Aburame Invites Him into Root, Haotian Furiously Punishes an Enemy

Haotian followed behind Aburame Shikuroo and stepped into the Aburame Clan estate.

Beyond the towering gate lay a deep, shadowy passageway. Strange vines crept over the walls on either side, making the place seem especially sinister in the dim light.

A faintly fishy-sweet scent hung in the air, and Haotian could not help frowning slightly.

Shikuroo stopped and glanced back at Haotian. The eyes behind his sunglasses were impossible to read.

"You're very strong," he said in a low voice, with a trace of barely noticeable frustration. "I should have realized sooner."

Haotian returned his gaze without revealing anything. "You flatter me, Teacher Shikuroo. I was merely lucky." Inwardly, he remained on guard. Aburame Shikuroo's attitude made him uneasy.

"Luck is part of strength too." Shikuroo chuckled softly, turned, and continued forward. "Come with me. Lord Shimbi is waiting for you."

Haotian silently followed, though his doubts only deepened.

He had come to visit Aburame Shimbi and learn techniques related to insect users, yet he had not expected such a special "reception."

As they ventured deeper into the Aburame Clan territory, Haotian noticed that the surroundings grew increasingly strange.

The buildings along the road were ancient and mysterious in style, their walls carved with all manner of bizarre insect patterns.

From time to time, members of the Aburame Clan passed by them. Most wore long black robes and masks that concealed their expressions.

More strikingly, all kinds of insects surrounded them. Some fluttered through the air, some crawled along the ground, and some even parasitized their bodies directly.

Haotian curiously studied these unusual insects, his heart full of questions.

They seemed different from ordinary insects, giving off a strange aura that made him feel faintly uneasy.

"These are all special insects bred by our Aburame Clan," Shikuroo explained blandly, seemingly noticing Haotian's gaze. "They are our companions in battle and the source of our power."

Haotian nodded and asked no further questions.

He sensed that Aburame Shikuroo was deliberately avoiding his questions, which made him even more vigilant.

The farther they went, the fewer buildings there were, and the narrower the path became.

Haotian noticed that they had already deviated from the route to Shimbi's residence.

"Teacher Shikuroo," Haotian said as he stopped, a note of confusion in his voice, "where are we going?"

Shikuroo stopped as well and slowly turned around. An unusual gleam flickered in his eyes beneath the sunglasses.

"A place... where you can obtain true power."

They arrived at a remote training ground. The trees around it were sparse, thick fallen leaves carpeted the ground, and the air carried the scent of decay.

Haotian stopped and sharply swept his gaze over the surroundings.

He keenly sensed that they were far from the Aburame Clan's core territory, and a faint killing intent lingered in the air.

"Teacher Shikuroo," Haotian said coldly, "what exactly are you trying to do? This isn't Teacher Shimbi's residence."

Shikuroo removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair of sinister eyes. A cold sneer curled across his lips.

"Haotian, your strength is indeed impressive, but you're too naïve. Konoha has already rotted beyond repair. Only by joining Root can you obtain true power."

Haotian's brow furrowed tightly. He had never expected Aburame Shikuroo to urge him to join Root.

He had long heard of Root's notorious reputation. It was a dark organization that would stop at nothing to achieve its goals. He could never join such an organization.

"Teacher Shikuroo, what do you mean by this?" Haotian suppressed the fury in his heart. "I treated you with respect because you are an elder of the Aburame Clan. Yet you brought me to a place like this and tried to persuade me to join Root. Is this how you treat a guest?"

Shikuroo threw back his head and laughed, his laughter full of disdain.

"How to treat a guest? Haotian, you're too childish. In this world, power is the only truth. Do you think you can establish yourself in Konoha with this little strength? You're far too naïve!"

Haotian clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking sharply.

He forcibly restrained his anger and stared coldly at Shikuroo.

"Teacher Shikuroo, I'll ask you one last time. What exactly are you trying to do?"

The smile on Shikuroo's face gradually vanished, replaced by a chilling killing intent.

"Since you refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit, don't blame me for being rude! I'll make you understand what true power is!" He abruptly raised his right hand, and black Chakra surged from his palm, transforming in midair into a massive black beetle whose wings buzzed loudly.

Haotian's pupils constricted. He felt a powerful sense of danger closing in.

He suddenly looked up, staring fixedly at the massive black beetle. "Teacher Shikuroo, you..."

"You think those insects can do anything to me?" Before Haotian had even finished speaking, Shikuroo had already controlled the Nano Poison Insects to launch their attack.