"So it was actually Danzō who made the move!"
The Third Hokage was somewhat shocked. Although he had tacitly allowed Danzō to continue his research, he truly hadn't known about the abduction of sixty infants from Konoha.
This incident had caused an uproar in the village—it was considered the greatest crime that led to Orochimaru's defection!
Back then, when Orochimaru fled the village, he had shouldered all the blame himself.
But now Natsuki revealed that it was Danzō who had kidnapped the infants. Thinking of Danzō's methods over the past few years, the possibility was all too real!
In the end, Danzō claimed the experiment had failed, and the matter was brushed aside.
Yet to think someone had actually survived that experiment— and that Danzō had even hidden away "Kinoe." Truly unforgivable!
"Kinoe, can you use Wood Release?"
Kinoe nodded, formed hand seals, and turned his arm into a wooden staff.
The Third Hokage was very satisfied.
"Although your birth was born from a conspiracy, the cultivation of a Wood Release ninja has always been Konoha's long-cherished wish. Since you possess Wood Release, you shouldn't remain hidden away in Root."
"The Jinchūriki child is already five years old now. Wood Release sealing techniques are becoming increasingly important for the village. Konoha needs you. Kinoe, are you willing to join the Anbu?"
Kinoe looked at Kakashi. Kakashi gave him an encouraging look.
"I'm already in the Anbu, contributing to Konoha," Kakashi said.
Kinoe nodded. "Lord Third, I'm willing to join the Anbu. 'Kinoe' is the code name I had in Root. You can call me…"
Kakashi tilted his head. "Tenzō, maybe?"
Kinoe was stunned for a moment, then smiled.
"Yes, call me Tenzō."
"Very well. From now on, you're an official member of the Anbu. For now, let Kakashi guide you. Focus on training your Wood Release sealing techniques," the Third Hokage instructed.
"Yes!" Even Tenzō's dead-fish eyes seemed to shine with light.
"As for Danzō, I'll handle it. You two may leave for now."
After Kakashi and Tenzō left, the Third Hokage picked up his pipe and took a long puff.
"Natsuki, as deputy clan head, it would be best if you came through the front door next time. Easier to avoid misunderstandings."
Natsuki's figure leaned casually against the window.
"And the gift, Lord Third—do you like it?"
The Hokage was silent for a moment, then asked a different question.
"Were those sixty infants truly kidnapped by Danzō?"
Natsuki smiled and nodded.
"Does that really matter?"
The Hokage nodded solemnly.
In his heart, he thought: A schemer like Orochimaru who at least has limits is still easier to control than someone like Danzō with no bottom line.
Natsuki shrugged. "Authentic, without a doubt."
"What do you want?" the Hokage asked.
Natsuki's smile faded.
"Lord Third, you know well that the Uchiha Clan bears no great grudge against the village. But Danzō constantly schemes against us."
"Danzō has been stripped of all his positions. Right now, he's just an ordinary man," the Hokage replied.
Natsuki shook his head.
"As long as Root isn't disbanded, his ambition will only keep growing."
The Hokage fell silent.
"Even if I officially order Root disbanded, the effect won't be significant."
Natsuki knew this wasn't just an excuse. Root's members were numerous and deeply indoctrinated by Danzō. Even if disbanded on paper, they would regroup in the shadows.
"The more damage you can deal to him, the better. After all, he's always got his eyes on the Uchiha," Natsuki said indifferently.
The Hokage weighed his options.
Recently, he had indeed noticed that Danzō's hidden ambition was far more dangerous than what he showed openly. It was time to rein him in.
Although the Uchiha had recently put Konoha in a tough spot, the village hadn't suffered any real loss. On the contrary, they had gained the upper hand in negotiations with the Hidden Cloud.
And now, Natsuki had delivered a much-needed Wood Release ninja to them. To be honest, the Hokage felt both love and hate toward this Uchiha.
Moreover, Natsuki's strength was too great. For now, he had to be appeased.
"No problem. I'll issue an official decree in the Hokage's name—Root shall be disbanded!"
Natsuki stood up and gave a polite bow, though without lowering his head.
"Wise as always, Lord Third. The Uchiha Clan will forever support you. I'll take my leave now—our clan affairs are many."
"Hmph!" Though unfamiliar with that gesture, the Hokage could guess it was some kind of courtesy.
"This Natsuki really doesn't behave properly," he muttered, watching the man's departing back.
Land of Water, Hidden Mist Village.
Ao, having failed his mission, returned to the village with Zabuza and a group of elite shinobi.
"Zabuza, if not for your recklessness, we would have already infiltrated Konoha!" Ao scolded, clearly irritated.
"Hmph! I'll take full responsibility for my own actions. If the Great Elder wants someone punished, I'll shoulder it alone!" Zabuza snapped back impatiently.
He found Ao's words annoying— as if they would have succeeded in infiltrating Konoha if only he hadn't lost.
"You—!" Ao fumed, but he had to admit that Zabuza was a rare talent. So young, yet already nearing jōnin level strength.
Besides, the mission had failed, and there was nothing more he could do except await the Great Elder's judgment.
Suppressing his anger, Ao led the group to report.
In recent years, the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, had gained control over the Sanbi sealed within him, becoming a perfect Jinchūriki.
With this power, he began sweeping reforms.
As a result, the Great Elder's authority gradually diminished, and the village clearly split into two factions— the Mizukage's faction under Yagura, and the Elders' faction under the Great Elder.
The Great Elder, an expert in intelligence, had long provided many opportunities for Kirigakure. However, he distrusted the bloodline clans and sought to weaken them.
By contrast, the Mizukage—though strong—was cautious and favored peace with the bloodline clans.
After Ao reported the mission's failure, he knelt, awaiting punishment.
The Great Elder's expression was cold, as if he had expected this outcome.
"In that case, throw Zabuza into the assassination corps for tempering. As for you, one year of confinement."
"Thank you, Great Elder!" The punishment was light. In fact, sending Zabuza to the assassination corps was more like a reward. Compared to other Mist punishments, one year of confinement was nothing.
Soon, Ao and Zabuza were led away.
The space behind the Great Elder rippled. A masked figure stepped out—Obito.
The Great Elder bowed respectfully. "Lord Madara, I've already placed Ao under your control."
Obito nodded, disguising his voice.
"Yagura is becoming more and more of a threat."
"What does Lord Madara plan to do?"
"My people are almost here. In seven days, we'll lure Yagura out."
"I will carry out your will, Lord Madara."
The Mist still had too many elites, and the bloodline clans were all troublesome.
If they could not be used, then they must be destroyed.
Obito soon arrived at the village gates with Pain's Deva Path and Konan.
Seeing the three, Yagura immediately raised his weapon.
"Who are you people!?"
Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan spun wildly. A massive force crushed down, instantly pinning Yagura to the ground.
In an instant, Yagura lost consciousness.
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