Ninjutsu meant nothing to him.
If he wanted, Jaxon could obtain a hundred times more from black markets, wandering missing-nin, or other hidden channels. But experimental equipment—that was an entirely different story.
In the current shinobi world, only the Land of Lightning possessed the technological foundation to produce the type of advanced equipment he needed. Even Danzo, with all his influence and resources, wouldn't be able to acquire it within ten years—let alone within months.
Jaxon let the silence linger a moment before speaking again. "Don't think this is going to be simple, Elder Danzo," he said coldly. "I'll arrange for someone to oversee procurement. But you'll prepare the sealing scrolls yourself. The details of our cooperation will be delivered soon."
He glanced at the elder, voice low and commanding. "First, focus on developing the items I need. Stop thinking about how to twist this deal into your own personal advantage."
Danzo said nothing. He just listened.
There was no reason to refute Jaxon's words. In truth, he agreed—no one invested hundreds of millions without expecting something in return. And if the results were as promised, this deal could change the fate of the entire village.
A technological revolution. One that might tilt the balance of power away from the Hokage's office... and into Danzo's hands.
"The Hokage's earlier resistance to your activities? That was his own thinking, not mine," Danzo said, suddenly playing the role of the ally. "I've always thought of you as a capable young man. I believe our cooperation will only grow stronger from here."
He stood, leaning heavily on his cane. A rare smile broke the usual rigidity of his face, deepening the network of wrinkles carved into his skin. For someone like Danzo, this was practically a declaration of affection.
Then, as if adding a final twist to the blade, he said: "If you can... I suggest you quietly move those two Uzumaki Clan survivors out of the village. Hiruzen Sarutobi harbors ill intentions toward them. That's just a word of advice... from an old man."
Jaxon narrowed his eyes but didn't let the tension show. He gave a soft chuckle and bowed slightly. "I appreciate the warning, Lord Danzo. Once everything is in motion, I'll make sure to send you a generous gift. I look forward to the day you finally... take that seat."
Danzo didn't respond. He walked away without turning his head.
But the subtle twitch at the corner of his lips revealed more than words ever could.
Ambition.
Greed.
Control.
Once the old man was gone, the stillness around the villa returned.
"Young Master Jaxon, the surveillance teams... they've all withdrawn," Whirlpool True reported. His tone carried a mixture of surprise and relief.
Of course they had.
That, too, had been part of the deal. Jaxon smirked.
"Perfectly normal," he said, arms crossed behind his back. "Danzo's influence may not be enough to control every decision in Konoha, but when it comes to day-to-day matters—surveillance, personnel shifts—he still holds significant authority."
The title of Konoha Village Elder wasn't a ceremonial role. It came with genuine executive power.
Jaxon turned toward Whirlpool True and gave him his next order. "Get in touch with our contacts in the Land of Lightning. Tell them to begin sourcing fifty full sets of high-grade experimental equipment. There's no need to rush. Let them take their time and do it right."
"Understood. I'll handle it immediately," True responded without hesitation.
He didn't question the directive. Over time, he had learned that when Jaxon gave a command, it wasn't born of impulse but of intricate planning.
Still, Whirlpool True couldn't help but wonder—Danzo had just left, and suddenly Jaxon was moving forward with experimental procurement. There had to be a link.
Just then, Yun Nai appeared, a complex look on her face. She didn't say a word, but her eyes said everything.
"What's this?" Jaxon said with a knowing smirk. "Are you unhappy that I'm working with Konoha's upper echelons—even after they abandoned your clan?"
Yun Nai bit her lip, her brows furrowed, and her gaze lowered. She didn't answer, but her silence spoke volumes.
Jaxon sighed internally.
He understood her feelings better than she probably realized.
The Whirlpool Clan had been betrayed by Konoha's silence during their time of need. No reinforcements. No sanctuary. Just cold indifference.
Now, seeing him—her clan's benefactor—making deals with one of the very men who had condoned that betrayal... it must've felt like another knife to the heart.
She tried to compose herself. "You've already done so much for us, Jaxon. I know I have no right to question you. But still... why Danzo? Of all people?"
Her voice was barely above a whisper, full of quiet disappointment.
She wasn't just speaking for herself—she spoke for her people.
Danzo was a symbol of everything wrong with the shinobi system: manipulation, control, exploitation. For her, dealing with him was no different than trusting a serpent.
"I support you, Jaxon," she added softly, "but I just... don't understand."
Jaxon looked at her for a moment.
There was no anger in his eyes—only calm, perhaps tinged with sadness. He walked toward her and gently asked, "Yun Nai... do you even know who Danzo truly is?"
She blinked, unsure how to respond.
"He's an Elder, right?" she said hesitantly. "A high-ranking advisor?"
"Correct," Jaxon nodded. "But more importantly, he's a dangerous opportunist. He's a man who will discard anyone, sacrifice anything, for even a sliver of increased power. He's a parasite feeding on the foundation of this village."
Yun Nai's lips parted slightly in surprise. She hadn't expected Jaxon to speak so bluntly.
Jaxon continued, "The only reason I'm working with him is because he's useful. Nothing more. I don't care about his principles. I care about results. And Danzo... is very good at getting results."
He reached out and ruffled her hair gently.
The gesture was oddly warm, especially coming from someone like him.
Yun Nai blushed faintly, her hair now messily tousled, but she didn't protest. Instead, she offered a small, helpless smile. "I still don't like it," she mumbled.
"You don't have to," Jaxon said. "You just need to understand the why."
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