A minute later...
Yamanaka Fū, who seconds ago had been strutting like a boastful rooster, now lay on the ground at Naruto's feet like a beaten dog.
> "I wasn't even trying hard yet, and you already collapsed."
To be fair, Fū wasn't weak—he could easily handle Neji, Sasuke, or Lee. But compared to Naruto? He was gone in a single move. Only a few shinobi could tank a punch from Naruto.
> "Shadow Clone Technique!"
A puff of white smoke later, Naruto's Shadow Clone appeared.
> "Fourth Hokage, thank you." Naruto nodded at the clone, then vanished himself.
That clone was actually being controlled by the Fourth Hokage. It grabbed Fū by the chin—just a gentle pinch—and Fū's tongue lolled out.
On its center was a strange symbol—horizontal lines, some broken—known as the "Tongue-Reckoning Severance Seal."
Danzo used this seal on all Root shinobi's tongues. If they ever tried to speak words about forbidden topics, their bodies would instantly paralyze—perfect for preventing leaks.
Of course, the seal served more than just security. Danzo also used it to control Root operatives. If he wanted, he could kill them instantly. It was like the Hyuga's Caged Bird Technique—but more flexible.
Danzo had once planned to use the same seal on Naruto, years ago when he suggested to Hiruzen that Naruto be brought under his wing. Danzo wanted to seal Naruto's tongue and use him as his private weapon. Luckily, Hiruzen never agreed.
Now? That seal was no longer going to be used—not because Danzo didn't want to, but because he couldn't.
And not all Root shinobi had been sealed—like older members such as Orochimaru.
Moments later, Naruto returned—carrying several unconscious Root operatives: four adults like Fū, and six kids around Naruto's age. One pale youngster caught Naruto's attention.
> Sasame.
Naruto looked at the seal on Fū's tongue. Its strange shape made him frown.
All those Root seals—trained to control emotions, loyalty, obedience—they worked marvelously so long as the controller's power remained.
But their strength was also their weakness. If Naruto became their seal's controller, they'd obey him instead.
Naruto wasn't great with seals or jutsu, but he had something stronger: the Fourth Hokage—the underground seal master. Jutsu like Eight Trigrams Sealing Style or the Soul Burial Seal came naturally to him—along with mastery over Sage Mode and Kurama.
In short: The Fourth's sealing skill surpassed Danzo's.
He nodded at Naruto's clone:
> "That seal can be undone—or overwritten."
Naruto grinned, fox-like.
Imagine Danzo's face when he finds out Naruto's taken over his seals… priceless.
This was the ultimate stealth victory.
---
Meanwhile, Danzo had just exited the Root base, heading toward the Hokage's office under graying, stormy skies.
His knees ached.
> Rheumatism.
He stared at Hiruzen's stone statue atop the Hokage Rock. A chill flashed in his eye:
> Humph.
Three quick steps later, he was inside the office. Hiruzen calmly set aside his pipe and stood.
> "Danzo, you've been in contact with the Nine-Tails jinchūriki." Hiruzen spoke softly.
"I thought I warned you not to get close to him."
Danzo—no matter how careful—couldn't hide from Hiruzen's watchful eye. After all, Naruto could sense chakra. Danzo isn't Naruto.
> "Sarutobi, are you worried I'm turning him into my Root asset?" said Danzo—calm, as if it happened every day.
"Relax. I haven't harmed him—in fact, I've purposely looked out for him. I even taught him jutsu."
(Though Naruto learned none of them.)
Hiruzen's skepticism stayed.
> "I know you don't believe me. But I only meant to guide a younger shinobi. I have no children. Naruto is the only young shinobi I've supported."
Danzo sighed and lowered his gaze:
> "If you don't want me near him, I'll stay away."
With that, Danzo used his emotional card—the aura of a forlorn elder.
Hiruzen considered for a moment, then nodded slowly.
> "Fine. This once. Don't let it happen again."
> "But know this: It will be the last time. If I find out you're trying to influence the Nine-Tails jinchūriki, I will not forgive you.
> "Understood?"
Danzo bowed slightly on the outside. Inside, his mind raced:
> Humph. Sarutobi—you and I both know this isn't over.
Then they began discussing the reformation of Root. Sarutobi needed Danzo—someone who could wear the black gloves.
Danzo remained bitter…but indispensable. Despite everything, Hiruzen valued him.
Their relations were a fierce dance of love and rivalry.
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