--Searching for Tsunade.
This was the first mission Hyuga Sho assigned to Sai—or rather, to Root.
Tsunade generally appeared in the Land of Fire.
Occasionally, she also went abroad.
This mission became the first test of the Root Squad.
Compared to combat missions,
Hyuga Sho preferred reconnaissance.
He intended to bring every secret in the Shinobi World under his control.
To seek all information, as well as every path to greater strength.
The Torture Department Subdivision became Root's aboveground building.
Part of the half-open Underground Base became Root's hidden network.
Hyuga Sho himself commanded everything from atop the Flying Fortress.
For now,
Ankbandian could only remain more than ten kilometers outside Konoha.
Once Tsunade took office
and he completely took control of Konoha,
many things could be done without restraint.
For example, he could fly Ankbandian directly above Konoha.
Shortening the distance would make things easier.
Training Room No. 12.
A training room filled with a blend of modern technology and ninja aesthetics...
Hyuga Sho was sparring with Utatane Koharu.
"I've rebuilt Root."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms were merely the prelude to his attack.
As Hyuga Sho attacked Utatane Koharu, he explained,
"Ugh~!"
Utatane Koharu was too busy dealing with Hyuga Sho's attacks to answer. Her hurried breathing left her no time at all.
Why tell Utatane Koharu about this?
Because...
"When we find Tsunade, you, as a former Konoha Elder, will have an easier time convincing her."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Hyuga Sho sped up. The Sixty-Four Palms became a series of fierce afterimages, driving Utatane Koharu steadily backward.
Overwhelming strength, formidable stamina, and unrestrained strikes.
All of this was based on the fact that Utatane Koharu was not human... merely a composite of Wood Release Cells.
Before he mastered any soul-related skills,
it was impossible