(Last week, we hit 50+ Power Stones—huge thanks to everyone who supported! 🙌
This week, our new goal is:🔥 100+ Power Stones📝 5+ Reviews)
Chapter 42: Suppressing Danzo
"It's Danzo's doing?"
The Third Hokage was a little surprised. Although he had tacitly approved of Danzo continuing certain experiments, he truly hadn't known that Danzo had kidnapped sixty infants from Konoha.
This incident caused an uproar in the village—it was the strongest evidence that made Orochimaru's betrayal look unforgivable. Back then, Orochimaru's defection had conveniently taken the blame.
Unexpectedly, Kaien revealed that Danzo originally kidnapped the babies. Considering Danzo's behavior in recent years… it was very possible.
Danzo had reported its failure at the end of that experiment, and the matter was buried.
He hadn't expected that someone had survived it.
Danzo not only hid this fact, but also concealed the survivor—his heart deserved to be judged.
"Tenzo… will you escape?"
A responded with a silent nod. He formed a hand seal, and his arms transformed into wooden branches.
The Third Hokage nodded in satisfaction.
"Although your origins stem from a dark experiment, the long-cherished wish of Konoha has always been to cultivate a Wood Release user. Since you've inherited that ability, you shouldn't remain hidden in the Root."
"The Jinchuriki child is already five years old, and the sealing techniques of Wood Release are becoming more vital to the village. Konoha needs you. A, would you be willing to join the ANBU?"
A looked at Kakashi, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"I'm currently part of the ANBU, serving the village," Kakashi added.
A gave a small nod. "Third Hokage-sama, I'm willing to join the ANBU. 'A' was just my code name in the Root. You may call me…"
Kakashi tilted his head slightly. "Tenzo?"
A froze for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"Yes. My name is Tenzo."
"Very well. From now on, you'll be an official member of the ANBU. Kakashi will guide you for the time being. Focus on training your Wood Release sealing techniques."
"Yes!" Tenzo responded, and for a moment, light seemed to shine in his otherwise lifeless eyes.
"I'll handle the negotiations. You two are dismissed," Hiruzen said, waving Kakashi and Tenzo away.
"Yes, sir!"
Once the two had left, Hiruzen picked up his pipe and took a long puff of smoke.
"From now on, Deputy Chief Kaien should enter through the main gate. It's too easy to cause misunderstandings."
Kaien appeared at the window.
"Do you like the gift, Third Hokage-sama?"
Hiruzen was silent for a moment. Then he asked Kaien a serious question.
"Were those sixty babies kidnapped by Danzo?"
Kaien smiled and nodded.
"Does it matter?"
Hiruzen nodded, thoughts racing through his mind. Orochimaru, despite everything, had limits. Danzo, who lacked any moral boundaries, was far more dangerous.
Kaien shrugged. "It's all true."
"What do you want?" Hiruzen asked.
Kaien's expression turned serious.
"Third Hokage-sama, as you know, the Uchiha clan bears no real grudge against Konoha. But Danzo keeps targeting us."
"He's already been stripped of all his positions," Hiruzen responded. "He's just a civilian now."
Kaien shook his head.
"As long as Root still exists, Danzo's ambitions will only grow. He's a dangerous man."
Hiruzen fell silent for a moment.
"Even if I publicly order the disbandment of Root, it won't accomplish much."
Kaien understood. Root was too deeply rooted in the village's system. Its members had been brainwashed by Danzo. Even if disbanded, they'd reorganize in secret.
"Even if it's not a total loss, it's worth weakening him. After all, he's always targeting the Uchiha."
The Third Hokage weighed his options. It was true that Danzo's hidden ambitions had grown beyond control. While Kaien and the Uchiha had manipulated Konoha recently during the Kumogakure peace talks, the village hadn't suffered any real losses. Kumogakure had gained more from it.
Now that Konoha had Tenzo, a much-needed Wood Release user… Hiruzen had to admit that Kaien was becoming both a blessing and a threat.
He made his decision.
"Very well. I will issue a village-wide decree in the name of the Hokage: Root is officially disbanded!"
Kaien stood up slowly, smiling as he bowed slightly, but never lowered his head.
"You are wise, Third Hokage-sama. The Uchiha clan will always support your leadership. I must return to my clan now. Farewell."
"Hmph." Though Kaien's farewell was subtle, the Third Hokage could sense that it carried its meaning.
"Kaien… that man doesn't play by the rules," Hiruzen muttered as he watched Kaien leave.
…
Land of Water [ Kirigakure]
Ao, who had failed his mission, returned to the village with Zabuza and a group of elites.
"If you hadn't acted so recklessly, we would have infiltrated Konoha already!" Ao snapped.
"Hmph! I do things my way. If the Great Elder wants to punish anyone, I'll take full responsibility," Zabuza replied indifferently.
Though his tone was arrogant, Ao couldn't fully deny the young man's talent. Zabuza was already nearing jonin-level strength at his age.
Still, the mission had failed, and now Ao had no choice but to report to the Great Elder and accept the consequences.
The situation in Kirigakure had changed drastically over the past few years.
The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, had successfully tamed the Three-Tails and become a fully controlled Jinchuriki. With his power consolidated, he began implementing sweeping reforms.
This weakened the Great Elder's power, dividing the village into two factions:
The Mizukage faction, led by Fourth Mizukage Yagura.
The Elder faction, led by the Great Elder, who specialized in intelligence and covert operations.
However, the Great Elder strongly distrusted the bloodline limit clans and sought to weaken them, whereas Yagura promoted coexistence and order.
After Ao reported the failed operation, he knelt before the Great Elder.
The Elder's expression was cold, unsurprised by Ao's failure.
"Throw him into the assassination unit for further tempering."
"And Zabuza will be confined for one year."
"Thank you, Great Elder!" Ao said respectfully. The punishment was light. The assassination unit was considered elite training.
As Ao was taken away, the space behind the Great Elder shimmered.
A masked man—Obito—emerged from the void.
The Great Elder bowed. "Madara-sama, Ao is now under your control."
Obito nodded, his voice disguised.
"Yagura is becoming more of a threat. It's time."
"What will you do?" the Elder asked.
"My forces are nearly assembled. In seven days, I'll take care of Yagura myself."
"Then do as you wish, Madara-sama."
Kirigakure was filled with elites, but the bloodline clans were troublesome. If they couldn't be controlled, they had to be destroyed.
…
…
Seven Days Later – Entrance of Kirigakure
Obito arrived with Pain (Tendo) and Konan.
Yagura, seeing the three of them, instantly drew his weapon.
"Who are you?!"
Obito's Mangekyō spun violently. The air around them twisted with pressure, pinning Yagura in place.
In the blink of an eye, the Mizukage lost consciousness.
…
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Translated By – Ancient Lores
TL Note:If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to show your support by leaving a review and letting us know what you think!
And if you'd like to see more chapters released faster, send us some Power Stones for extra chapters—your support really helps us keep the translations coming!
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more!— Ancient Lores Translation Team