With Kakashi's involvement, the plan became much simpler.
Aoba initially intended to be the bait himself, but there was one problem: Danzo was not a lone wolf. He had a large number of subordinates.
It was highly likely that Danzo wouldn't act personally but would send his subordinates to carry out the tasks.
To address this, he had already taken action, killing six elite Root teams to weaken Root's forces and force Danzo to act.
However, this was still not foolproof. Root's personnel were likely more numerous than he had seen.
But with Kakashi's involvement, the chances of success increased significantly. With their combined strength, it would be nearly impossible for Root to succeed without heavy losses.
Moreover, taking such drastic measures would alert Konoha. Even though he had been operating covertly, Root wouldn't be able to act openly against Aoba and Kakashi without repercussions.
Firstly, Root lacked direct evidence linking the attacks to Aoba or Kakashi. Secondly, Root essentially had no legal authority within Konoha.
Indeed, Root's existence was quite awkward. In theory, Root did not exist as an official organization; it was a department tasked with dirty work for Hiruzen.
As a result, Root's operations were often carried out under the guise of the Anbu. Most Root missions occurred outside the village.
This situation was somewhat similar to how the CIA operates internally in a country; if not for the Anbu's cover, their actions would theoretically be considered legal.
Normally, Danzo, with the Third Hokage's favor, would not face issues. But if he were to openly attack two esteemed Konoha ninjas, even Hiruzen, no matter how much he favored Danzo, would have to impose severe punishment to appease the major clans.
So both sides tacitly agreed to operate in secret.
Aoba and Kakashi, however, did not conceal their actions. During an ambush of Root ninjas, Aoba accidentally revealed his signature Kusanagi sword.
As a result, Danzo immediately identified them as targets and decided to act decisively. He planned to capture them, extract confessions, and ensure Hiruzen had no excuses to intervene.
Given Kakashi and Aoba's high combat prowess, Danzo decided to lead a large team himself, including many Root elites, to apprehend these audacious traitors outside Konoha.
Danzo had classified these two as traitors. Anyone who dared to kill Root members would not be allowed to live.
Although Kakashi and Aoba were both highly accomplished, Danzo was undeterred. He had many trump cards at his disposal. If necessary, he could personally intervene with ten Revival Coins and an augmented Genjutsu, making it easy to deal with these two.
In the forest north of Konoha, Aoba and Kakashi once again ambushed a Root team. However, after eliminating them, Aoba sensed something was amiss.
"This is too weak; it must be a trap. It seems Danzo can't hold back any longer."
"How's your side prepared?" Kakashi asked.
"Of course, I'm ready at any time." Aoba replied, making a kunai disappear from his hand.
He used the Flying Thunder God technique to return a kunai, signaling his shadow clone at home and notifying them that the plan had begun.
The next moment, the sounds of many footsteps and air-breaking noises surrounded them. Looking around, at least thirty Root ninjas had encircled them.
"Kakashi, Aoba, you two are very daring. You dared to attack my Root ninjas. Now, with conclusive evidence, come with me back to the village for trial."
However, Aoba and Kakashi looked at Danzo with strange expressions.
"Excuse me... what is Root? Is there such a department in Konoha?"
"..." Danzo was almost choked by Aoba's question. Root's existence was indeed secretive, but high-ranking ninjas should know about it.
Danzo was distressed because Aoba's question touched a nerve. Root's status was awkward, always a source of trouble for him.
Especially in recent years, he had tried to recruit good candidates from the ninja academy, but Hiruzen had constantly obstructed him. Recently, Aoba and Kakashi's successive attacks had caused Root significant losses.
In a fit of rage, Danzo even considered using the Kotoamatsukami on Aoba to compensate for Root's losses.
But he refrained, as he viewed Aoba's combat skills as impressive but lacking unique talents that would justify using such a powerful Genjutsu.
Aoba was also feeling a bit uneasy. He was prepared to use Flying Thunder God to escape if Danzo showed signs of unwrapping his bandages.
Fortunately, Danzo held back.
Aoba needed some time. Specifically, Hidan required time to activate his cursed technique, and he also needed to prepare sealing scrolls and ensure Hidan's betrayal, among other details.
Everything had to be perfect for a fatal strike. Thus, he did not rush into action and continued to stall.
"Kakashi, leave Danzo to you. I'll handle the others. Remember our plan; don't be too harsh."
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Currently on Chapter 104 - A Funeral