Snatching People (Fourth Update)

The Konoha administrative building stands directly opposite the Hokage Rock.

On the surface, it serves as the office for the Hokage, the advisors, and the various high-level administrative personnel of Konoha.

In reality, however, it is layered with Anbu operatives loyal to the Hokage.

Deep beneath the ground, a vast network of tunnels houses the most sinister unit in Konoha: Root!

The Root unit operates under the command of Shimura Danzō and answers to no one else.

Every ninja who joins Root is subjected to brainwashing.

By comparison, the Anbu is far more conventional.

Figures like Kakashi, Uchiha Itachi, and even Uchiha Shisui have served in the Anbu.

It can be said that those who join the Anbu are the ninjas most trusted by the successive generations of Hokage!

At this moment, the supreme leader of Konoha, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sits in his office, carefully reviewing a personal file.

"Gong Yi, brought back from Kusagakure by the chunin Kinoshita Ryota during a small-scale conflict."

"A war orphan, raised in the orphanage, and subsequently enrolled in the Ninja Academy to receive formal training."

"During his time at the academy, his performance was exceptional; aside from Kakashi, no one was his match."

"He trained diligently and possessed a silent, reserved personality. Aside from a few girls, he had no friends at school."

"Every instructor gave Gong Yi the highest marks, describing him as humble, studious, and respectful to his elders."

Hoo!

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a cloud of smoke. His clouded eyes betrayed the fact that this man was gradually entering his twilight years.

He had first taken notice of this child during Asuma's sparring sessions.

Even then, Gong Yi had displayed remarkable talent, easily defeating his youngest son.

Since then, he had sent people to monitor the boy in secret, and he was deeply shocked by the intensity of his training.

Perhaps having suffered through the hardships of war, the boy understood the importance of strength!

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused in his thoughts. He had originally intended to recruit Gong Yi into the Anbu.

Once Gong Yi grew stronger, he could better assist the next generation of Hokage.

However, Gong Yi's fanatical pursuit of power made Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitate.

Will someone who pursues strength with such single-mindedness ever value the bonds he has with the village?

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't be sure, and so he wavered.

Thud!

The door was pushed open, and an old friend walked in, leaning on a cane.

The Third Hokage smiled. "Danzō, you should be resting. Why have you come to see me?"

During the Second Great Ninja War, Danzō had broken through enemy lines during a mission and suffered severe injuries. He rarely appeared in the village, and many villagers were not even aware that someone like Danzō existed among the Konoha leadership.

Shimura Danzō leaned on his cane and got straight to the point. "I heard that a genius from this year's Ninja Academy graduated early. I didn't intend to interfere, but this boy named Gong Yi defeated a chunin to pass his graduation exam. Furthermore, he is a war orphan."

At this, Shimura Danzō paused.

"I believe such an unstable factor for the village needs to undergo training in Root."

The Third Hokage frowned. "Root training? Brainwashing?"

Danzō replied bluntly, "Exactly!"

The Third Hokage's brow furrowed deeper, lines of worry etched across his forehead.

"Every genius who comes out of the Ninja Academy is the hope of the village. Root's brainwashing will destroy their talent. I cannot agree to this."

Danzō's expression darkened instantly. He was never a man who hid his emotions well.

Since his injury, Danzō had become even more paranoid.

"Hiruzen! You stop me from recruiting Gong Yi—are you planning to pull him into your Anbu instead?"

The Third Hokage shook his head. "No, I believe he should join a standard mission squad to build friendships and bonds with his peers in the village."

In that instant, the Third Hokage made his decision.

Gong Yi's attitude toward the village still required assessment; he was not yet suitable for the Anbu, where he would be exposed to too many of the village's secrets.

At the same time, he could not allow him to become one of Danzō's subordinates.

Root was already powerful enough; if they gained more geniuses, the Anbu would no longer be able to keep them in check.

Shimura Danzō let out a cold snort and turned to leave.

He was a proud man; even before his old friend, the Third Hokage, he would never ask twice.

As he left the Hokage office, Danzō narrowed his eyes.

Gong Yi? A war orphan who doesn't even possess a surname—what right does he have to be the hope of the village! Only I, Shimura Danzō, am the hope of the village! Hiruzen, you are old. Once you step down, I will become the Hokage, and by then, Gong Yi will naturally become my subordinate!

Watching Danzo's retreating figure as he leaned on his cane, the Third Hokage let out a sigh.

His gaze fell once again upon the file of Gong Yi.

"Proficient in Earth Style Ninjutsu?"

He pressed the electric bell on his desk, and soon, a man walked in.

"Kawaji, you have been away from the Anbu for quite some time now. Are you interested in leading a squad to carry out a mission?"