161-165

Chapter 161: The Kagune  

Since Danzo had already said as much, the two advisors could only silently guess that he had been ambushed and wounded while carrying out a mission.

Only Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Danzo with a look of suspicion, but he didn’t say anything.

This insignificant disturbance soon dissipated, and the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, coughed lightly to draw the attention of the high-ranking officials present.

“I’ve called you here today for a specific matter.”

Sarutobi spoke solemnly to his three close confidants. “You should already be aware of what the Sand Village has been doing recently in the Land of Rivers, correct?”

Hearing this, the three Konoha high-ranking officials’ faces darkened.

Koharu Utatane spoke first. “Those guys from the Sand Village—where on earth did they find so many scorpions? And that secret technique of theirs gives them a huge advantage in close combat!”

Homura Mitokado agreed, his tone filled with frustration. “The rogue ninjas in the Land of Rivers have been losing ground step by step. Even several of the strongholds we established there have been destroyed!”

Danzo glanced at the two of them before speaking in his hoarse voice. “The Sand Village is clearly trying to redeem themselves. The attack by the cult of Jashin left them utterly humiliated.”

Danzo’s gaze swept across the room as his expression grew stern.

“If they can demonstrate overwhelming strength against Konoha in this conflict, they’ll be able to prove that the Jashin cult attack happened not because the Sand Village was weak, but because the Jashin cult’s power was too great.”

At this, the two advisors’ expressions grew serious.

Sarutobi nodded in agreement. “If we don’t strike back hard against the Sand Village in this conflict, Konoha’s reputation will take a significant hit!”

“So, not only must we win this time—we must win beautifully!”

Hearing Sarutobi’s emphasis, Homura Mitokado’s face showed a trace of bitterness.

“Hiruzen, the issue is that the Sand Village’s secret techniques and those scorpions are incredibly troublesome. If we really intend to eliminate them, we’ll need to send more ninjas, and at that point, things might spiral out of control.”

Homura’s concern was valid. After all, the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire were both major nations. If conflict between these two great powers continued to escalate, it could eventually lead to another Ninja World War.

Unlike his two anxious old friends, Danzo remained calm. With his single remaining eye, he glanced at Sarutobi, who sat at the head of the table. From his long history with Sarutobi, he knew that Hiruzen must already have a plan in mind to have called them here.

Sure enough, seeing that the timing was right, Sarutobi finally spoke calmly. “I already have a way to deal with the Sand Village.”

Hearing this, Koharu immediately spoke up in alarm. “Hiruzen, you mustn’t send reinforcements. If we trigger a Fourth Ninja World War, the consequences will be something Konoha cannot afford!”

Sarutobi gave Koharu a faint look. “Who said I was sending reinforcements?”

“Then how do you plan to counter the Sand Village’s secret techniques?”

Hiruzen took a drag from his pipe before responding sharply. “If the Sand Village can develop new secret techniques, then why can’t Konoha?”

“When it comes to secret techniques, Konoha is the strongest in the entire Ninja World!”

Sarutobi’s words were resolute, leaving Koharu momentarily speechless.

“Bring them in.”

At Sarutobi’s command, an ANBU ninja standing guard outside immediately escorted two young men into the room.

One wore rectangular glasses and a white coat.

The other was tall and strong, his gaze firm and resolute. The only unusual feature was that he had only one arm.

“Lord Hokage.”

“Lord Hokage.”

The two greeted Sarutobi, the highest authority in Konoha, in unison.

Sarutobi nodded at them before introducing them to the others. “This is Dr. Fangsuke.”

“And this is Arima, a survivor from the Hot Water Village.”

After the introductions, Arima immediately felt a chilling gaze sweep over him. His beast-like instincts caused his muscles to tense slightly, ready to unleash his strength at a moment’s notice.

“What does this mean, Hiruzen?” Koharu couldn’t help but ask.

Sarutobi chose not to keep them guessing and instructed Dr. Fangsuke directly. “Demonstrate it, you two.”

“Yes, Lord Hokage.”

A hint of fervor flashed under the lenses of Dr. Fangsuke’s glasses.

He knew that this was his moment—his chance to establish his name and worth. If he could prove his value and power in front of Konoha’s highest leadership, he would finally have the opportunity to realize his ambitions.

All his hard work had led to this day.

Arima’s heart burned with the same fire.

He, too, needed to prove his worth. Only by doing so could he gain the power he so desperately needed…

For revenge!

With this thought in mind, Arima didn’t hesitate to press a button on the briefcase he was holding.

With a click, the briefcase suddenly opened.

Arima lifted it up, grabbed the handle inside, and pulled. Hidden materials within the case began to transform rapidly. With Arima’s movements, a conical knight’s spear materialized in mid-air.

The silver-blue spear crackled with arcs of electricity, and a powerful aura filled the small office.

On the other side, Dr. Fangsuke also opened his case.

What appeared in his hand was a bright red whip, which immediately coiled around him like a living creature.

Seeing this, the three advisors couldn’t sit still.

“What is going on, Hiruzen?” Koharu couldn’t help but ask first.

Sarutobi finally explained slowly, “Do you remember the ghouls that destroyed the Hot Water Village?”

“These weapons were created by Dr. Fangsuke using the organs and tissues of those ghouls. This is Konoha’s new secret technique.”

“It is called ‘Kagune.’”

Sarutobi’s tone was filled with confidence. Clearly, he believed that these weapons would be more than enough to counter the Sand Village’s secret techniques.

“This secret technique looks impressive, but we’ll still need to test its actual effectiveness,” Danzo said cautiously. While he could sense the energy emanating from the weapons, he insisted on proper testing.

Sarutobi nodded. He didn’t expect his friends to accept this new weapon simply based on his words. For it to be widely adopted, field tests would be essential.

Thus, this group of Konoha’s highest-ranking leaders, accompanied by ANBU guards, headed to a training ground near the Forest of Death.

As for the opponent chosen to test these weapons, it was none other than Konoha’s genius—Kakashi.

At this time, Kakashi was still serving in the ANBU and wore his ANBU mask. However, with his signature silver hair, it was obvious to everyone in Konoha who he was.

---

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 162: Arima’s Teacher

“Kakashi-senpai, I’m sorry.”

Arima fixed his gaze on the masked Kakashi across from him, his face carrying a hint of guilt.

From the moment he awoke to the completion of this project, Kakashi had been the person in Konoha who cared about him the most. Even though Kakashi never expressed this care openly, Arima could still feel it.

“Let’s get started,” Kakashi said without unnecessary words.

Although Arima’s strength had improved significantly, defeating Kakashi was still a far-fetched goal.

Arima understood this as well. However, he had to give it his all, striving for even the slimmest chance to exact his revenge.

Only by utilizing Konoha’s power could he hope to drive those monsters out of this world completely.

With that, the power Arima unleashed caused the ground to tremble slightly. He charged forward, brandishing the massive knight’s lance in his hand, thrusting it directly at Kakashi.

Power wasn’t Kakashi’s forte. In a flash, he appeared behind Arima, drawing his kunai without hesitation and striking downward.

Arima’s lance, nearly as tall as a person, granted immense strength but left him unable to pivot and block in time.

Would Kakashi defeat him in one blow?

Danzo observed the battle, his expression betraying his disappointment.

If this newly developed weapon was only this effective, it would be a joke.

As expected, Hiruzen Sarutobi must have grown too old to perceive the world’s advancements.

Danzo’s mind raced with thoughts, but he remained silent.

To everyone’s surprise, however, Arima reacted immediately when he sensed Kakashi vanish.

The cumbersome lance in his hand melted in an instant, transforming into a massive shield that rotated in front of him.

Kakashi’s blade struck the shield, sending sparks flying.

Seizing the opportunity, Arima shoved the shield forward, forcing Kakashi to retreat a step.

In the next moment, the shield reverted to the bulky yet powerful lance. Using his remaining arm, Arima swung it forward with immense force.

This time, Kakashi didn’t dodge. Instead, he swiftly performed a series of hand signs.

“Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!”

A wall of stone, carved with the face of a dog, materialized between them, the dog’s head directly facing Arima.

The massive lance crashed into the wall with relentless momentum, the overwhelming force creating countless cracks.

With a rotational thrust of the lance, the cracks spread further, shattering the wall into rubble.

In the wake of the crumbled wall, several kunai sliced through the lingering dust, targeting Arima’s face.

But the sudden attack was blocked by Arima’s shield, which had transformed again from the lance.

However, Kakashi’s assault didn’t end there. The kunai, laden with explosive tags, detonated the moment they struck. The intense flames and shockwaves engulfed Arima.

As the smoke cleared, Arima emerged unscathed behind his shield.

Even so, the surface of the shield seemed duller, evidence of the cost of withstanding such a powerful explosion.

Seeing this, the observing elders began to show genuine interest.

Danzo, in particular, almost envisioned the immense potential of such versatile weapons in the hands of agile shinobi.

The implications of this weapon on the battlefield were no less significant than the secret techniques demonstrated by the Sand Village.

The ensuing battle saw Kakashi forgoing ninjutsu to showcase the versatility, defensive power, and offensive potential of Arima’s *Kagune Weapon*.

Even a whip-like Kagune weapon, crafted from a Rinkaku Kagune, was tested. While it lacked the raw power of Arima’s lance, its flexibility was exceptional.

“Hiruzen, can these weapons be mass-produced? What are the requirements for use?”

It was Danzo who broke the silence first.

He understood how crucial such weapons could be to Konoha. If they could be mass-produced and used by ordinary people, they might assemble a fearsome army of civilians.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn’t answer Danzo’s questions but gestured to Houjo, the project leader. “Houjo, since you led this project, you answer.”

“Yes, Hokage-sama.”

Turning to Danzo, Houjo explained with enthusiasm, “Danzo-sama, the raw material for these weapons is the Kakuhou, the organ used by ghouls in combat. Generally, one Kakuhou can produce one Kagune weapon.”

“As for the requirements for use, it depends on the compatibility between the user and the weapon. There’s no chakra requirement.”

Hearing this, Danzo’s mind filled with ideas, one of which involved capturing ghouls and forcing them to reproduce, harvesting Kakuhous to manufacture more weapons.

“If these weapons could be distributed widely, whether to shinobi or civilians, they would become a force to be reckoned with,” Hiruzen commented.

“In light of Houjo’s contributions, I hereby promote him to Special Jonin. Any objections?”

The advisors, engrossed in thoughts of acquiring more Kagune weapons for their teams, had no objections.

Danzo, in particular, couldn’t wait to deploy his ANBU to hunt down ghouls worldwide.

With unanimous agreement, Houjo officially became a Special Jonin of Konoha.

As for Arima—

“Arima, didn’t you say you’ve always wanted to learn ninjutsu?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled at the one-armed young man before him. To be honest, when accepting the refugees from Yugakure, he never imagined they’d bring such a pleasant surprise.

Hearing Hiruzen’s question, Arima eagerly nodded.

He had a hunch that combining Kagune weapons with ninjutsu might lead to an unprecedented path.

Hiruzen chuckled warmly. “In that case, I’ll assign you a teacher.”

Before Hiruzen could reveal the teacher’s name, Kakashi interjected, “Hokage-sama, I’m already assigned to another mission.”

Hiruzen paused, realizing Kakashi was right.

“I was considering you because of your vast ninjutsu knowledge, but if that’s the case, who do you recommend?”

Kakashi exhaled discreetly in relief and replied coolly, “I recommend Uchiha Itachi from the ANBU.”

“Uchiha Itachi...”

Hiruzen pondered for a moment before nodding. “Very well, Itachi will be responsible for teaching Arima ninjutsu.”

(Chapter End)  

Chapter 163: Wood Release

"Thank you very much, Kakashi-senpai."

After the test ended, Arima formally thanked Kakashi.

Kakashi, with his masked face, scratched his head helplessly. Why do I even wear this thing? he thought to himself.

Nevertheless, he waved his hand dismissively. "You're welcome. You should have a relatively relaxed life for a while now."

Kakashi looked at the one-armed boy in front of him. "But, with your personality, I doubt you'll take it easy."

Arima scratched his head. "I plan to focus on my ninjutsu training and see if I can combine it with my quinque. Of course, taijutsu is also an important part of my training."

Kakashi didn't doubt the boy's words. In the past few months, he had witnessed Arima's astonishing perseverance.

That was precisely why he had made such rapid progress.

It was important to remember that, despite having the advantage of his quinque, Arima was just a pampered, powerless noble boy a few months ago.

Thinking of this, Kakashi added, "Don't worry, Itachi has a terrifying talent for ninjutsu, and he's very helpful."

Out of appreciation for Arima, Kakashi recommended a reliable person.

Talented and kind.

However, perhaps due to his extraordinary talent, the boy had developed compassion and anxieties beyond his years.

But overall, he should still be a good and patient teacher.

Arima smiled faintly. "I trust Kakashi-senpai's recommendation."

Suddenly, Kakashi's exposed eye glanced to the side.

"Yo, speak of the devil."

As he finished speaking, a handsome young man in casual clothes emerged from the woods.

"You're really fast, Itachi."

Kakashi was surprised. After all, Itachi was still serving in the Anbu and should be on a surveillance mission at this time.

To appear here so quickly could only mean that he had immediately removed his mask and changed out of his Anbu uniform after receiving the Third Hokage's order.

Young Itachi, with his handsome face, gave Kakashi and Arima a gentle smile.

"Since Itachi is here, I'll leave Arima to you. I'll be on my way."

Kakashi didn't linger. He was about to leave the village on a mission, and before that, he only had less than an hour to go to the largest and most comprehensive bookstore in the village to buy the latest issue of "Icha Icha Paradise."

I can't miss it.

Watching Kakashi disappear, Itachi couldn't help but smile wryly. He said to Arima, "I'm Uchiha Itachi. You must be Arima-kun?"

Arima hurriedly nodded towards Itachi. "Yes, I'll be in your care, Itachi-kun."

"Pleased to meet you," Itachi responded politely.

Although known as a "genius ninja like Kakashi," Itachi truly had no airs about him; he was approachable and friendly.

This first meeting instantly filled Arima with goodwill towards him.

"If Arima-kun isn't in a hurry, I can take you to try the special three-colored dango of Konoha," Itachi suddenly said.

Arima was taken aback for a moment, then replied, "Of course, does Itachi-kun like sweets?"

Itachi smiled slightly. "Yes, after all, sweets always bring a sense of joy."

Arima also smiled. "Compared to sweets, I actually prefer coffee."

"Oh?"

"The taste of coffee seems more real."

Hearing Arima's words, Itachi raised his ink-black eyes and glanced at him.

Such deep darkness and hatred.

As an elite ninja, during his journey from the Anbu headquarters, Itachi had not only neatly stored his uniform and mask in his locker but also taken the time to read all the relevant information about this mission's target.

This mission was not just about teaching Arima ninjutsu; it was more about having Itachi protect this "sample."

After all, Arima was the first person to master the use of a quinque. If this information were leaked, the spies lurking in the village might make a move.

Arranging a protector was necessary.

Because he knew Arima's background, Itachi could fully understand the darkness in his heart.

After all, the entire village of Yugakure was gone; it was only natural to want to expel those monsters from this world.

But there was still a hint of unease in Itachi's heart.

Must this hatred continue endlessly?

As Itachi fell silent in thought, Arima also closed his mouth, silently following Itachi to the dessert shop. They bought some sweets and then two cups of coffee.

"I also want to taste the 'real' feeling that Arima-kun mentioned."

Itachi chuckled softly as he put the coffee straw to his mouth.

Immediately, the bitterness that flooded his tongue made him clearly understand what Arima meant.

But Itachi didn't show much expression; after all, this result was completely within his expectations.

After casually filling their stomachs, Itachi took Arima to the lakeside training ground and officially began ninjutsu training.

As Arima's ninjutsu training gradually got on track, far away in the Land of Rain, Kaneki suddenly opened his eyes.

It's done.

After devoting all his computational power and spending a considerable amount of time analyzing, he had finally analyzed 60% of Hashirama's cells.

Although he couldn't analyze 100% due to the lack of samples, this level was enough for him to replicate the Wood Release ninja that Orochimaru desired.

Although the power would certainly not be comparable to the legendary God of Shinobi, it should be barely enough.

After all, if Kaneki could truly replicate the God of Shinobi with just this bit of cellular tissue, then the title of God of Shinobi should change hands.

Three tentacles, each carrying a body, stretched out from the blood pool and landed in front of Kaneki.

The first was Orochimaru's body. Kaneki had implanted the Wood Release genes into it. As long as Orochimaru transferred to this body, he could combine his own Water Release and Earth Release chakra to form Wood Release chakra.

From now on, Orochimaru could also become a Wood Release ninja.

The second was a new body Kaneki had created for himself. Its appearance was identical to one of Danzo's experimental subjects. The purpose, of course, was to use this experimental subject's identity to successfully infiltrate Konoha.

The third was an unexpected surprise from Kaneki's experiment.

He was one of the experimental subjects sent by Danzo. Due to his special body, he could withstand the erosion of Hashirama's cells with his own power.

He had contributed a lot to Kaneki being able to create a Wood Release clone so quickly.

(End of chapter)

Chapter 164: Weapons of the Root

After sealing Orochimaru's body in a scroll, the young boy with Wood Release finally opened his eyes.

"Where..."

Everything he saw was crimson red.

Kaneki pushed his glasses up his nose. "You're awake?"

The boy looked up, supporting himself with his hands as he scooted back. "Who are you?"

"My name is Ken Kaneki."

With a kind smile, Kaneki introduced himself.

"Ken... Kaneki?" The boy furrowed his brow, never having heard that name before.

"Then, can you tell me your name?"

Kaneki's voice seemed to carry a magical power, making one involuntarily want to follow his lead.

The boy shook his head. "I don't have a name."

Kaneki's question brought back cruel memories.

Bright operating lights, green nutrient solution, sharp needles, the constant deaths of his companions, the ever-spinning world...

Just as the boy's headache intensified, a large, warm hand rested on his head.

He looked up and met Kaneki's deep eyes, which seemed to see through everything.

"Alright, don't think about it anymore. It's all over."

The boy swallowed hard, unable to believe it. "It's... all over?"

Kaneki withdrew his hand and adjusted his glasses. "To be precise, the experiment on you is over. You have successfully obtained the Wood Release power left by the First Hokage."

The boy wasn't excited about gaining the legendary Wood Release. He just raised his hand to his head, where he could still feel the warmth left by Kaneki's touch.

No one, no one had ever done that to him before.

Until now, his entire life had been spent in endless experiments, never experiencing even a bit of warmth.

Seeing the confusion in the boy's eyes, Kaneki smiled faintly. "You can choose your own path from now on."

"You can choose to leave here and live your own life."

"Or you can return to Konoha. However, if you go back, you will most likely be taken back to Root by Danzo and become his weapon."

"Of course, if you haven't decided yet, you can stay here for a while."

The boy didn't make a choice immediately but fell into deeper confusion.

Since he was young, he had been Danzo's experimental subject and later sent to Orochimaru.

Therefore, his understanding of the world was quite limited. Now, suddenly free from being an experimental subject and having freedom and choices, he didn't know what to do.

Kaneki wasn't in a hurry. He just stood there quietly, waiting for the boy to make up his mind.

"Mr. Kaneki, I want to go back."

Although a little surprised by his decision, Kaneki didn't reject it.

"I understand."

Soon, Kaneki appeared once again at Orochimaru's hideout with his latest research results.

"Well, here's the body you wanted."

Kaneki tossed the scroll to Orochimaru. It had the character for "snake" written on it. All it needed was Orochimaru's chakra to open.

Looking at the scroll in his hand, Orochimaru's eyes instantly lit up.

"Did you really succeed? Wood Release?"

"Of course. Although it doesn't possess the legendary destructive power, there's no problem using Wood Release."

Kaneki pushed his glasses up.

Wood Release was the First Hokage's signature, but not all of him.

The remaining 40% might contain more crucial secrets about the God of Shinobi.

But this was enough to excite Orochimaru.

After all, in the eyes of all Konoha people, Wood Release held special significance. It was synonymous with power. It was as if mastering Wood Release meant grasping the future.

Fortunately, Orochimaru was still calm. After suppressing his excitement, he looked at the two boys behind Kaneki.

"Who are these two behind you?"

"Experimental subjects who luckily survived. From Danzo's place," Kaneki replied indifferently.

In a sense, what he said was true.

It was just that the soul of one of them had been replaced by himself.

Orochimaru's cold eyes scanned the two.

He knew that with Kaneki's personality, if he agreed to one, he would definitely not send two back to Danzo.

Therefore, there must be something wrong with one of them.

Or maybe both!

However, this was Danzo's business. What did it have to do with him, Orochimaru?

"I understand. I will contact Danzo and have him bring these two back."

Kaneki nodded and extended his hand to Orochimaru. "Happy cooperation. Farewell."

Orochimaru also reached out and shook Kaneki's hand.

Once he sent these two boys back to Danzo, it would mean the complete end of their cooperation this time.

Looking at the two boys in front of him, even Orochimaru couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "What a terrifying ability."

This guy had actually completed the Wood Release experiment, which he had been unable to complete for a long time, in just four months and created three Wood Release users, including himself.

What a terrifying ability!

After Kaneki completely disappeared, Orochimaru said to the two boys in front of him, "You can stay here for the night. I have sent someone to contact Danzo. He should come to take you back to Konoha tomorrow."

After so many years of cooperation, Orochimaru knew Danzo's personality very well.

Upon hearing the news of the successful Wood Release experiment, that guy would probably send someone over overnight, right?

No, to prevent any accidents, he would probably come in person.

The two naive boys naturally had no objections and were led to their rooms by Orochimaru's subordinates.

Late at night, the boy with Wood Release finally spoke up. "Why do you want to go back to Konoha?"

He didn't ask silly questions like "What's your name?"

As experimental subjects from the same period, the Wood Release boy had an impression of the other boy. Although they didn't interact much, it was basically certain that as orphans raised by Danzo since childhood, neither of them had a name.

"Where else can we go if we don't go back to Konoha?" the other boy retorted.

The conversation fell silent.

Yeah, where else could they go if they didn't return to Konoha?

For these children who had been deprived of their self and humanity since childhood, the only thing imprinted in their minds was that figure.

Danzo.

This was Danzo's way of controlling Root. By erasing their sense of self, he made them derive their meaning and value of existence only from him, and thus completely become weapons of Root.

(End of chapter)

Chapter 165: Alpha and Beta

As expected, after receiving Orochimaru's message, Danzo immediately set off the next day with three elite Root squads to the agreed-upon location.

It was a mountain valley.

Kaneki and another young Wood Release user stood beside Orochimaru.

Soon, Danzo and his subordinates appeared.

To ensure the success of this operation, Danzo brought only elite ninja this time.

Coupled with his own considerable strength, as well as his newly transplanted arm and eye, he was confident in facing most enemies in the ninja world.

"We meet again, Orochimaru."

Danzo's voice was raspy. His gaze lingered on Orochimaru for less than a second before involuntarily shifting to the two boys beside him.

Orochimaru chuckled. He knew how much Danzo craved Wood Release users. Without further ado, he said, "These two are the Wood Release users you want."

With Orochimaru's confirmation, Danzo's eyes lit up with fervor.

Kaneki felt his whole body burning under the intense scrutiny. The other Wood Release user, who had grown up in Root, also felt uncomfortable under Danzo's heated gaze.

Despite his excitement, Danzo remained cautious.

"Examine them," he ordered his subordinates.

Soon, a few ninja stepped forward and conducted a thorough examination of Kaneki and the other boy, confirming their identities and the presence of Wood Release chakra within them.

"Lord Danzo, they are indeed our test subjects. They do possess Wood Release chakra."

The speaker was a Sensory ninja, capable of discerning chakra natures through his sensory techniques.

His face held a hint of disbelief. He hadn't expected the legendary First Hokage's Wood Release to reappear in the world.

Upon hearing the report, Danzo cracked a rare smile. Though it looked rather unsettling, it clearly showed his excitement.

"Well done this time, Orochimaru."

He praised Orochimaru in his hoarse voice. After spending so much money and so many test subjects, Orochimaru had finally delivered some promising results.

Orochimaru simply smiled coldly. "Just don't forget our agreement, Elder Danzo."

Now that the Wood Release users had been delivered, shouldn't the funding be increased?

"Don't worry."

Since Orochimaru had produced results, Danzo certainly wouldn't be stingy with funding. He immediately agreed to Orochimaru's request.

"I'll take these two with me now."

Danzo couldn't wait to bring them back to Konoha, teach them Wood Release techniques, and cultivate them into the deepest, strongest, and most formidable roots of Konoha!

Of course, these roots of Konoha would also be sharp swords aimed at their enemies and the Uchiha!

With his demands met, Orochimaru naturally had no objections.

"As you wish."

Danzo then left with the two Wood Release users without looking back.

Only Orochimaru remained, watching their retreating figures with an enigmatic smile.

He was looking forward to seeing what kind of chaos Kaneki would create in Konoha this time.

Under the protection of Root ninja, Kaneki and the other Wood Release user encountered no danger on their way back and smoothly entered Konoha.

Konoha was undeniably the most prosperous village Kaneki had seen since arriving in this world.

The weather was pleasant, the buildings were orderly, and the streets were wide and bright.

No wonder it was called the strongest village in the ninja world, and no wonder Konoha was always besieged in every Great Ninja War.

After all, the Land of Fire had a temperate climate, and most of its land was suitable for farming. It boasted abundant food and resources, leading to a strong overall national power.

Once war broke out, the first choice of other nations was naturally to unite and tear a chunk of flesh from the behemoth that was the Land of Fire.

In comparison, Sunagakure, also one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, paled in comparison to Konoha.

With its endless yellow sand, harsh environment, scarce water resources, limited food, and a feudal lord who kept cutting military expenses, the Land of Wind also had to contend with attacks from a cult and even had its tailed beast stolen.

Sigh.

Pitiful.

However, Kaneki didn't have much time to admire the scenery. Soon, the bright world before him turned into a dark underground tunnel.

Here, everyone he saw wore uniforms and masks. They even addressed each other by code names, remaining silent and using as few words as possible in their conversations.

A cold, oppressive feeling instantly washed over him.

Of course, this was nothing to Kaneki. He remained calm.

The Wood Release user beside him also regained his composure after a brief moment of panic.

Observing this from the shadows, Danzo nodded slightly.

It seemed these two had decent mental fortitude.

Arriving at a spacious training ground, Danzo finally turned around and solemnly declared, "From today onwards, you two will officially become members of Root."

"From now on, you are the roots that burrow deep underground, silently providing nutrients for the village's development, supporting the village from the shadows!"

"You have no emotions, no past, no names, only missions!"

"Understood?"

Danzo's raspy and authoritative voice echoed through the dark training ground.

Starting the brainwashing already?

This level of brainwashing is… a bit crude, isn't it?

Kaneki thought to himself with some disdain.

This kind of brainwashing tactic wouldn't even qualify someone to be a cult leader in his previous world.

Of course, this was a world of extraordinary powers, so perhaps there would be corresponding control methods later on.

Despite his inner thoughts, Kaneki maintained an obedient expression. "Understood!"

The Wood Release user beside him also responded loudly.

Danzo nodded. "Although you may not yet understand the mission and importance of Root, it doesn't matter. I will make you understand in due time."

"The roots buried deep underground have no names, but for convenience, you need code names."

He walked up to the Wood Release user. "You will be called Alpha."

Then he pointed his cane at Kaneki. "Your code name is Beta."

"Yes."

It was just a code name; Kaneki accepted it without any hesitation.

After assigning the code names, Danzo tapped the ground with his cane.

A Root ninja instantly appeared beside him.

"Ryoma, for the next month, Alpha and Beta's training will be entrusted to you. Make sure to train them into true members of Root."

(End of chapter)