Do Eyes Really Turn Red Under Extreme Pain?

After Hiruko took Hachimi and Bruce away, Danzo threatened Jiraiya and the others with a fierce look on his face.

"Did you see that? That's Root's brutal discipline. Are you really prepared to join?"

"..."

The group, who had been worrying about the cats' and dog's fates just moments ago, exchanged complicated looks.

You call that brutal?

Is this department even reliable?

"Please let us join!"

Yet, for the benefits and Hiruko's sake, they did not hesitate. They bowed to Danzo in unison.

"I don't know whether to call you courageous or ignorant."

Sensing their resolve, Danzo shook his head with an inexplicable expression.

Putting aside Torifu's three disciples, Jiraiya and the other two were Monkey's treasured favorites. They would undoubtedly become Konoha's pillars in the future, and their achievements would not fall far behind his own.

Yet they had chosen not to pursue their bright futures, instead insisting on joining Root, which bore Konoha's darkness.

From then on, they would walk beyond the line. One misstep, and they would plunge into an abyss.

"Does Hiruzen know you're here?"

Out of a sense of responsibility, Danzo asked Jiraiya and the others in a low voice. He did not want to ruin Monkey's painstaking efforts.

"Sensei said it was fine!"

Having expected Danzo to ask this, Tsunade immediately flashed an okay sign with a smile.

"He said Elder Danzo would definitely take good care of us~"

"Hmph! Don't think you'll receive special treatment just because you are Hiruzen's and Torifu's disciples. Once you enter Root, all members will be treated equally."

Danzo snorted coldly, his sinister gaze sweeping over them. Since Monkey had already agreed, being any more coy would be rather rude.

"Ordinarily, joining Root requires a comprehensive assessment."

At the word "assessment," everyone instantly tensed. But Danzo's next words