Starting from the roots of Konoha, they were the masterminds behind the scenes.

Good news: We've traveled through time!
Bad news: I've been transported to the Naruto world!
Good news: In Konoha.
Bad news: The villainous faction, the Root ninjas of Konoha's Dark Side, and Danzo's henchmen, could be wiped out at any moment.
Good news: I've got a cheat code, and my status is updated every week.
Unyielding Golden Spear, Master of Physical Arts, Traitor Cao, Mentally Deranged, Immortal, Immune to Damage...
Xingxia Xiu: Lord Danzo, the Third Hokage is too weak and is no longer suitable to be Hokage. Lord Danzo, you are the hope for Konoha's future. Let me go and kill him!
Danzo: Shu, you're too extreme!
Hoshino: Lord Danzo, the Third Hokage has abandoned the interests that originally belonged to us, which has violated the Will of Fire. Lord Danzo, please become the Fourth Hokage immediately. I am the sharpest blade in your hand, and I will surely clear away all obstacles for you.
Danzo: I'll think about it.
Hoshino Shu: Third Hokage, I'm very sorry, but I've come to end your life on Danzo's orders.
Danzo: No, I didn't!
Hoshinobi: Nagato, Yahiko, Konan, from this moment on, you are members of Akatsuki, and you will become nameless heroes who protect the ninja world in the darkness!
Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan: Hide-sensei, we swear to clear away all obstacles for you!