At the Root Base, the dim, damp air was tinged with the faint smell of blood.
Haotian stood before Danzo and bowed respectfully.
Around them, several masked Root ninjas stood silently, guarding their leader like ghosts.
"From today onward, you are my student." Danzo's voice was low and hoarse, like sandpaper scraping against wood. It held no emotion.
"Thank you for taking me under your wing, Lord Danzo." Haotian's voice was calm, though his thoughts were in turmoil.
Becoming Danzo's student was undoubtedly a shortcut, but it also meant stepping into Konoha's darkest corner.
Danzo waved his hand, signaling for the Root ninjas to leave.
The air around them seemed to lighten, and the oppressive atmosphere eased.
He turned and walked toward the base's exit. Haotian followed close behind as they made their way through the dim corridor, one after the other, in silence.
"Why did you take me on as your student, Lord Danzo?" Haotian broke the silence, his tone cautious.
Danzo stopped and turned around. His single eye fixed on Haotian, as if trying to see into his soul.
"I felt your respect for me. And," he paused, "your talent is worth cultivating."
Haotian sneered inwardly. Respect?
It was nothing more than a temporary expedient.
He kept his expression neutral and continued, "What about Senior Shihei..."
"Thanks to you, he's now worse off than dead." Danzo's voice was icy, without the slightest hint of remorse.
Haotian gave a soft laugh and said nothing more.
The atmosphere grew tense in an instant, as if sparks were flying through the air.
Danzo gave Haotian a long look, then turned and continued walking.
Haotian followed his pace, and the two fell silent once more.
At the end of the corridor stood a heavy wooden door.
Danzo stopped and slowly pushed it