From the moment all Root Ninja entered Root, the word "freedom" vanished from their dictionaries. They had grown accustomed to dwelling in darkness, to obeying Danzo's orders, and even more so to carrying out all manner of black operations.
With Danzo dead, their "peaceful," "comfortable" ninja lives were utterly shattered.
When Hatake Sakumo announced Root's dissolution under Tsunade's orders, the overwhelming majority of Root Ninja found themselves at a loss.
So Hatake Sakumo absorbed some of the Root Ninja into the Anbu.
Another portion was allowed to become "freelance ninja," living like ordinary ninja who made their livelihoods by taking on various commissioned missions.
Of course, there was also a small group of Root Ninja utterly devoted to Danzo. They quietly lurked deeper in the darkness, continuing their bloody human experiments while plotting revenge against society.
In the eyes of those extremist Root Ninja, Danzo's death was Second Pillar's fault, the Fifth Hokage's fault, and the fault of all Konoha!
Therefore, they had to take revenge against society!
Sai lowered his head slightly, feeling uncomfortable all over.
Revenge?
Honestly, he had never entertained such thoughts.
Freedom?
Was there really any need for such a thing to exist?
"Sir, I... I want to join the Anbu." After pondering for a long while, Sai finally spoke through gritted teeth.
"To join the Anbu, you must pass an evaluation. The Yamanaka Clan may even test your loyalty through examinations of your mind and will," Hatake Sakumo said. "Every Root Ninja who wishes to join the Anbu must undergo such tests! And Anbu missions will differ greatly from Root missions."
"I'm willing to undergo the evaluation," Sai said.
Hatake Sakumo waved over an Anbu member and had him make arrangements for Sai.
Meanwhile, Houka also arrived at Konoha Hospital.
Konoha Hospital had a