On the border of the Land of Fire, deep within the dense Primeval Forest.
The rain-soaked earth gave off a damp, rank scent, mingled with the smell of rotting leaves and some wild fungus.
On a forest trail, a ten-man squad advanced in silence.
At the center of the group, Uchiha Ryūha's hands were locked in front of him by specially made chakra-suppressing shackles.
Four elite Anbu walked ahead of him and another four behind, wearing different animal masks. Their presence was steady and cold, their vigilance unbroken.
Leading them was an elite Jonin with a scar on his face, a member of the Anbu under the Hokage's direct command.
Every so often, he glanced back at Uchiha Ryūha, his eyes filled with conflicting emotions.
Six hours had passed since they received orders to escort Liuyu away from the frontline headquarters.
They had traveled west the entire way, heading toward Konoha.
Officially, they were "escorting him back to the village to assist with an investigation," but everyone knew the truth-he was being taken back under guard.
The shackles, the close surveillance, the deliberate avoidance of major roads-all revealed how wary the higher-ups were of this eleven-year-old boy.
Uchiha Ryūha was quiet.
He offered no resistance, not even an unnecessary change of expression.
Only when he occasionally raised his eyes, revealing a fleeting cold gleam deep within those black pupils, did they remember-
This boy was the "genius" who had escaped the AB Duo unscathed and was suspected of possessing a bizarre bloodline ability.
Just as the squad was about to cross a forest clearing-
[Ding!]
A cold, mechanical voice sounded without warning in Liuyu's mind.
``` [Ding! Settlement complete.]
[You have completed the hidden epic quest: End of Darkness.]
[Target slain: Konoha's Root · Shimura Danzō (death confirmed).]