Three mornings later, the sky was leaden and the rain fell in a fine, endless veil. A heavy sadness murmured through Konoha.
Today was the village's day of collective mourning for those who had fallen in the Third Shinobi World War. Even shinobi on duty paused at the appointed time.
In the Konoha cemetery, rows of headstones stood in neat ranks among green trees and grass. At the center, before the memorial stone, people dressed in black with white flowers on their chests stood in solemn silence.
In the first row were Konoha's F4. Behind them stood the Sannin, Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hyūga Hiashi. The third row held department heads and clan leaders; behind them were shinobi of every stripe.
With his parents lost to the war, Kageyama Kokugetsu stood among them.
After a time of mourning, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke words meant to lift spirits, and the crowd began to disperse.
Kokugetsu had barely gone a few steps when Hiruzen called him back.
Almost all heavyweights. Hiruzen really does value me.
Kokugetsu kept his face proper and offered greetings.
"Hokage-sama, Elder Homura, Elder Danzō, Elder Koharu.
"Orochimaru-sama, Tsunade-sama, Jiraiya-sama, Minato-senpai, Kushina-senpai.
"Hello. I'm Kageyama Kokugetsu."
"Kakashi."
Konoha's F4 were cordial; even Danzō's poker face creased into a faint smile. Orochimaru and Tsunade looked him over and gave small nods, Orochimaru's gaze lingering on the Byakugan.
All three Sannin had fought in the war, and their renown had swelled because of it. Tsunade, despite her hemophobia, contributed immensely through medical ninjutsu, poisons and antidotes, and the Slug. She had operated mainly against Sunagakure, to Chiyo's constant vexation.
Minato and Kushina smiled. Kakashi dipped his head.
"So you're Kageyama Kokugetsu? Not bad at all," Jiraiya laughed.
"He and Kakashi are both pillars of Konoha's future. Lend them a hand when a hand is due," Hiruzen said with a sweeping, smiling glance.
No one objected. Some nodded, some answered aloud.
"All right, you two go see to your own affairs," Hiruzen said, waving them off.
Kakashi and Kokugetsu bowed and withdrew.
"And the rest of you?" Hiruzen asked once they'd gone.
"I'm returning to Root to handle business. Let's move," Shimura Danzō said coolly.
"We'll go back to the Hokage building with you," Utatane Koharu said, and Mitokado Homura nodded.
"I…" Orochimaru had spoken only a syllable before Jiraiya slung an arm around his shoulders.
"It's been ages since the three of us were together. How about an izakaya?"
Orochimaru twisted free bonelessly and looked to Tsunade.
"A little won't hurt, Orochimaru," Tsunade said, tempted.
"Fine. A little, then," he agreed. He didn't care for drinking; only three people could ever talk him into it.
"Kushina and I are going to stroll the shops," Minato said, smiling. "It's rare to have a lull."
"Very well," Hiruzen said, and led the way off. The others drifted toward their destinations.
…
In the rear-mountain forest, after a bit of shopping in town, Kokugetsu had barely stepped among the trees when he saw Shimura Danzō.
Danzō had no cane yet. He wore a black cross-collared robe, a bandage over his left eye.
So, he didn't send Root to "invite" me but came himself. Unexpected. With Root's temperament, that would've turned ugly.
"Elder Danzō," Kokugetsu said, wary inside but faultless in courtesy.
Danzō hadn't skipped Root out of restraint; Root had taken heavy losses, and the remainder were overburdened. So he came in person, which by chance averted a clash.
ANBU were under the Hokage. In principle, only the Hokage and ANBU's own chain of command could direct them. Danzō's titles didn't extend that far.
"Resting here a moment and I happen upon you. Quite the coincidence," Danzō said mildly.
"It is," Kokugetsu said, playing along.
"Since we've crossed paths, let's talk.
"Interested in coming to work for my Root?
"Only there can your talents be fully brought to bear.
"I can give you two squads to command."
On paper, Root equaled one ANBU division. In practice, it had long been overstrength—sometimes by a little, sometimes by a lot. Now, of course, it was understrength and hurting for people.
"I appreciate the offer, Elder. Hokage-sama has treated me well."
With a mask between them, Danzō couldn't read Kokugetsu's expression.
"You misunderstand.
"I'm half a step below Hiruzen and his subordinate besides.
"Come to Root and you still serve Hiruzen and Konoha. Nothing changes."
Heh. That might sway others. Not me.
Kokugetsu didn't argue head-on. He put on a guileless air. "In that case, I should seek the Hokage's leave.
"If he agrees, I have no objection."
Danzō's mouth twitched. If Hiruzen agreed, why would I lower myself to ask?
No matter. Time is long. Opportunities come.
Truth be told, more than the Byakugan, he wanted Kakashi.
That battle between Uchiha Madara and the First Hokage had been earth-shaking, like gods at war. Danzō hadn't seen it, but elders in his clan had described it.
"Such loyalty warms this old heart.
"If you won't leave ANBU, we'll leave it there. Root's doors are always open to you."
"Thank you for your regard, Elder."
"Good." Danzō was satisfied with Kokugetsu's polite respect.
"Tell me, what is your dream?"
"I have two," Kokugetsu said solemnly.
"The first is the dream of many Konoha shinobi: to become Hokage.
"The second… is a bit hard to say."
"Oh?" Danzō's brows lifted, intrigued. "No need for shyness. Say it plainly.
"No one should mock a dream."
The way you talk, I could swear I'd wandered into the other sea-faring world.
"Ahem. The Kageyama line is thin. I'm the only branch left. I want to revive the clan and pass it down for generations.
"That burden may be too heavy for a single wife to bear. It would require multiple… wives."
He ducked his head, seemingly embarrassed.
Among shinobi, with scarce numbers and more men than women, monogamy was the norm. Among civilians, rich merchants and powerful nobles often had crowding households.
Danzō's eyes lit with understanding.
So the boy was a lecher, hence the awkwardness.
Good. A weakness can be used. When he's older, I'll press that lever.
"Don't be embarrassed. Youthful fondness is natural, and strengthening a clan is laudable.
"Time's short. I must see to matters," Danzō said with a smile.
"Walk safe, Elder."
"Hm."
As Danzō's silhouette vanished, the corner of Kokugetsu's mouth curled under the mask.
Bring on your honey traps. I'll swallow the candy and toss the shell back—or toss it aside.
Let's see whose game runs deeper.