In the dim, shadowy core hall of Root, the atmosphere was grim and murderous.
Chenshu Senju sat upright on the elevated seat at the center of the hall, looking down at everyone below.
Before him, Sasuke Uchiha, who had just sworn his allegiance, stood silently at the far left with his head lowered, seemingly lost in thought.
Then, several sharp whooshes cut through the air from the shadows of the hall.
Kimimaro led the Sound Four in kneeling on one knee, their eyes fixed fervently on Chenshu Senju atop the platform.
"My lord, Root's remaining forces have all been dealt with," Kimimaro reported respectfully.
The remaining Root loyalists had been beyond saving even after the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal was undone. They had all been physically sent on their way by this bunch.
Chenshu Senju nodded in satisfaction.
As Tayuya rose, she caught sight of Sasuke beside her and immediately let out a mocking sneer.
"Well, well. Isn't this Lord Orochimaru's precious vessel? Why are you standing here like some stray dog?"
"Shut up." Sasuke's expression turned cold as his Sharingan instantly activated.
"You want to fight, red-eyed brat? I can crush you with one hand now," Tayuya said without backing down, pulling out her flute.
Jirobo and Sakon and Ukon also let out malicious snickers.
In the past, they might have been somewhat wary of this young Uchiha master.
But now, they were Lord Chenshu Senju's personal forces, favored men who wielded senjutsu.
What the hell was Sasuke? Just a pathetic clown who had recently been hung upside down at the village entrance and publicly executed by social humiliation.
"Enough."
Chenshu Senju spoke calmly. His voice was not loud, yet it instantly dropped the temperature of the entire hall to freezing.
The Sound Five and Sasuke shuddered at the