"Wood Style Bloodline might not be of any use to the Moon Eye Plan."
The Mysterious Masked Man seemed to dislike the power of Wood Style. He spoke coldly, "I've also awakened the Wood Style Bloodline. I don't think Wood Style is stronger than the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"..."
That was definitely because his Wood Style was too weak!
The Pitcher Plant Monster understood this perfectly, but it had no intention of arguing with the Mysterious Masked Man. They knew that the Mysterious Masked Man's Mangekyō Sharingan was indeed more powerful than his Wood Style.
"Alright."
There seemed to be two wills within the Pitcher Plant Monster.
The black half of the Pitcher Plant Monster's face moved its mouth slightly and spoke in a raspy, gloomy voice. "Since we're in Konoha anyway, we can observe that Wood Style brat's talent. The Moon Eye Plan needs quite a few powerful helpers. One more person is always useful..."
"Besides, I just went to the Konoha Death Forest to investigate."
"Although I didn't see that brat use Wood Style, the forest still held dense life energy. That proves the brat's Wood Style isn't useless."
"Fine."
"If that brat really is useful... a brat full of darkness and weaknesses will be far too easy for me to deal with."
The Mysterious Masked Man did not even look at the Pitcher Plant Monster beside him. He casually raised his hand and clenched it into a fist. "I already have a piece that can deal with him. With a few small tricks, I can make him abandoned by everyone, with nowhere left to go..."
"Oh?"
The Pitcher Plant Monster grew curious.
"Some time ago, someone secretly infiltrated Kirigakure and was discovered by me. It was Aburame Ryoma, one of Shimura Danzō's subordinates. I captured him myself."
As the Mysterious Masked Man spoke of the plan he intended to carry out, his tone could not help becoming smug. "As long as I kill Aburame Ryoma with Wood Style Ninjutsu and leave the corpse for Konoha's people to find, I can frame that brat Akihara Kagura..."
In theory, the plan was rather simple.
If it were truly carried out, however, there was a high chance of success, because not many people in the ninja world possessed the Wood Style Bloodline.
"For the time being, we'll continue observing that brat."
The Mysterious Masked Man ultimately nodded and snorted coldly. "I can also see how that seed I planted two years ago has grown..."
"Uchiha Itachi?"
The white half of the Pitcher Plant Monster's face immediately revealed a strange smile. "Back then, you personally killed Uchiha Itachi's teammate and made that little one awaken the Sharingan. He directly awakened the Two Tomoe Sharingan the first time. His talent isn't bad either..."
"That's why I spared his life."
The Mysterious Masked Man nodded, looking as though everything was under his control. "That little Uchiha Itachi has the potential to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan. With just a little stimulation, his Sharingan can advance even further."
"Hehehehe... what a coincidence!"
The white half of the Pitcher Plant Monster's face seemed to recall something and suddenly became excited. "Konoha happens to be holding the Chunin Ninja Exams. Both Uchiha Itachi and Akihara Kagura are participating!"
"According to the usual rules of Konoha's Chunin Ninja Exams, Akihara Kagura and Uchiha Itachi may very well fight during the Third Exam. We can conveniently observe that Wood Style brat and the Uchiha Clan brat, and see which of them is stronger!"
"The Chunin Ninja Exams again..."
The Mysterious Masked Man's voice sank.
The Chunin Ninja Exams.
A subject ninjas would never be able to avoid.
Inside the Root Organization base, Shimura Danzō was also discussing the Chunin Ninja Exams. However, when the old man mentioned them, his face was so gloomy it seemed ready to drip water.
"Kou!"
Shimura Danzō was reprimanding Akihara Kagura, who had just returned to the base. "You went too far during the Chunin Ninja Exams. Don't casually reveal that you possess the Wood Style Bloodline, and there was no need to waste chakra on such powerful techniques!"
"...I understand."
Akihara Kagura frowned. "Then during the Third Exam, I just won't use Wood Style Ninjutsu. Wouldn't that solve it?"
"..."
Shimura Danzō was practically about to cough up blood from anger.
He used it recklessly when he should not have! Now he would not use it when he should!
Now that he had already used Wood Style Ninjutsu, what was the point of continuing to hide it?
"Forget it."
Shimura Danzō waved a hand helplessly. "Since everyone already knows, there's no need to keep hiding it..."
"Oh."
Akihara Kagura nodded indifferently.
"The Third Exam... take it seriously."
Seeing that the youngster did not seem to care, Shimura Danzō said in a deep voice, "You and Uchiha Itachi are the most outstanding candidates of this year. You will definitely meet in the final round. Do not let your guard down against that brat. Use Wood Style Ninjutsu to defeat him!"
Because this exam carried political significance.
If Akihara Kagura used Wood Style Ninjutsu to defeat Uchiha Itachi, the genius of the Uchiha Clan, then the Uchiha Clan would become a little more obedient when facing the village's orders.
"I understand."
Akihara Kagura nodded in agreement.
"There's one more thing..."
After Shimura Danzō finished discussing the Chunin Ninja Exams with Akihara Kagura, he finally brought up the matter troubling him most. "After the Chunin Ninja Exams are over, you'll be transferred to the Anbu..."
"Why?"
Akihara Kagura asked curiously, "Isn't our Root Organization part of the Anbu? Why do I need to be transferred into the Anbu?"
"You're being transferred into the Hokage's direct Anbu."
Shimura Danzō coldly pointed out the distinction and continued, "Just as Root is loyal to me, the Anbu members are loyal to Monkey..."
"Wait..."
Akihara Kagura's expression suddenly changed. He nearly could not believe it as he raised his head to look at Danzō. "Lord Danzō, why are you suddenly transferring me to the Anbu? Is it... that you don't want me to remain in Root... that you don't want me to stay by your side anymore?"
Akihara Kagura seemed completely unaware of what he had done. He tried his best to show shock in his eyes, even revealing a trace of anger. "Did someone complain about me to Lord Danzō? I only left the base for one day..."
As Akihara Kagura spoke, he tried to force out two aggrieved tears. No matter how hard he tried, he could not squeeze any out, so he could only continue sadly, "If it's because of those people, I can promise you that I won't be with those people anymore..."
"It isn't your problem!"
Shimura Danzō interrupted him impatiently.
Though it really was this brat's problem...
Wasn't it because this brat had gone too far during the exam?
But...
The brat's attitude was so pitiful...
He was even still loyal to him.
However...
It was not as though he had no solution.
This child could also become a piece he planted in the Anbu!
"Kou, there's no need to be upset."
Shimura Danzō slowly reached out and stroked Akihara Kagura's shoulder. Seemingly casually, he asked, "After entering the Anbu, will you still obey my orders?"
"Of course."
Akihara Kagura nodded quickly.
Once a superior asked such a question in an apparently casual manner, it meant they needed a firm answer. Besides replying quickly, one also had to show determination!
But...
That was not enough!
The best method was naturally to say something bad about one's superior's mortal enemy!
Akihara Kagura frowned and said curiously, "By the way, I somehow ran into the Third Hokage tonight. He kept talking to me about Lord Danzō..."
"Hm?"
Shimura Danzō's expression immediately turned ugly. He said coldly, "What did that bast... the Third Hokage say to you?"
Second update!
As long as we curse Danzō together, we're all good friends. Please keep reading and bookmark it—the rankings are dropping again...
Before you continue