I. Introduction

The question of what would happen if the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, were to kill Danzo during the Nine-Tails Invasion, while a fascinating thought experiment, brings to light several critical narrative issues. This article explores an alternative scenario where Danzo does not survive the invasion, focusing on the broader changes this could have on the Naruto universe. We will examine the impact of Danzo’s sacrifice, the consequences for various characters, and how it might alter the overall storyline.

II. Danzo's Sacrifice During the Invasion

To address this hypothetical scenario, let us consider the possibility that Danzo makes the ultimate sacrifice during the Nine-Tails Invasion, sacrificing his own life to secure the safety of Konoha. This act would humanize and redeem a character who has often been portrayed as a power-hungry villain. By doing so, we can analyze the multifaceted effects of Danzo's death on the Naruto universe.

A. Survival of Allied Families

Primarily, by making Danzo sacrifice himself, several key characters’ parents would survive, including Tenten, Rock Lee, and Iruka. Additionally, the parents of important characters like Kurenai, Ibiki, Anko, Hayate, and Yugao would also likely survive. This change would significantly alter the narrative, as each of these characters would grow up in more stable and supportive environments.

B. Protection of the Nine-Tails

Most notably, the revelation that Naruto harbors the Nine-Tails would remain secret, safeguarded as top-secret information. Only a few would know, including Hiruzen, Koharu, Homura, and Kakashi. This secrecy would likely contribute to young Naruto being treated more normally, as an average child rather than an outcast, fostering a healthier and more accepting environment in Konoha.

III. Altering the Konoha Dynamics

The ripple effects of Danzo’s death would extend beyond just the families mentioned; the very fabric of Konoha’s social and political landscape would shift. Here are some key points to consider:

A. Lack of Whistleblowing

Without Danzo as a constant source of leaks and scandals, Hiruzen’s authority would significantly diminish the notion that others need to undermine him to gain notoriety. This is particularly relevant as Danzo’s actions were often motivated by a deep inferiority complex and a desire to overshadow Hiruzen’s legacy.

B. Reduced Motivation for Naruto

With Naruto no longer seen by his peers as a pariah with a demon sealed inside him, his drive to prove himself and gain acceptance might lessen. Instead of being an outcast, Naruto could be treated as a normal child, which could alter his dreams and aspirations. Nonetheless, a new motivation would emerge: Naruto might admire the various shinobi he meets and daydream about surpassing them, albeit without the pressure of societal acceptance as a motivator.

IV. The Aftermath of the Uchiha Civ War

The Uchiha Civil War, often a defining moment in the narrative, would also be significantly altered by Danzo's death. Since Danzo would no longer manipulate and push Hanzo to betray the Akatsuki, a different chain of events would be set in motion. This shift affects several key elements:

A. Uchiha Massacre Scenario

With Danzo out of the picture, the Uchiha massacre would unfold differently. The narrative could follow Itachi’s own direction, as he orchestrates the attack without external interference. However, even in this scenario, the ability to manipulate the entire Uchiha compound might seem too extreme; thus, Shisui’s role is reimagined as one of compassion rather than manipulation.

B. Shisui's Motivation

Shisui, seeing the collateral damage he could cause, might instead opt to trap several Uchiha, saving their lives to preserve their innocence and the future of their clan. This compassionate approach adds a new layer to Shisui’s character, balancing his manipulative tendencies with a sense of morality. The result: fewer Uchiha would be killed, leading to several survivors, including Inuzuka Kiba, who could have helped foster a more peaceful and inclusive Konoha.

Ultimately, Danzo's death would reshape the Naruto universe, offering a more humanized narrative that focuses on personal choices and empathy rather than power struggles and manipulation. This thought experiment invites us to explore the complexity of character motivations and the ripple effects of pivotal events on the broader narrative.

V. Conclusion

The death of Danzo during the Nine-Tails Invasion presents a compelling narrative shift, one that humanizes characters and alters the course of the story. This hypothetical scenario prompts us to question the role of external influences in shaping character arcs and the profound impact of pivotal moments. While it may deviate from canon, it opens up new avenues for exploring the deeper layers of the Naruto world.