Root Base

Naruto recognized the Third Hokage as soon as he appeared—the old Hokage who often gave him money.

But Naruto, who was good at reading the room, had also sensed the oppressive atmosphere at first, so he merely stayed quiet and said nothing.

Now, seeing how well Grandpa Hokage and Brother Yushu were getting along, Naruto finally let out his childlike nature.

Naruto happily ran up to Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Grandpa Hokage, you haven't come to see me in so long."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Naruto and said with a chuckle, "Naruto, it was Grandpa's fault. Here, this is for you."

As he spoke, the Third Hokage took a banknote from his pocket and handed it to Naruto.

Naruto hurriedly accepted it, looking delighted. "Thank you, Grandpa Hokage!"

Just as the Third Hokage, having dealt with Naruto, was about to say something, Naruto suddenly cried out.

"Wow! This time it's so much! Ten thousand ryo—ten times what you usually give me! Grandpa Hokage, you're the best!"

Naruto spoke as he grinned foolishly, seemingly calculating how many bowls of Ichiraku Ramen he could eat.

(PS: Fun fact: a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen costs sixty ryo. There are original anime screenshots if you want to look them up. No arguing.)

After hearing that, Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Yushu and the many Uchiha ninjas all looking at him, leaving him extremely embarrassed.

Yushu, meanwhile, smiled at Naruto. "Naruto, remember the people who treat you well. When you grow up, remember to repay those who have been good to you."

At the same time, Yushu did not forget to glance toward the Third Hokage.

"Mm, I'll remember." Naruto nodded obediently.

"Ahem!" Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed as if nothing had happened. "Yushu-kun, let's hurry to Root."

"Alright. Lord Hokage, please lead the way."

The Third Hokage immediately led part of the Anbu toward the Root base, while the remaining Anbu stayed behind to protect Naruto.

Yushu did not linger either. With a wave of his hand, he led everyone after them.

At the same time, he called out to Shisui, "Shisui, keep up."

As for Naruto, since the Anbu had already taken charge of him, Yushu was not worried about his safety.

Though the Third Hokage was stingy, at least he would not harbor malicious intentions toward Naruto like Danzo did.

The two groups arrived at the Root base almost one after the other. It was located within a forest.

As a clan that had battled wits and courage with Danzo for many years, the Uchiha Clan naturally knew the general area where Root was located.

It was Yushu's first time here. From the outside, there was no entrance at all—only trees.

Seeing that Yushu had arrived, the Third Hokage did not hesitate and walked straight toward a large tree. Yushu immediately followed.

The tree posed no obstruction. Once inside, Yushu saw an entrance, with two ninjas standing guard beside it.

"Leave at once, or be executed without mercy!"

Without receiving any signal, the two gatekeeping ninjas saw people barging in and intended to drive off the intruders.

"Hmph! Take a good look at who I am!"

Even mild-tempered Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat angered at being driven away by two mere guards, especially with Yushu standing beside him.

"H-Hokage-sama!"

The two Root ninjas clearly had not expected the visitor to be the Hokage, and they were at a complete loss.

"Move aside!"

Having no other choice, the two stepped aside and cleared the way.

After winding through the base for a long while, they finally arrived at a staircase leading underground.

Descending the long stairs, they finally reached Root's underground hall.

The place was incredibly spacious. Building such a complete base underground must have cost a great deal of effort and money.

Yet the hall before them had been almost completely wrecked.

Looking at the devastated base, Hiruzen Sarutobi shouted, "Danzo, come out!"

At that moment, more than ten people emerged from a side door. Judging by the leader's build alone, it was clear he was not Danzo.

Looking at the newcomers, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not waste words. "Where is Danzo? Tell him to come see me."

"Lord Hokage, I am 'Lynx' of Root. Lord Danzo left the village three days ago to carry out a plan. I am currently in charge of this base."

"Oh? I seem to recall something like that. Danzo appeared to have submitted an application three days ago."

Hiruzen Sarutobi muttered as though he had suddenly remembered, though his voice was loud enough for everyone in the base to hear clearly.

"Then, 'Lynx,' was it? Why did Root deploy so many forces tonight to attack comrades from the same village?" Hiruzen Sarutobi demanded sternly.

"Reporting to Lord Hokage, Uchiha Yushu harbored sinister intentions and attempted to seize control of the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki to endanger Konoha. Anyone who threatens Konoha must be eliminated. I ordered them to kill Uchiha Yushu and rescue the jinchuriki."

"Nonsense!"

"It was clearly your Root that tried to seize the jinchuriki!"

"The clan head was protecting the jinchuriki. You're making slanderous accusations!"

"..."

The moment Lynx finished speaking, the many Uchiha ninjas could no longer restrain themselves and began to refute him.

Yushu wore an expression as though it had nothing to do with him, as if Lynx was not talking about him at all. He merely looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"State your true purpose, Lynx. Were your actions ordered by Danzo?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi deliberately ignored Lynx's words and continued questioning him as though he had not heard the earlier statement.

Root ninjas were not skilled with words to begin with. Seeing that his words had no effect, Lynx stopped talking.

"Lord Hokage, Lord Danzo knew nothing of this. Root must eliminate every factor that threatens Konoha. That is the Will of Root. Forgive me, Lord Danzo!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lynx fell straight to the ground. The Root ninjas behind him fell as well.

After an Anbu ninja stepped forward to inspect them one by one, he reported, "Lord Hokage, they are all dead."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. "Dispose of all the bodies."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Several Anbu ninjas expertly began collecting the bodies on the ground.

Yushu, who had silently watched the entire performance, finally spoke. "It seems that, just as Lord Hokage said, this was a misunderstanding. I only hope Elder Danzo will not be too devastated when he 'returns to the village.'"

"Clan Head Yushu, if that is the case, let us leave."

Yushu shook his head. "Lord Hokage, I am worried there may still be hidden rogue ninjas here. I intend to conduct another search. If Lord Hokage has matters to attend to, you may leave first."

Upon hearing that, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "In that case, I will leave some Anbu behind to assist."

After saying that, Hiruzen Sarutobi left with only three Anbu ninjas.

When Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived here and found no trace of Danzo, while the place had also been nearly destroyed, he knew Danzo had likely cleaned everything up. Yushu should not be able to find anything.

But just in case, he still left several Anbu behind. They were ostensibly there to help, but in truth, they were there to keep watch.

"Search! Search every inch of the place several times. Do not overlook even a single scrap of paper!"

"Yes, Chief."

The many ninjas of the Konoha Military Police Force scattered in every direction and began searching the Root base.