56-60

Chapter 56: Edo Tensei! Shimura Danzo’s Schemes! 

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s voice was heavy. “Yoru, what did you just say?” 

Yoru’s tone was cold but resolute. 

“The Police Force was never meant for battlefield slaughter.” 

“It exists to maintain village security and protect its order. Sending the Police Force to fight in a war is completely unreasonable and unjust.” 

“As the captain of the Police Force…” 

“I oppose this!” 

Hiruzen’s voice turned icy. “Times change, Yoru. In wartime, normal rules don’t apply.” 

“It’s because it’s wartime that the village can’t afford chaos.” 

“How else can we supply and support the front lines?” 

“Lord Hokage, if the Police Force is sent to the battlefield and the village falls into turmoil, who takes responsibility?” 

“Besides, this rule was set by the Second Hokage when he created the Police Force. If you want to change it, you’d need my approval as captain.” 

“And I don’t agree.” 

“You—!” 

Uchiha Yoru’s unyielding stance shocked everyone at the Hokage’s meeting. 

But clans like the Hyuga and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, who’d been targeted by Hiruzen’s retaliations, felt a quiet thrill of satisfaction. 

Hiruzen was furious but helpless. For now, he swallowed his anger. 

“Fine. The Police Force can stay. But the Uchiha clan must join the war.” 

“That’s within the rules, isn’t it?” 

“What do you say, Clan Leader Fugaku?” 

Before Yoru could respond, Fugaku stepped in. 

“I agree.” 

Fugaku shot him a look, signaling him to stay quiet. 

Yoru understood. His earlier defiance had been too bold, and Fugaku was trying to ease the tension. 

He also knew what Hiruzen was really after. 

The Hokage couldn’t let the Uchiha clan sit out the war without paying a price. Sending Fugaku to the front was a way to keep the Uchiha in check. 

After lengthy discussions, a final decision was made. 

Hiruzen glanced at Yoru before leaving without a word. 

Yoru ignored it but noticed something… 

Shimura Danzo hadn’t attended the meeting. 

A suspicion formed in his mind. He was starting to piece things together. 

… 

“Clan Leader Fugaku, we’ll need to support each other on the battlefield.” 

After the meeting, Hyuga Hiashi approached Fugaku. 

Fugaku smiled faintly. “Likewise.” 

This was his second reason for agreeing to fight. 

Since the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Ino-Shika-Cho had all been targeted by Hiruzen, the war was a chance to build alliances and band together. 

Hiashi understood this too. Their exchanged glances held mutual understanding. 

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio, watching from afar, were less overt. 

In this war against the Hidden Cloud, Nara Shikaku was the commander—a role he knew wasn’t a blessing. 

As everyone dispersed, Fugaku patted Yoru’s shoulder. 

“Yoru, this war with the Cloud might be our opportunity. I’ll work on aligning with the Hyuga and Ino-Shika-Cho. As for the village and the clan… I’m leaving them in your hands.” 

Yoru nodded. “I understand.” 

Fugaku smiled. “With you here, I’m at ease.” 

“But be careful. Hiruzen won’t let this go. He’s put Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado in charge of the Sarutobi and Shimura clans to consolidate power and suppress us.” 

“And you? He’ll definitely try to eliminate you.” 

“You noticed, didn’t you? Danzo wasn’t at the meeting.” 

“Yeah,” Yoru said. “He’s probably the piece Hiruzen’s using against me.” 

Fugaku sighed. “I figured as much. Just… be careful.” 

“I will.” 

… 

That year, war broke out again between the Leaf and the Cloud. 

Cloud ninja armies crossed the Land of Frost and the Land of Hot Springs, marching toward the Land of Fire. They soon reached the northeastern border and launched their attack. 

The Leaf Village struck back, with strategist Nara Shikaku leading the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, Uchiha, and Hyuga to meet the enemy. 

The clash of two great nations shook the ninja world. 

Though not a full-scale war, its scope was massive. Fear spread, and every major nation watched closely. 

Inside the Leaf Village, the war brought a tense atmosphere. 

War was never just about the battlefield. 

Hiruzen knew he’d compromised and humbled himself to avoid conflict, but war had come anyway. To end it, he had to show the Cloud his resolve. 

So, for now, he focused on his duties, securing resources for the front lines. It seemed like he’d paused his plans against the Uchiha. 

But that was only a facade. 

… 

“Captain, no issues in the East District.” 

“Same for the West District.” 

At Police Force headquarters, Yoru’s squad leaders reported in. 

The three lieutenants were Uchiha Yakumi, Uchiha Tetsuka, and Uchiha Inari. 

Yoru himself patrolled the North District with Aoki, Yamakaze, and others, as it was the most complex area. 

Uchiha Inari spoke up. “The South District’s been quiet too. Thanks to your new policies and strict enforcement, the troublemakers are lying low. But…” 

“There’s something weird.” 

The others turned to him. “Weird?” 

“Yeah. A ninja filed a report saying…” 

“His family’s grave was dug up.” 

“What?” 

The Police Force members were stunned. 

Uchiha Aoki frowned. “Who in the Leaf would stoop to grave-robbing?” 

“That’s just bizarre…” 

No one could make sense of it. 

But Yoru’s heart skipped a beat. 

“Inari, give me the details.” 

Though confused, Inari saw Yoru’s grave expression and nodded. “Yes, Captain.” 

“The ninja who reported it is named Oishi, a genin. His family’s never produced anyone notable. His father was also a genin, never took on high-rank missions, and died of old age and illness. But…” 

“The stolen corpse was his father’s.” 

“Oishi was furious. He begged us to find the culprit and recover his father’s remains. He said that, even though they weren’t remarkable, they’d served the village loyally their whole lives. They might not have great achievements, but they worked hard. For his father to be desecrated after death—it’s unforgivable.” 

“I checked the site myself. No traces were left. If Oishi weren’t so devoted, visiting the grave regularly, he might not have noticed anything.” 

“Captain, do you think there’s some conspiracy behind this?” 

To the others, it was odd and infuriating but not a major issue. 

But Yoru’s expression was darker than ever. 

Connecting recent village incidents, four words flashed in his mind… 

Edo Tensei! 

He quickly pieced together the truth. 

Hiruzen had ordered the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Ino-Shika-Cho to face the Cloud’s ninja army. 

He’d put Koharu and Homura in charge of the Sarutobi and Shimura clans to keep the village’s Uchiha in check. 

And Shimura Danzo, who’d been absent even from the Hokage’s meeting, had one clear mission… 

To deal with him. 

Yoru didn’t need to guess Danzo’s methods. He was likely working with the rogue Orochimaru, gaining new power from him. 

And the stolen corpse? It pointed to one of Orochimaru’s forbidden jutsu… Edo Tensei. 

Danzo was probably using these bodies to secretly study the technique, with one goal in mind… 

To kill him. 

Chapter 57: Utterly Inhumane! A Forbidden Jutsu That Uses Living Sacrifices! 

Uchiha Inohi noticed the captain’s serious expression and couldn’t help but feel a surge of curiosity. 

Despite his young age, Yoru was a powerhouse with extreme methods and a decisive approach. Since becoming captain, he’d worked tirelessly, implementing iron-fisted reforms that cleaned up Konoha’s atmosphere. Now, villains kept their heads down, not daring to show their faces, bringing an unprecedented level of peace to the village—a feat no previous police force captain had ever achieved. 

A person’s reputation is like a tree’s shadow. 

After swiftly eliminating Sarutobi Hiyu and his son Jiro, as well as cutting down two Anbu captains, Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Uchiha Shisui, Yoru’s fame had reached unparalleled heights, his name shining brighter than ever! 

What fool would be reckless enough to stir trouble at a time like this and court their own death? 

So, like the other police force members, Uchiha Inohi held deep admiration and respect for him. 

“Captain, is there something more to this case?” he asked. 

Yoru didn’t hold back, speaking in a low, steady voice. 

“Edo Tensei.” 

“Edo Tensei… that’s…” 

Most people in the ninja world were clearly unaware of the horrors of Edo Tensei. 

Only Uchiha Yakumi frowned and said, “I remember the clan leader mentioning it once…” 

“It’s a forbidden jutsu that uses living people as sacrifices to forcibly summon a dead person’s soul from the Pure Land, turning them into a killing machine fully controlled by the caster…” 

Everyone’s faces paled at the explanation. 

“Using living people as sacrifices to summon the dead?!” 

“Is that even possible?” 

Yakumi nodded gravely. “It is. The summoned dead may not be at their full strength from when they were alive, but if they were truly powerful, they’d still surpass ordinary ninjas. It’s a terrifying secret technique—an evil, forbidden jutsu that toys with life and death, defiling souls!” 

Uchiha Inohi’s mind raced. 

“Captain, are you saying someone’s using corpses to research Edo Tensei?” 

Uchiha Aoki spat angrily, “That’s disgusting!” 

“Digging up graves, stealing bones, disturbing the peace of our ancestors and loved ones—not only leaving them exposed but using them as vessels for a filthy forbidden jutsu! It’s beyond despicable!” 

“And to think this jutsu requires living sacrifices…” 

“Captain, who the hell created such a vile technique?!” 

Yoru replied calmly, “The Second Hokage…” 

“Tobirama Senju.” 

The group’s expressions shifted dramatically. 

The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju! 

To the Uchiha clan, that name was synonymous with death itself! 

Even the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, didn’t inspire such hatred. 

Uchiha Tetsuka, fiery as ever, trembled with rage before sneering, “Of course!” 

“Only someone like Tobirama Senju could come up with such a dirty, evil jutsu!” 

Inohi sighed but couldn’t suppress his curiosity. “But Tobirama’s long dead, and Edo Tensei hasn’t been heard of for years…” 

“Why would it suddenly resurface now?” 

Uchiha Yamakaze immediately asked, “Captain, who do you think is restarting research on this evil jutsu?” 

Yoru glanced at him. 

Yamakaze’s heart skipped a beat. “Could it be…?” 

Everyone understood at once. 

Konoha’s higher-ups! 

It had to be them—no one else! 

Tetsuka roared, “It’s definitely Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo!” 

“They were Tobirama’s disciples, so of course they’d inherit that filthy jutsu!” 

“Plus, they know they’re no match for the captain, so they’re resorting to these lowlife tactics to take him down!” 

The others nodded in agreement, their anger boiling over. 

Yoru, of course, knew they were behind it. 

But researching Edo Tensei wasn’t easy. 

Orochimaru had once said the jutsu wasn’t too difficult, but that was for him. For others, it was truly a forbidden technique of the highest order. 

Otherwise, it wouldn’t have stayed hidden until Orochimaru brought it back. 

Hiruzen didn’t care about whether a jutsu was forbidden or not. 

He himself had mastered techniques like the Reaper Death Seal. 

So, the reason he hadn’t used Edo Tensei wasn’t because he didn’t want to—it was because he couldn’t. 

The sudden revival of this research pointed to one thing: Danzo had contacted Orochimaru. The two had likely struck a deal, giving Danzo access to the secrets of Edo Tensei. 

But it seemed he hadn’t fully succeeded yet, hence the frantic grave-robbing. 

Yoru sneered inwardly. 

That old dog Danzo really had a death wish… 

Shisui had just died, and now Danzo was jumping out to dig his own grave. 

Did he think he could use a jutsu from Orochimaru to take him down? 

What a delusional dream… 

Yakumi hurriedly asked, “Captain, what do we do?” 

Yoru said coldly, “Since they’re sneaking around, not wanting to be noticed, we’ll do the opposite…” 

“Announce to the entire village that grave robbers are running rampant, desecrating tombs with no regard for morality. Tell all villagers and ninjas to stay vigilant.” 

Yakumi grinned. “Got it.” 

“This’ll drive Danzo and Hiruzen up the wall…” 

Yoru continued, “This is just the start. Leave the rest to me.” 

Yakumi knew that anything involving Konoha’s higher-ups was beyond his ability to handle and nodded quickly. “Yes, Captain.” 

“Besides spreading the word about the grave robbers, there’s one more thing to keep a close eye on…” 

“Missing people.” 

Everyone’s hearts sank as they grasped the captain’s meaning. 

“Captain, are you saying Danzo and his crew are kidnapping people for experiments?” 

Tetsuka sneered, “Since Edo Tensei needs living sacrifices, they’ll definitely do it!” 

“Just like Orochimaru did back then!” 

“And who was Orochimaru working with? Danzo, with Hiruzen’s approval behind it all!” 

“Those people are capable of any kind of depravity!” 

Inohi sighed too. “Yeah, Orochimaru wasn’t exiled for doing human experiments—it was only because the news leaked…” 

“Hiruzen’s the kind of guy who’ll quietly allow or even order Orochimaru and Danzo to commit all sorts of dark, dirty deeds. But the second it’s exposed and threatens his own interests, he cuts them off without hesitation.” 

“This time’s probably the same. Danzo’s likely the mastermind, but Hiruzen will keep up his public image, never letting Danzo tarnish his ‘great’ reputation.” 

Aoki nodded. “That’s why they’re doing this research in secret…” 

Yoru cut through the chatter. 

He was all about action. 

“Yakumi, inform the village about the grave-robbing and step up patrols and defenses.” 

“Tetsuka, Inohi, you two investigate the missing persons cases. Report any findings to me immediately.” 

The three squad leaders straightened, responding respectfully. 

“Yes, Captain!” 

Yoru himself led Aoki and Yamakaze straight to the home of a ninja named Oishi. 

He wanted to investigate this personally. 

The moment they arrived, Oishi, a low-ranking ninja, saw Yoru and was overcome with excitement and awe—he was a die-hard fan… 

“L-Lord Yoru! I can’t believe I’m actually meeting you!” he stammered. 

Yoru frowned slightly. “Explain the situation.” 

Oishi hurriedly complied. “Y-Yes… Lord Yoru, look here. This is my father’s grave. It doesn’t look disturbed, but the bones inside the coffin are gone!” 

“These grave robbers are heartless, defiling even the bodies of the dead! Lord Yoru, please bring justice for my father and let him rest in peace!” 

Yoru carefully inspected the site. There were indeed no obvious traces, suggesting the culprits were careful not to be noticed. But… 

With his unmatched Sharingan and keen perception, Yoru detected faint traces of chakra lingering in the soil, and… 

“What’s this?” 

Aoki and Yamakaze saw his expression and felt a jolt. 

“Captain, did you find something?” 

Yoru’s voice was grave. “Wood Release.” 

“W-Wood Release?!” 

Aoki and Yamakaze were stunned. Everyone in the ninja world knew Wood Release was a legendary technique unique to the God of Shinobi, the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju! 

But why would such a jutsu suddenly appear in an ordinary ninja’s grave? 

Chapter 58: You Like Being a Dog?! Please Follow and Vote! 

Aoki and Yamakaze stood there, jaws dropped, utterly shocked. 

Everyone knew the weight of the words Wood Release. They were practically synonymous with the God of Shinobi! 

But since the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, passed away, Wood Release had vanished for decades, fading into the dust of history, a legend of the past… 

Who could’ve predicted it would suddenly reappear in the ninja world?! 

Yoru, however, wasn’t surprised. 

He knew full well that a Wood Release ninja did exist in the ninja world right now. 

That was Yamato, from the Root organization. 

He was the sole survivor of the secret human experiments conducted by Orochimaru and Shimura Danzo… 

Of course, at this point, Yamato wasn’t called Yamato. He was only known by his Root codename, “Kinoe.” 

The name Tenzo would come later when he joined the Anbu. 

And Yamato? That name would only be used in the era when Tsunade became Hokage. 

Right now, aside from Shimura Danzo, not even Hiruzen Sarutobi knew of Yamato’s existence. 

“Yamato, huh…” 

“Or maybe…” 

Yoru’s mind raced with two possibilities. 

The first was obviously Yamato. 

The second… Shimura Danzo might have already acquired an arm infused with Hashirama’s cells! 

That would be a generous gift from Orochimaru to Danzo. 

Of course, it was entirely possible both were true. 

Yoru didn’t care much about Yamato. 

But if Danzo had a Wood Release arm, had he also acquired a Sharingan and the Uchiha’s forbidden technique… 

Izanagi? 

He couldn’t have an arm full of Sharingan yet—after all, the Uchiha clan hadn’t been wiped out. 

But that didn’t mean Danzo had no Sharingan. 

The man had lived through the Second, Third, Fourth, and now the reinstated Third Hokage’s reigns, orchestrating countless shady deeds in the shadows. It wasn’t impossible for him to have a few Uchiha Sharingan in his possession! 

Wood Release, Hashirama’s cells, Sharingan, Izanagi, Edo Tensei… 

It seemed Shimura Danzo had gone completely mad. 

He was desperate to gain the power of forbidden jutsu from Orochimaru to kill Yoru in one fell swoop! 

No, for Danzo, this was just the beginning. 

“Let’s go,” Yoru said calmly, his decision made. 

Aoki and Yamakaze knew his temperament and didn’t question him. They followed closely behind. 

Oishi shouted after them, “Lord Yoru!” 

“It’s all in your hands now!” 

“Please, in the name of justice, take down these villains and clean up the Leaf!” 

… 

Yoru didn’t respond. With his unmatched perception, he followed the faint trace of Wood Release chakra, darting forward swiftly. 

No prey he targeted could ever escape! 

The wind roared in their ears as Aoki and Yamakaze silently pushed themselves to keep up with their captain’s pace. 

Soon, they’d crossed half the Leaf Village. 

Yoru finally slowed down. 

Not far ahead was the secret base of the Root organization. 

Most villagers and ninja in the Leaf didn’t even know Root existed. 

Let alone its members. 

But Yoru, as the Police Force captain, wasn’t fooled by such secrets. 

Ahead, a small squad appeared, moving stealthily, their faces hidden behind distinct masks different from standard Anbu gear. 

Root ninja. 

And at the head of the group, Yoru sensed that familiar chakra. 

Wood Release chakra. 

The squad had five members. 

Their leader was none other than Yamato—Tenzo, “Kinoe.” 

He sensed Yoru’s presence and whipped around, halting in his tracks. 

“You’re…” 

“Uchiha Yoru?!” 

At the mention of that name, the other Root ninja visibly tensed. 

Yoru blocked their path, his expression cold. 

Aoki and Yamakaze, slightly out of breath, stood behind him. 

“As captain of the Police Force, I’m investigating the theft of a Leaf ninja’s corpse. You’re suspects. Come with me.” 

His tone left no room for debate. 

The Root ninja flinched, glancing at their leader… 

“Kinoe.” 

At this point, Kinoe was still young, but his rare Wood Release abilities had already made him a pillar of Root. 

He was Shimura Danzo’s personal disciple. 

The only one in Root trained directly by Danzo himself. 

Kinoe wasn’t about to back down. 

“And if I refuse?” 

“You die.” 

Yoru’s reply was blunt. 

Kinoe and the other Root ninja were stunned. 

They knew Uchiha Yoru’s fearsome reputation. 

But this level of arrogance was beyond anything they’d imagined! 

Kinoe’s voice hardened. “Captain Yoru, I respect your reputation and the Police Force’s authority. But you should know the Police Force has no jurisdiction over the Anbu, let alone Root!” 

“True, the Police Force doesn’t oversee Anbu or Root operations.” 

“But when Anbu or Root breaks the law in this village…” 

“The Police Force does have jurisdiction. And we will act.” 

“Not just you—even Shimura Danzo would face the same.” 

The Root ninja, though no match for Yoru, couldn’t help but bristle at his words. 

“You!” 

“Uchiha Yoru, you’re way too full of yourself!” 

Kinoe frowned. “If you want to take me in, fine. But you’ll need to report to Lord Danzo and Lord Hokage first. Otherwise… I can’t comply.” 

Yoru took a slow breath. 

“So that’s your choice?” 

Kinoe’s heart skipped a beat. 

He knew this man wasn’t bluffing! 

Refuse to go? It was a death sentence! 

He’d said it, and he’d mean it! 

This guy was a lunatic… 

Completely unrestrained! 

“You really want to start a fight right at Root’s doorstep?” 

“Not me. You.” 

Yoru smirked. 

“I just don’t get it. You’re clearly a product of Orochimaru and Danzo’s inhumane experiments. Yet instead of fighting back or seeking revenge, you’re loyally playing Danzo’s lapdog.” 

“And now, you’re even helping Danzo run experiments on others.” 

“Tell me…” 

“Do you like being a dog?” 

Kinoe’s face twisted in shock! 

“You… what did you say?!” 

He wasn’t just stunned by Yoru’s words but by how much he knew… 

Secrets even the Hokage didn’t know! 

Yoru sneered. “Looks like the answer is…” 

“Yes.” 

Yoru genuinely couldn’t comprehend it. 

Human experimentation… 

To him—no, to anyone with even a shred of common sense, morality, or conscience—this was the most depraved, inhumane act imaginable! 

But what was worse… 

To be a victim of those experiments and not only not seek vengeance against those responsible but willingly serve them like a dog… 

What kind of mindset was that?! 

Kinoe, struck by Yoru’s words, was reeling—shocked, confused, as if lightning had hit him, his mind in chaos! 

But Yoru wasn’t giving him a chance to process. 

“Since you’ve chosen death…” 

“Then die.” 

He spoke calmly, as if it were a trivial matter. 

Chapter 59: Slaying Yamato! Ending Fate! Please Follow and Vote! 

In that moment, Yoru had issued his final ultimatum to “Kinoe.” 

The ultimatum was a single word. 

Death. 

Kinoe’s face twisted in shock! 

But as someone trusted by Shimura Danzo, he was no ordinary ninja. 

Though still young, his time in the Root organization had honed his battle instincts and experience far beyond that of a typical ninja. 

Before Yoru’s words even fully landed, Kinoe seized the initiative, unleashing his Wood Release secret technique. 

“Wood Release! Gun Tree Barrage!” 

In an instant, Kinoe formed hand seals, and from his arms, shoulders, and back, Wood Release vines and branches shot out with lightning speed, surging toward Yoru like electrified spears! 

Uchiha Aoki and Uchiha Yamakaze, witnessing Wood Release for the first time, were both shocked and intrigued. 

But they weren’t worried about Captain Yoru. 

Because… 

In their eyes, their captain was absolutely invincible. 

Unmatched by anyone. 

Yoru let out a cold smirk. In a flash, his samurai sword appeared in his hand, already crackling with dazzling, explosive lightning! 

Zzt! Zzt! Zzt… 

Buzz— 

A deafening roar, like a thousand birds shrieking or the void itself being torn like cloth! 

Boom! 

With a thunderous crash, Yoru’s Lightning Release: False Darkness Blade effortlessly sliced through every Wood Release vine, then exploded, reducing the Gun Tree Barrage to a shower of splintered debris! 

But at the same moment, the four Root members behind Kinoe launched a coordinated attack on Yoru. 

Aoki and Yamakaze sneered. “You think you’re worthy of fighting our captain?!” 

The two darted forward, each taking on two Root ninjas, engaging them in fierce combat! 

After their recent trials, both their Sharingan prowess and their battle experience and willpower had surged dramatically. 

For an Uchiha, once their eye power grew and their fighting spirit ignited… 

They could crush any ninja of the same level. 

Any. 

In that instant, Yoru himself became a streak of lightning, charging downward with a booming crash, his False Darkness Blade slashing ruthlessly at Kinoe! 

Kinoe reacted swiftly, slamming his hands to the ground. 

“Wood Release! Wooden Dome Wall!” 

Bang! Bang! Bang! 

With sharp cracks, rows of wooden pillars burst from the earth, rising to form a hemispherical shield, firmly protecting Kinoe within. 

But… 

Boom! 

A deafening explosion, unstoppable and devastating. 

The entire Wooden Dome Wall was obliterated into countless wood chips, scattering wildly in all directions! 

Kinoe was caught by the edge of the False Darkness Blade. 

Though it was just a graze, the lightning detonated, blasting a bloody hole through one of his legs, flesh and blood spraying in a gruesome display! 

Kinoe, with all his strength, stomped the ground at the last second, dodging sideways, but he was now gravely injured, his movements hampered! 

Terror surged in his heart. 

The man before him was a true demon, a god of slaughter, a reaper! 

Such ferocious power, paired with an unrelenting, death-defying will to fight and a crazed killing intent, was simply inhuman! 

“Earth Release! Stone Spear Torrent!” 

“Water Release! Raging Torrent!” 

Even in this dire situation, Kinoe’s reactions were lightning-fast, simultaneously unleashing Earth and Water Release, showcasing his exceptional combat instincts. 

In an instant, countless sharp stone spears stabbed upward, turning the dozens of meters around Yoru into a thorny forest of piercing lances! 

At the same time, a raging Water Release blasted out like a high-pressure cannon, roaring toward Yoru! 

Yoru scoffed, swinging his False Darkness Blade with force, shattering every stone spear on the ground into dust. 

Then, with a casual sidestep, he effortlessly dodged the high-pressure water torrent. 

In the next moment… 

His body moved like a phantom, like lightning, like a mirage, appearing before Kinoe in a blink, his False Darkness Blade thrusting forward! 

So fast it was like teleportation! 

Kinoe, horrified, had no time to dodge. 

Boom! 

A massive explosion rang out! 

His entire body was pierced through, and as the lightning detonated, a gaping hole blasted open in his chest! 

But… 

Yoru sneered. “Pathetic tricks.” 

The next moment, the body turned into a wooden statue, collapsing into flying wood chips. 

This was Kinoe’s Wood Release clone, created in the split second he unleashed his Earth and Water techniques. 

In terms of being “indistinguishable,” it surpassed even Shadow Clones! 

Even Uchiha Madara had once been deceived by the First Hokage Hashirama Senju’s Wood Release clone, leading to his defeat! 

But Yoru had already seen through it. 

His perception was no less than Madara’s! 

Thinking he’d succeeded, Kinoe launched his final trump card from behind Yoru! 

“Wood Release! Tree Binding Eternal Burial!” 

Suddenly… 

Rumble! 

A towering tree erupted from beneath Yoru’s feet, instantly growing to two or three meters thick. Countless vines and branches crazily extended, entwining, overlapping, binding, sealing… 

Completely swallowing and engulfing Yoru’s body… 

“Captain!” 

On the other side, though Aoki and Yamakaze trusted Yoru completely, they couldn’t help but cry out in shock! 

Kinoe panted heavily, hands still forming seals, and said in a low voice, “This is a Wood Release technique that suppresses chakra and strength!” 

“Uchiha Yoru, even you can’t break free easily!” 

“Become nourishment for the earth and trees!” 

In an instant, the power of the Tree Binding Eternal Burial surged, fully consuming Yoru’s figure… 

Kinoe, gasping for breath, finally let out a sigh of relief. 

The other Root ninjas sneered coldly. 

“You underestimated Captain Kinoe’s Wood Release!” 

“That’s the power of the God of Shinobi, the First Hokage!” 

But in that very moment… 

Shnk! 

A samurai sword, infused with raging lightning, pierced through Kinoe’s heart from behind! 

“W-What?!” 

“Captain Kinoe!” 

Kinoe’s eyes widened, his face drained of color, feeling the searing pain in his chest and the paralyzing numbness spreading through his body. He tried to speak but could barely manage… 

Struggling, he turned his head to look. 

“Y-You… you’re…” 

“Just a simple Shadow Clone. Since you wanted to play, I humored you.” 

“Now, you’re dead.” 

In an instant. 

Boom! 

The False Darkness Blade piercing Kinoe’s chest exploded with lightning, obliterating his heart and entire chest into a spray of blood and flesh, leaving behind… 

Nothing but a hollow void. 

Kinoe collapsed to the ground, blood gushing out, staining the earth red. 

He was dead. 

The man who would have been known as Yamato… 

Would never appear. 

“Captain Kinoe!” 

The remaining Root ninjas screamed in despair, but they were no match for Aoki and Yamakaze. With Kinoe’s death, they were completely overwhelmed, suppressed by the two Uchihas! 

Yoru glanced over, choosing not to intervene, wanting to temper Aoki and Yamakaze’s skills. 

Ding! 

[You killed “Kinoe,” ending his tragic life as a human experiment subject. Great deed! +200 Merit Points!] 

Yoru casually allocated the merit points to his eye power. 

By now, Aoki and Yamakaze had each killed one Root ninja. The remaining two exchanged a glance and immediately turned to flee. 

They were close to the Root’s secret base—if they could reach it, they might still survive! 

Aoki and Yamakaze gave them no chance, pursuing relentlessly and quickly catching up, raising their blades to strike. But in that moment… 

“Stop!” 

A voice called out from the entrance of the Root’s secret base. 

Chapter 60: The Filthy Sin of Crimes Against Humanity! 

Aoki and Yamakaze were chasing down the two remaining Root members. 

Suddenly, a furious roar echoed from the entrance of the Root base in the distance. 

“Stop!” 

The voice was filled with authority and power, especially in its rage, striking awe and fear into anyone who heard it. 

But… 

Aoki and Yamakaze exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with resolve. 

Kill! 

Slash! 

Slash!! 

Their samurai swords struck without hesitation, cutting down the two Root ninja on the spot! 

Yoru watched and gave a slight nod. 

It seemed his two subordinates had truly grown under his command… 

Yoru was very pleased. 

But the dark figure in the distance erupted with rage so intense it seemed to set the ground ablaze! 

“Damn you!” 

The figure closed in instantly, hands raised. From their palms, arms, shoulders, and even their entire body, countless dark shadows surged forth, spreading toward Aoki and Yamakaze, engulfing them! 

“This is…” 

“The Aburame clan’s parasitic insect technique?!” 

The two were startled but quickly activated their Sharingan, preparing to defend. 

But in that split second— 

Yoru’s figure flashed in front of them, shielding them. Lightning crackled around him, like a thunder god descending, unleashing a storm of electric light that spread in all directions! 

Boom! 

With a deafening roar, the swarm of parasitic insects forming a black mist was obliterated, reduced to ashes by the sizzling, buzzing lightning! 

“Uchiha Yoru! It really is you!” 

The figure now stood close, backed by over a dozen elite Root ninja. 

The leader wore a black cloak and hood, with pitch-black sunglasses that made him seem to melt into the darkness. 

A curse-seal-like mark adorned his face, now pale with surging fury. 

Yoru, of course, recognized him. 

Aburame Ryoma. 

Root’s second-in-command. 

Though Ryoma had little screen time in the original story, Yoru didn’t underestimate him in the slightest. 

Back in the day, Ryoma’s partner in Root was none other than Orochimaru himself. 

Both were Danzo’s right-hand men. 

To earn the trust of both Danzo and Orochimaru, Ryoma’s strength was undeniable! 

After Orochimaru’s defection, Ryoma became Danzo’s most powerful confidant. 

But he wasn’t the most favored or valued. 

That title belonged to the one Yoru had just ruthlessly killed… 

“Kinoe.” 

The bearer of the First Hokage’s unique Wood Release technique, personally trained by Danzo, seen as his ultimate trump card for the future… 

But now, it was all for nothing. 

Kinoe had been struck down by Uchiha Yoru in broad daylight! 

And even as Ryoma arrived, Yoru’s men hadn’t stopped, killing two more Root ninja! 

How could Aburame Ryoma accept this?! 

“Uchiha Yoru! Even as Police Force captain, you have no right to interfere with Root’s operations!” 

“And to kill in front of Root’s base?!” 

Yoru replied calmly, “I’ve explained once. I won’t repeat myself.” 

“In short, those killed by the Police Force deserved to die.” 

Ryoma’s anger boiled over. “What crime did Kinoe commit?!” 

Before Yoru could answer, Aoki spoke up loudly. 

“Grave-robbing, stealing corpses, desecrating the dead, and insulting the living.” 

Ryoma’s heart jolted! 

They’d tracked it down this quickly? 

How was that possible? 

Danzo had strictly ordered all actions to remain secret, not even alerting the Hokage. 

And Kinoe, though young, was highly skilled and meticulous. He shouldn’t have left any traces… 

But if it was this man… 

Nothing was impossible! 

Though shaken, Ryoma stood his ground, showing no fear or retreat. 

“Hmph, Kinoe never did such things. And even if he did, that crime doesn’t warrant death!” 

Yamakaze sneered. “What about…” 

“Participating in forbidden human experimentation?!” 

“That’s a heinous, inhumane crime by any standard in the ninja world!” 

Ryoma’s face paled further! 

“What proof do you have?!” 

Yoru said coldly, “My Sharingan is proof enough.” 

“You!” 

“Uchiha Yoru! You’re too arrogant!” 

“Do you think your word alone is enough to convict Root and kill at will?!” 

Yoru replied, “I also have a witness.” 

“A witness? Where?” 

Ryoma demanded. 

Yoru pointed behind him. 

“Her.” 

Everyone followed his gesture to a figure behind Ryoma. 

A ninja, fully covered in a black cloak and hood. 

But Yoru, with just a glimpse of half her face, had already seen through her true identity. 

“The director of the Leaf Orphanage…” 

“Yakushi Nonou.” 

The figure trembled violently. 

Aoki and Yamakaze exchanged a glance, puzzled. 

The director of the Leaf Orphanage? 

Why was she with Root? 

Yoru, of course, knew that Yakushi Nonou was originally a Root member. 

Known as the “Wandering Miko,” she was an elite spy in Root’s intelligence division. 

Though skilled, her inability to fully suppress her emotions earned Danzo’s disdain. Eventually, she left Root to become the orphanage’s director. 

Danzo initially opposed her departure. 

But later, he realized the orphanage needed one of his own. 

Because… 

Root needed fresh blood. 

These war orphans, unaware of their own identities, were perfect for brainwashing and training from a young age into loyal killing machines! 

Nonou refused, but how could she stand against Danzo? 

Kabuto Yakushi was a prime example. 

Danzo used the two to threaten each other, forcing Kabuto to become a spy in other nations. 

And Nonou couldn’t escape Root’s coercion either. 

The moment Yoru identified her, he pieced together the truth. 

Danzo and Root… 

They were using these orphans as test subjects for inhumane human experiments! 

Edo Tensei required more than just corpses. 

It needed living sacrifices. 

Danzo, desperate to keep his forbidden jutsu research hidden, wouldn’t even touch the death-row prisoners in the Anbu’s cells. 

That was Hiruzen’s domain. 

But Danzo had his own reserve. 

The orphanage. 

These orphans were either turned into tools for assassination and espionage, like Kabuto, or subjected to brutal training, forced to kill each other, like Sai and Shin. 

To Danzo, these children—lacking identity or belonging—were never human. 

They were tools, machines, dolls, puppets! 

Using them as sacrifices was the safest way to ensure no leaks. 

Yoru took a deep breath. 

Using war-torn, homeless, broken orphans as subjects for forbidden jutsu and human experiments… 

This was an unforgivable, filthy sin! 

A true crime against humanity! 

From this moment, Shimura Danzo and all of Root… 

Had lost any right to exist.