A Change in Attitude

"Drip... drip..."

In the gloomy environment, the sound of dripping water became a rare musical note, though it only served to heighten the eerie atmosphere of the place.

This location was deep beneath Konoha Village, a grim underground base. Countless pipes, tunnels, and rooms were interconnected here, forming a structure that was practically a labyrinth; even if an outsider managed to infiltrate, they would struggle to discern the truth from the deception.

The organization that occupied this space was not famous throughout the ninja world, but it was known to the high-ranking officials of every village. Its name was Root. This was the origin of the name chosen by its founder, for that man hoped to protect Konoha by showing its power in a different way.

Compared to the moderate faction represented by the Third Hokage, this man pursued extreme violence and iron-fisted policies. The phrase "ninjas do not need emotions" was his mantra.

Of course, such mystery was meaningless to a transmigrator, for anyone on Earth who had watched Naruto would know its founder and current leader—Danzo.

Now, this leader sat in a dark room, listening to his subordinate's report.

"Ice River Torrent? The Yuki clan absolutely does not possess such a ninjutsu. Are you certain it was Ice Release?"

Upon hearing the subordinate finish his account, Danzo's initial indifference had shifted into keen interest.

"This subordinate would stake his life on it; it was definitely Ice Release!"

The ninja kneeling before Danzo spoke with absolute certainty. He wore a black robe, and his face was obscured by a mask.

"Interesting... could he be a genius capable of improving his own bloodline limit?"

Danzo narrowed his eyes. He would have to re-evaluate the value of Kagetsu Qi.

"It is highly probable, because judging by Kaguya Ogata's attitude at the time, it was his first time seeing such a technique as well."

The ninja nodded.

"I see..."

Danzo stood up and walked to the other side of the room. There was a table there covered in documents. He picked one up at random; the photograph on it indicated that this was Kagetsu Qi's personal file.

"If that is truly the case, then I must redefine him... one who can create his own ninjutsu cannot be treated so casually. He might become an important asset for Konoha; using him solely to suppress the Uchiha Clan would be a waste."

"My lord, what should we do now? Although Kagetsu Qi is still just a brat, that Kaguya Ogata is very shrewd. Furthermore, I have a feeling that he clearly knew I was hiding nearby last night, yet he did not make a move."

"That is only natural. If he were a man without a brain, how could he have survived the Land of Water?"

Danzo said calmly, "Knowing it was my doing is nothing special; the one who knows what I will do next is the truly clever one. He didn't attack you because he was putting on a show for me."

He placed the file back on the table and turned to face his subordinate.

"Assign them a better house so the master and apprentice can live together, and adjust the location to the central area of the village. Such talent should be given sufficient protection."

After a moment of thought, he added, "Send him some ninjutsu scrolls regarding Wind Release as compensation for tonight."

Having finished, he seemed to recall something interesting. He walked to the other side of the room, opened a hidden cabinet, and took out a scroll. It was evident that this item was quite old.

"My lord... isn't that the Second Mizukage's..."

His subordinate let out a sound of surprise.

"It is of no consequence. In any case, the current Konoha no longer has any experts truly proficient in Water Release, let alone suitable successors."

Danzo revealed a faint smile.

"Make a copy of this and send it over as well. I am very much looking forward to seeing if a Water Release expert will emerge in Konoha's future. However..."

His expression suddenly turned gloomy.

"If he is still unsatisfied after receiving so many benefits, or even harbors resentment toward the village, then eliminate him! Konoha needs talent, but it does not need talent with a rebellious heart."

He waved his hand.

"Go. Upon seeing these things, that Kagetsu Qi should understand the village's attitude toward them. If he is a man of ambition, he should understand that only the strong can determine their own fate. Once he has the ability in the future, he can be like me, provided he does not betray Konoha."

"Yes!"

However, although Danzo had completely changed his mind after redefining the "potential value" of Kagetsu Qi, the order had not yet been transmitted. At this moment, Kagetsu Qi did not know that the old man's attitude had shifted toward protecting him, and thus, he was currently cursing up a storm...

"Damn that Danzo and his eighteen generations of ancestors! From this day forward, I am never finished with him!"

Although it was already dawn and Uchiha Xiu and his master had long since departed, Kagetsu Qi was still venting his indignation by cursing Danzo. He was no fool; he knew that last night's events were orchestrated by Danzo to strike at the Uchiha Clan.

Ninjas from a foreign land, disguised as Konoha shinobi, infiltrating the village to ambush the Hyuga Clan to steal the Byakugan, while simultaneously killing Kagetsu Qi and Kaguya Ogata—what a brilliant scheme...

If those people had actually succeeded, the Uchiha Clan would have been unable to clear their name even if they jumped into the Yellow River.

As the Police Force, they would first be branded with the crime of colluding with foreign enemies. With the Hyuga clansmen abducted, the two clans would become mortal enemies. With Kagetsu Qi and Kaguya Ogata dead, the Uchiha would also be saddled with the stigma of being narrow-minded and murdering a new bloodline user, leaving them even more isolated.

The most fatal part was that these three points were merely the most superficial and obvious analysis—things he had heard while chatting with Uchiha Xiu earlier.

Damn you to hell, you're trying to kill multiple birds with one stone! Do I have a grudge against you? You're using me as a sacrificial pawn...

Recalling the lineup of enemies from last night, Kagetsu Qi's heart was filled with a chill. If not for the strong support of the Uchiha Clan, he would have been dead for sure!

Therefore, the thing he wanted to do most right now was to throw Danzo into a zoo and have a chimpanzee violate him...

To be honest, although he had grown up in a relatively dark environment since transmigrating, he truly had never thought about actively harming others. Generally speaking, he was like the Italian national football team from his past life; he played a game of self-defense and counter-attack.

He never looked for trouble, but of course, he wasn't afraid when trouble came knocking. Repaying grudges with grudges and kindness with kindness was his code of conduct. He would remember those who were kind to him for a lifetime, and for those who held a grudge against him, he would wipe out their entire family, root and branch—simple and clear.

And now he felt as though he had gained yet another enemy.

However, he also understood that Danzo had never truly targeted him specifically; it was just that at this critical juncture, he had become the perfect sacrificial lamb in Danzo's eyes.

The things this man pursued were not much different from those of the Third Hokage, only his methods were far more radical, and that so-called Root of Konoha specialized in the work of cutting off people's future generations...

"Master, do you think that old geezer counts as my enemy?"

Perhaps having grown thirsty from all the cursing, Qi, finally finished with his venting, remembered that his master was still standing right beside him.

"If you were truly qualified to consider him an enemy, I would actually be happy."

Ogata curled his lip.

"Rest assured, after tonight, not only will he not harm a single hair on your head, he will protect you."

"Protect me?"

Qi's eyes widened; this was an answer he had never even considered.

"You mean, he wants to silence me?"

"What do you have that is worth silencing, and what good would it do you to go out there?"

Ogata shook his head.

"Just honestly wait for the benefits to come knocking; you haven't reached that level yet. Once you reach that level, you will naturally understand."