Chapter 171 163: Danzo's Three-Pronged Strategy

"This sword was given to Uchiha Kagami by Teacher Tobirama when he was young. I once had an identical blade, also gifted by Teacher Tobirama, but I lost it while on a mission. Uchiha Kagami then gave me his. To this day, I often use this blade to remember an old friend. Now that I pass it on to you, it is only fitting."

Danzo looked at Uchiha Gen's face, which had matured slightly with age, and tried his best to use his gentlest tone.

Even so, his voice still carried a rigid quality, though he slowed his speech to make it sound less cold.

Often use this blade to remember an old friend? Uchiha Gen examined the hilt.

The material of the blade was excellent; it didn't require deliberate maintenance, remaining cold and bright even after thirty years, needing only a little upkeep to restore it to its original state. However, the cracked leather on the hilt and the wooden handle beneath, which had lost its protective outer layer and was eroded by time, were enough to show that this sword hadn't received proper care in the last thirty years. It seemed likely that it had been shelved and left untouched in some corner for two or three decades.

Perhaps Danzo had even sent someone to retrieve it from Konoha Village specifically because of him, which was why he hadn't had time to find a swordsmith to repair it.

As for it being a fake, that was unlikely. Not to mention that finding a weapon of this quality and age wasn't easy, there were also many old acquaintances who had known Uchiha Kagami who would be able to recognize this blade.

It was a pity that he already possessed a Sengoku Ninja Sword, which had undergone multiple enhancements and was only a hair's breadth away from being a top-tier legendary weapon in the Ninja World. Even if this katana were repaired, it could only serve as a backup weapon, existing more as a memento.

"Thank you, Elder Danzo. I will accept this blade. If there is any official business, Uchiha Gen will certainly do his utmost for Konoha."

Uchiha Gen put away the katana, hung it next to his Sengoku Ninja Sword, and said to Danzo.

"There is indeed some official business. Regarding some matters, Orochimaru might hold a grudge against me, but I believe you, like Uchiha Kagami, will not."

"Back when we were before Lady Uzumaki Mito, I knew that you, like Uchiha Kagami, were the type of person who, no matter the time or place, and regardless of the environment—even if submerged in darkness—could still keep your heart oriented toward the light."

"Therefore... I hope you will join Root. With your heart, you will surely be able to become, like me, the most important Roots supporting Konoha."

"I promise to train you as the next leader of Root. When Hiruzen and I step down, Orochimaru will be perfectly positioned to take over as the Fourth Hokage. As his most trusted disciple, if you can take charge of Root, you will be able to provide immense support to Orochimaru."

"Just as I have spent the last twenty years assisting Hiruzen in his role as Hokage. He is the Hokage, the light of Konoha, and I am the shadow of Konoha, existing as the Hokage's most vital supplement. Were it not for me, Hiruzen and Konoha would not be where they are today."

"Orochimaru has the potential to become Hokage, and in my view, you also have the potential to take up my mantle. With you and Orochimaru, it will be enough to support Konoha, and it will also allow the Uchiha to better integrate into Konoha and truly become a part of the Village."

Watching Danzo's earnest and seemingly sincere expression, Uchiha Gen remained impassive. What did he mean by letting the Uchiha truly become a part of Konoha? So, you've never actually considered the Uchiha Clan a part of Konoha, have you?

"Elder Danzo, I can understand the hard work you have put in for the Village, but I am sorry; I also have my own Ninja Way to follow. To dwell in darkness while performing deeds of light is certainly great and beyond the capability of ordinary people, but for me, whether it is to realize my Ninja Way, to help Teacher Orochimaru and the clan behind me, or to serve the Village, I believe the current way is already the best method. I am sorry, but I am afraid I must decline your kind offer."

Uchiha Gen's attitude was much more respectful than before, but while his words spoke of declining, his hands showed no intention of returning the katana.

Is he so resolute? Danzo stared at Uchiha Gen in silence for a long while.

He could tell that this Uchiha brat must have already formed a preconceived impression and prejudice against him. Who had instilled this impression in him? Was it Orochimaru or Uchiha Gen? What on earth had those two said to Uchiha Gen?

"If you ever have need, feel free to come to me. The doors of Root will always be open to you."

Danzo took one last deep look at Uchiha Gen, then used the Body Flicker Technique to leave with his three Root subordinates.

If he could recruit Uchiha Gen, not only would he greatly enhance the strength of Root, but it would also facilitate his various precautions and schemes against the Uchiha Clan, and more directly, allow him to suppress Orochimaru here in the Land of Hot Springs and consolidate power.

Once even your disciple is my man, what else is there to say? A three-pronged strategy.

However, Uchiha Gen was not a simple-minded fool like Shisui, nor would he change his opinion of Danzo just because of a katana connected to Uchiha Kagami.

Just looking at Danzo's actions in the original work in his past life, in Uchiha Gen's mind, this guy was already dyed so black he couldn't be washed clean.

And in this life, although Orochimaru hadn't said any bad things about Danzo to him before, the Great Elder had said plenty.

Danzo's attitude toward various Ninja clans was quite radical, and even more so toward the Uchiha, being far more extreme than even Senju Tobirama.

Uchiha Shisui was an idiot who possessed great power but was only a teenager who liked to overthink things; whoever spoke to him first, he would believe.

If it were Shisui in his current position, Danzo would only need to talk about his relationship with his grandfather, show that blade, use his status as a Konoha Elder to endorse himself, boast about his contributions to Konoha, and add that theory of his—such a young person without his own independent thoughts, who believes whoever speaks first, would be very easily fooled.

For Uchiha Gen, however, he had respect for Uchiha Kagami, but fundamentally, he didn't have much other sentiment, having only heard some legends within the clan about this top Uchiha expert from twenty years ago.

His respect stemmed from having received guidance from this cousin. His Phantom Body Flicker Technique came from Uchiha Kagami, and even the Uchiha Style Swordsmanship he practiced had been revised by Uchiha Kagami. He couldn't deny this favor, which was why he was willing to be on good terms with Uchiha Sumi and provide their family with some assistance.

"Elder Danzo, I won't see you out."

Uchiha Gen watched as Danzo and the three Root Ninja walked away. After a short while, he leisurely turned around and looked into the forest.

A colorful giant python, its presence hidden to the point of near nothingness, slithered down from a tree trunk and opened its massive jaws to spit out a figure wearing a yellow linen kimono.