Shimura Danzō

After exiting the Hokage office, Kushina Uzumaki walked briskly to the mission assembly point, where Amada, Asuma, and Kurenai were already waiting.

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

"Everyone, good news!"

Kushina waved the mission scroll in her hand.

"We have finally received another C-rank mission! This time it's not weeding, picking up trash, or babysitting—it's a real escort mission!"

Upon hearing this, Asuma jumped up in excitement, clenching his fists as he shouted:

"Great! I was already sick of those boring D-rank missions! Finally, I have a chance to show what I can really do!"

Kushina nodded, then opened the mission scroll and began to detail the contents of the assignment:

"This mission is to escort a merchant's daughter to the Rice Field Country, a neighbor of the Land of Fire. Although it's called a 'country,' the Rice Field Country is actually a very small nation, not large in scale, located near the border of the Land of Fire. Due to its unique geographical location, the Rice Field Country has always been under the protection of the Land of Fire and is considered our vassal state. The journey is quite long and will likely take several days."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the three of them as her tone turned serious:

"Although the mission is ranked C and theoretically shouldn't involve any powerful enemies, we cannot afford to be careless. After all, the road is long, and we may encounter unexpected situations along the way. Everyone must stay sharp to ensure the mission is completed successfully."

Asuma patted his chest, full of confidence as he said:

"Don't worry, Teacher! With me here, there won't be any problems at all!"

Kurenai also nodded, her tone firm:

"We will proceed with caution."

Amada nodded as well.

Kushina said with satisfaction:

"Very good, everyone has a very serious attitude. However, the main task for today is to rest well and recharge. Tomorrow morning, we will meet at the village gate, rendezvous with the client, and officially set off."

She waved her hand, signaling that they were dismissed:

"Alright, that's all for today. Everyone go back and get some rest, and be at the meeting point on time tomorrow—don't be late!"

After returning home, Amada found that it was still early, so he decided to take a trip to the Konoha library.

He had always held great expectations for the book Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements.

Over the past few years, he had tried many times to comprehend its mysteries, but he had never gained anything from it.

This made him realize that he might need some relevant knowledge as a foundation, such as the Qimen Dunjia or similar arts.

Walking into the library, Amada navigated the familiar path to the area where ancient texts were stored.

He carefully flipped through thick, heavy books, attempting to find relevant records.

However, after a thorough search, he sighed helplessly and closed the book in his hand.

"As expected, still no results."

Amada muttered under his breath, a flash of disappointment in his eyes.

Although he had long anticipated that the library might not have the information he wanted, he still couldn't help but feel a bit dejected.

Even though Amada hadn't found any information related to the Qimen Dunjia, he had discovered some interesting clues while browsing records about ancient ninja clans.

"Ninja clans that specialize in sealing techniques might have similar foundational knowledge passed down."

Amada closed the book in his hand, his mind quickly sorting through the ninja clans of Konoha.

There were many ninja clans in Konoha, such as the Uchiha clan, the Hyuga clan, the Nara clan, and so on, all of which were illustrious existences.

However, clans that specialized in sealing techniques were not common.

Amada carefully recalled the records in the library and finally locked his focus onto the Uzumaki clan.

"The Uzumaki clan... they specialize in sealing techniques, have a long history, and even share deep ties with the First Hokage of Konoha."

Amada pondered to himself.

A familiar figure flashed through his mind—Kushina Uzumaki.

"That's right, Teacher Kushina is a descendant of the Uzumaki clan!"

Amada's eyes lit up instantly.

He remembered that when Kushina introduced herself, she had mentioned that she was skilled in sealing techniques.

"It seems I have a chance to ask Teacher Kushina for guidance."

Amada decided in his heart.

He believed that if he could learn some basic knowledge of sealing techniques from Kushina, it might provide him with the key inspiration needed to comprehend the Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements.

Thinking of this, Amada felt much more at ease.

On the way home, he was already contemplating how to ask Kushina for advice.

As Yutian reached his doorstep, a shadow suddenly appeared before him, silent and swift.

It was an Anbu ninja wearing an animal mask, his gaze cold and sharp, fixed directly on Yutian.

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

Yutian's heart skipped a beat, and information about Danzo flashed through his mind.

At the Uchiha clan's regular annual meeting, the clan leader had mentioned this name multiple times, each time gritting his teeth, his tone filled with disgust and vigilance.

Danzo, the leader of Konoha's underground Anbu "Root," a man hidden in the shadows.

It was said that his attitude towards the Uchiha clan was not friendly, even hostile.

"Danzo is looking for me? What exactly does he want?"

Yutian pondered inwardly, feeling a trace of nervousness, but maintaining his composure outwardly.

He knew he had no choice at this moment.

If he refused, the Anbu ninja before him would likely act directly and forcibly take him away.

It was better to cooperate willingly than to be taken passively.

Yutian was led by the Anbu ninja to a hidden underground plaza.

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

In the center of the plaza, an elderly man leaned on a cane, standing quietly. It was Danzo.

Upon seeing Yutian arrive, Danzo got straight to the point:

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

Yutian's heart jolted.

He hadn't expected Danzo to be so direct, without even a hint of preamble.

Although his recent performance had indeed attracted some attention, he considered himself far from being a genius.

Within the Uchiha clan, there were many individuals more talented than him. Why had Danzo specifically sought him out?

"Lord Danzo, I have some doubts."

Yutian lowered his head slightly, his tone respectful yet probing, "I am merely a small figure in the Uchiha family, with mediocre strength, not as capable as others in the clan. Why would you personally seek me out?"

Danzo replied meaningfully upon hearing this:

"A small figure? Small figures have their uses too. I have my reasons for finding you. The question now is—are you willing to join 'Root'?"

Yutian's heart sank, realizing he had fallen into a dilemma.

Although Danzo's tone was calm, it clearly carried a threat.

Yutian knew he had to give a clear answer at this moment.