Root

Biodata

Background / History

Root maintained a heavily guarded underground base with constant patrols, sealing formulas, sensory barriers, and a storage room for confidential research materials, including Hashirama Cells. Uchiha Mirai used a G Cell-enhanced nuclear clone and the Mayfly Technique to infiltrate the facility while drawing Danzo's attention toward Naruto 32.

After the theft, Root believed a masked intruder calling himself Uchiha Madara had breached its storage room. This was part of Mirai's effort to redirect suspicion toward Obito and disrupt his ability to act from the shadows 33 54.

Danzo later deployed Root under Aburame Shikuro to surveil and detain Mirai on the pretext that he had endangered Konoha. The force, which included more than a dozen operatives and several jonin, surrounded Mirai near the Uchiha compound; he killed them, including Shikuro, and used his Domain Expansion against the remaining six operatives 38 39 40 41.

During Danzo's assault on the Uchiha Clan Compound, Root formed the main invading force. The operation collapsed because the Uchiha had evacuated noncombatants, prepared radiation-based detection across the compound, and positioned elite defenders in advance. Root suffered heavy casualties and was driven back by the Uchiha Guard Unit, Fugaku, and Setsuna 53 55 56 57 59.

Following Danzo's death, Root's surviving infrastructure passed into ANBU control. Investigators uncovered Danzo's human-experimentation records and found Ko, a Wood Release user later renamed Tenzō by Sarutobi Hiruzen 66 67.

Operations & Resources

• Surveillance — Root operatives monitored Uchiha Mirai alongside ANBU while he met Naruto, with Root personnel noted as jonin-level observers 32.
• Infiltration security — The Root base used dense patrols, sealing formulas, sensory techniques, and specially protected storage facilities 32.
• Hashirama Cell storage — Root preserved Hashirama Cells in a cultivation tank protected by sensory techniques that could detect even slight disturbances 32.
• Assassination and detention — Operatives attempted to seize Mirai using the accusation of endangering village security; resistance was to be treated as treason 38.
• Nano Poison Insects — Aburame Shikuro led Root agents using insects whose contact was believed to cause certain death. Mirai neutralized them with nuclear radiation, and the insects ultimately contributed to Shikuro's defeat 40 41.
• Compound assault methods — During the Uchiha operation, Root used paralytic toxin smoke bombs intended to incapacitate ninja and kill untrained civilians or children 55.

Relationships

• Shimura Danzo — Root's leader; personally directed its surveillance, assassination attempts, and invasion of the Uchiha Clan Compound 38 53 55.
• Sarutobi Hiruzen — Worked alongside Danzo's faction; ANBU later assumed control of Root's base after Danzo's death 32 66 67.
• Uchiha Mirai — Primary target and the force responsible for Root's major losses, infiltration, and failed operations 32 38 41 56.
• Aburame Shikuro — Root captain and Danzo loyalist who led the operation against Mirai; killed after his Nano Poison Insects were countered 38 40 41.
• Uchiha Obito — Mistakenly identified by Root as the infiltrator who stole from its storage room after Mirai framed him as “Uchiha Madara” 33 54.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Root Base Infiltration

Mirai used his interactions with Naruto as a diversion, sending a nuclear clone into Root's base to obtain Hashirama Cells. The clone's G Cell enhancement granted it White Zetsu-like infiltration capabilities and allowed it to evade Root's defenses 32.

Assassination Attempt on Mirai

Root shadowed Mirai through Konoha before confronting him in the forest. Its operatives were overwhelmed, while Shikuro's nano insects were eradicated by Mirai's nuclear radiation 38 39 40.

Uchiha Clan Compound Invasion

Danzo mobilized Root, ANBU, and other Hokage-faction forces to destroy the Uchiha Clan. Root entered first but found a prepared battlefield rather than vulnerable civilians; the invasion became a rout, forcing Danzo to intervene personally 53 55 56.

Post-Danzo Aftermath

With Danzo dead and Root devastated, ANBU searched its base and exposed the scale of its secret experiments. The discovery of Ko/Tenzō and Danzo's records further damaged the legacy of Root's leadership 66 67.