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Chapter 40: Root Armor
…
Root Headquarters
Shortly after returning from the Hokage's office, Danzo received a document from the Three Hokages demanding the dismissal of his advisor elders.
Danzo picked up the document and glanced at it.
Then, he threw it to the ground.
Suddenly, a sharp pain surged through his right eye.
"Ugh... Ah..."
Danzo clutched his right eye and grunted bitterly.
"Someone!"
Soon, medical personnel affiliated with the Root division rushed in and examined him.
After a brief flurry of activity and the injection of two different drugs, the pain in Danzo's right eye gradually subsided.
"What's going on? Why is this old man's Sharingan hurting?" he demanded.
One of the medical staff responded thoughtfully,
"My lord, this transplanted Sharingan is decaying. It is expected to lose its pupil power and become useless within a week."
"So fast?"
It wasn't the first time Danzo had encountered Sharingan decay. However, every previous Sharingan had lasted for years.
This one was newly transplanted and was already starting to break down.
"My lord, each Sharingan differs in constitution. Some adapt and stabilize well in a non-Uchiha host's body," the medic explained,
"But others, like this one, decay rapidly due to poor compatibility."
"Oh?" Danzo narrowed his eyes. The only Sharingan he had left now came from a host with poor compatibility.
The Uchiha clan was like a hedgehog—impossible to approach or deal with directly.
Where else could he get another Sharingan?
Danzo began to ponder. "How is Kakashi's Sharingan holding up?"
The medical staff froze for a second. Feeling Danzo's cold gaze, they quickly answered,
"Kakashi's Sharingan was transplanted years ago. It's highly adaptable and stable."
Danzo snorted coldly. "Call Jia."
…
…
Hokage's Office
The Third Hokage sat behind his desk with Kakashi standing before him.
"How's Naruto doing lately?" the Hokage asked.
Kakashi's face was as lazy and unbothered as ever, but at the mention of Naruto, his expression softened slightly.
"Lately, Naruto's been doing fine. He's been spending time with Sasuke, Hinata, Neji, Shikamaru, Choji, and Kiba.
No one's bullying him at school."
Hearing Kakashi's report, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.
"You've known Naruto for long?"
"I met him by chance while going to Ichiraku Ramen. We talk whenever we run into each other," Kakashi replied.
His mental state was still poor—dull and emotionally worn out.
Yet, he seemed to genuinely care for Naruto.
The Third Hokage lit a cigarette and exhaled deeply.
Since the appearance of Uchiha Kaien, the entire Uchiha clan had changed drastically.
On the other hand, the Hokage family's talents had waned.
His son was rebellious and difficult to train.
Now, the most promising talent stood before him—Hatake Kakashi.
Hiruzen resolved to invest more in Kakashi's growth.
If the day came that he was gone, perhaps... perhaps Kakashi could shoulder some of the village's burdens.
With a sigh in his heart, he said,
"Orochimaru has defected for some time now, but he left behind several research labs in Konoha.
The ANBU recently discovered one. I want you to investigate it."
"Yes, sir," Kakashi replied.
…
…
Outside Konoha Ninja Academy
Sasuke walked ahead, hands in his pockets, with Sakura trailing behind.
Naruto and Hinata followed them.
Naruto strolled casually with his hands resting on his head.
Unlike in other timelines, he was much healthier, both physically and mentally.
He didn't harbor romantic feelings for Sakura—just considered her a friend.
Hinata, on the other hand, had become much closer to him.
"Sasuke, you're number one again! You're amazing!" Sakura said dreamily, looking at him like a fangirl.
Sasuke was annoyed.
Girls followed him everywhere like flies.
Eventually, perhaps after some coordination, they started taking different paths—still showing up, but in shifts.
He didn't respond and turned instead to Naruto.
"Hey! Naruto, if you don't start trying harder, you're going to stay dead last."
Naruto lowered his arms.
"Don't be so smug, Sasuke. I just slipped up this time. Next time, I'll do better than you!"
Sasuke snorted arrogantly. "That's impossible. The Uchiha are the strongest."
"Please, Naruto," Sakura scoffed, "you couldn't even beat Choji. How are you going to beat Sasuke?"
Hinata stepped forward, blushing slightly. "I believe in Naruto. He'll pass next time."
Naruto beamed.
"See, Sakura-chan? Someone still believes in me!"
He turned and gave Hinata a thumbs-up. "Hinata, you've got the best eye for talent!"
Hinata blushed furiously.
"Huh? What's wrong, Hinata? Your face is all red. Are you sick?"
Naruto leaned in and placed a hand on her forehead.
So close... Naruto's face is so close!
What should I do?! What should I do?!
Hinata trembled nervously, nearly fainting.
"Stupid Naruto!" Sakura yanked him away and stepped between him and Hinata.
If Naruto had touched her, Hinata might've fainted right then.
"I'm not stupid!" Naruto complained.
The group quickly descended into a cheerful, youthful mess.
Up in the trees, Kaien watched and sighed.
Ah, youth.
That's when Kakashi appeared nearby.
"Yo, Naruto. You're here," Kakashi called out, fully geared up for a mission.
Still, he had come all the way here just to greet Naruto and maintain their bond.
"Kakashi-san, are you going on a mission?" Naruto asked excitedly.
He didn't have many friends, so he cherished every bond he had.
"Yeah, I've got a job. I'll be busy. I'll treat you to ramen another day."
With that, Kakashi vanished.
"Was that Kakashi?" Sakura said, stunned.
She turned to Naruto, shocked. "Wait... how do you know him?!"
"Huh?" Naruto looked confused.
"You mean Kakashi-san?"
"I met him at Ichiraku Ramen. After bumping into each other a few times, we got to know each other.
He said he wanted to be friends."
Sakura looked like she was about to lose it.
"Do you even know what Kakashi represents?!"
Naruto tilted his head. "Nope, not really."
Sakura pointed dramatically in Kakashi's direction.
"That's Hatake Kakashi—a super genius! He graduated from the Ninja Academy at five years old!"
"What!?" Sasuke's eyes widened.
At their age, they had only just entered the academy. Did Kakashi had already graduate at that age?
"Whoa!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Kakashi-sensei is that strong?! He never said anything like that!"
Sakura rolled her eyes and sighed, ignoring him completely.
…
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Translated By – Ancient Lores
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