Join the Root, boy!

"What a hero born of youth! Truly! At Liuxia's age, I would have been ecstatic just to successfully perform a few ninjutsu, yet Liuxia has independently developed an A-rank non-seal ninjutsu. Incredible! Simply incredible!" Homura Mitokado stroked his beard, his face filled with admiration and awe. His eyes, weathered by the passage of time, gazed at Liuxia as if seeing his younger self.

At this moment, Koharu Utatane took up the thread: "Furthermore, if this Rasengan could be infused with the properties of chakra nature transformation, its power would surely reach a staggering, earth-shattering level!" Her tone was brimming with anticipation and excitement, as if she had already foreseen the future possibilities of this technique.

However, right in the midst of this harmonious atmosphere, Danzo Shimura suddenly spoke up, shattering the peace: "Liuxia, would you be willing to join my Root?" His low, powerful voice echoed through the room, causing everyone to cast side-glances in his direction.

In an instant, the entire room fell into a tense atmosphere. As a mysterious and powerful organization within Konoha, Root had always been a subject of great controversy.

The Third Hokage, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado did not want Danzo's influence to continue expanding, as it would upset the balance of power among them. Moreover, Liuxia's identity was highly sensitive; this topic could not be raised lightly. After all, Mito Uzumaki was still alive! How could she possibly agree to her grandson joining an organization like Root? Did you have no sense of propriety, Danzo? Once inside, he would be branded with the Cursed Seal of Individual Curse Eradication, and his life would be held firmly in your hands!

"Bang!"

Tsunade was so infuriated by Danzo's words that she laughed in anger, slamming her fist heavily onto the table beside her. With that strike, the sturdy wooden table instantly splintered and shattered into pieces across the floor, showing just how deep her rage had become.

To dare say such things right in front of her, wanting to recruit her younger brother into that dark, rat-like organization! This was the ultimate insult and provocation to her.

However, at this moment, Liuxia stepped forward to soothe Tsunade: "Sister Tsunade, don't be angry, it's alright." He knew well that this was not the time for a direct confrontation, and he had to remain calm and restrained.

Following this, Liuxia turned to Danzo and said calmly: "Uncle Shimura, thank you for your appreciation and invitation. I am truly grateful that you value me, but to be honest, I am really not suited for an organization like Root."

Hearing this direct refusal, Danzo Shimura's face turned somewhat gloomy and ugly, and he gripped his cane tightly. Meanwhile, the Third Hokage, sitting at the head of the table, silently puffed on his pipe, appearing quite satisfied with Liuxia's rejection.

"Danzo, I naturally have arrangements for Liuxia."

Danzo Shimura watched his old friend, who sat in the Hokage's seat puffing away, with gloomy eyes, feeling secretly enraged. Hiruzen Sarutobi was limiting his power yet again! He was just afraid that he would become Hokage and take his position! It seems you are getting old too, Hiruzen!

Koharu Utatane looked at Danzo Shimura's deadpan expression and guessed his inner thoughts, so she advised: "Danzo, since Hiruzen already has arrangements, as the Hokage's advisor, you don't need to interfere."

The other half of the professional hype-man duo was not to be outdone, chiming in: "Everything is for the sake of the village's better development!" Hearing this, Danzo Shimura couldn't help but sneer inwardly, though he did not show it on his face.

At this point, the Third Hokage spoke again: "Danzo, if you have any other opinions, you can bring them up for us to discuss together. After all, our goal is the benefit of the village." Although Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was calm, the authority contained within it could not be ignored.

Facing Tsunade's questioning and the consensus reached by the three elders, Danzo Shimura knew he had no chance to forcibly recruit Liuxia into his organization. He sighed inwardly, a flash of unwillingness crossing his eyes, but he ultimately chose to give up. Nevertheless, he left behind a parting threat as usual: "Hmph! Hiruzen, you will regret this!"

"Enough, Danzo! I am the Hokage!" After the Third Hokage cooperated by delivering this closing statement, his previously stern expression suddenly turned amiable as he turned to look at Liuxia, who was watching the drama unfold.

"Little Liuxia, would you be willing to offer the Rasengan to the village? Rest assured, if you are willing, the village will certainly not treat you unfairly!"

Hearing the Third Hokage's words, Liuxia did not answer immediately, instead falling into deep thought.

"Old man, let's talk about these things later! Let Liuxia consider it first! Tell us what else there is; Grandma is still waiting for us at home for dinner, so hurry up if you have something to say!" Tsunade, already feeling disgruntled and further provoked by Danzo Shimura, spoke with a tone full of gunpowder, like a volcano about to erupt. If not for her wariness of the esteemed Third Hokage, she would have already taught that meddlesome Danzo Shimura a lesson.

Facing Tsunade's questioning, the Third Hokage did not get angry; instead, he revealed a gratified smile: "Haha, that's fine, no rush. The village will always be inclusive and patient for every Konoha ninja who possesses the Will of Fire! However, the second matter I wanted to discuss is that I hope you will apply for early graduation!"

"Huh?!!!" *2

For Liuxia, this was like someone sending a pillow just as he felt sleepy! He had just been thinking about applying for early graduation and wondering how to convince Tsunade, and now the Third Hokage was requesting it himself!

Tsunade was deeply frustrated. It was one thing for that brat Liuxia to want early graduation—she couldn't win an argument against him and was planning to go home and enlist Grandma Mito to keep persuading him to wait at least another year—but now that the Third Hokage also wanted Liuxia to graduate early, there was no hope of stopping this brat!

"May I ask for the reason, Uncle Third?"

Although early graduation was indeed in line with Liuxia's own expectations, the Third Hokage suddenly proposing this idea must have a reason; it might even be a trap! After all, these old men were full of schemes, and one had to be careful not to get played!

"The hope for your early graduation is also considered from the perspective of the village's interests! It is truly due to sudden circumstances! It is not just you; Uchiha Yan, Nawaki, and Hyuga Suzuran, among others in the village, will all be asked to consider early graduation! It is mainly because..."