Shimura Danzō

After leaving the Hokage's office, Kushina hurried to the mission meeting point, where Amada, Asuma, and Kurenai were already waiting.

Seeing the look on Kushina's face, the three immediately realized that something good had happened.

"Everyone, I have good news!"

Kushina waved the mission scroll in her hand.

"We've finally been assigned another C-rank mission! And this time, it's not weeding, picking up trash, or babysitting. It's a proper escort mission!"

Asuma heard this and leaped excitedly into the air, clenching his fists as he shouted:

"Finally! I was getting sick of all those boring D-rank missions! Now I can show what I'm made of again!"

Kushina nodded, then opened the mission scroll and began explaining the details:

"This mission is to escort a merchant's daughter to Rice Field Country, a neighboring country of the Land of Fire. Although it's called a 'country,' Rice Field Country is actually very small, located near the border of the Land of Fire. Because of its special location, it has long been under the protection of the Land of Fire and is considered one of our vassal states. It's a long journey, and it should take several days."

She paused and looked over the three of them, her tone turning serious:

"Although this is a C-rank mission and we're not expected to encounter any particularly strong enemies, we can't let our guard down. The journey is long, and all sorts of unexpected situations could arise along the way. Stay alert and make sure the mission goes smoothly."

Asuma patted his chest and said confidently:

"Don't worry, Sensei! With me around, there's nothing to worry about!"

Kurenai nodded too, her tone resolute:

"We'll be careful."

Amada nodded as well.

Kushina said with satisfaction:

"Good. I'm glad you're all taking this seriously. But the main thing today is to get some rest and recharge. We'll meet at the village gate early tomorrow morning, meet up with the client, and then set out."

She waved her hand, dismissing them:

"All right, that's all for today. Go home and get some rest. Be here on time tomorrow, and don't be late!"

When Amada got home, he saw that it was still early, so he decided to visit Konoha's library.

He had always placed great hopes in that book, The Art of Shenji Baolian.

Over the past few years, he had tried many times to unravel its secrets, but had never made any progress.

That made him realize he might need some related knowledge as a foundation, such as Mystical Gate Dunjia.

After entering the library, Amada made his way straight to the section containing ancient texts.

He pored over the thick volumes, trying to find any relevant records.

But after searching for a while, he could only sigh in resignation and close the book in his hands.

"As expected, I still haven't found anything."

Amada murmured under his breath, a trace of disappointment flashing in his eyes.

He had expected that the library might not have the information he wanted,

but he couldn't help feeling a little disappointed all the same.

Although Amada hadn't found any information about Mystical Gate Dunjia,

while browsing records about ancient ninja clans, he came across a few interesting clues.

"Clans skilled in Sealing Jutsu might have passed down similar foundational knowledge."

Amada closed the book and quickly reviewed the ninja clans of Konoha in his mind.

Konoha had many ninja clans, such as the Uchiha Clan, the Hyuga Clan, and the Nara Clan,

all of them famous and powerful.

However, there weren't many clans known for their Sealing Jutsu.

Amada carefully recalled what he'd read in the library, and finally settled on the Uzumaki Clan.

"The Uzumaki Clan... They're skilled in Sealing Jutsu and have a long history. They even have deep ties to Konoha's First Hokage."

Amada pondered silently.

A familiar figure came to mind: Kushina Uzumaki.

"Right! Sensei Kushina is descended from the Uzumaki Clan!"

Amada's eyes lit up.

He remembered Kushina mentioning during her introduction that she was skilled in Sealing Jutsu.

"Looks like I'll have to ask Sensei Kushina for some advice."

Amada decided.

He believed that if he could learn some basic Sealing Jutsu from Kushina,

it might give him a crucial insight into understanding The Art of Shenji Baolian.

With that thought, Amada felt much more at ease.

On his way home, he was already figuring out how to ask Kushina for advice.

Amada had just reached his front door when a shadow suddenly appeared in front of him without a sound.

It was an Anbu Ninja wearing an animal mask. His gaze was cold and sharp as he stared directly at Amada.

"Uchiha Amada, Lord Danzo wants to see you."

Amada's heart lurched, and information about Danzo flashed through his mind.

At the Uchiha Clan's annual gathering, the clan head had mentioned that name several times,

each time with clenched teeth, his words full of hostility and suspicion.

Danzo, the leader of Root, Konoha's covert organization—a man who lurked in the shadows.

He was said to be unfriendly toward the Uchiha Clan, even openly hostile.

"Danzo wants to see me? What does he want?"

Amada wondered, feeling a little tense, though he kept his composure.

He knew he had no choice now.

If he refused, the Anbu Ninja in front of him might well seize him by force.

Better to cooperate than to let himself be dragged away.

The Anbu Ninja led Amada to a secluded underground plaza.

It was dark and silent all around, with only a few dim lights barely illuminating the space.

An elderly man stood in the center of the plaza, leaning on a cane. It was Danzo.

As soon as Amada arrived, Danzo got straight to the point:

"Uchiha Amada, are you willing to join Root?"

Amada's heart jolted.

He hadn't expected Danzo to be so direct, without even the slightest preamble.

His recent performance might have drawn some attention, but he certainly didn't consider himself a genius.

There were plenty of people in the Uchiha Clan more talented than him. Why had Danzo singled him out?

"Lord Danzo, I have a question."

Amada lowered his head slightly, his tone respectful but probing.

"I'm just an insignificant member of the Uchiha Clan, and I don't consider myself particularly strong. I'm nowhere near the level of the others in my clan. Why did you come to see me in person?"

Danzo replied meaningfully:

"An insignificant person can still serve a purpose. I have my reasons for seeking you out. The question is—are you willing to join Root?"

Amada's heart sank as he realized he was caught in a dilemma.

Danzo's tone was calm, but there was clearly a threat behind his words.

Amada knew he had to give a clear answer now.