-----------
This high quality machine translation is powered by: https:// geriatrictranslations.com/
Special Permission was given to upload the novel on WebNovel.
Geriatric Translations can be supported on patreon (https://www. patreon.com/geriatricvibes) where additional chapters can be enjoyed.
You can also join the Geriatric Translations Community on Discord to connect with other readers: https:// discord.gg/NSWvfN7vua
-----------
Konoha, Root.
In the dimly lit environment, Root lived up to its name, with the base built deep underground. The vast pit was connected by numerous bridges, like the roots of a tree, crisscrossing the subterranean space.
"Danzo Shimura, the Uchiha Yoru from the Police Department has been very cautious and has not uncovered any relevant clues."
Listening to Kakashi's report, Danzo Shimura, leaning on a wooden cane, nodded lightly. His single exposed eye showed a hint of dissatisfaction as he said in a deep voice, "Kakashi, if there's nothing important, you only need to maintain covert communication with Root. Don't let anyone discover you."
Danzo was also somewhat displeased. If Kakashi hadn't found anything, why come to Root at all?
However, Kakashi, kneeling on one knee, his Sharingan eye flashing a crimson light, lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "But the Third Hokage has asked me to secretly investigate Uchiha Tsuchi, Uchiha Shisi, and Uchiha Kaze from the Uchiha clan."
As Kakashi mentioned the three names, Danzo Shimura's eyes suddenly darkened, and he gripped his cane tighter, trying to suppress his nervousness as he rasped, "Why does the Third Hokage want to investigate these three?"
Kakashi, though he couldn't see Danzo's expression, noticed his grip on the cane tighten when the names were mentioned. At that moment, he seemed to have an answer.
Kneeling on one knee, Kakashi reported respectfully, "The Third Hokage feels there is something amiss with the deaths of these three. Although they all died on missions, their Sharingan eyes were lost. While it appears they destroyed their eyes before dying, there are many questions surrounding this."
Upon hearing Kakashi's report, Danzo Shimura's eyes were filled with intense anger. Sarutobi, you still claim there are no spies in Root! Damn you, you're still as despicable as ever. No wonder my Wood Release users were discovered by you, and even my secret theft of the Sharingan has been traced. To say there are no spies of yours in Root, no one would believe it.
Danzo's heart was filled with rage. He wanted to return and purge Root immediately. Sarutobi had gone too far! But he still held back.
"Kakashi, the Uchiha clan is a naturally evil clan, and the Sharingan can control the Nine-Tails. Therefore, I need you!"
At that moment, Danzo Shimura's face showed a sinister expression, and he began to manipulate Kakashi with his raspy voice. Normally, after the Nine-Tails incident, such words might not have swayed Kakashi, but at least he wouldn't have any ill will toward Danzo.
After all, the Sharingan in the Nine-Tails' eyes was real, and it was understandable for the higher-ups to be wary and investigate. Kakashi had the political awareness to accept some necessary sacrifices.
But with his preconceived notions, Kakashi felt a strong aversion, even a terrifying thought. If Danzo and the Konoha leadership had truly stolen the Sharingan, did it mean that the Uchiha clan wasn't the only ones who could control the Nine-Tails?
"Kakashi, the evil of the Uchiha clan... therefore, I need you to keep a close eye on this evil clan."
Under Danzo Shimura's extremely persuasive and manipulative voice, Kakashi, kneeling on one knee, seemed to be increasingly brainwashed. Danzo felt a sense of satisfaction. Sarutobi, you planted spies in my Root, so I planted spies in your ranks. Hmph!
Leaving Root, Kakashi's heart was filled with complex emotions as he looked in the direction of the Hokage's Office. He wanted to know the truth but was also afraid. In the end, he made up his mind, his gaze determined as he headed toward the Third Hokage's office.
At the Hokage's Office.
"Hokage-sama, that day, Elder Danzo Shimura of Root... recently ordered me to secretly investigate the information on Uchiha clan ninjas with the Three-Tomoe Sharingan."
Kakashi changed his approach, recounting how Danzo Shimura had tried to manipulate him into joining Root and had him secretly investigate the movements of Uchiha clan elites with the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
As expected, upon hearing Kakashi's report, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, showed a rare moment of silence. The oppressive office was filled only with the sound of the Third Hokage puffing on his pipe.
The heavy tobacco aroma filled the office, and only when the tobacco in the pipe was completely burned did the Third Hokage lower his hat and let out a deep sigh, filled with many emotions.
At the same time, the Third Hokage looked at Kakashi, his eyes showing a hint of comfort. Kakashi was even more outstanding and loyal than he had imagined.
"Kakashi, do you know the two bloodlines of Konoha that could control the tailed beasts at its founding?"
Kneeling on one knee, Kakashi was silent, about to respond when the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sighed habitually and began to speak in a nostalgic and melancholic tone.
"At Konoha's founding, there were the First Hokage's Wood Release and the Uchiha clan's Sharingan, both capable of controlling the tailed beasts. After the First Hokage's death, the village lost Wood Release. Under the pressure of war, the village was forced to conduct secret Wood Release experiments... The losses from this experiment were enormous, and the village subsequently banned it."
The Third Hokage's words were extremely persuasive, making one feel as if they were in the dangerous and war-torn times. The village had to do these things for peace.
Listening to the Third Hokage's secrets, Kakashi remained silent. The future Sixth Hokage, while perhaps benefiting from luck, was inseparable from his political acumen. Kakashi had a certain level of political awareness, though it was still quite immature.
But Kakashi already understood some things. For peace, certain sacrifices were necessary. Even sacrificing a few to save many, he would make such a decision, like killing Rin!
Kakashi had this sacrificial political spirit from a young age, which was innate and unrelated to his strength.
The Third Hokage, seeing Kakashi's silence, was immensely relieved. He had been prepared to painstakingly guide Kakashi back on track, but he hadn't expected Kakashi's Will of Fire to be so strong, making it unnecessary for him to exert himself.
"Kakashi, perhaps due to the failure of the Wood Release experiments and the Nine-Tails disaster, Danzo wanted to take a risk and master the Sharingan. All for Konoha."
At that moment, the Third Hokage was filled with a spirit of dedication, but he was also angry. Danzo! How dare you secretly conduct Sharingan research without my knowledge? Don't you know how serious the consequences could be if this were to be exposed?
However, Kakashi's beliefs were shaken, and he felt a sense of terror and suffocation at the darkness of the current Konoha.
The Third Hokage did not outright oppose it but spoke in a tone that suggested sacrifices were necessary for Konoha. If that were the case, perhaps both the Third Hokage and Danzo were secretly researching the Sharingan, and both were aware of it.
Otherwise, the Third Hokage wouldn't have said it that way. Researching Wood Release was understandable, as the First Hokage was already gone, but the Sharingan? No bloodline clan in the entire ninja world would allow others to study their bloodline.
Thank you: 'Ming Shao' for the 100-point donation, 'Ok Green Skin Love Doulou' for the 100-point donation, 'You Shiwu' for the 100-point donation, and 'Huan Yuan Xianren' for the 100-point donation.
Thank you all for your support.
(End of Chapter)