The Root Base.
"Stop! Who are you?!" Two Root members stood on alert, glaring at the three figures approaching.
"Hmm? There are still people in Konoha who don't recognize this great sage?" Jiraiya crossed his arms and spoke confidently.
"Wait… are you… Lord Jiraiya?" One of the Root members finally recognized him.
"Hmph, that's right! It's me, the legendary Jiraiya!" He raised his chin proudly, his nose slightly upturned, looking quite pleased with himself.
"Now that you know who I am, step aside and let me through!"
The two Root members exchanged glances before one of them replied, "Even if you are Lord Jiraiya, without proper authorization, you cannot enter the Root base."
Jiraiya's expression faltered, the confidence draining from his face. He had hoped to impress his companions, but clearly, his attempt had failed.
"We have an official summons from the Hokage," Yamato interjected, pulling out a letter and handing it to the Root members. "It's an order for Danzō to attend the Sixth Hokage's inauguration ceremony."
The Root members inspected the letter, scrutinizing the Hokage's seal. After confirming its authenticity, they exchanged puzzled looks.
Why would an order like this involve Root, which usually operated in the shadows? Even if they were to attend, it would typically be done discreetly.
"May we enter now?" Yamato asked.
The two Root members hesitated before one said, "Wait here. I'll inform Lord Danzō."
The other member stayed to guard them, while the first went inside. A short while later, he returned, nodding to his companion. At last, they allowed Jiraiya's group to enter the base.
The vastness of the Root base caused Jiraiya to click his tongue in surprise. "Hah, looks like they've been siphoning off a fair share of Konoha's funds for this place."
Soon, they were led to a room where Danzō was waiting for them.
"Yo, long time no see, Danzō," Jiraiya greeted casually, as if they were old friends.
"Hmph. Don't act so familiar with me, Jiraiya. We're not close. Besides, I'm your elder!" Danzō retorted with a cold snort.
"And don't think I'm unaware. Root doesn't participate in public activities like this. You should know that as well."
"That was the old rule," Jiraiya said, his tone becoming serious. "With a new Hokage comes new rules."
"You've seen the Hokage's summons, haven't you? If there's no issue, come with us."
Danzō narrowed his eyes, studying Jiraiya and the two masked ANBU accompanying him. "It seems you won't let me go if I refuse."
"That's right. The Hokage has given us strict orders. If you don't cooperate, we'll have no choice but to use force. And frankly, I'd rather not go there," Jiraiya said, his tone steady. The tension in the room rose, everyone on high alert.
Danzō turned his gaze to Yamato and said, "Tenzo… or should I call you 'A'? I didn't expect to see you here again. I'll give you one chance: return to Root."
"My name is Yamato, not 'A,'" Yamato replied firmly.
Danzō's face darkened. The refusal was clear. He then turned his attention to the other ANBU, whose plain mask bore no markings.
Of course, Danzō knew who this was: Sasuke Uchiha.
But what angered him most was Sasuke's cold, murderous stare. "As I thought, the remnants of the Uchiha should've been eradicated long ago!" Danzō spat.
Sasuke didn't react to the insult. He simply clenched his fists. Though anger stirred within him, it was mild... Danzō was a dead man walking, not worth the rage.
"So, Danzō, are you coming with us or not?" Jiraiya asked, narrowing his eyes and glancing at the two Root members who were still present. They had seen the Hokage's order but continued to back Danzō.
Clearly, most of Root had been brainwashed into absolute loyalty to Danzō, disregarding the authority of the Hokage entirely.
"Hmph." Danzō snorted again. "Since the Hokage has gone to the trouble of sending you, this old man will come along."
He glanced at Jiraiya and the others, his expression unreadable, but there was a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
None of the three people escorting him were easy to deal with. Jiraiya, as one of the Sannin, was famous for a reason. His reputation was well-earned. Yamato's strength was something Danzō was all too familiar with; he had been formidable years ago, and was undoubtedly even stronger now.
And then there was the young Uchiha. Rumors claimed that Sasuke's strength now surpassed Yamato's, though Danzō found that hard to believe... How could someone so young be that strong?
But where there's smoke, there's fire. Danzō couldn't dismiss Sasuke's abilities outright.
Clearly, the Hokage had carefully selected this lineup to ensure Danzō had no choice but to attend the ceremony, whether he wanted to or not.
"Natsuro, that damned Natsuro Shindōkawa!" Danzō muttered through gritted teeth. Though his face remained stoic, his fury burned hot within.
Not only had he taken the Hokage position from him, but he was treating Danzō with such blatant disrespect. Danzō knew this invitation was unlikely to bode well for him.
But could he refuse? He knew that if he didn't go, by tomorrow he'd likely be branded a rogue ninja. That would forever sever any chance of attaining the Hokage title.
Danzō's hand instinctively touched his bandaged right eye, seeking reassurance. This small gesture gave him some comfort.
After today, Natsuro would have no reason to continue wasting ANBU resources investigating him. It would finally be time for Danzō to retaliate.
What he didn't know was that, at the moment he touched his right eye, Sasuke's killing intent flared violently. However, Sasuke managed to suppress it, knowing he couldn't jeopardize Natsuro's plan.
The group soon arrived at the Hokage's inauguration ceremony. Danzō gazed coldly at the cheering crowds lining the streets, his half-closed eyes filled with disdain.
To him, these people were nothing but ignorant fools. Why did they support Natsuro as Hokage? He was so young, so what could he possibly know about leading Konoha?
"Where is my seat?" Danzō asked icily.
"Upstairs, of course," Jiraiya replied, before turning to the two Root members trailing behind.
"You stay here. Don't move around unnecessarily," Danzō instructed them. Though he wanted to bring them up, he knew their presence couldn't be justified.
"Yes, sir!" the two Root members responded in unison.
"Yamato, you stay here as well," Jiraiya added.
"Understood," Yamato replied without objection.
"What right does that Uchiha brat have to go upstairs?" Danzō suddenly asked coldly.
"Sasuke and Naruto were personally requested by Natsuro to be present," Jiraiya explained.
"Hmph! Utter lawlessness. Letting him become Hokage is undoubtedly a mistake!" Danzō scoffed but said nothing further as he headed upstairs.
After Danzō went up, Shibi Aburame and Shino Aburame arrived, accompanied by Inoichi Yamanaka.
The two Root members froze upon seeing them, their shock evident. Their arrival meant that their identities as Root members had already been exposed.
But when?
At that moment, Torune Aburame and Fu Yamanaka began to grow uneasy. The situation was shaping up to be far too unfavorable for Danzō...
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Currently on Chapter 287 - Kekkei Genkai
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The Next Partial Chapter Title Sneak Peak: The Trail Begins...