It seemed that Shimura Danzo had long been aware of the reemergence of Wood Style, which is why he had dispatched his subordinates to find its wielder.
However, based on the current situation, Danzo had likely not yet captured the individual capable of using Wood Style.
This realization made Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind race with possibilities.
Wood Style had always been a defining bloodline of Konoha. If this unknown Wood Style user truly existed, they might be a descendant of the Senju clan.
If that were the case, could this individual be brought back to Konoha?
Wood Style's immense combat power was undeniable. If Hiruzen's assumption was correct, then Konoha would no longer have to fear the other ninja villages.
In the event of another ninja war, they would only need to deploy this Wood Style user. The so-called Five Great Nations? They would be reduced to nothing in the face of Konoha's overwhelming strength.
The remaining four nations would either have to submit or face annihilation.
After all, Hiruzen had once witnessed the power of Wood Style firsthand.
That unparalleled force, capable of reshaping the very world, remained vivid in his memory. He even questioned whether such power could truly be wielded by humans.
With these thoughts in mind, Sarutobi Hiruzen called out, "Come here."
ROOT Headquarters
Shimura Danzo listened to his subordinate's report with a dark expression.
After a moment of silence, he asked in a hoarse voice, "Are you telling me we've already lost more than a dozen operatives?"
Although Danzo's tone remained calm, his subordinates knew this was a prelude to his fury.
The reporting shinobi, sensing the tension, responded nervously, "Yes, Lord Danzo."
"Hmph, a bunch of incompetents," Danzo scoffed, though inwardly, he was seething.
The fallen operatives weren't mere foot soldiers—they were his elite agents, trained at great expense in both resources and effort.
Now, in just a few short days, they were all gone.
How could he not be furious?
"Lord Danzo, please remain calm. The enemy is too powerful. We are no match for them," another subordinate pleaded.
"Hmph. It seems I will have to handle this myself."
Danzo's gaze swept over the kneeling operatives before him. "Summon all remaining combat-ready personnel in the base."
"Yes, sir!"
Moments later, as Danzo sat with his eyes closed, attempting to regain his composure, a commotion erupted outside.
Already infuriated by the recent losses, this disturbance pushed Danzo over the edge.
He stormed toward the entrance, ready to reprimand the troublemakers, but the sight that greeted him made his breath hitch.
Standing before him was Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Beyond Hiruzen, Danzo saw that all his men had been subdued by Anbu operatives.
His eyes widened as he turned to the Hokage.
"Hiruzen, what is the meaning of this?" Danzo demanded, his voice laced with barely contained anger. He gestured toward his restrained subordinates.
"Why? Am I not allowed to be here?" Hiruzen replied with a slight smirk.
"As far as I remember, this is still part of Konoha. As Hokage, is there any place I cannot go?"
"And as for your men, they were rather impolite—even to me. I simply had to teach them some manners."
Danzo gritted his teeth in frustration but forced himself to remain composed.
"What do you want, Hiruzen?" he asked, knowing full well that the Hokage wouldn't have come without reason.
"Won't you at least invite me inside?" Hiruzen said with an easy smile.
"Hmph. Fine, come in." Danzo turned and walked back into his office.
Hiruzen followed, his smirk growing.
"Now, tell me—why are you here?" Danzo asked, his tone sharp.
Hiruzen leaned forward slightly. "You've lost quite a few men recently, haven't you?"
Danzo stiffened. "How do you know that? Have you been spying on me?"
"Spying? I have better things to do," Hiruzen chuckled. "I simply happened to come across a few corpses."
He met Danzo's gaze with a knowing look.
Danzo's heart skipped a beat. That look—it was clear now. Hiruzen knew.
He knew that Danzo had been pursuing the Wood Style user.
"If you already know, why are you here?" Danzo scoffed. "If you want the Wood Style user, go find them yourself."
Originally, Danzo had planned to capture the individual in secret, fearing that Hiruzen would interfere and steal his prize.
After all, in their lifelong rivalry, Danzo had never bested Hiruzen even once.
"Haha, don't worry—I won't be going alone this time," Hiruzen said. "The Wood Style user's strength remains unknown, and I can't leave the village unattended. So, I'm assigning you a group of Anbu operatives. You'll lead the team to capture them."
Danzo blinked in disbelief.
What was this? Hiruzen had never shown such generosity before. In the past, whenever the Hokage wanted something from Danzo, he would simply take it.
Now, he was offering resources?
"What's wrong? Don't believe me?" Hiruzen asked, amused by Danzo's skeptical expression.
Danzo scoffed internally. As if I'd ever trust you. You've tricked me too many times, Hiruzen.
"No," Danzo said aloud. "I just remembered I have other matters to attend to. Perhaps you should find someone else."
Hiruzen's smirk deepened. "Oh? Is that so? Well, that's unfortunate. You see, I recently came across a rather interesting document. It contains details on the Senju clan and Wood Style. I imagine Lady Mito would be very interested in it. Don't you think?"
Danzo's blood ran cold.
Somehow, Hiruzen had obtained information about his secret research into restarting Wood Style.
If Uzumaki Mito got hold of that document, Danzo knew he would suffer terribly.
His fists clenched as he glared at Hiruzen.
Seeing that the Hokage was about to leave, Danzo hurriedly called out, "Fine! I'll do it."
"That's the spirit," Hiruzen said, clearly pleased. "I knew I could count on you. And don't worry—once you complete the mission, I'll destroy the document."
Danzo scoffed but said nothing.
Still, a new concern took root in his mind—was there a spy within his ranks?
How else could Hiruzen have discovered such confidential information?
"Very well. I'll leave the Anbu team outside to you," Hiruzen said, heading toward the exit. "Set out as soon as possible."
Without giving Danzo another chance to argue, Hiruzen walked out, leaving the ROOT leader alone with his thoughts.
Danzo's hands curled into fists.
One day, Hiruzen… I will not be under your thumb.
But for now, he had no choice but to comply.