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The next morning,
Sosuke quickly tidied up and headed to the Root headquarters.
After the intense battle with Might Dai yesterday, or rather, after the relentless torment of Might Dai, Sosuke had fully adapted to his post-opening body.
Last night, he had attempted to awaken the Hōgyoku, but it was unsuccessful. Presumably, it was because he had once again exhausted all his energy and fell into a deep sleep.
To awaken the Hōgyoku, it seemed he would need to replenish his soul through more killing.
If the original Sosuke had some internal resistance to taking the lives of others, he had come to terms with it after the previous killings.
Those who have taken the lives of others probably have no right to seek redemption, including himself.
However, as one of the sinners in this filthy world, if he could, he wanted to stand at the top, even if he had to trample upon the bones of these people without hesitation.
This was the nine-year-old Sosuke's thoughts and desires at the moment. With the help of Kyōka Suigetsu and Hōgyoku, he believed that this path would become easier.
Looking at his hands, which were now stained with fresh blood, Sosuke smiled slightly, shook his head, and then leaped forward, accompanied by a gentle breeze and a murmuring sound.
"Standing in that position... perhaps... it's time to end this filthy era... the so-called shinobi..."
Before long, Sosuke arrived at the hidden base of Root.
This was his third time coming here, and as he looked at the massive underground space, Sosuke couldn't help but wonder.
If the residents of Konoha knew that there was such a large intelligence organization hidden beneath their feet, what would they think? And what did the Third Hokage think of Root? If he allowed its existence, how would the ANBU handle it?
Perhaps the existence of Root posed a potential threat to the major clans in the village.
Thinking of this, an image of Tsunade's youthful face involuntarily appeared in Sosuke's mind, and a warm smile appeared on his face.
If it were Tsunade, she wouldn't have the bad temperament of the major clans. Moreover, the Senju clan seemed to be gradually losing its influence with the passing of the Second Hokage.
As for the other clans, like the Uchiha clan, who were full of pride and had significant power, they were likely the true concerns of Root.
Walking through the dark corridor, even though Sosuke's mind was filled with various thoughts, a gentle smile remained on his face. The thick glasses he wore concealed everything, including his inner thoughts, making him appear kind and mild.
After arriving at a room, Sosuke quietly waited there for Shimura Himiko to appear.
"Tap." "Tap."
As Sosuke focused on his meditation, he could hear the light footsteps outside.
With the sound of the door being pushed open, Sosuke looked at Shimura Himiko in front of him. Although both of them wore masks, it didn't hinder Sosuke from imagining their beautiful faces.
For some reason, Shimura felt slightly annoyed as soon as she saw Sosuke. Perhaps she felt that behind those glasses, he was looking at her as an equal!
After all, she was the genius of the Shimura clan for this generation!
Being treated with an equal gaze by this little brat, who could even be called a super genius, was embarrassing enough for her. However, she couldn't express her anger and could only seethe silently.
Looking at Shimura in front of him, wearing the Root mask, Sosuke had a smile on his face as he spoke softly.
"Captain Hannya, I wonder what mission you will assign me today?"
And also!! Why does this brat's voice sound so pleasant?
And always with a confident and self-assured look, it really makes people angry. Thinking of this, Shimura's voice turned cold.
"You don't have a mission of your own, but today you need to go meet Danzo-sama. It's Danzo-sama's request since you are Danzo-sama's disciple."
After saying that, she turned around and walked away with her long legs, leaving Sosuke bewildered and unsure of where to go.
At this moment, Shimura also stopped in her tracks, seeing that Sosuke seemed completely clueless. She started to feel a little guilty, thinking about how she had targeted this little brat repeatedly, yet he had always spoken to her kindly without any resistance. She couldn't help but feel that she had made a big deal out of nothing.
Stopping her steps and restraining her anger, Shimura spoke softly to Sosuke.
"Come with me, I'll take you to meet Danzo-sama."
Upon hearing Shimura's gentle voice, Sosuke was slightly taken aback. He couldn't believe that the Root Captain was speaking to him so softly.
After all, her attitude towards him had always been cold and arrogant, like a swan with its head held high.
Now, she suddenly spoke to him in such a manner, which made Sosuke worried.
Could it be that the people from Root intended to harm him?
Shimura seemed to have sensed Sosuke's skeptical gaze, and her originally fair face under the mask turned red with embarrassment!
She regretted her previous behavior deep down in her heart!
This annoying brat!! Why do I make such low-level mistakes whenever I encounter this brat?! How could I speak to this arrogant brat in that tone?! I must be going crazy!
Seeing Shimura's gaze becoming colder and colder, Sosuke also realized that his suspicion had completely destroyed the goodwill she had shown him. He couldn't help but apologize softly.
"I'm sorry, I was rude. Please, go ahead."
Sosuke's apologetic response slightly eased Shimura's slightly annoyed mood.
Without saying much, the two of them walked towards the innermost room of Root, one in front and one behind.
In a room at the end of the dim corridor.
Sosuke once again saw Danzo.
Just like their first meeting, the only difference was that the last time they met was in Sosuke's room, while this time it was in Danzo's lair.
In Sosuke's eyes, Danzo carried a heavy sense of duskiness, something he didn't like.
To exist in the world like carrying heavy shackles, hiding in darkness, all of this deviated from Sosuke's goal.
However, Danzo had become Sosuke's teacher.
Inside the room.
A candle burned quietly, illuminating the entire room, but it was still dim.
Danzo half-closed his eyes, seemingly oblivious to Sosuke's arrival.
Sosuke didn't compare his patience with Danzo's, and he spoke softly first.
"Teacher Danzo."
Upon hearing Sosuke's voice, Danzo's deep voice answered.
"You've come, Sosuke."