Meeting Danzo

The next morning, Sosuke tidied up briefly and headed toward the Root headquarters early.

After spending the entire day yesterday sparring with Might Duy—or rather, after spending the entire day ravaging Might Duy—Sosuke had perfectly adapted to the physical state brought on by breaking the Eight Inner Gates.

He had attempted to awaken the Hogyoku last night, but failed; it had likely fallen into a deep slumber after exhausting all its energy.

He feared that if he wanted to wake the Hogyoku, he would need to kill again to replenish its soul energy.

If the original Sosuke had felt some internal resistance toward taking the lives of others, he had already come to terms with it after the previous slaughter.

Perhaps no one who had ever taken a life had the right to pray for redemption, himself included.

However, since he was already one of these filthy sinners, he wanted to stand at the very top, even if he had to tread upon the skeletons of these people to get there.

These were the thoughts and desires of nine-year-old Sosuke, and with the help of Kyoka Suigetsu and the Hogyoku, he believed this path would be even easier.

Looking closely at his own hands, which were already stained with blood, Sosuke offered a faint smile and shook his head gently before leaping forward, his whisper carried away by the breeze.

"Standing at that position... perhaps... I will end this filthy era... this thing called the ninja..."

Before long, Sosuke arrived at the secret Root base.

This was his third time here, and as he looked at the massive underground space, he couldn't help but think to himself.

If the residents of Konoha Village knew that such a large intelligence organization was hidden beneath their feet, what would they think? Furthermore, what was the Third Hokage's true opinion of Root? If he tacitly allowed its existence, how would the Anbu handle it?

The existence of Root likely served as a potential deterrent against the great clans within the village.

At this thought, the image of Tsunade's youthful face surfaced in Sosuke's mind, and a warm smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

If it were Tsunade, she certainly didn't have the bad temper of a great clan member; besides, the Senju Clan seemed to have gradually lost its influence following the passing of the Second Hokage.

As for other clans, such as the Uchiha Clan, which was filled with arrogance and possessed great strength, their potential to harm the village was likely what Root was truly concerned about.

Walking through the pitch-black corridor, Sosuke's mind was racing with wild thoughts, yet his face remained calm and smiling. The thick glasses he wore shielded everything, including his inner thoughts, making him appear honest and gentle.

When he reached a room, he waited quietly for the arrival of Shimura Kazumi.

"Tap." "Tap."

While Sosuke was quietly meditating, the sound of light, rhythmic footsteps echoed from outside.

As the door pushed open, Sosuke looked at Shimura Kazumi. Even though both of them wore masks, it did nothing to stop Sosuke from imagining her beautiful face.

For some reason, Shimura Kazumi felt an indescribable irritation the moment she saw Sosuke.

Perhaps it was because she sensed that the gaze hidden behind those glasses was looking at her as if they were equals!

One had to remember that she was the genius of the Shimura Clan's current generation!

Being looked at as an equal by a brat who could be called a super genius was enough to make her feel humiliated, yet she couldn't voice it and could only seethe in silence.

Looking at Shimura Kazumi, who wore a Hannya mask, Sosuke wore a smile and said softly.

"Captain Hannya, I wonder what mission has been assigned to me today?"

Again!! Why was this brat's voice so pleasant, and why did he always have that look of unshakeable confidence? It was truly infuriating. Thinking this, Shimura Kazumi said coldly.

"There is no mission for you. However, you are to pay a visit to Lord Danzo today. This is Lord Danzo's request; after all, you are Lord Danzo's disciple."

With that, she turned and walked away on her long legs, leaving Sosuke standing there, confused and unsure of where to go.

Shimura Kazumi paused, and seeing Sosuke's look of total ignorance, she felt a pang of regret. She thought about how she had repeatedly targeted this brat, yet he had always responded with gentle words and no resistance, making her feel as though she had made a mountain out of a molehill.

Stopping in her tracks, she managed to suppress her irritation and said to Sosuke in a rare, gentle tone.

"Follow me. I will take you to see Lord Danzo."

Upon hearing Shimura Kazumi's soft voice, Sosuke was slightly stunned, unable to believe that this Captain Hannya would speak to him so gently.

He knew that her previous attitude toward him had always been cold, aloof, and as arrogant as a white swan holding its head high.

That she would suddenly speak to him like this made Sosuke feel a bit worried.

Could it be that the people in Root were planning to make a move on him...

Shimura Kazumi seemed to notice Sosuke's suspicious gaze, and her fair face beneath the mask flushed with embarrassment!

She inwardly regretted her previous behavior!

This detestable brat!! Why do I make such low-level mistakes whenever I encounter him!! How could I use that tone with such an arrogant brat!! I must be insane!

Seeing the look in Shimura Kazumi's eyes grow colder, Sosuke realized that his suspicion had destroyed the goodwill she had finally shown him, so he apologized softly.

"I apologize, it was my rudeness. Please, lead the way."

Sosuke's apologetic response caused Shimura Kazumi's slight irritation to soften.

Without another word, the two walked one after the other toward the deepest room in the Root base.

In a room at the end of the dark corridor, Sosuke saw Danzo once again.

It was just like their first meeting, the only difference being that their last encounter had taken place in Sosuke's room, while this time, it was in Danzo's lair.

In the eyes of Sosuke, Danzo carried a heavy air of twilight about him, a trait he did not particularly care for.

Living on in this world as if burdened by heavy shackles, hiding away in the shadows—all of this ran contrary to Sosuke's own goals.

And yet, he had become Sosuke's teacher.

Inside the room.

A single candle burned quietly; though it illuminated the entire space, the room remained dim.

Danzo's eyes were half-closed, and he seemed to pay no mind to Sosuke's arrival.

Sosuke did not bother to test his patience against the man's, choosing instead to speak softly first.

"Teacher Danzo."

Upon hearing Sosuke's voice, Danzo replied in a low, gravelly tone.

"You have come, Sosuke."