They came so fast.
"You just inducted Aburame Shiro into Root not long ago, isn't that enough?"
The Third Hokage looked at his old partner with some dissatisfaction.
Root's reach was getting longer and longer, subtly crossing boundaries.
"Not enough. The Root buried deep underground needs to draw more nutrients to strengthen Konoha. The larger this Root is, the better! Hiruzen, you understand."
Danzo slammed his cane on the ground, then glanced at Shibi.
Aburame Shibi kept his head lowered, seemingly indifferent to everything happening before him.
"Shibi, you've worked hard this time. Take a few days off, I have a new assignment for you."
The Third Hokage took a puff from his pipe. After Shibi disappeared, he paused and asked, "Which one do you want?"
"Uchiha Yi Hui, Hyuga Ruiha, Shiranui Bai Lu. I want these three people," Danzo stated. "I originally wanted to recruit Kakashi into Root. He lost his father and his emotions are unstable, but you refused me!"
"I can assign Might Guy to you, and Might Duy too, if you want."
"Hiruzen, I don't need idiots! And two of them at that! They lack the qualities and talent to become excellent ninja!"
"I think Hayate Gekko is also quite good. His Kekkei Genkai has great potential..."
"That little thing from the Gekko Family? Invisible when still, visible when moving. What good is a Kekkei Genkai like that? Sending out a few Shadow Clones is more useful than that Kekkei Genkai!"
Danzo was somewhat angry and deeply disappointed.
You're trying to fool me like this? You've changed; you don't even care about me anymore.
Recommending Guy was bad enough, but even Hayate?
"Ichie is definitely out. The Uchiha Clan won't allow it. As for Ruiibo and Bai Lu... you can choose one."
"Then give me Ruiibo."
Danzo's face was gloomy.
"The Hyuga Clan? Although he belongs to the Branch Family, recruiting Ruiibo into Root will face significant resistance. I think the child Bai Lu is quite good—perfect scores in political courses, and he even awakened a new Kekkei Genkai..."
"It will be Hyuga Ruiha. Konoha does not lack Genius, and Shiro is even more outstanding."
Danzo got what he wanted and turned to leave.
Bai Lu? A new bloodline? Fine, at least it's much more practical than that damn 'Toton'.
But Root is not lacking in abilities like that!
The Aburame Shiro he recruited miraculously mastered Nano-grade Poisonous Insects. Just a touch allows him to kill enemies using countless Nano Poisonous Insects, which is far more useful than any blood poison.
"Hmph, it's a pity I still couldn't obtain a living Sharingan Kekkei Genkai."
Danzo walked away.
In the office, only the Third Hokage remained, puffing intermittently on his pipe and letting out a deep sigh.
"The new generation must grow up quickly."
...In the arena.
The shock brought by Bai Lu stunned many people, so much so that many were looking at him with unfamiliar eyes.
It was indeed unfamiliar; having been wrapped in bandages year-round, tearing them off suddenly gave an indescribable feeling.
"I challenge Bai Lu!"
Obito suddenly rushed out, shouting, "Bai Lu, come fight me!"
Swish!
The loyal Guy suddenly appeared, blocking Obito immediately, and said calmly, "This is not a challenge match. Please return to your position. The match is not over yet."
"Get out of the way! I'm challenging Bai Lu!"
Obito instinctively rushed forward to grab him, but Guy instantly threw him aside with one hand.
"Then I'll challenge you! Take this, Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!" Obito quickly performed the hand seals and puffed out his cheeks.
And then... he choked on the breath, and he himself was instantly kicked out by Guy.
A farce.