Beneath Konoha, in Root.
The light in the side hall was dim, just like Danzo's mood.
A Root ninja knelt on one knee, his whole body tense as he presented a report about an unexpected development with both hands.
"Lord Danzo, the ninja assigned to monitor the Central Training Ground in the Uchiha Clan Compound sent in the latest report—"
"Uchiha Kazuhiko sparred with Shisui. He suppressed Shisui with genjutsu and forced him to concede willingly."
"The Anbu Ninja speculate that Uchiha Kazuhiko's genjutsu skills may have reached the threshold of Kage Level."
"Kage Level?" Danzo let out a derisive snort. "Heh."
"It was just a spar, and they already dare claim he's Kage Level? Those Anbu fools are so desperate to flatter the Uchiha that they've thrown away every last shred of dignity!"
His face was sinister, and a scornful sneer curled his lips.
"Uchiha Kazuhiko only hid his strength for a few years, and now they're acting like he's untouchable? That brat Shisui was softhearted to begin with. He must have held back during their spar. And they think that makes him worthy of comparison to someone at Kage Level?"
The Root ninja lowered his head and said nothing.
Root's ninjas never questioned their leader, even when he was wrong.
Yamato was different because Danzo hadn't put him through complete brainwashing.
Even the name "Tenzo" showed how much Danzo had expected of him.
Unfortunately, the Third Hokage had also transferred Tenzo to Anbu, taking him away from Root.
At the thought, Danzo's eyes filled with malice, and his voice turned cold.
"It's all Uchiha Kazuhiko's fault! If he hadn't stuck his nose where it didn't belong and cured that woman Tsunade of her hemophobia, how would she have dared to return to Konoha? How would she have dared