New Superior, New Gains

The Wood Style Bloodline.

It was undoubtedly Shimura Danzō's lifelong obsession.

As for Danzō's claim that only Konoha could wield the power of Wood Style, everyone present knew it was just a joke—no one took it seriously...

The old man talked about doing everything for Konoha, but behind the scenes, he wished he could hoard all power in his own hands.

No.

Shimura Danzō wanted these powers for himself even more.

If a second Wood Style ninja could be created...

It meant Orochimaru's techniques were barely mature.

Danzō's heart burned with fervor—perhaps he too could transplant Hashirama Cells and awaken the Wood Style Bloodline of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju!

The old man's gaze abruptly shifted from the boy to Orochimaru's face, and he immediately asked the question he most wanted answered.

"Orochimaru, does the Wood Style awakened in this child mean that Hashirama Cells can now be successfully transplanted into others..."

"No."

Orochimaru shook his head, his words dousing the old man's hopes like cold water: "The successful cell transplant experiment on Kagura was merely an accidental occurrence in the research..."

"Very well."

The old man's mood soured instantly.

"However..."

Orochimaru's tone shifted, a faint, ambiguous smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "Through this experiment, I've found a new research direction. I just need some precious experimental materials and a substantial amount of funding..."

"..."

Young Akihara Kagura shot Orochimaru a surprised glance.

The reason this Hashirama Cells transplant experiment succeeded was entirely because of his own [Ninja Science] trait...

Any human experimentation performed on him, as long as it aligned with ninja science theory, was guaranteed to succeed—how could it possibly give Orochimaru any new research ideas...

Shimura Danzō, the investor, was unaware of the situation.

The old man's brow furrowed slightly, as if troubled, but he eventually agreed: "Make a list of what you need, and I'll allocate it as best I can... I hope next time... I'll see something that satisfies me."

"Next time, for sure."

Orochimaru nodded, the smile on his lips growing deeper.

"Then I'll take him away."

Shimura Danzō beckoned to the boy, a hint of warmth creeping into his aged, sinister voice: "Child... your name is Akihara Kagura?"

"Mm."

Orochimaru nodded again, giving the boy's shoulder a gentle push, and said with a smile: "Take good care of this child. I don't want anything to happen to him. I might need his body for future experiments..."

"..."

Young Akihara Kagura was pushed forward toward Danzō.

"Understood."

Shimura Danzō nodded in agreement.

Danzō reached out and stroked the boy's hair. After a moment's thought, he spoke: "From today onward, you are a member of Root... Forget your name. Your codename is now Kou."

"..."

The boy's expression froze in shock.

You son of a bitch...

Has this old bastard lived too long!

Akihara Kagura had almost forgotten about this!

Every member of Root under Shimura Danzō's command was forced to abandon their name and emotions, living their entire lives with only a codename as their symbol.

However...

[System Prompt]: [You have a new superior (Shimura Danzō). Reward: New Hire Welcome Package. New trait unlocked!]

[System Prompt]: [You have a new superior (Hiruzen Sarutobi). Reward: New Hire Welcome Package. New trait unlocked!]

[Shadow of the Ninja World (When the host requires intelligence, they will obtain the necessary information. Reward from New Hire Welcome Package.)]

[Ninja Professor (When the host learns a jutsu, any jutsu that conforms to ninja theory will be successfully learned. Reward from New Hire Welcome Package.)]

"Yes, Lord Danzō!"

Akihara Kagura answered swiftly.

Though Shimura Danzō was no good—This old man even wanted to change his name—the welcome package from this superior was truly formidable!

Moreover...

Once he became Danzō's subordinate, he automatically gained Konoha's official status.

In theory, all the ninjas of Konoha were subordinates of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and thus he had obtained another newcomer welcome package!

Moreover...

These two traits...

Whether it was the intelligence-gathering ability brought by the [Shadow of the Ninja World] or the learning ability granted by the [Ninja Professor], all of them were urgently needed by Akihara Kagura!

Shimura Danzō was a good leader!

Akihara Kagura felt that being renamed was a trivial matter; when the time came that Shimura Danzō no longer wished to live, he would have to find a way to leave Lord Danzō with a whole corpse...

Shimura Danzō was still unaware that the young man beside him had already conceived the thought of seeing him off to his grave. He waved to his two subordinates, intending to take Akihara Kagura and leave this place together.

Before leaving.

Shimura Danzō seemed to think of something, suddenly turned back, looked at Orochimaru, and spoke: "By the way, this base is no longer safe..."

"Hm?"

Orochimaru's brow immediately furrowed.

Compared to other bases, this one had more complete experimental equipment, and because it had been managed by Akihara Kagura, a transmigrator who had received a modern education, it had always been kept in good order, leading Orochimaru to want to use this base as a long-term stronghold.

"I received some intelligence..."

Shimura Danzō's expression was somewhat unpleasant, as if mentioning a person he did not wish to bring up: "In the town near this base... your old friend has appeared."

"...I understand."

Orochimaru immediately thought of a tall, white-haired man.

Orochimaru's expression also turned unpleasant. He clenched his teeth and snorted: "That Jiraya fellow... he really is a persistent ghost..."

"Someone reported his movements to me."

"Ever since you left Konoha, Jiraiya has been secretly investigating your whereabouts. He is as foolish and naive as your teacher, but he is a nuisance to us."

Shimura Danzō had never liked Jiraiya, who somewhat resembled Hiruzen Sarutobi in temperament, and spoke coldly: "If you find an opportunity, it would be best to kill him, to spare us further trouble."

"...I understand."

Orochimaru's expression grew even uglier. He said in a deep voice: "That Jiraiya fellow... is not so easy to deal with..."

"I can leave Ryoma here to help you."

Shimura Danzō pointed to one of his guard ninjas: "Ryoma is an old partner of yours, the two of you..."

"Not needed."

Orochimaru coldly refused the offer, saying dismissively: "Jiraiya... that waste, from the Ninja Academy onward, has never been my match..."

"Then I will take my leave."

Shimura Danzō nodded.

"..."

Akihara Kagura stood by, somewhat speechless.

Lord Danzō was getting on in years, his eyesight poor—couldn't he see such a small thing?

Hoping that Orochimaru could kill Jiraiya in this lifetime was about as likely as hoping that you could kill the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, in this lifetime!

New book, asking for collections!

Second chapter tomorrow!