Time Skips

POV Danzo

"I did it!" yelled Obito.

It had been over 3 weeks since I began training Obito and Ennozo. The progress of Obito's clone jutsu was rather slow, but he finally grasped it after I explained the technique as if I were speaking to a 5-year-old child.

In contrast to Ennozo, whose progress was rapid. He mastered chakra control in less than 2 weeks. Currently, he's honing his Kenjutsu skills because he prefers it over Taijutsu. Nonetheless, I still incorporate Taijutsu training into his regimen from time to time.

During these 3 weeks, the war against the Sand village drew near its end, and rumors about Sakumo's failed mission began to spread. I refrained from spreading any rumors myself, so the situation remained controllable. Nevertheless, some individuals still criticized Sakumo for his mission's failure.

Presently, I'm contemplating inviting Sakumo to join Root and become Ennozo's mentor. Having him in Root would undoubtedly bolster our power. Over the past 3 weeks, I've come to realize that I can't merely nurture children; what I require are men prepared to fight, not youngsters who still require training in the most rudimentary skills. Following the war, I intend to recruit veteran ninjas who can pledge their loyalty to me.

However, recruiting won't be easy since I currently lack the cursed tongue eradication seal. I've been striving to obtain the seal as it would be incredibly beneficial. With it, I wouldn't only need to recruit loyal ninjas but also individuals motivated solely by financial gain.

"I did it, sensei! Look! It's another me!" yelled Obito.

I gave Obito a warm smile and replied, "You've done a great job, Obito. Now you're a step closer to your dreams."

"Really?! I will be the greatest Hokage there is!"

"I don't believe it. You haven't even graduated yet, let alone become Hokage," commented Ennozo.

"You—"

Before Obito could finish, I intervened, saying, "That's enough. I believe you can do it, Obito. Anyway, as a reward for completing your assigned task, I'll teach you offensive ninjutsu."

"Really?!"

Both Ennozo and Obito exclaimed with excitement upon hearing those words. Initially, during the first week, Ennozo was reserved around me. However, he gradually opened up as we trained together daily while Obito struggled with the clone jutsu.

"What jutsu will it be?!" exclaimed Obito.

"Well, for you, it will be the Fire Ball jutsu, the signature technique of your clan. After you've mastered it, I'll teach you another fire-style jutsu. Ennozo, I'll be teaching you Wind Style: Great Dust and Wind Style: Vacuum Blade," I answered.

Obito and Ennozo exchanged smiles.

"We'll definitely be ready when Kakashi applies for early graduation!" Yelled Obito.

"Yeah," responded Ennozo.

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Another 2 weeks passed since Obito completed his training on the clone jutsu. These 2 weeks were quiet. Ennozo had already learned the Great Dust jutsu; he only needed to refine and fully master it. Similarly, Obito could already perform the Fireball jutsu, albeit only releasing a small-sized fireball. Training Obito had become easier once I realized I needed to simplify my explanations for him to understand. You can't effectively teach someone who doesn't comprehend your words.

I also initiated discussions with Sakumo about joining Root. It didn't take long to persuade him, a broken man, to join Root. Now, he's coming to the Shimura training ground to train Ennozo in Kenjutsu, while I'll focus on teaching Obito Taijutsu.

"Danzo-sama," greeted Sakumo.

"Ah, Sakumo, come in," I said.

Sakumo was initially skeptical about teaching Ennozo, considering he wanted him to instruct the Hatakes in Kenjutsu. I offered him several incentives, including dispelling rumors, elevating the Hatake clan's status, and training Kakashi while teaching him an S-rank ninjutsu created by the second Hokage.

Despite the tempting offers, Sakumo ultimately declined. Instead, he agreed to teach Ennozo basic Kenjutsu and some non-Hatake advanced techniques. He joined Root due to immense pressure, and I assured him that I would ensure Kakashi became part of Minato's team, a promising ninja backed by one of the Sannin. I knew Kakashi would be part of Minato's team even without my intervention.

As we walked towards the training ground, we encountered the two kids in training. Sakumo was surprised to see an Uchiha training under Danzo within the Shimura clan.

"Danzo-sama..."

"It's fine; he is my student. He's different from other Uchiha," I reassured Sakumo.

Sakumo simply nodded without further inquiry. Upon seeing me, the two kids approached and greeted me. Obito and Ennozo were astonished to meet the legendary figure, Sakumo Hatake, renowned for his feats in the Sand Village war. Ennozo was particularly thrilled to learn from a legend said to be stronger than the legendary Sannin.

"Ennozo, I expect you to treat Sakumo with respect, just as you would treat me. I'll be gone for a week to find a way to enhance your chakra control. I want to see you stronger when I return. And Obito, I haven't forgotten about you; I'll also seek ways to strengthen you."

Obito looked at me in awe, tears streaming down his face, while Ennozo nodded solemnly.

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Returning to my house, I went to my backyard and summoned Baku.

"[Summoning Jutsu!]"

Poof!

Upon summoning, a gigantic elephantine chimera appeared before me. It was predominantly dark-orange with striped feet, huge tusks, and bandages wrapped around its head and plated armor at the base of its trunk.

"I want to know if you guys have a sage mode like those toad bastards from Mount Myoboku," I inquired.

Baku merely stared at me, silent.

"I have done plenty for you and your kind. I have trusted you throughout my journey as a ninja; you were always there for me, and I had full faith that you'd always have my back, Baku. I want you to do the same, to place your trust in me. This world is changing, and I need the power for such a world, and I know you can help me. So please, lend me your strength."

With a bow, I concluded my speech. Baku stared at me for a few more seconds, then vanished. Thinking I had been rejected, smoke began to envelop me.

Poof!

In an instant, I found myself in an unfamiliar place. It wasn't recognizable from my memory as Danzo or from the anime. Suddenly, I heard a voice from behind.

"Welcome to Dream Land."