"Several months ago, the Root headquarters was destroyed. It seems quite like your style, Tianyuan." As Danzo spoke these words, Tianyuan paused for a split second, his expression remaining perfectly calm.
Looking back at the staring Danzo, Tianyuan replied, "Is that so? I'm not really sure what you're talking about."
Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi eventually came to suspect Tianyuan, the Hokage would likely let the matter drop since Tianyuan hadn't caused significant damage to Konoha. It would simply remain an unspoken understanding.
However, if Tianyuan were to admit to it himself, the nature of the situation would change entirely. Even if he claimed it was a joke or just minor property damage, he would still have to face punishment. But as long as there was no evidence to prove Tianyuan was responsible, no amount of suspicion could have any effect.
Konoha hadn't suffered much during that incident. Aside from the members of Root, most other Konoha ninja had long since forgotten the matter, and many weren't even aware it had happened in the first place.
"Oh? Is that so?" Danzo smiled at the composed Tianyuan. "I suppose I'm getting on in years. One does get a bit muddled with age."
"Lord Danzo, if there is nothing else, then I will take my leave," Tianyuan said.
"Very well." Danzo nodded.
Tianyuan left. The night was deepening, and he prepared to return to his home. He still hadn't watched the Hokage Ultra-Clear video he had received after defeating the Kazekage, and he was looking forward to seeing what it contained.
"Tianyuan." Danzo's gaze turned icy as he watched him depart. "I hope you can survive this Great Ninja War."
Returning to his residence, Tianyuan thought back to Danzo's attempt to recruit him. "It seems Danzo really does suspect me," Tianyuan thought, rubbing his chin. "But expecting me to join Root? Impossible."
He knew exactly what kind of organization Root was. Furthermore, he had no fondness for Danzo; otherwise, he wouldn't have behaved the way he did back in the Hokage's office while verifying the Flying Thunder God Technique. Doing that was a deliberate choice that made Danzo like him even less.
"Just don't come after me, Danzo. If you do, don't blame me for what follows." Tianyuan's eyes were equally cold. If Danzo tried to deal with him, he wouldn't mind killing the man outright.
"Now, let's see what this Hokage Ultra-Clear video is." Tianyuan smiled. He always enjoyed the process of drawing rewards from the system.
"System, perform the draw." Tianyuan commanded.
"Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan." The system's voice rang in his ears.
"Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan!" Tianyuan froze for a moment, followed by a surge of pure ecstasy. He was well aware of the flaws of a standard Mangekyo, but now that he had obtained the Eternal version, the defect that caused blindness was gone. Tianyuan could use the powers of the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan without any restraint.
"Absorb it directly." Tianyuan immediately began the absorption process.
His pupils instantly turned blood-red. First, they transformed into the Three Tomoe, then shifted into his Mangekyo. Originally, Tianyuan's Mangekyo pattern consisted of a solid circle in the center with four hollow circles on the sides connected by semicircular lines.
Now, as threads of red energy seeped into his eyes, they began to change once more. The four hollow circles doubled to eight, the semicircular patterns became far more complex, and flame-like markings appeared around the edges.
Finally, a mysterious pair of eyes radiating a terrifying aura was born. This was Tianyuan's perfect Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
"Kamui." Tianyuan spoke softly. Spatial energy rippled, and he vanished from the room.
He appeared inside a special dimension the space connected to his Kamui. With a light smile, he left the void and returned to his room.
"I hope Sunagakure gives me a chance to use these Sharingan abilities," Tianyuan laughed. "Otherwise, I'll be quite disappointed."
With the Eternal Mangekyo, his eyes no longer had any weaknesses.
That day, many Konoha ninja were visibly anxious. News of Sunagakure's offensive against Konoha had already reached them.
The following day, Konoha began strict reconnaissance throughout the Land of Fire. They needed to confirm if a large ninja force had entered the country or locate any tracks they had left. Many small teams were also sent to other Great Nations to carefully investigate and observe the unfolding situation.
Before the second day had even ended, a report arrived. Sunagakure had passed through the Land of Rivers and invaded the borders of the Land of Fire, heading straight for Konoha.
Rough observations suggested that Sunagakure's advance force consisted of about a thousand ninja, but that wasn't the most critical issue. Thousands more Sand ninja were following behind them, constantly moving forward. Meanwhile, no movement had been detected from Iwagakure yet.
Faced with over a thousand enemy ninja, Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally dispatched his own advance force toward the location where the Sand ninja had been spotted. This vanguard included many famous shinobi, with Jiraiya and Orochimaru among them.
Konoha's advance force soon clashed with the Sand ninja. The two sides reached a stalemate at a location known as Kikyo Pass. A fierce battle ensued, with both sides trading victories and losses.
Neither side held a clear advantage, but the famous Chiyo of Sunagakure caused heavy losses for Konoha. No one in the village could match her skill with poisons now that Tsunade had already left Konoha.
However, Konoha's defense could not hold out for long. As the Sand reinforcements arrived, the Leaf ninja began to lose ground. It was time for Hiruzen Sarutobi to launch a counterattack.
Inside the Hokage's office:
"Jonin Tianyuan, Jonin Minato, you will lead the support troops this time to reinforce our lines," Hiruzen said to them.
On this day, Tianyuan had successfully been promoted to Jonin, fulfilling the promise Hiruzen had previously made.
"Yes, Lord Hokage!" Minato and Tianyuan replied in unison.
They were about to join the battlefield of this Great Ninja War.
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