Hinata is Kidnapped

Root base.

"Hmph, those people from the Cloud Village never seem to have any good intentions."

Shimura Danzō looked out over the empty Root base.

In the past, Orochimaru would be here helping him with his research, but ever since Orochimaru defected, their interactions had been forced to decrease significantly.

This had slowed the rate at which Shimura Danzō could increase his strength.

"The cells of Hashirama should allow me to control more Sharingan."

Shimura Danzō subconsciously touched his eye, which was wrapped in bandages.

Orochimaru had helped him transplant a Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

But that was his limit for now; the burden the Sharingan placed on his body was too great. If he were to transplant another, not only would it be easy to expose, but his body, which was already on a downward slope, would not be able to withstand it.

"Lord Danzō."

A Root subordinate submitted a white file.

Shimura Danzō looked at the subordinate standing before him.

The subordinate wore a white-painted tiger mask.

Near the eye holes were kabuki-style markings extending to the sides, curling upward as if expressing anger.

"Uchiha Itachi, is it..."

The photo attached to the folder was of a boy who still possessed a youthful air.

In the photo, his eyes seemed to be staring directly at Danzō, giving off a sentimental feeling, with the nasolabial folds on both sides of his nose being particularly prominent.

"As soon as he enrolled, he displayed astonishing talent. He can easily complete the tests at the academy. It is estimated that he already possesses the ability to graduate, despite having only just enrolled."

The subordinate's voice was cold and rigid. As Shimura Danzō stared at the folder and listened to the report, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"I can already imagine