Somewhere beneath Konoha lay Root's base.
As Konoha's Anbu organization, Root handled matters that could not be brought into the open. Planting and arranging spies were also what Root did best.
Whether in Konoha or other Ninja Villages, many spies lay hidden in silence.
They might be beside someone, or they might be someone themselves, but you would never discover their identity.
Intelligence agents were like moles.
Of course, spies from other Ninja Villages were also hidden within Konoha, gathering intelligence on it.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned the villagers and Naruto walked through the air toward the Hokage Building, Root ninjas had already reported the news to Danzo.
Danzo had been studying Hashirama Cells. Upon hearing his subordinate's report, he stopped what he was doing and said, "Keep watching. Report every development immediately."
After giving the order, Danzo stopped his research and waited quietly.
He wanted to see exactly what kind of show Naruto intended to put on.
What a restless fellow. I told you, Hiruzen, that you would regret this. You should have listened to me and sent him to Anbu back then. Then none of this mess would have happened.
The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that he had been right.
Once he thoroughly understood the Hashirama Cells and strengthened his Root, he would no longer need to heed Hiruzen. He could handle all the things Hiruzen found inconvenient to do.
Perhaps he could even sit in the Hokage's seat himself.
Hadn't Hiruzen merely killed Dan and covered it up?
Thinking of his teacher, Danzo could not help feeling resentful.
Before long, a Root ninja came to report, "Lord Danzō, the Hokage has announced Naruto's identity."
"Lord Danzō, the Hokage and Naruto have entered the Hokage Building."
"Lord Danzō, nearly all of Konoha's