oneshots

a shadow's balance : walking the line

fandom : naruto
character : shimura danzo/oc
summary : danzo being danzo ft kenshi the peacemaker

the council room of konoha was as imposing as ever. sunlight filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the stone floor. around the large circular table sat the village's key figures-hiruzen sarutobi, the third hokage, with a calm yet calculating look on his face, homura mitokado and koharu utatane, the village elders, and various heads of the prominent clans like the uchiha, hyūga, and nara.

shimura danzō stood off to the side, his arms crossed, his gaze sharp as ever. next to him was kenshi, his lifelong friend and the silent anchor who had been at his side through every decision, every battle, every moment of doubt.

today's topic was serious: the growing tension with the land of wind and the threat it posed to konoha's borders.

hiruzen cleared his throat and addressed the council. "the situation with the wind daimyō is delicate. we can't afford to escalate this into an open conflict. we need to maintain diplomatic channels."

"diplomacy won't protect the village," danzō interrupted, his voice cold and authoritative. "we need to strike first, show strength. konoha cannot be seen as weak, not when our enemies are positioning themselves for advantage."

there was a murmur around the room, some nodding in agreement, others exchanging worried glances.

"we have no confirmation that the land of wind intends to attack," said hiashi hyūga, his arms folded. "striking first would destabilize the region. we risk igniting a war without cause."

"that's what they want us to think," danzō shot back. "they're waiting for us to show hesitation so they can exploit it. we must act before they do."

kenshi remained silent but edged slightly closer to danzō, his presence a subtle reminder. he could feel the tension rising in danzō's posture, the simmering anger that always lay just beneath the surface.

hiruzen sighed, his eyes filled with weariness. "danzō, if we attack preemptively, we risk alienating our allies. we need stability."

danzō's hands clenched into fists. "stability is an illusion, hokage. strength is the only thing that truly protects the village."

kenshi finally stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "danzō, you're right about strength. but let's not mistake haste for strength. striking first may seem like the only option, but it's not always the best one."

danzō's eyes flickered toward kenshi, a brief moment of recognition passing between them. kenshi was the only person who could speak to him like this in a room full of power.

"what would you have us do then?" danzō asked, his tone softer but still tense. "wait for them to invade? allow konoha to become vulnerable?"

"we prepare," kenshi replied smoothly, addressing not just danzō, but the entire room now. "if we act too aggressively, we risk looking like the aggressors. but if we show strength through preparedness-fortify our borders, increase patrols, strengthen our alliances-then we send a clear message. We're not weak, but we're not reckless, either."

the room was silent for a moment. hiruzen watched the exchange with mild surprise, clearly used to danzō's more aggressive stance. kenshi's input had turned the tide of the conversation.

homura mitokado, one of the elders, leaned forward. "kenshi raises a valid point. we should be cautious but prepared. if we fortify our defenses, it gives us time to assess the situation."

danzō's jaw tightened, and he opened his mouth as if to argue further, but kenshi gave him a subtle look, a reminder not to push too far. there was a balance to be struck here, and danzō knew it.

kenshi turned toward the table. "our enemies expect rash decisions. they want us to jump into action and make a mistake. let's not give them that satisfaction. strength isn't just in action, but in restraint."

hiruzen nodded, his expression approving. "a wise approach. we'll increase border security and send a message to our allies. if the land of wind is planning anything, they'll know we're ready."

there was a general hum of agreement from the clan heads, and the tension in the room began to ease. kenshi's words had diffused what could have been a volatile situation.

but danzō, though more composed, wasn't done. "what of the uchiha?" he asked suddenly, his eyes narrowing as they landed on fugaku uchiha, who had been silent until now. "their loyalty to the village is still... questionable."

kenshi felt the shift in the room immediately. it was dangerous territory, a line danzō had been tempted to cross many times before.

before fugaku could respond, kenshi stepped in, his voice cutting through the tension. "the uchiha are as loyal to konoha as anyone in this room. we're all aware of the history, but we should be looking forward, not dwelling on old suspicions. paranoia is the last thing we need right now."

danzō shot kenshi a sharp look, but kenshi didn't flinch. he stared right back, his gaze steady, as if to say, not this time, danzō. not now.

fugaku, his face impassive, inclined his head slightly. "the uchiha will protect this village, as we always have. we're not the enemy here."

hiruzen spoke up, his voice gentle but firm. "there is no need for divisions within konoha. now more than ever, we must stand united. i trust the uchiha, as i trust all the clans of this village."

kenshi could feel the weight of danzō's frustration next to him, but he stood his ground, silently reminding danzō of the larger picture. keeping the village safe didn't mean tearing it apart from within.

as the meeting continued, kenshi stayed by danzō's side, always there to pull him back from the brink. every time danzō's ambition or suspicion flared, kenshi was the voice of reason that tempered the fire, making sure that danzō's actions were for the good of the village, not for his personal vendettas or desires.

finally, the meeting came to a close, and the various clan heads and elders began to file out of the room. hiruzen gave kenshi a nod of gratitude, clearly aware of the role he had played in keeping danzō in check.

as the room emptied, kenshi turned to danzō, who remained silent, his arms still crossed.

"you almost did it again," kenshi said quietly.

danzō glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "did what?"

"crossed the line."

danzō looked away, his voice low. "you're always there to stop me."

kenshi gave him a small smile. "that's what i'm here for. to keep you from becoming the person you think you need to be."

danzō stared at the empty council room, his mind still racing with thoughts of power, protection, and control. "sometimes i wonder if i'm too weak to make the hard decisions."

"you're not weak, danzō," kenshi said softly. "but there's strength in knowing when to hold back. you've done more for this village by staying in the shadows than anyone wearing the hat ever could."

danzō was silent for a long moment, then he nodded. "as long as you're there to remind me."

kenshi clapped a hand on his shoulder. "i'll always be here, danzō. always."

with that, the two men left the council room together-one a shadow, and the other the light that kept him from fading too far into the dark.