.

"By the way, old man."

During the meal, Shimura Gengetsu seemed to have thought of something and looked up to ask:

"You didn't seem to be in a good mood when you came back. Who upset you this time?"

Danzo took a bite of rice nonchalantly. "Who else could it be? That old codger Hiruzen Sarutobi, of course. I failed to assassinate him today, so my days as Hokage will have to be postponed again."

Genzuki Shimura: "......"

Chapter Four: Assassinating the Hokage is a Way to Enhance Relationships

After Danzo's explanation, Shimura Gengetsu finally understood the cause and effect.

It turns out that Danzo's disappearance during this period was actually a secret plot to assassinate the Hokage!

After the Nine-Tails' rampage, the youngest and most brilliant Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, sacrificed himself, and the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stepped forward to take charge, showing no intention of electing another Hokage.

According to procedure, to become Hokage, one needs to meet with the Daimyo and gain his approval.

However, after the attack on Konoha, everything was in ruins and needed rebuilding. The Third Hokage did not go to the capital of the Land of Fire until recently when he finally made arrangements.

Danzo had received the news early on and mobilized all the power of the Root organization to intercept and kill the Third Hokage today.

Good news, the interception was successful.

The bad news is that the Hokage who was ambushed was Kakashi in disguise; the real Hiruzen Sarutobi had already seen through his plot.

Danzo was sitting engrossed in the Hokage throne when Danzo suddenly appeared, startling him.

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi did not impose any punishment, his arrogant and indifferent tone and demeanor deeply wounded Danzo's pride.

What's even more infuriating is that he finally managed to get a Wood Release ninja under his command, but Hiruzen Sarutobi lured him away with Kakashi's help!

Even now, Danzo still curses and swears when the topic comes up.

Even the already deceased Sarutobi Biwako was criticized.

Gengetsu Shimura was speechless.

"Old man, don't push your luck. If someone else had tried to assassinate the Hokage, they would be dead by now. The Third Hokage has already been kind enough by not stripping you of your position as the leader of Root."

Does he have that ability?

Danzo Shimura gave a cold laugh, his expression smug. "Nominally, I'm part of the Anbu, but Hiruzen has no authority to give orders. Even if I'm relieved of my duties, those people will still obey me."

"This is... a qualified tool."

"Then don't be reckless."

Gengetsu Shimura pouted, "I'm still studying at the Ninja Academy; that's his territory."

“He won’t lay a hand on you,” Danzo Shimura said in a deep voice. “It’s just an assassination attempt; it’s not like I’ve done it before in all these decades.”

“When he first became Hokage, I attempted to assassinate him once, and I also attempted to assassinate him once after he became the Fourth Hokage.”

...What a weird play!

As Shimura Gengetsu listened to his grandfather recount that glorious history, he didn't know what kind of expression to wear.

All I can say is... the power of bonds is terrifying!

For others, assassinating the Hokage would be a huge event, but for Danzo, it had become a way for him to strengthen his relationship with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Forget it, he doesn't want to get involved in the feud between those two old men, as long as it doesn't involve him.

After finishing his meal, Gengetsu Shimura returned to his room to refine his chakra.

Danzo, on the other hand, returned to the Root base.