Root base.
Shimura Danzō narrowed his eyes. The intelligence in his hand had just arrived, containing a detailed combat assessment of last night's "test."
Under the dim candlelight, his expression was frighteningly grim, yet a barely restrained greed lurked deep within his eyes.
"Not only is he proficient in Medical Ninjutsu, he has mastered Tsunade's Strength of a Hundred. He even completely outclassed Hatake Kakashi in taijutsu and swordsmanship a year ago..."
His gaze locked onto the final line of the report—[Using biological cell cultivation techniques in combination with Chakra Nature Transformation, he developed a secret technique similar to Sunagakure's Sand Control Secret Technique.]
"A genius like Orochimaru..."
Danzo abruptly snapped the scroll shut.
He had to admit that he had misjudged the boy before.
He had thought Yamashiro Aoba was merely somewhat clever. Who would have imagined he had hidden himself so deeply?
The "business talent" Danzo had once looked down on now became another advantage.
Orochimaru was extraordinarily talented, but his research burned through money. Every time, he had to stretch out his hand to Root for funding, forcing Danzo to secretly divert village funds on a regular basis.
But Yamashiro Aoba was different.
This kid could make money on his own!
His several Hot Pot Restaurants were raking in profits. If he entered Root, not only could he provide formidable combat strength, but he could also provide an endless stream of funding for Root's research.
A super genius who came with his own provisions and could even support the organization in return.
He was practically Orochimaru's perfect upgrade—Orochimaru Plus!
"A talent like this would only be wasted in the hands of that weakling Hiruzen. Only Root can fully unleash his gifts!"
Danzo rose sharply to his feet, driving his cane heavily into the floor with a crisp