The next day, early in the morning, the sky had just begun to lighten. It was the day to take over the Anbu Root. Naruto headed to the hot springs to pick up Karin, who was still unfamiliar with the Hidden Leaf Village.
"Naruto!"
When he arrived, he found Karin, but there were also two other familiar figures: his good teammates, Sasuke and Sakura.
"Sasuke? Sakura?"
"Aren't you coming with us on the mission?"
Sasuke hesitated for a moment before voicing his confusion. He had just briefly spoken with the girl named Karin and learned that Naruto had become the leader of a mysterious organization called "Root." Yesterday, he was promoted to jonin, and today, he was the leader of an organization. This shocking change made Sasuke feel a strong sense of unease.
Would they still be able to go on missions together like before? Could they still go to the Sage's realm?
Most importantly, would their friendship and bond be severed because of this? Although Sasuke was reluctant to admit it, Naruto had already taken an irreplaceable place in his life.
Naruto seemed oblivious to his inner turmoil. His expression remained the same. "Not today. Karin and I are in a bit of a rush, so we're heading off first!"
With that, Naruto turned and prepared to leave with Karin. Just as he took two steps, Sasuke's voice called out from behind him, with a hint of tension.
"In the future... can we still go on missions together?"
Naruto turned back, grinning at his two teammates. A hint of melancholy passed through his heart. Sasuke, Sakura, a sad, thick wall has grown between us!
Do you even know the value of being the leader of the Root organization?
But, go on missions together? Of course! He couldn't stay in the Hidden Leaf Village forever, could he?
However, seeing Sasuke's serious expression, a mischievous smile suddenly appeared on Naruto's face.
"In the future? Depends on my mood. After all, I'm a jonin now." His tone was teasing.
"That guy..."
Watching Naruto's figure walk away, Sasuke couldn't help but grit his teeth! Is this the world of a jonin? A powerful sense of urgency seized him! If he didn't stick with Naruto, his training progress would fall far behind!
In that instant, Sasuke's desire for power had never been so intense! He had to become a jonin as soon as possible! Three years? No, one year! I, Sasuke, will become a jonin in one year!
On the other side, Naruto was walking leisurely down the streets of the Hidden Leaf Village with Karin. He was helping her get familiar with the village while giving the Root organization time to gather.
They hadn't walked far when Naruto's keen senses caught a familiar figure. At the corner of the next intersection, the iconic silver-haired figure was lazily leaning against a wall, engrossed in his book, Icha Icha Paradise. Although Kakashi seemed completely absorbed, Naruto was 99.9%, no, 100% sure that his teacher was here specifically to find him!
"Kakashi-sensei?"
Naruto approached with Karin and greeted him.
Kakashi lowered his book, his gaze first sweeping over Naruto, then briefly resting on Karin's face, before locking back onto Naruto. Those dead-fish eyes, usually lazy and carefree, now held a rare, unconcealed, deep worry!
"Naruto," Kakashi's voice was low, with a hint of weariness. "I heard you're about to take over the Root organization?"
After hearing the news last night, he had tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep!
Root!
Just the name alone was enough to stir up unbearable memories of a time ruled by darkness and cold, calculated rules! Although the culprit, Danzō Shimura, had defected, the very existence of Root still hung over his heart like a dark cloud! And when he thought of Naruto Uzumaki, the bright young boy who carried the future of the Hidden Leaf Village, becoming the leader of this organization, an indescribable fear enveloped him! He couldn't imagine the catastrophe that would befall the Hidden Leaf Village and the entire world if the abyss-like darkness of Root were to completely stain the pure white canvas of Naruto's heart. What a terrifying sight that would be!
Kakashi's gaze was complex as he looked at his beloved student. "The Root organization is very deep, Naruto... you must not get too involved." He couldn't stop the Hokage's decision. This was the only piece of advice he could give.
"Kakashi-sensei, I get it," Naruto said in a relaxed tone, full of his usual confidence, as if he were just about to take over a trivial little club!
"You..." Kakashi had a thousand words to say, but they suddenly wouldn't come out. He made up his mind right then and there. From now on, he would keep a close eye on the Root organization, constantly monitoring and correcting his student, the future hope of the Hidden Leaf Village.
"You must be careful! Remember! Your sensei will always be watching you from behind."
"Okay." Naruto nodded, not understanding, but a little amused. You're overthinking it, Kakashi-sensei, you're overthinking it.Is this Root organization some kind of dragon's lair? It's just a small Root branch, won't it be easy to handle?
With that thought, a brilliant smile bloomed on Naruto's face. He gave Kakashi a thumbs-up. His voice was loud and confident. "Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei! I'll take care of this little Root organization!"
After saying goodbye to Kakashi, Naruto continued on with Karin. They hadn't gone far when Karin, unable to contain her curiosity, asked in a low voice, "Naruto-kun, what is the Root organization?"
As a newcomer, she was unfamiliar with the name. But she had keenly picked up on the deep concern in the jonin teacher's words.
"The Root organization, huh..." Naruto pondered for a moment. He didn't actually know much about Root himself, having never heard of it before. However, with Danzō's memories, no one knew Root better than he did.
In his memories, Root was not a good place. But in his hands, it would be completely reborn. So, he flashed a hopeful smile and said to Karin, "In the future, it will become the hidden protector of the Hidden Leaf Village!"
"A protector?" Karin repeated the word softly, engraving it solemnly in her heart. At the same time, she secretly turned her head to steal a glance at Naruto's profile, which looked particularly handsome in the morning light. Her heart fluttered. As expected of Naruto-kun! He's about to lead such an important organization! So cool!
Naruto naturally sensed Karin's worshipful gaze. But he didn't care. He was focused on the Root organization that they were about to arrive at. He continued to review Danzō's memories.
The people of "Root" had no names, no emotions; no past, no future. Each of them was a meticulously crafted, cold tool, stripped of their humanity through inhumane training, ultimately becoming mindless puppets who only knew how to obey orders. After decades of iterations, almost every member was personally selected, brainwashed from a young age, and cruelly trained by Danzō himself! Each one was watched as they grew up, and their loyalty to Danzō was carved into their bones!
What kind of Hidden Leaf organization was this? It was clearly Danzō Shimura's private army! It was his own kingdom!
It was impenetrable!
Remembering this, Naruto finally understood why the Third Hokage had shown that meaningful, even "scheming," smile. That old fox was probably testing him with this! He probably even predicted that a 12-year-old like him would never be able to tame this iron-blooded army that was only loyal to one person!
However, the corner of Naruto's mouth curled into a contemptuous smile.
Who was he? Naruto Uzumaki!
If he could even tame the Nine-Tails, what was so hard about a mere organization? It was as easy as flipping his hand! It would probably be the same process as taming Gamabunta.
They say, first you invite, then you behead, then you take them as your dog. A three-step process! He could simplify it. Just behead, then take them as his dog!
He wanted to see just how hard the bones of these brainwashed "tools" were! Besides, since these people were so loyal to Danzō, Naruto was confident he had an even more clever way to handle them!
Meanwhile, deep underground in the Hidden Leaf Village, inside the gigantic, anthill-like base of the Root organization, the atmosphere was unusually strange! Ever since the news of Danzō Shimura's defection had arrived, the entire Root organization had fallen into unprecedented chaos and confusion.
At first, the members couldn't believe it! Although such a thing was unheard of, the logic of Root told them that Lord Danzō must have faked his defection for some top-secret mission. It wasn't until the elite Anbu forcibly descended upon the Root base. At that moment, the heavens of Root collapsed.
Lord Danzō really betrayed the Hidden Leaf Village?
After that, the Root organization was announced to be disbanded. Most of the members scattered like fallen leaves, either returning home to live in obscurity or being absorbed into the Anbu system. A small number of core members were forced to undergo strict investigations and surveillance.
Just when all the Root members felt their hearts turn to ash, thinking that the organization had completely perished and that they and their dreams would vanish like ghosts, a cold summons, like a giant rock thrown into still water, startled everyone yesterday. It ordered them to return to the Root base and gather today!
Now, in a dark corridor leading to the main conference room, two figures were walking quickly.
"Tanuki, do you know what this emergency summons is for?"
Hyou asked in a low voice, with a hint of tension he couldn't hide.
"It must be Lord Danzō coming back!"
The person who answered's face immediately flushed with uncontrollable excitement. "I knew it! Lord Danzō's defection was definitely a fake, a painful ruse to cooperate with a top-secret Hidden Leaf operation! Now that the mission is complete, Lord Danzō is naturally making a glorious return!"
"Tanuki... is that really true?"
Hyou looked at his fanatical expression, his face showing a hint of hesitation, his voice growing weaker.
Shigaraki Tanuki suddenly stopped. His eyes burned as he stared at Hyou, his voice resolute. "It has to be! What else could it be?!" His heart was already overwhelmed with ecstasy! If Lord Danzō returned, not only would the Root organization be revived, but his own crucial, interrupted research could also continue.
With this fervent anticipation, Shigaraki Tanuki's steps quickened.
As the two continued forward, the number of people gathered in the corridor increased the closer they got to the conference room. They asked each other in hushed tones, but no one had any definitive news. However, Shigaraki Tanuki's fanatical theory of "Danzō's return," like a spark thrown onto dry firewood, quickly ignited the hopes in the hearts of most of the members. It received widespread approval and agreement.
Until they ran into a group of people on the way. The leader was Fū Yamanaka.
Hyou's eyes lit up. He hurried forward and asked, "Fū-senpai, do you have any solid news? What's going on with Lord Danzō?"
Fū, who was leading the group, looked at the person who spoke. After recognizing him, he shook his head slightly. He was a little confused himself. He had been taken away for questioning a few days ago, and thanks to his clan's protection, he wasn't put in a difficult position, but he was put under house arrest. Last night, he suddenly received this mysterious summons, and now he was completely clueless!
"It must be Lord Danzō coming back!" Shigaraki Tanuki repeated his theory.
This time, several members following behind Fū Yamanaka also agreed.
"He's right, it must be Lord Danzō coming back, otherwise why would he summon us?"
"The Root organization is about to be resurrected! Only Lord Danzō has the right to lead us!"
"Exactly! The leader of Root will always be Lord Danzō! Only Lord Danzō can lead us and make the Hidden Leaf Village great forever!"
Fū Yamanaka scanned the faces of the people whose eyes burned with fanatical belief. Although he had his own reservations, he couldn't help but nod along with the crowd. He suppressed the unease in his heart and agreed, "That's right, let's go. Let's go welcome Lord Danzō!"
The group continued forward, meeting more and more Root members who held the same fanaticism and hope. They formed a dark current, surging toward the main conference room, the symbol of the core of power.
Finally, upon entering the spacious but cold conference room, everyone saw a heavyweight elder—Torune Aburame. His appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention.
"Torune-senpai, is Lord Danzō back?" As an elder of the Root organization, Torune Aburame was instantly surrounded by the fanatical crowd!
"Danzō?" Torune Aburame frowned slightly, a flicker of complexity passing through his eyes. After a moment of silence, he chose to hide the truth.
"I... am not sure yet."
He had known about Danzō's defection when he first received the news and had even questioned the two elders about it. He even went directly to the Third Hokage, and the answer was the same. Danzō Shimura had defected! It wasn't just because of the Sharingan on his arm, but because Danzō Shimura had willingly defected himself. The moment he learned the truth, Torune Aburame's heart sank into an icy pit.
He had followed Danzō because he couldn't stand Hiruzen Sarutobi's methods and firmly believed that only Danzō's ideals could lead the Hidden Leaf Village to true glory! Whether it was the Sharingan or the Uchiha clan's massacre, he had carried out his orders without question, fully believing in Danzō's choices. But in the end, Danzō Shimura chose to defect. This left Torune Aburame feeling deeply disillusioned and disappointed!
"Then what is this summons for?"
"It must be Lord Danzō coming back!" Someone in the crowd shouted, voicing Shigaraki Tanuki's inner thoughts.
A brilliant smile instantly appeared on Shigaraki Tanuki's face. Sure enough, I'm not the only one. The entire Root is loyal to Lord Danzō.
"That's right, it must be Lord Danzō coming back!" he echoed excitedly.
"What if... Lord Danzō isn't coming back, and someone else is taking over Root?" a timid voice asked.
In an instant, countless pairs of ferocious eyes turned to the source of the voice.
Sai felt as if he was about to be torn to shreds by these gazes. But his older brother, Shin, reacted quickly. He stepped forward, blocked his brother with his arm, and shielded him from the predatory stares with his body.
"Shin, you should discipline your little brother!"
"Listen to what nonsense he's talking about! How can Root be taken over by someone else?! Root only has one sun! And that's Lord Danzō!"
Shigaraki Tanuki's impassioned declaration immediately ignited a collective response from the whole room. Most of them had flushed faces, fanatical eyes, and were waving their arms in the air! They had been brainwashed and trained under Danzō's shadow since they were young, and that twisted loyalty had long been ingrained in their bones.
"That's right! Root's leader will only ever be one person, and that's Lord Danzō!"
Torune Aburame watched coldly. He looked at the faces twisted by fanaticism and felt a chill in his heart! He knew that most of these people were in the dark, but he was too lazy to reveal the truth. He was also curious about the truth behind this mysterious summons today!
Suddenly, Torune Aburame's body stiffened. His symbiotic parasitic insects, which were always active inside him, had, without warning, collectively fallen silent! They were even trembling. They were afraid of an irresistible presence that was about to arrive. This unprecedented anomaly instantly sent off alarm bells in Torune Aburame's mind. He turned his head sharply, his keen gaze, like that of a hawk, locking onto the closed door of the conference room!
Creak—
As the noise inside the room died down, the door behind them slowly opened. As if a mute button had been pressed, all sounds in the conference room instantly vanished. Over a hundred pairs of eyes all focused on the doorway, with an almost religious anticipation...
Is it Lord Danzō?!
However, to everyone's disappointment and shock, the person who appeared at the door was a figure wearing an Anbu mask. He stepped aside, and respectfully gestured, "Lord Naruto, this is the place."
Then, a blond-haired boy in a black coat, with a radiant, sun-like smile on his face, calmly and composedly stepped into this space shrouded in fanaticism and darkness. He said to the Anbu member gently, "Thank you for your hard work! When you go back, say hello to the old man Hokage for me! Tell him I've received his 'gift'!"
The old man Hokage...
The overly casual title made a drop of cold sweat run down the Anbu member's forehead. He instinctively glanced inside the conference room. He had heard the fanatical shouts of the Root members just a moment ago, even through the door.
Lord Danzō... these people...
"Lord Naruto, should I stay and maintain order?" the Anbu member asked in a low voice.
"No need." Naruto didn't even turn his head. His voice was calm but held an undeniable power. "Just leave this to me."
"As you command!"
Thinking of the terrifying strength of this person, which could defy all logic, the Anbu member's doubts vanished. He exchanged a knowing glance with the few Anbu members who were with him and then turned and left without hesitation!
"It's him!"
Torune Aburame's mind reeled. This boy was the source of his insects' fear. He knew Naruto. During the horrific "Hidden Leaf Destruction Plan," most of the Root members were strictly confined to the base, with only a few scouts allowed to operate outside. And he, Torune Aburame, was one of those very few "eyes," thanks to his unmatched intelligence-gathering abilities!
Because of this, he had personally witnessed the hellish sight that would forever be seared into his memory—how Naruto Uzumaki, with an almost crushing dominance, used over a thousand different but world-destroying ninjutsu to relentlessly barrage the resurrected bodies of the First and Second Hokage for nearly an hour!
The scene, which defied all shinobi knowledge, contained an absolute power and a bottomless well of chakra. It took him, a veteran elite who had seen a lot, a full three days to accept and digest that deep-seated terror!
Strong! So strong!
He had been convinced back then that the future of the Hidden Leaf Village would rest in this person's hands! But his purpose for being here at the Root base today...
Could it be?
An unbelievable yet perfectly fitting idea suddenly appeared in his mind!
"Who's this guy?" a voice in the crowd muttered softly, voicing the confusion of most Root members.
"I've never seen him before. I don't know." The one who was asked shook his head blankly.
Although the Shinobi World Daily had already reached every country, and Naruto's name was famous throughout the shinobi world, the coverage was not 100%. What's more, the Root members gathered here were a group of eccentric, reclusive people who were detached from the normal world! They didn't communicate with the outside world and were indifferent to outside information. It was perfectly normal for them not to recognize the famous young boy in front of them!
In the countless eyes that were now on him, the expressions were a mixture of strangeness, curiosity, and undisguised, ferocious hostility, like a beast watching an intruder in its territory!
Naruto, however, walked as if he were taking a leisurely stroll, ignoring all the stares. His steps were steady as he walked through the path the crowd parted for him, heading directly for the high-seated, symbolic throne of power and status!
Karin was also being stared at by so many beast-like eyes. Although she was just a bystander, she felt a bone-chilling coldness. It was like being targeted by countless hungry venomous snakes. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. But seeing Naruto's calm figure, she just thought he was so cool! After staring blankly at Naruto walking away, she came to her senses and quickly followed him with her head down.
Everyone's eyes followed the unfamiliar blond boy, filled with shock and uncertainty! Most people were guessing what the purpose was for this kid, who looked like he had just graduated from the academy, being respectfully led here by the Anbu. Was he trying to join the Anbu?
As Naruto's steps steadily climbed the stairs toward the main seat, and he was about to sit on the chair that symbolized Danzō's supreme authority...
"Hey! Where did this little brat come from?! You don't know your place! Do you think you can sit in that seat?"
A voice that could no longer be suppressed suddenly exploded, shouting out the shock and anger that had been building up in everyone's hearts.
"Exactly! Why did the Anbu bring you here? Where's Lord Danzō?!"
Little brat?
Naruto, who was about to sit down, paused slightly. The corner of his mouth slowly curled into a half-smile, as if he had heard something incredibly funny. The next second, in everyone's shocked, sneering, or angry gazes, he turned around and nonchalantly sat on the seat of power! His demeanor was so calm, it was as if he were in his own living room!
"Get down! This isn't a place for you!"
"That seat isn't for a brat like you!"
Seeing the blond boy, who was no more than twelve years old, casually sit in Lord Danzō's exclusive seat, the Root members in the entire conference room erupted as if their most basic defensive instincts had been triggered. A storm of angry and questioning voices swept through the room! A few hot-headed ones had murderous looks in their eyes, and their chakra surged. It seemed they were about to charge forward and tear this clueless kid to shreds!
Naruto slowly raised his eyes. His pair of brilliant blue eyes was so cold it was unsettling. He had no desire to deal with these ants himself.
Never mind.
He casually raised his right hand, his five fingers slightly spread, palm up.
Buzz—
A pure, yet destructive, white light suddenly lit up in his palm. Then, the white light erupted! It instantly condensed into an enormous, inverted cone. The tip of the cone rested steadily on Naruto's palm. The massive cone extended infinitely upward, easily piercing through the thick ceiling, and layers of rock and earth, until it finally disappeared into the distant, unreachable sky!
As soon as the inverted white giant cone appeared, an aura of extreme sharpness, as if it would completely decompose and annihilate everything in the world into nothingness, descended with a crash! It was like an invisible giant hand that tightly squeezed the throats of everyone present! The angry roars came to an abrupt halt. The surging chakra instantly froze. The conference room fell into a dead silence. The only sound left was the pounding of everyone's hearts wildly beating against their chests.
Before anyone could recover from the suffocating pressure, the inverted white giant cone suddenly burst into a blinding light. It flashed!
The next moment, everyone felt a chill on their heads. An unprecedented feeling of emptiness instantly enveloped them. Someone instinctively looked up, and their pupils immediately shrank to pinpricks. The color drained from their faces.
They saw that the ceiling of the Root base, which was buried dozens of meters underground and should have been obscured by thick layers of rock and mountain, was now completely gone. The morning sunlight poured down unobstructed, illuminating this dark corner that had never seen the light of day. And the thick layers of earth, rock, and buildings—dozens or even a hundred meters thick—that had once covered it had been completely wiped away as if by the most precise eraser.
There was no explosion! No tremor! And there wasn't even a single piece of rubble or dust left behind! It was as if they had never existed.
This! What kind of unbelievable power was this? Was it really something a human could do in an instant?
The conference room, which had been so noisy just a moment ago, was now so quiet you could hear a pin drop! It was as silent as a library. All the Root members were frozen in place, their faces etched with extreme shock and stupefaction! Their eyes, once filled with hostility and doubt, now only held a deep-seated fear and confusion. They were all focused on the blond boy in the main seat.
In the suffocating silence, Naruto's calm voice rang out.
"I know you have countless questions and many things you want to say to me," his voice was not loud, but it seemed to carry a certain magic, forcing everyone to desperately suppress their wildly beating hearts and even hold their breath just to hear every word he said! "I'm giving you that chance now. In the back room over there, I will talk to each of you, one by one."
Naruto pointed with his hand. "First, you!" The finger of the Great Void Prison pointed at the one who had been the most vocal—Shigaraki Tanuki.
"Me?"
Shigaraki Tanuki's body trembled. He felt the horror of being singled out by the Grim Reaper. He froze in place, his mind a blank.
After speaking, Naruto ignored the crowd, stood up, and walked directly into the back room. Only Karin remained outside, like the most loyal sentinel.
Shigaraki Tanuki stood there like a soul-less puppet. He stared blankly at the door to the back room and then mechanically raised his head to look at the shockingly unobstructed, brilliant blue sky!
That thick layer, dozens or even a hundred meters deep, had been so effortlessly erased. This kind of power...
Gulp!
He swallowed a mouthful of almost-frozen saliva with difficulty!
"Hey! What are you standing around for? Lord Naruto is waiting for you inside!" Karin's voice was a little impatient.
"I... I..." Shigaraki Tanuki's eyes, like those of a drowning person, looked for help from his comrades. Some were concerned, some were gloating. But not one of them was willing to stand up. That terrifying white light that had seemed to annihilate everything was like a sharp sword hanging over everyone's heads. At this moment, who would dare to stand up?
He took a few trembling steps forward, and as he reached the door to the back room, a voice came from behind him.
"Tanuki, remember, Lord Danzō is watching you!"
Danzō...
Remembering his lord's figure, Shigaraki Tanuki hardened his heart and said through gritted teeth, "I will be loyal to Lord Danzō!" With that, he charged into the back room like a man heading for the gallows.
Three minutes passed. In the dead silence, it felt as long as three centuries. No one knew what had happened behind that closed door!
Suddenly!
Creak, a soft sound. The door opened!
Shigaraki Tanuki walked out of the back room slowly. The dejected, frightened, and suicidal expression from before was completely gone, replaced by a radiant smile. This smile seemed to have a light of its own. He looked like a completely new person!
This drastic change stunned everyone. After a brief silence, whispers spread like a plague.
"He's betrayed us! That guy has definitely betrayed us!"
"Impossible, Shigaraki Tanuki is the most loyal to Lord Danzō," Hyou said resolutely. The passionate declaration Shigaraki Tanuki had made on the way here was still fresh in his mind. Shigaraki Tanuki's loyalty to Lord Danzō was beyond doubt.
But the person who spoke before shook his head. Seeing his words being questioned, Hyou asked loudly, "Shigaraki Tanuki, are you still loyal to Lord Danzō?"
Hearing this, Shigaraki Tanuki felt a disgust as if he had just eaten feces. He suddenly straightened his back, his voice loud and filled with a fanatical, almost sacred passion.
"Danzō? Pah! There are not two suns in the sky, and a people can have only one master. In my heart, there will always be only one sun, and that is the supreme Lord Naruto!"
?
While everyone was in shock, he paused, as if that wasn't enough, and added in an almost fawning tone, "I, Shigaraki Tanuki, am willing to be Lord Naruto's most loyal dog!"