Darkness Falls

Chapter 22

Konoha, Root HQ

"It's been nearly two weeks Izumi." Danzo stated as he glared down at the woman before him. The old war hawk had expected immediate results when he had dispatched the Uchiha woman. Instead, she had so far only relayed information he already knew. "What is your progress?"

"Forgive me, Danzo-sama, but I have made little progress in my task as Uzumaki-san is currently out of the village on a mission with his team." Izumi reported, her eyes to the floor.

"Why didn't you pursue your target then?" The bandaged war hawked inquired, not taking his eyes off her. "Outside of the village, there would be a higher chance of the Kyuubi Jichuriki being isolated."

"With all due respect, Danzo-sama." Izumi ventured. "Even outside the village, Uzumaki-san is well protected and due to his past treatment by the civilians, hardly ever lets his guard down. The Haruno girl that is on the team is also one of his girlfriends, and is never far from him."

Danzo seemed to mull over this. He already knew from his sources that the pink haired girl was romantically involved with the Jinchuriki, but was now beginning to wonder if he could use the boys love interests as a means to trap the brat and finally get him to submit to becoming his weapon.

"And what of the women involved with the jinchuriki?" The bandaged man inquired. "Could they be used to lure the jinchuriki into a trap?"

"I do not think so, Danzo-sama." Izumi replied with a slight frown. "Almost all of them are formidable and would attract too much attention if we were to attempt to abduct them. And the only civilian is constantly accompanied by one of the others."

The old war hawk could only frown at this. It almost felt as if each of the brats girls were specifically instructed to look out for one another to reduce the chances of any sort of action taken against them.

"I expect immediate results upon the Jinchuriki's return." Danzo commanded, looking down once more at the Uchiha girl before him. "I will not accept any further failures from you, Izumi."

He left his unspoken threat hang in the air.

"Of course, Danzo-sama." She replied automatically.

"You are dismissed." The bandaged war hawk waved his hand in a dismissive fashion.

Without another word, Izumi stood and left the room. Hiding the fear she felt as it was very clear what the threat was. If she fails one more time to acquire her target, she will be disposed of. Though from her conversation with the blonde jinchuriki last week, she already knew she was doomed to fail. Recalling the words he spoke to her in regards to Danzo.

'I wouldn't be surprised that once you are of no use to Danzo, he will dispose of you.'

'It's true.' Izumi thought to herself with a frown. 'Danzo-sama has made it clear that he already thinking of disposing of me.'

Meanwhile, Danzo watched as the Uchiha girl left the room before turning his attention to another individual that was in the room.

"Has there been any leads for the Yakumo girl, Sai?"

No, Danzo-sama." The emotionless boy replied. "If the jinchuriki is involved, then she is likely at his compound. I have been unable to confirm that, as the security seals around the Uzumaki compound are extremely complex."

"That damned-able woman was far more efficient with seals then Minato could ever hope to be." Danzo mused. "Continue searching for a way into the compound."