On the outskirts of Konoha, in a secluded manor...
A traditional garden of flowing water and artificial rocks framed the estate in elegant silence. The refined Japanese architecture lent the place a quiet dignity, a subtle display of wealth and power.
In a village like Konoha, where every inch of land was precious, a manor of this scale was a sign of serious status. It ranked among the most luxurious properties in the village.
In the back courtyard, a small stream flowed gently.
Ōtsutsuki Kaguya stood there, her posture as regal as ever, as she spoke about the origins of the Ōtsutsuki clan.
"You were slaves to the God Tree?" Danzō's brow furrowed in disbelief.
"You could put it that way," Kaguya replied calmly. "The God Tree gave rise to the Ōtsutsuki clan. But we're also bound by it. We gained our power from its fruit, and yet that power comes at a cost. In times of need... we become its nourishment."
As Kaguya spoke, Danzō couldn't help but recall the moment he'd shared with Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo inside the God Tree. It didn't quite match what the manga had depicted.
Of course not. Kishimoto was just a manga artist—he never truly understood the world of shinobi.
He left so many things vague, the lore unclear and incomplete.
Noticing the concern on Danzō's face, Kaguya added,
"There's no need for you to worry. With your strength, even if other Ōtsutsuki come knocking, you're more than capable of standing your ground."
"And what exactly does my strength amount to among your people?" Danzō asked.
Kaguya took two slow steps forward, turning her back to him as she looked out over the distant landscape.
"Hagoromo may have delayed the fruit's maturation, but in exchange, its quality became... exceptional. And your soul—it doesn't feel human. In terms of power, perhaps only our clan leader, who has never set foot here, could defeat you outright."
That eased Danzō's mind a bit.
As long as he had enough time, he could still grow stronger. And when that day came, even their so-called clan leader wouldn't be able to cross into the shinobi world unchecked.
He looked at Kaguya standing by the corridor, watching the sky. She seemed distant, almost lonely.
Taking a few steps forward, he gently wrapped his arms around her waist.
Surprisingly, Kaguya leaned into him like a perfect Yamato Nadeshiko—serene and compliant.
After a while...
"This place feels too empty," Danzō said. "I'll find a few people to serve you."
"It's fine," Kaguya murmured. "This is perfect. As long as you visit when you can, that's enough."
But as Danzō's hands began to wander, Kaguya quietly slipped out of his embrace.
He blinked, caught between embarrassment and confusion. In the spiritual realm, they'd connected deeply—more so than any physical union. Yet now, she seemed... reluctant.
"I'm sorry, I..." Kaguya turned her head slightly, a hint of guilt in her voice.
"It's alright," Danzō said, pulling her back into his arms. This time, his heart was calm and clear.
Was he being too aggressive?
Or maybe the Ōtsutsuki were just different from humans—they didn't care for physical intimacy.
But then again, back in the spiritual realm, Kaguya hadn't shied away. On the contrary, she'd been seductive... even eager.
Suddenly, the Kaguya in his arms spoke again.
"That Uchiha Mikoto seems like a good fit. Maybe she could keep me company."
"Uchiha Mikoto?" Danzō instantly recalled the time she'd barged into Yakushi Nono's office.
And now she was supposed to serve Kaguya?
Would Itachi or that brat Sasuke activate Susanoo and come charging at him?
"What's wrong?" Kaguya asked, tilting her head up from his chest.
"Nothing. Just... why her?"
"You said you liked children, didn't you? I looked into it back then—she's got great potential as a mother. Though I suppose it's too late for that now."
Hearing her name Mikoto so casually, Danzō scratched his nose awkwardly.
"She's... not exactly available. I'll find someone else for you."
Kaguya frowned slightly, puzzled. Weren't they all just servants?
"Well, I'll leave it to you then."
The two remained in each other's arms until dusk crept in. Only then did Danzō finally slip out of her embrace.
He wasn't sure if it was habit or something else... but Kaguya always preferred to hold him, rather than being held.
But he liked having the control—hands roaming freely, doing as he pleased. Being on the receiving end of a woman's gentle caresses always felt a little awkward to him.
...
Under the laws and regulations of the Shinobi Federation, the entire shinobi world had entered a period of rapid development.
The Federation didn't suppress ninja power, but instead promoted growth in other areas.
Medical ninjutsu, in particular, saw explosive advancement. And earth-release ninjas who could reshape soil and terrain quickly became some of the most sought-after shinobi.
Even Iwagakure, once lagging behind, began to reap the rewards of progress.
A surge of commissions and research funding poured into the village, giving them a developmental edge that made the other villages burn with envy.
Not even six months passed before Kirigakure announced a breakthrough—new Water Release techniques combined with deep-sea algae to enrich soil and increase crop yields by 50%.
Sunagakure implemented sweeping reforms as well, even requesting Sasori of the Red Sand to return as an advisor for large-scale ninja tool development. Early results looked promising.
Meanwhile, Konoha doubled down on its medical ninjutsu program, signing a deal with the Federation to supply 1,000 medical-nin annually.
And Orochimaru, now serving as the director of the Federation's top laboratory, returned to the spotlight.
He published several groundbreaking research papers, all based on data from the Federation:
"The Dangers of Chakra Refinement at a Young Age"
"The Average Life Expectancy of Shinobi Over the Past 20 Years"
"The Corrosive Nature of Kekkei Genkai"...
The reports painted a grim picture: overusing chakra and pushing one's limits too far could drastically reduce lifespan. The average shinobi barely lived past 28. Even those who survived the battlefield rarely made it to 40.
Most high-ranking shinobi were already aware of these facts.
...
But the average foot soldier—the cannon fodder—had no idea.
Some might have suspected, but under pressure to perform, they had no choice but to follow the system.
The public outcry triggered by the Federation Daily's revelations led to a new law:
No student at any ninja academy could refine chakra before the age of 10.
The rule gained widespread approval. After all, peace had arrived—why sacrifice the next generation?
Only a few diehards complained, fearing it would weaken future shinobi. But such voices were quickly drowned out.
Within a year, everyone had more or less accepted the Federation's rule.
The once-proud Five Great Ninja Villages now resembled elite academies—producing talent and feeding fresh blood into the Federation.
...
Inside a modest Konoha residence...
A woman's high-pitched moan rang out, then the room fell quiet again.
Danzō gently pushed Anko aside and pulled the unconscious Kurenai into his arms, savoring the fleeting warmth.
When Kurenai came to, she blinked up at him dreamily—then silently moved to tend to him again.
Every so often, she'd look up with wide, watery eyes.
"You don't have to—"
Danzō quickly reached out to stop Anko. Though it wouldn't hurt him, he still felt uneasy.
She was just so rough and wild.
"What?" Anko pouted. "I practiced, you know. I won't mess up like last time."
Still, Danzō pulled her into his arms, offering a little comfort.
She was an accident. Unreliable, sure—but her body was incredible. And she was bold… always full of surprises.
Before long, the room filled once more with heated sounds.