Danzo Shimura is considered by some to be the most unlikeable villain in the Naruto universe. This is understandably so; he provides the motivations for many of its tragic antagonists to resent Konoha and work against its denizens.
However, in determining whether or not Danzo is the evilest villain in the anime's universe, we must analyze the worst of his crimes. By doing so, we can gain a fuller understanding of the sinisterly pervasive effects of the character and how much he has scarred the world around him, correctly earning his self-ordained title, "the Darkness of the Shinobi World."
10 Partnering With Orochimaru
Danzo's partnership with Orochimaru eliminated any claims he had to serving in the Leaf's best interest. This was on account of the fact that the Sannin was a traitor to the village and one who was directly responsible for murdering Hiruzen Sarutobi.
However, the Foundation's leader struck a deal with him which served in their mutual interest. As long as the scientist gave him access to his jutsu and promising creations, his colleague would see to it that he was one step ahead of Konoha's Anbu.
9 Taking Away An Orphan Mother
In order to expand the ranks of Konoha (and more importantly, his own personal power), Danzo visited Nono's orphanage and demanded that some of her children be offered as tributes.
As any good mother would, she refused and volunteered herself instead so that they might continue to qualify for the Leaf's funding. However, both Kabuto and Nono would ultimately be recruited, with the former accidentally murdering the latter on a mission and thereby turning his path toward one of darkness under Lord Orochimaru.
8 Stealing Shisui's Eye
One of the greatest fears of Konoha was that the Uchiha would rise up against them. Certainly enough, there was a coup prepared to do so. However, Shisui was fully convinced that by using his own genjutsu, he could placate his clan and avoid a massacre.
Danzo admitted that even if this were to succeed, it would not satisfy his paranoia. As a result, he chased the young Uchiha, stealing his eye and nearly murdering him. Ultimately, this would make what happened next an inevitability; not because it was going to happen regardless as Shimura feared, though because the Foundation leader himself made any alternative impossible.
7 Murdering The Messenger Frog
When Nagato attacked the Leaf Village, a messenger frog had arrived to ensure everything was alright. Once Danzo had been assured that no one was looking, he murdered the dispatch sent by the Sage Toads, therefore magnifying the damage that would be inflicted to the village before Naruto finally arrived anyway.
This was for a number of reasons. Not only did Danzo want to keep the power of the jinchuriki for himself, but he also knew that if Konoha faced greater destruction, he would be in a more sufficient place to capitalize on the chaos and coronate himself as the new Hokage.
6 Attempting To Usurp The Mantle Of Kage
Danzo's bid to become Hokage was almost successful. While Tsunade still needed to recover, he would not wait for her declaration to assume the mantle of leadership, attending the Five Kage summit as Konoha's acting ruler.
This was a power move in order to establish himself on a global stage, one which did not impress the Forth Raikage or many of the other leaders in attendance. Because of Sasuke Uchiha's intervention shortly after the meeting, Shimura's "reign" would be short-lived.
5 Abandoning The Five Kage Summit
While it may be at least somewhat excusable that Danzo should crown himself the Hokage in Tsunade's absence (on account of his experience and the campaigns he has successfully fought in), he abandoned the other Kage to their fate when they were attacked by Sasuke and his new allies.
This would besmirch the name of Konoha on a global stage and obliterate much of the legitimacy they attempted to establish. Fortunately, Tsunade would return some respect to the village once she had recovered enough to resume her responsibilities.
4 Trying To Assassinate Hiruzen Sarutobi
Were it not egregious enough to seize the mantle of Hokage when the current one is still alive, Danzo had also tried to murder Sarutobi and take his place. While the Third Hokage was being escorted through the woods, Foundation agents ambushed him, and a battle with his Anbu bodyguards ensued.
When Hiruzen finally returned from the fray, he found that Danzo had already taken his seat. Immediately, the Leaf's leader knew who was responsible for his attack, though instead chose to give Shimura mercy and a warning never to make such a foolish attempt again.
3 The Uchiha Genocide
Perhaps Danzo's most notorious and impactful crime was his role in facilitating the Uchiha genocide. After leaving Itachi no other choice, he was able to eradicate almost the entire clan, save for Sasuke and unbeknownst to most, Obito.
Nonetheless, with Itachi's final act in the service of Konoha came a warning to the Foundation's leader; should his younger brother be touched, there would be hell to pay. After his death at Sasuke's hand, this ultimatum would be removed, though by that point, Danzo's fate had already been sealed.
2 The Izanagi Arm
Perhaps more reprehensible than the Uchiha genocide itself was how Danzo capitalized on it. Plucking the eyes from dozens of carcasses, he fashioned himself an arm of sharingans, held together through the potency of Hashirama cells.
With this appendage, he could rewrite reality dozens of times, making him a force to be reckoned with in battle that his age would otherwise restrict him from becoming. In his final fight against Sasuke, this would only enrage the avenging Uchiha, rightfully enacting his vengeance for how Danzo had almost entirely erased his people from the annals of history.
1 Taking A Human Hostage
After Danzo had lost the battle against Sasuke Uchiha, he was desperate to find a way to prolong his life. He found what he assumed to be his salvation through Karin, his adversary's medical ninja.
While she may have provided minor assistance to her master through her healing and advice, Karin was ultimately a non-combatant. This would make Shimura's usage of her life as a bargaining chip particularly villainous ~ even if the strategy would not be as effective as he imagined when he devised the plan in his head. Curiously, Karin would survive the same attack that defeated Danzo even though she took the brunt of Sasuke's jutsu.