"We've been found," a voice warned calmly.
A group of masked shinobi emerged silently from the surrounding trees.
Ino's brow furrowed. "Anbu? No… their masks are different." She paused. "Still, you're Konoha ninja, right? Then why are you surrounding us?"
Kimimaro's expression turned cold. These masks weren't the standard animal-themed Anbu design—more like stylized, almost ceremonial war paint.
Root.
It was clear now—Danzo Shimura, the shadow manipulator of Konoha, had made his move.
The leader stepped forward. "Ino Yamanaka, this doesn't concern you. Step aside."
Kimimaro narrowed his eyes. "So you're after me." He glanced at the girls. "Ino, Hanabi, stand back."
"Hyuga Hanabi is not to leave." The Root operative's voice was firm. "You will come with us."
Hanabi's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "What do you want?"
"We will negotiate with Hiashi-sama," the agent replied. "As long as you sever ties with Kimimaro, no harm will come to you."
Hanabi snorted. "Sever ties with Big Brother? Dream on."
"Then you leave us no choice. For someone of your bloodline, we would usually avoid violence. Others would not be so lucky."
Kimimaro stepped in front of her protectively and turned to the Root agents. "Were you sent by the Hokage?"
He asked it knowingly—Root operated independently, and Danzo's faction was not officially sanctioned. But the question was necessary. Few even knew Root still functioned after Hiruzen supposedly disbanded it.
"The Hokage is not our commanding officer," the leader stated flatly.
Kimimaro chuckled coldly. "Konoha is a curious place. The Hokage is supposed to be the highest authority… yet some of you refuse to obey. Is she too lenient, or are you too arrogant?"
"We are loyal to Konoha's future," the leader said. "You, Kimimaro, are a threat. Your strength and ambition—controlling small nations, recruiting shinobi from minor countries—and most importantly, acquiring Wood Release. That cannot be allowed."
So that was their justification.
Kimimaro internally scoffed. Danzo likely had multiple sources: Orochimaru, possibly Akatsuki, maybe even Konoha's own intel network. But publicly, Wood Release still represented Hashirama Senju's legacy, and was considered uniquely Konoha's.
"I see. So you think Wood Release should be monopolized? If anyone else learns it, they must die?"
"You misunderstand. It's not about monopoly. It's about maintaining balance and avoiding unpredictable threats. Wood Release is sacred to Konoha."
Kimimaro's smile turned icy. "Then perhaps you shouldn't have provoked someone who wields it."
"Our force consists of three Jonin and five Tokubetsu Jonin. You cannot win."
"Then come try."
The leader looked once more at the girls. "Ino Yamanaka, Hyuga Hanabi. Final warning. Stand down or be treated as accomplices."
Hanabi didn't flinch. "You wouldn't dare harm the Hyuga Clan heir."
Ino stepped forward beside her. "Konoha's always stood for justice. This… this is nothing but a secret assassination. If you have grievances, bring them to Lady Tsunade. Without her orders, this is treason!"
"Enough," the Root commander said coldly. "Engage!"
Four Root shinobi lunged forward, emitting black chakra chains from their palms—modified versions of sealing chains, perhaps inspired by Uzumaki techniques.
But none of them landed.
Kimimaro and the girls dodged fluidly, scattering across the clearing.
"Ninja Art: Super Beast Imitating Drawing!"
One Root operative unrolled a scroll and painted rapidly, summoning several ink eagles and lions that flew toward Ino and Hanabi.
Sai. Kimimaro instantly recognized the technique. That meant Danzo was already deploying his most valuable asset.
Tch… bad luck.
Kimimaro muttered and clapped his hands together. "Wood Release: Deep Forest Wall."
Thick wooden barriers rose instantly around Ino and Hanabi, halting the ink beasts in mid-charge.
Then, massive roots erupted from underground. Several ensnared the attacking shinobi—two were crushed outright, while another turned into black ink.
A clone.
Kimimaro's eyes sharpened. That was Sai's typical feint.
The remaining four Root ninja launched coordinated elemental jutsu—lightning, wind, fire, and earth converging in a multi-pronged assault.
But Kimimaro didn't move.
Kimimaro's Wood Release burst forth, thick vines erupting from the earth and lashing out in every direction. Several shot like spears, impaling the chest of the leading ninja. Blood sprayed into the air as the man collapsed.
Before the vines could strike again, a commanding voice rang out:
"Stop!"
A blur of green and blonde slammed into the clearing. With a single earth-shaking punch, the advancing wooden vines splintered into fragments. The raw force of the impact sent a shockwave through the ground.
"Kimimaro, I am Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage. Cease this now!"
Kimimaro narrowed his eyes at the busty woman before him.
So big... he mused absently, then focused.
Indeed, seeing was believing. Tsunade's legendary appearance was no exaggeration.
"Hokage? Is this how Konoha greets its visitors?" he asked coldly, stepping in front of Hanabi and Ino protectively.
Tsunade's eyes flicked over the fallen bodies.
"These people didn't have my authorization. You've already killed five. That's enough."
Kimimaro studied her briefly, then let his chakra subside. The remaining vines withdrew into the ground.
"It seems Konoha isn't as welcoming as it pretends."
"Not all of Konoha, no," Tsunade admitted. "There are factions who act independently… ones I'll deal with. You have my apology." Her tone shifted slightly, sharp with suspicion.
"However… we need to talk about your Wood Release."
Kimimaro didn't flinch.
"What's there to talk about? The world is vast. Is it written somewhere that only Konoha can possess Wood Release?"
Tsunade's eyes narrowed.
"You possess the Shikotsumyaku—the Kaguya clan's kekkei genkai. And now you're using Mokuton, a power that only Senju Hashirama once wielded. That combination doesn't occur naturally. Where did it come from?"
"You're said to be the greatest Medical Ninja. Surely you understand bloodline fusion?" Kimimaro replied evenly.
Tsunade crossed her arms.
"There are recorded cases of bloodline integration, but they're rare—and dangerous. Most end in failure. It's not impossible, but… your situation raises flags. There's only one known source of Hashirama's cells: Orochimaru's experiments."
Kimimaro gave her a neutral look.
"No comment."
Let her draw her own conclusions. If she thought he'd acquired it from Orochimaru, all the better. He had no intention of revealing the truth.
Tsunade clearly wasn't satisfied but let it go—for now.
"Very well. I had intended to speak with you at my office anyway. After this incident, I'd say it's even more necessary."
"Will there be an ambush waiting?"
Tsunade's lips twitched faintly.
"I said I was Hokage. I meant it. You'll be safe."
Kimimaro turned to glance at Hanabi and Ino, both tense but unharmed.
"What about them?"
"They can wait just outside my office," Tsunade replied.
"I won't keep you long."
Kimimaro gave a slight nod.
"Then let's go."
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