The leaders of Konoha's shinobi clans stared in amazement at the completely renovated headquarters of the Roots. Their expressions froze, and for a moment, no one knew how to react.
In the past, the Roots was a gloomy and terrifying place. Only a few torches on the walls provided a weak, flickering light. The floor was always covered in puddles of water of unknown origin, and heart-rending screams often came from the rooms within.
The place looked more like a giant torture chamber than an operational base, emanating a chilling atmosphere that repelled anyone who approached. Even the ANBU themselves preferred to stay away, unless strictly necessary.
The image of the Root as the darkness of the shinobi world was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Konoha, and its dark atmosphere fit perfectly with the reputation of its former leader, Shimura Danzo.
But now, the Roots headquarters was unrecognizable.
Warm, bright lights illuminated the entire base from the ceiling. The floor was polished marble that reflected the light.
The facilities were organized into spacious, orderly departments. Even the laboratories that contained cadavers for experiments were spotless. The researchers, dressed in white lab coats and protective suits, worked seriously and with dedication, while the ventilation and decontamination systems operated perfectly.
Although everyone knew that human experiments were probably being carried out, the neatness and transparency of the place gave a disturbingly professional impression.
The Roots members walked through the halls in a disciplined manner, without the need to wear masks. The most surprising thing was that there were genuine smiles on their faces, something unthinkable in the past.
How could this still be the Root?
The place that once terrified all the shinobi of Konoha now looked presentable enough to take even the students of the Ninja School on a guided tour.
The icing on the cake was the series of huge banners hanging at the entrance to the base.
[Konoha Root - Pioneer Training Base of the Will of Fire]
[To succeed, move forward without hesitation! Here at the Roots, anything is possible!]
[Vigorous roots never skimp on nourishing the sprouts. We are proud to be the foundation of Konoha's future!]
The clan leaders frowned as they read the words laden with the ideology of the Will of Fire.
No, we are here for the Root, right?
Why does this look like a newly built Hokage Residence...
With mixed emotions, the leaders watched the changes around them.
"Everyone, the current Root has changed a little bit from before..." Kazuki smiled gently and said slowly: "The previous Root, I believe everyone doesn't like it, and it doesn't conform to the Will of Fire, so that the members of the Root and everyone in the village have some resentment towards this organization."
"So, the Third Hokage punished Shimura Danzo, and our Root is also rectifying, from the external image to the internal values, it is closely aligned with the Will of Fire, which everyone can see."
Kazuki took these ninja clan leaders to visit the Root.
Each area displayed a level of professionalism that impressed the clan leaders.
Finally, they arrived at a conference room. Kazuki took the main seat, while the leaders settled in. After a slight clearing of the throat, Kazuki broke the silence.
"Let's face it, we all know what the Roots' image was like under Danzo's leadership." Kazuki said with a smile that belied the weight of his words. "Not only did he seize the most promising talents of their clans under the guise of protecting the village, but he turned them into soulless tools, disconnecting them from their family roots."
The leaders looked at each other uncomfortably, unable to contradict these truths.
"However, as you can see, the root has now become a formal organization. Under the norms of the Will of Fire, it has become a gathering place for Konoha's elites!"
Kazuki continued: "Today I have called you here, first, to witness the new direction of the root..." He paused, looking around at the crowd with a smile. "And second, because we are currently short of manpower. I hope you can provide some support. After all, the shadow of war is looming over us, and the root will be the first line of defense. Now we need the influx of fresh forces."
The faces of the leaders changed abruptly.
It was just as they feared!
Even though the Root Building looked bright, majestic, and dignified, their leader's heart was still as dark as Danzo's, or perhaps even worse. And that banner fluttering above their heads, bearing the motto of the Will of Fire, was a weight even more oppressive than any of Danzo's speeches.
Why weren't the clans sending their young talents to the root yet? Did they harbor rebellious intentions?
The clan leaders felt like they were short of breath. So this was where he planned to trap them.
"However, there are still some things I want you to see first." Kazuki smiled gently. "Torifu-san, Choza told me about the Akimichi clan's Three Colored Pills. After working with Tsunade-sensei, we've managed to greatly reduce their side effects." Kazuki commented, pushing a box across the table towards Akimichi Torifu.
Torifu looked at Kazuki's face and sighed silently. 'Kagami... Your descendant doesn't look anything like you...'
'This calculating approach, manipulating interests and situations, is much more similar to that of Tobirama-sensei.'
Although Torifu had no personal interest in power, as the leader of the Akimichi clan, any improvements to the Three Colored Pills interested him deeply.
For years, these pills had been a double-edged sword: a final resort that consumed the user's life, without contributing to day-to-day combat. Torifu had even tried to call on Tsunade for help, but she had flatly refused his request. If she made no concessions even to Sarutobi Hiruzen, what could he expect?
With seriousness, Torifu opened the box, finding the three pills. He looked up at Kazuki.
"The spinach pill used to cause widespread pain. Now, thanks to adjustments in its composition, it only causes slight muscle fatigue." Kazuki explained, with a smile.
"Why don't you try it, Torifu-san?" Kazuki suggested casually.
Looking at Kazuki's sincere expression, Torifu took a spinach pill and chewed it slowly. To his surprise, it tasted good.
But immediately afterwards, he felt the effect of the pill. Moreover, he hardly felt any discomfort. The effect even seemed much stronger than that of the original pill.
Torifu looked at Kazuki in shock, muttering to himself: "How did you do that?"
"Mainly, thanks to Tsunade-sensei's work." Kazuki humbly replied. "I only assisted in the process."
But Tobirama snorted coldly. "Kazuki, what does it have to do with Tsunade? Isn't this the idea I provided you!"
"Now you want credit for that?" Kazuki replied, laughing. "What do you want me to tell Torifu that it was the work of his sensei who returned from the Pure Land?"
Kazuki said helplessly: "You are a master of forbidden techniques, and researching drugs is just a drop in the bucket for you, don't worry about it..."
Senju Tobirama raised his eyebrows. "Just know it, kid."
Kazuki shook his head. Sometimes, Senju Tobirama's copyright awareness is always strangely strong, which makes him speechless.
"The second pill, the curry pill, provides a massive supply of energy. We made some additional adjustments to it." Kazuki said, gesturing for Torifu to try it out.
Remembering the good results of the first pill, Torifu did not hesitate to try the second one. A warm current flowed through his body, filling him with vitality.
"Excellent, excellent!" He exclaimed excitedly. "And the chili pill?"
"It's still under development." Kazuki replied with a slight smile. "As part of the principles of the Will of Fire, the root will freely share the improved formula of the spinach pill with the Akimichi clan."
"However..." He continued, his tone turning serious. "The resources of the Root are limited. In giving something, we also expect something in return."
Torifu tensed, then nodded. "It makes sense, Leader Kazuki. It's only fair."
The shrewd Akimichi leader said no more, waiting for Kazuki to make his offer. However, Kazuki simply smiled and turned his attention to the Nara clan leader.
"During the study of the Three Colored Pills, several supplements were developed based on the unique ingredients cultivated by the Nara clan. This is one of the finished products that helps relieve brain tension caused by the high affinity with Yin Release."
Kazuki pushed a box of medicines and formulas in front of the Nara clan leader, motioning for him to look through them.
The Nara Clan Leader's eyes lit up, ignoring Torifu's urgent eyes, he carefully checked the prescription and then swallowed the capsule immediately.
Instantly, the leader of the Nara clan felt his mind clear, and even his thoughts worked faster. The lingering fatigue and desire to rest disappeared instantly.
For the Nara clan, whose keen intelligence was their greatest strength, this was an invaluable resource.
The leader of the Nara clan did not hesitate. "Leader Kazuki, the Nara clan will voluntarily send its best members to support the root. The Will of Fire is an inspiration, and we cannot stand on the sidelines. We want to be part of this great family!"
Torifu frowned. This crafty old man, how come he didn't even try to negotiate? However, at that very moment, he felt a slight pain in his leg. The leader of the Nara clan had given him a discreet kick.
Torifu was startled and quickly added: "The Akimichi clan will do it too! We ask for nothing in return, we only wish that the will of the Root's fire will be supported by the Akimichi clan."
That kick brought him back to reality.
Before him was not a simple boy who could be underestimated, but a leader capable of overthrowing Danzo, with a calm smile but a much more ruthless method.
Torifu recalled Kazuki's extremely aggressive stance towards other shinobi villages, and felt some regret. Perhaps he had spent too much time in retirement, living a comfortable life and losing political sensitivity.
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