Naruto - Leader of Kusagakure

The weather was perfect, with the sun shining brightly on the crisp morning air. Danzo, looking sharp in his attire, stood quietly outside the newly constructed factory, his eyes scanning the horizon as he waited for the appointed time. This was a day of great significance for him—the opening of the factory he had worked tirelessly to build.

Today marked the culmination of years of effort, and Danzo, as the hope of the entire village, couldn't afford any mistakes. He had gathered 15 billion ryo by securing a 20% share from various clans, pooling their resources to fund this ambitious project. Deep down, he knew that this moment was pivotal. Failure was not an option. If something were to go wrong, the consequences would be disastrous, far worse than being captured by Grass Village. The pressure was immense, and Danzo was determined to ensure everything went according to plan.

Everything had been meticulously prepared. The raw materials were secured, the workers and equipment were in place, and all logistical hurdles had been overcome. Danzo had even spent over two years negotiating with the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth to secure key markets. With everything meticulously prepared, Danzo planned for the factory to begin production, flooding these new markets with goods and quickly expanding his influence. His ultimate goal was to rival Grass Village's manufacturing capabilities, establishing a powerful economic foothold for Konoha.

Over the past two years, Danzo had meticulously planned for every conceivable contingency. He was prepared for Grass Village to resort to any tactics, whether it be damaging his reputation through the press, instigating a price war, or even escalating to open conflict. He had anticipated it all, knowing that this battle needed to be executed flawlessly.

This was more than just the opening of a factory—it was his chance to showcase the power of Konoha's "darkness" and prove to Mitokado that he was right. It was also a chance to demonstrate to Hiruzen Sarutobi that he, Danzo, was the true pillar on which Konoha could rely. Under his rule, Konoha would rise to new heights, far beyond what the current administration could achieve.

Danzo, dressed in his formal attire, sat upright with his cane in hand. His right eye, wrapped in a bandage, didn't soften his gaze—it remained as sharp and determined as ever. His posture exuded quiet confidence, unaffected by the intense pressure bearing down on him.

Danzo had become one of the most talked-about figures in Konoha, from his involvement in the Uchiha clan's downfall to the financial turmoil, the Third Hokage's hidden secrets, and the ambitious factory he had founded. He had become a symbol of both hope and controversy.

Today, all eyes were on him. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, and his old friend, had arrived, dressed for the occasion and ready to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was a defining moment for both Konoha and Danzo himself.

As the hours passed, the entrance to the former Uchiha compound—now the site of Danzo's factory—became a hive of activity. People from all walks of life gathered, and even Mitokado was present, there to witness the significant event.

Standing amidst the crowd, Mitokado couldn't help but sigh inwardly. His thoughts lingered on the vast sum of money involved. "More than twenty billion... If this had been invested in the village, we could have rebuilt it by now," he mused, the weight of his thoughts apparent on his face.

Unlike Danzo, Mitokado held a different perspective. He saw no issue with purchasing goods from Grass Village, especially when the prices were favorable and the quality was high.

"Enough," Hiruzen interjected, his voice steady as he stood beside Mitokado. He took a long drag from his pipe, his expression calm but resolute. He could sense the meaning in Mitokado's gaze without needing words to explain it. "We're all here for the village. There's no need to argue further."

Hiruzen's words carried weight, especially in light of the loans Danzo had taken out from various clans. No one dared wish for Danzo's failure. If the factory venture faltered, it would send shockwaves through the village's fragile economy, setting it back by decades.

At that point, the survival of the village itself would be in jeopardy. As the Third Hokage, Hiruzen couldn't help but chuckle bitterly to himself. The situation felt almost absurd—his village's fate resting on the success of a single, high-stakes gamble.

As Hiruzen observed Danzo sitting with an unwavering calmness, despite the palpable tension in the air, a deep sigh escaped him. "Danzo remains so steady... He's truly a person capable of accomplishing great things," he thought to himself.

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, yet Danzo sat as if impervious to the storm around him. His eyes were sharp, his posture composed—he radiated an aura of quiet authority that suggested he was more than prepared for whatever would unfold. In moments like this, Hiruzen couldn't help but acknowledge the depth of Danzo's resolve.

Kado, the second-largest shareholder in the factory venture, stood nearby, his eyes lingering on Danzo with a mix of admiration and concern. In just a short time, Danzo had managed to secure a staggering 15 billion Ryo. The sheer efficiency with which he had organized everything left Kado in awe. In a world where most would struggle with such a monumental task, Danzo seemed to glide through it effortlessly.

No wonder the leader of Grass Village had always been so cautious in his dealings with Danzo. The man had an almost uncanny ability to pull the strings, orchestrating events with meticulous precision.

However, Kado's admiration was tempered with a hint of concern. His thoughts drifted to the actions of Grass Village. What would they do next? The opening of this factory would be a decisive moment. If Grass Village failed to respond in time, Danzo's success would be all but assured. Once the factory gained momentum and built its reputation, it could challenge the dominance of Grass Village in the market. With over twenty billion worth of raw materials secured, Danzo's position would solidify, making him a formidable rival for years to come.

The question now was whether Grass Village could act quickly enough to prevent Danzo from becoming an unstoppable force.

Despite his outward composure, inside Danzo was filled with a heavy anxiety that he could barely contain. The stakes of this moment were enormous. If he succeeded, he would be hailed as "Danzo-sama," the savior of Konoha, a title he longed for—one that would solidify his position as a leader. But if he failed, he would simply remain "Danzo," just another name lost in the sands of time.

The weight of over twenty billion ryo rested on his shoulders. Even at the height of his power, he had never handled such a colossal sum. The thought of it made his pulse quicken. Yet, for the sake of Konoha, for his vision of the village's future, he had to succeed. This wasn't just a business venture—it was a chance to prove that he was the man Konoha needed, the man who could ensure its survival and prosperity.

With that resolve in his heart, Danzo opened his eyes and surveyed the room, his gaze sharp and calculating. The moment had come. "It's time," he murmured to himself, his voice low and steady. He carefully pushed himself up with his cane, his movements deliberate and measured, exuding the aura of a man who knew what needed to be done.

As he walked toward the exit, the bustling scene outside came into view. A crowd of curious villagers, ninjas, and reporters from the Root Daily had gathered, eager for the unveiling of the factory. This event would mark the beginning of his rise or fall, and the Root Daily was prepared to devote itself fully to promoting the new venture. In the coming days, its reputation would be spread far and wide, sealing its place in history.

Danzo allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. Everything had been meticulously planned. For over a month, he had ensured that every detail was perfect. He had even requested Hiruzen's assistance in opening a barrier around the area a month in advance. His ninjas had secretly investigated anyone with suspicious movements, and he had taken extra precautions against any suspicious behavior throughout the village—an effort to prevent any potential infiltrators from Grass Village or reporters from the Shinobi Times from meddling with his plan.

Now, with the stage set, Danzo felt a sense of control. If he could keep the troublemakers at bay, his plan would already be halfway to success. The remaining half depended on the market—their demand, their response, and their willingness to accept his goods. If the factory could secure a foothold in the market, it would change the course of Konoha's future forever.

As the cheers of the crowd reverberated through the air, Danzo stepped forward with confidence. He took the microphone from the host and raised his hand, signaling for silence. When the noise finally subsided, he drew a deep breath, his gaze steady and determined, before cutting the red ribbon in front of him.

"Today," he proclaimed firmly, "the Root Factory is officially open!" The moment his words echoed across the crowd, the factory behind him roared to life, the hum of machinery signifying the beginning of a new era.

The reporters from Root Daily, who had been eagerly awaiting this moment, rushed forward. They had received their instructions from Danzo days prior: to create a vibrant atmosphere and to portray the image of 'village-loving ninjas.'

With that, the questions began, as eager reporters clamored for his attention. "Danzo-sama, Danzo-sama, what inspired you to establish this factory?"

Danzo surveyed his subordinates, a faint glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes as he subtly nodded in approval. With a quiet sigh, he began to speak, his voice carrying a hint of emotion. "A few years ago, I became deeply concerned about the direction of our village's development and the welfare of its people. It struck me one day that everyone—young and old, in both their daily lives and on the battlefield—was relying on products made by Grass Village."

He paused, his expression somber as he let out a heavy sigh. "In a matter of years, Grass Village's manufacturing had quietly infiltrated our lives, weaving its way into every corner, making us dependent on their goods. While everyone was content with their affordable, high-quality products, I had a realization..."

Danzo's gaze grew distant, his brow furrowing as confusion flickered in his eyes. "What would happen if, one day, Grass Village suddenly stopped selling us their goods? What would we do then? The thought sent a chill through me. How could we—Konoha, the mighty village—become so reliant on the products of Grass Village?"

His fist clenched, his frustration evident as he raised his voice, resolute and determined. "I've been contemplating this for a long time... We must build our own factory, produce our own products!"

The crowd erupted in enthusiastic agreement, with Root ninjas, strategically placed among the audience, chanting, "Yes! Danzo-sama is right! Konoha ninjas should use Konoha-made products!"

The excitement rippled through the crowd, their voices swelling as they chanted Danzo's name in unison. It was clear that the Root ninjas had been carefully placed within the crowd to stir the excitement and manipulate the mood.

"How impressive!" one reporter exclaimed, feigning surprise. "We had no idea that Danzo-sama's true intention behind the factory was so noble. Danzo-sama, do you truly have confidence in defeating Grass Village's manufacturing?"

"Yes!" Danzo replied, his voice unwavering and firm.

Another reporter, pretending to be curious, asked, "Danzo-sama, what is the one thing you most want to achieve now?"

Everything had been carefully orchestrated, and Danzo was ready with a passionate reply. "I want to create affordable, high-quality products for everyone!" he declared, his voice full of purpose.

The questions kept coming, each one designed to keep the momentum going. "Danzo-sama, what message would you like to share with the people?"

Danzo nodded solemnly, his tone serious and resolute. "I simply ask for their support. Moreover, I guarantee that if any issues arise with our products, we will replace them, not repair them!"

As soon as Danzo finished speaking, a barrage of pre-arranged questions erupted from the Root Daily reporters, all timed and planned. "Danzo-sama, when can we purchase your products?" "Will there be any discounts?"

"Danzo-sama, is it true that you and the Third Hokage share a shocking romantic history?" However, Amidst the otherwise well-scripted questions, an unexpected question sounded. It was clearly out of place among the others.

At first, Danzo didn't react, maintaining his calm demeanor, and gestured for the reporters to settle down. "Alright, alright! I know everyone is excited, but please, one at a time, one at a time..."

However, before he could finish, his expression suddenly shifted. A cold chill ran down his spine as he realized something strange had slipped through the cracks. His eyes narrowed as he turned sharply, his gaze locking onto a familiar face, one with a cheeky grin plastered across it. A name tag flashed briefly—Shinobi Times reporter?!

At that moment, the entire scene seemed to come to a sudden halt. The bustling crowd, filled with excitement moments earlier, now stood frozen, their eyes turning toward the source of the unexpected interruption. How had this reporter managed to slip past security?

Danzo was the first to react, his calm demeanor evaporating in an instant. "Ninjas! Where are the ninjas? Get over here, now!" he barked, his voice sharp with authority.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed in suspicion. His calm expression shifted into one of grave concern. "It seems Grass Village has made their move," he muttered under his breath, preparing to take action.

However, before anyone could act, the Shinobi Times reporter continued, his voice loud and confident, breaking the tension in the air.

"Apologies, apologies! No need to be so tense, Danzo-sama. We at Shinobi Times are a legitimate news organization," he said with a grin, waving a copy of today's edition in his hand. He turned it toward Danzo and continued, "We're simply here to ask about the rumors circulating regarding your alleged collusion with one of the legendary Sannin—Orochimaru. Word has it you've been abducting children and conducting unspeakable human experiments for profit."

The words hung in the air, thick with accusation and scandal. The entire crowd stood in stunned silence, processing the unexpected twist. However, Suddenly, Newspapers began to flutter down from the sky as if a storm had just passed over, scattering across the ground.

Hiruzen and Danzo both froze in shock. Their hands shot out in unison to snatch up the papers that were now flooding the floor. When they finally saw the front page—dark, ominous photographs splashed across it—the color drained from their faces. They suddenly understood exactly what was happening.

"Quick, quick! Stop him!" Hiruzen shouted, his voice now filled with urgency as he turned toward the ninjas stationed nearby. "Stop anyone from reading these papers!"

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