Root's Encirclement

Root had little renown among most ninja, but its location was one of Konoha's most important restricted areas. Many ninja would never have the chance to set foot inside in their entire lives.

Yet any ninja who knew of its existence feared it.

Because Root's leader was named... Shimura Danzo.

Root was also known as the Anbu Training Department. Its purpose was clear from the name alone: to cultivate ninja for the Anbu.

Root's original purpose had indeed been admirable, and in its early days, it had perfectly fulfilled its intended role.

But there was one problem. Root was an independent organization directly under Konoha Elder Shimura Danzo. It was neither controlled by the Hokage nor under Anbu jurisdiction.

For the Third Hokage to entrust such an important institution to Danzo was enough to show Sarutobi Hiruzen's trust in his old friend.

But it was precisely because of that unchecked trust that Root gradually changed, becoming an institution that served only Danzo's personal desires.

In Danzo's eyes, everything he did was for Konoha.

Therefore, everything Root did was also for Konoha.

And so, Root became Danzo's private domain. Over all these years, the number of non-Root ninja who had entered this place could be counted on one hand.

But that number was destined to be broken today, because Chen had brought Nawaki, Hiashi, and a group of other ninja inside.

All to demand an explanation.

The reason was simple and compelling.

Rumors were spreading throughout the village. As the clans implicated in the matter, they naturally had to demand an explanation.

The logic was that simple. No one could object, not even the Third Hokage.

But under Danzo's usual orders, no unrelated outsiders were allowed into Root. Anyone who trespassed could be killed on sight.

Yet under today's circumstances, those