Root Remnants' Probe and the ANBU Counterintelligence Plan

Konoha, the abandoned warehouse district at the edge of Training Ground Three.

This was a blind spot in the village, neglected year-round. Only stray cats moved through the piled-up clutter, stirring up clouds of dust.

The moonlight was obscured by heavy clouds, making the area seem even more gloomy.

A figure leaned against a rusted metal wall. He wore ordinary villager's clothes, with a Bamboo Hat pulled low to conceal most of his face. He was a Sunagakure Jonin codenamed Sand Python, one of Rasa's most secretive informants.

He was waiting for someone.

A ghost abandoned by the new era.

Rustle.

Soft footsteps emerged from the darkness, and another figure appeared.

The newcomer was hunched over, wearing a blank Mask. Its edges were worn down, revealing pale, resentful skin beneath. The cold, decaying aura around him bore the unmistakable mark of Root.

"You're late." Sand Python's voice was low, carrying a trace of displeasure.

"Heh." The Root remnant let out a cold laugh, his voice seeming to squeeze through a leaky throat. "The entire Konoha is under the Fifth Hokage's watch now. Getting out was already a tremendous risk."

He walked up to Sand Python without concealing his greed.

"Did you bring it?"

Sand Python did not answer immediately. He studied the other man. This was a pawn pushed to the margins, filled with hatred for the current Hokage—a perfect opening. Lord Rasa's judgment had been correct.

"Money isn't a problem." Sand Python pulled a heavy money pouch from his clothes and tossed it onto the ground. "I want to know Baishi's true purpose for sealing the border."

The Root remnant picked up the pouch, weighed it in his hand, and gave a satisfied laugh.

"That young man's ambition is even greater than Lord Danzo's." He lowered his voice, his