At noon the next day, Hoshishita Shu returned to the Root base with his squad and reported the mission results to Shimura Danzo. He also mentioned recruiting Akabane Nozomi.
Danzo already knew Nozomi's background. After hearing the explanation, he nodded slightly.
"He is indeed suitable to become a hidden pawn."
"However, sending him into the ANBU may be even more appropriate."
"Codename A, once he returns to Konoha, you will personally train him so that he meets the minimum requirements to enter the ANBU."
Old fox… Shu sighed inwardly.
Out loud, he responded immediately.
"Understood!"
Danzo continued.
"Take those two prisoners to the interrogation department."
Root was still expanding and lacked specialized interrogation personnel. Sending them to the ANBU interrogation division was the most practical choice.
Shu accepted the order. After returning, he instructed Sarutobi Atsushi and the others to deliver the prisoners.
Then he quickly finished lunch and found a quiet place near the Root base to continue training.
…
He had already become proficient with Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall.
For his second Wood Release technique, Shu chose:
Wood Clone Jutsu.
This clone technique was far harder to distinguish than ordinary shadow clones—even the Sharingan could be fooled under the right conditions.
More importantly, once mastered, Wood Clones could be used in conjunction with substitutions and feints, making escapes faster, stealthier, and far safer.
One entire afternoon passed in training.
By evening, Shu had fully mastered:
Wood Clone.
Substitution using Wood Clone.
This was much faster than mastering Wood Locking Wall, since he already had experience with clone and substitution techniques.
Back in his room, Shu opened the Wood Release scroll again.
After reading a few sections, he made a decision.
"The next technique… Impaling Wood Technique."
This Wood Release jutsu looked extremely brutal.
Among known users, Shu only remembered seeing it used in later years. Even Yamato rarely displayed anything like it.
Of course, that might simply come down to fighting style.
But Shu liked the technique.
It could be used:
In close combat.
At mid-range.
For sudden lethal attacks.
"Tonight I'll pause my chakra sphere training and focus on mastering this."
After memorizing the hand seals and the notes left by Hashirama Senju, Shu went to dinner.
He briefly considered going out to relax—
But abandoned the idea.
Strength was more important.
Tomorrow he had to capture the female Sky Ninja.
…
Meanwhile — Hokage Office
Inside the Hokage's office, Danzo spoke coldly to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"The Sky Ninja stole sealing techniques and border defense intelligence."
"Their ambitions are obvious—perhaps even targeting a tailed beast."
"We cannot tolerate this."
"My suggestion: prepare forces and destroy the Sky Ninja Village."
Hiruzen nodded.
"That would certainly be the most direct solution."
"But every major village is expanding its military."
"After the Uzumaki clan was destroyed, both Iwagakure and Kumogakure now possess jinchūriki."
"And more importantly…"
"Hanzo of the Rain has begun moving again."
Danzo frowned.
"That man covets the Land of Rivers and the Land of Grass."
"He calls himself a demigod—does he really think the Five Great Nations will tolerate his ambitions?"
Hiruzen responded calmly.
"Compared to the Sky Ninja, Hanzo is the greater threat."
"The shinobi world is tense right now."
"This is not the right moment to launch a campaign."
"When we capture the female ninja, I'll send envoys to confront the Sky Ninja and suppress their ambitions."
"But Root can prepare plans to eliminate them."
Danzo nodded.
Even he knew this wasn't the time for open war.
The world appeared calm on the surface—
But beneath it, tension was rising everywhere.
…
The next morning
Shu trained until early morning and woke again for routine physical exercises.
After gaining Hashirama's cells, his physical potential had increased greatly. Daily training was essential to draw it out.
After breakfast, Shu left Konoha with his team.
Their destination:
The meeting place where Tsuchiya Naoya had arranged to meet Hayami Mari.
Two hours later, they arrived.
Standing atop a tree, Shu looked across the lake.
"The scenery really is nice."
Women played in the water.
Couples relaxed along the shore.
Then Shu noticed something familiar.
A suspicious silhouette hiding behind a rock.
The shape.
The posture.
The unmistakably shameless aura.
There was no doubt.
It was Jiraiya.
Shu sighed inwardly.
So this guy already had this habit at such a young age?
Then he remembered the Third Hokage's "telescope" method.
Like teacher, like student.
…
Setting the trap
Shu descended from the tree and approached the meeting location.
Using the Transformation Jutsu, he had already taken on Tsuchiya Naoya's appearance.
Meanwhile, his teammates changed into civilian clothing to blend in with the tourists.
Across the lake, Jiraiya hid behind a large rock, fully absorbed in the view.
Suddenly he frowned and looked around.
He felt someone watching him.
But after scanning the area and seeing nothing suspicious, he returned to his "observation" with renewed focus.
…
Inside the treehouse
Deep in the forest, Shu found the treehouse Tsuchiya had described.
The hollow tree had been turned into a small, cozy room.
It looked almost like a couple's private home.
From the traces inside, Shu could tell Tsuchiya hadn't come here only for secret exchanges.
Clearly the relationship with Hayami Mari had grown… very personal.
Or perhaps—
The entire "saving his life" story had been staged by the Sky Ninja.
Either way, it no longer mattered.
Shu sat quietly on a wooden stool with his back to the door.
Ten minutes later—
His ears twitched.
Footsteps.
She's here.
The door opened.
A beautiful woman stepped inside.
"Naoya!"
She rushed forward—
Then stopped abruptly.
Her expression changed instantly.
"You're not Naoya!"
Chakra burst beneath her feet as she leapt backward.
"So perceptive…"
Shu sighed.
His chakra exploded outward.
The treehouse shattered.
Wood fragments flew as he pursued her.
They exchanged blows in midair.
With Hashirama-enhanced strength, Shu quickly gained the advantage.
One kick sent Hayami Mari crashing into a tree trunk.
Her body nearly collapsed from the impact.
Landing on the ground, Shu released the transformation and revealed his true appearance.
Wood spikes extended from his hand.
Wood Release — Impaling Wood Technique!
Four wooden spikes shot forward.
They pierced through her arms and legs, pinning her in place.
Her beautiful face twisted in agony.
Shu showed no mercy.
He struck her jaw to dislocate it—preventing poison capsules, hidden needles, or biting down on anything.
Then he fired a signal flare into the sky.
The flare burst overhead.
Sarutobi Atsushi and the others immediately rushed toward the signal.
Meanwhile—
On the lakeshore—
Jiraiya looked up at the exploding flare.
He recognized the symbol immediately.
It was a Konoha emergency signal.
Which also meant: trouble.
Jiraiya sighed.
"Looks like I can't keep watching after all."
"What a waste…"
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