The Fifth Hokage, Shimura Danzo, it could only be him.
"Lord Danzo."
A researcher approached.
"What is it?"
"All the other experimental subjects are dead. Should we start the next round of experiments?"
"All dead?"
Danzo was not pleased with this result.
Although having one successful subject was gratifying, he wouldn't mind more Wood Style Ninja—in fact, the more the better.
So, upon hearing the researcher's report, his expression was obviously not good.
After investing so much manpower and resources, even risking imprisonment, only to produce one successful subject...
This left Danzo very dissatisfied.
"Yes. Also, we're running out of experimental subjects."
"A new batch of experimental subjects will be sent over soon, enough for your research. All you need to do is figure out how to cultivate new successful subjects; leave the rest to me."
"Understood."
The researcher nodded and returned to his workstation, beginning a new round of experiments.
Useless. Danzo silently criticized these researchers in his heart.
If all these resources were thrown at Orochimaru, there might have been new results by now.
However, he couldn't let Orochimaru get too close; he wanted Orochimaru's assistance but didn't want him to gain too much.
To Danzo, the threat of Orochimaru was far greater than that of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato.
Master of Ninja Techniques, Taijutsu, and Illusion Techniques, capable of independently creating Ninja Techniques and Secret Techniques, a genius in research, whether commanding a battle, dueling an enemy one-on-one, or having a keen political sense, he was an all-around perfect ninja.
Aside from his eerie demeanor that frightened children, Orochimaru could be considered a perfect being.
This was precisely what Danzo feared about Orochimaru.
Suddenly, the laboratory was filled with noise, with researchers' panicked cries waking Danzo from his thoughts.
When he turned to look, he saw numerous Anbu appear out of nowhere, surrounded by ninjas in Anbu uniforms, who quickly subdued the researchers and pinned them to the ground.
"Hi... Hiruzen..."
Seeing this scene, Danzo finally realized what was happening.
His secret research on Wood Style behind Hiruzen's back had been exposed once again.
However, he forced himself to remain calm.
It's fine; Hiruzen would remember old times and merely give him a token reprimand.
Compared to the success of the Wood Style experiment, these token reprimands wouldn't cause Danzo any trouble.
However, Hiruzen's face didn't show the hesitation or complicated expression Danzo hoped to see this time.
It was as though he ignored Danzo entirely and, flanked by the Anbu, coldly issued a command to him:
"From now on, Root Ninja are not allowed to take half a step out of Konoha, or else they will be executed without mercy!"
Executed without mercy? Danzo stood there, stunned.
What does this mean?
To be executed without mercy if they take half a step out of Konoha?
What about the Wood Style experiment?
What about the tribute from Hidden Rain?
"Hiruzen..."
"Shut up!"
This was the first time Danzo had truly felt Hiruzen's anger, causing an involuntary shudder of fear.
"From now on, I will have three squads of Anbu monitor you. Every move you make, including sleeping and eating, will be under Anbu surveillance. Whoever you meet, whatever you say or do, the Anbu will record it accurately, twenty-four hours a day without a moment's break."
"..."
"Root's maintenance funds will only cover basic living needs. As for Hidden Rain, I will appoint someone else to handle it. Danzo, you'd better rest well."
Hiruzen dropped these words and walked out.
Before leaving, he gave further instructions to the Anbu:
"Retrieve all the experimental subjects here."
Danzo's lips moved, but in the end, he said nothing.
In the laboratory, all the experimental subjects, dead or alive, were collected by the Anbu.
Eventually, three squads of Anbu, totaling twelve people, remained by Danzo's side.
"Lord Danzo, from today on, please take care of us. We'll be with you even while you sleep and eat."
"..."
Danzo knew he was finished.
Seeing Hiruzen's determination, he realized he would never rise again.
Including Orochimaru.
With problems occurring here, Orochimaru would also be placed under Hiruzen's Anbu surveillance.
Though less closely monitored, as Hiruzen's Anbu didn't have endless manpower, Orochimaru's actions would still be considerably restricted.
Root... was a shell of its former self.
Hiruzen's words had sealed Root's fate.
Is this the power of a Hokage? If I could wield such power, Konoha would surely grow stronger under my leadership! Danzo lowered his head, body trembling, eyes filled with unprecedented desire and ambition.
So, it's not over yet. As long as I'm alive, there's a chance to turn things around.
A temporary setback is not enough to defeat Shimura Danzo.
◎
The upheaval of Root did not cause much of a stir in Konoha.
Deep in the heart of Konoha, that was Root's domain.
But because it was Root, it had no way to survive in the sunlight.
If Root appeared under the sunlight, it would signify the collapse of Konoha's great tree.
It wasn't just Root; even the Advisors had fallen silent, seemingly restricted by something simultaneously.
Because of this, Minato's work had recently become busier.
Recruiting Anbu personnel, cultivating confidants, and wanting to establish his authority in Konoha would require time and a lot of money.