Root

Good times were always short-lived. After the celebration, Hyuga Iwa once again threw himself into his usual intense studies.

In order to show Tsunade his talent, Hyuga Iwa worked even harder at learning medical arts.

At the same time, Hyuga Iwa frequently sought out his teachers to ask about Medical Ninjutsu.

Before long, Hyuga Iwa had become familiar with the teachers of the Medical Class. The teachers were also quite happy to have someone come to them with questions, and each of them answered patiently.

Within a few months, Hyuga Iwa's theoretical knowledge had improved by leaps and bounds, far surpassing his classmates in the Medical Class. He was even no less capable than Shizune, becoming the genius everyone took for granted.

However, Hyuga Iwa remained very calm in the face of his classmates' praise. He knew exactly how capable he was. Compared to real medical ninjas, there was still quite a gap between him and them, not to mention the advanced Medical Ninjutsu—the Mystical Palm Technique.

Speaking of the Mystical Palm Technique, Hyuga Iwa had asked his teachers about it as well. However, this hand-signless Medical Ninjutsu was simply too difficult. This Medical Ninjutsu invented by Tsunade was a full-fledged A-rank technique!

Hyuga Iwa's chakra control was not yet strong enough, so no matter how he tried, he had never succeeded.

According to the materials, Hyuga Iwa discovered that the Mystical Palm Technique was a ninjutsu that accelerated the healing of wounds by controlling the Yang Release Chakra within one's body. Its principle was to use the caster's Yang Release Chakra to stimulate the cells in the injured area, accelerating cell division to achieve treatment.

This technique had several difficulties:

1. How to control one's own Yang Release Chakra. This was the prerequisite for performing the Mystical Palm Technique, and also the greatest obstacle that trapped most medical ninjas.

2. The injured cells had to be stimulated with just the right amount to accelerate cell division. This required precise judgment. During treatment, the chakra output had to remain steady and appropriate, maintaining the same rate of output for a long period of time. This placed extremely strict demands on chakra control.

These two points seemed simple enough, but they were an impassable chasm before most medical ninjas.

Hyuga Iwa had not been learning chakra for long, and he had yet to study Yang Release Chakra, much less control it.

In order to learn the Mystical Palm Technique, Hyuga Iwa began making frequent trips to Leaf Hospital. Over time, he became acquainted with several medical ninjas, all of whom liked the sweet-talking Hyuga child.

When the doctors and nurses at the hospital learned that Hyuga Iwa was the child who had wanted to become Tsunade's disciple, they all gave him a thumbs-up for his courage. Now that they saw he had actually "chased" her all the way to the hospital, they teased him mercilessly.

Every one of them held Tsunade in the highest reverence. During the Second Shinobi World War, which had ended not long ago, Tsunade had saved countless Leaf Village ninjas all by herself. With her incomparable wisdom, she had also developed antidotes for one poison after another, saving the lives of innumerable ninjas!

It was precisely because of Tsunade's peerless medical skills and formidable strength that she had established her current status. After the Second Shinobi World War ended, she had naturally become the director of Leaf Hospital.

Of course, since it was no longer wartime and Leaf Village did not suffer many casualties, Tsunade was often absent from the hospital. Usually, she would only be called in to treat particularly difficult or unusual cases.

Therefore, even though Hyuga Iwa had been coming to the hospital for some time, he had not encountered Tsunade even once.

That day, after Ninja School let out, Hyuga Iwa came to the hospital as usual.

The moment he entered, Hyuga Iwa sensed an atmosphere unlike usual.

It was tense and solemn, as though the air throughout the hospital had frozen solid, making it hard to breathe.

Hyuga Iwa looked around curiously. The hospital staff hurried about with grave expressions, and though he had been there for quite a while, not a single person came over to say anything to him.

Normally, Hyuga Iwa would have asked by now. But a nurse he was fairly familiar with secretly winked at him before quickly leaving again.

Hyuga Iwa understood what she meant. Looking in the direction the nurse had gone, it seemed she had headed for the operating room?

He could not help guessing, Had some important figure been injured?

However, there really were more injured people in the hospital today. It seemed they must have encountered an extremely difficult mission.

Without giving it much thought, Hyuga Iwa casually found a spot and carefully watched a medical ninja treat one of the wounded.

Judging by the situation, the wounded man was severely injured and had lost a great deal of blood. But from the bandages around his arm, waist, and abdomen, it was clear he had already received preliminary treatment before being brought here. It just seemed that some time had passed, and the blood on the bandages had long since dried.

The medical ninja handed the wounded man a piece of cloth and gestured for him to bite down on it. Then, he carefully cut away the bandages, disinfected the wound with antiseptic, and began performing the Mystical Palm Technique.

Well, his luck was pretty good today. He had actually gotten to see the Mystical Palm Technique. Hyuga Iwa looked at the faint white glow in the medical ninja's hands and silently rejoiced, completely ignoring the injured man's feelings.

Hyuga Iwa did not activate his Byakugan to observe. Using the Byakugan in public would be far too conspicuous, and it would be considered secretly learning someone else's ninjutsu. In the Shinobi World, stealing another person's ninjutsu was a major taboo, especially a secret technique. Unless one was certain they would not be discovered, and did not use it even after learning it—or simply killed its original owner—no one would let them off the hook.

Even so, Hyuga Iwa could still sense the unique life energy contained within that white light.

So this was the power of Yang Release? Hyuga Iwa could not help thinking.

Hyuga Iwa stood nearby and watched as the medical ninja treated the wounded man. From time to time, he passed over supplies, or brought a stool and stood on it to help wipe the wounded man's sweat.

Hyuga Iwa's actions seemed to ease the injured ninja's expression considerably. The man even nodded gratefully at him in thanks.

To be honest, it was the first time he had ever seen a Hyuga willing to wipe the sweat off a stranger.

Could he be a fake Hyuga? That could not be right, judging by his eyes. Those pale eyes were such a familiar Kekkei Genkai. Other than the Hyuga Clan, no other clan in the Shinobi World possessed such eyes.

Hyuga Iwa did not stay with this one wounded man the entire time. More than a dozen injured people had been brought into the hospital all at once today, so he used the knowledge he had learned to do whatever he could.

As he put it, since he was free anyway, anyone studying medicine needed practical skills.

Time slipped away quietly amid the bustle. The sun had already set, leaving the outside of the hospital pitch-black, while bright lights shone within it.

Hyuga Iwa shook the sweat from his head. He was not tired; he was nervous. In his previous life, he had never even killed a chicken. Seeing wounded people covered in blood—especially after personally helping treat them—made sweat break out across his forehead.

Though he had been reincarnated for several years already, Hyuga Iwa was still unaccustomed to the smell of blood. Whenever he smelled it, he would unconsciously start sweating.

But as a ninja, these were things he would eventually have to overcome. So Hyuga Iwa said nothing and endured his discomfort, helping as best he could.

Hyuga Iwa's attitude was observed by a figure around the corner, and a satisfied smile appeared on that person's face.

That person thought, Perhaps I could take on one more disciple? I should observe him for a while longer... But why has he come to the hospital too?

Tsunade looked at the man dressed in black and white and fell into thought.

Hyuga Iwa had no idea that every one of his actions had been observed.

As though sensing Tsunade's gaze, the man in black and white slowly concealed himself and vanished around the corner.

Completely absorbed in what he was doing, Hyuga Iwa had utterly forgotten the time. By the time he helped deal with the last wounded person, it was completely dark. Hyuga Iwa checked the time and immediately jumped up.

"Big Sister Meiko, I'm heading home first. See you tomorrow."

Without waiting for a reply, he ran out.

As he hurried down the streets of Leaf Village, Hyuga Iwa worried, It's already so late. Yuko Mom must be worried sick. I just hope she isn't angry.

After turning a street corner, he found a long, pitch-black street ahead of him. Hyuga Iwa did not pause for even a moment before plunging into the darkness.

However, not long after entering the street, Hyuga Iwa stopped. Every muscle in his body involuntarily tensed.

A figure slowly emerged from the darkness ahead and stood in Hyuga Iwa's path.

"Who are you? Why are you blocking me?"

"I am an ANBU member, Hyuga Iwa. Our leader has observed you for a long time. I now represent ANBU in inviting you to join us."

"ANBU?" The man's clothing did indeed resemble ANBU attire, but Hyuga Iwa was even more puzzled. Wasn't the Hokage the leader of ANBU? He wanted Hyuga Iwa to join ANBU?

Something was wrong! If it were the Hokage, there would be no need to block him in such a secretive place before inviting him to join. The Hokage could have simply issued him an appointment letter or something. But this man said he was from ANBU. Aside from Danzo's Root, Hyuga Iwa could not think of any other possibility.

What did Danzo want? Was he really trying to recruit him, just as the man said?

Perhaps he could probe for more information?

His strength was absolutely no match for the ninja before him. Even if he could win, Hyuga Iwa could not guarantee there were no more of their people lurking in the darkness ahead. He could only hope they really had come to recruit him, rather than for some other purpose.

So Hyuga Iwa cautiously tested him. "No, you're not from ANBU. If it were Lord Hokage, there would be no need for him to recruit me so sneakily."

"Oh? I didn't expect this brat's mind to be so sharp. He figured it out so quickly. How old is he, anyway? No wonder Lord Danzo sent me to recruit him."

The man's thoughts turned, and his expression instantly darkened. He snorted coldly. "Enough nonsense. Why would I lie to you? Just come with me obediently. The leader is waiting for you."

"So it really is Danzo!" The last trace of Hyuga Iwa's luck vanished, leaving only a faint fear behind. How did that old schemer set his sights on me? I don't think I've ever had any dealings with him.

Hyuga Iwa racked his brain, but could not think of anything.

But there was no use thinking about that now. He needed to figure out how to get away.

Yet the difference in strength was right there. No matter how Hyuga Iwa thought about it, he could not come up with any good ideas. The only thing he could think of was a method that barely counted as one—bluffing. He did not know whether he could fool them.

So Hyuga Iwa said carefully, "If your leader wants me to join you, why doesn't he come himself? Let me make this clear: unless he comes in person, don't even think about taking me with you!"

"You!" The man flew into a rage at once. Just as he was about to speak, a voice from the darkness interrupted him.

"As expected of someone I favor. Since you wanted me to come in person, I am here now. What is your answer?" Danzo emerged from the darkness with an expressionless face. He stood before Hyuga Iwa and looked down at him.

"Huh? Even Danzo came himself!" Hyuga Iwa's expression changed instantly. He had never expected Danzo to personally come and invite him!

Danzo looked at the still very immature child before him, but he was not as calm inside as he appeared. In truth, he had only happened to see Hyuga Iwa at Leaf Hospital today. He had not expected that, after being rejected by Tsunade, Hyuga Iwa would still go to the hospital himself—and even help treat the wounded?

In Danzo's eyes, every action Hyuga Iwa took was absolutely deliberate. Since it was deliberate, then his goal was still to become Tsunade's disciple? He was merely being more discreet now, first building relationships with the people at the hospital before gradually working toward it?

Then Danzo recalled the intelligence he had previously received about Hyuga Iwa. The more he thought about it, the more suitable Hyuga Iwa seemed to be as a Root ninja. That patience, that willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his goals—Danzo believed that Hyuga Iwa would definitely become an outstanding spy in the future, and his Root needed exactly such talent!

Yet no matter what Danzo thought, Hyuga Iwa, standing in front of him, only felt suffocation crash down on him. Those sharp eyes made him shudder uncontrollably.

Hyuga Iwa held his breath, then let out a long exhale. His heart beat faster and faster, but his face gradually calmed.

"It is an honor to be noticed by Lord Danzo, but I have not even graduated from Ninja School yet. I have no way to serve you."

"Oh? You actually know me? I don't recall giving you my name. What outstanding intelligence-gathering ability." Danzo did not hold back his praise, though a trace of wariness rose in his heart.

"..."

Hyuga Iwa wanted to slap himself. How had he exposed himself the moment he opened his mouth? But the good news was that Danzo seemed to have misunderstood. He had guessed Danzo's identity because of memories from his previous life, not because he had gathered intelligence. It seemed he truly was not suited to a covert role. That would only get him killed faster.

But there was no way to explain that. What should I do? What should I do!

Hyuga Iwa began thinking hard, but just like in his previous life, he was not someone skilled at reading people. No matter how hard he tried, he could not think of a response.

If it came down to it, should he just join Root? Of course, it would be best if he could retain some degree of freedom.

Hyuga Iwa pretended to ponder for a moment before slowly saying, "It isn't impossible for me to work for you, but I'm not even a ninja yet. I'm afraid I won't be able to complete the tasks you give me."

"You don't need to worry about that. I will give you time to grow. You can continue living as usual. You only need to complete the tasks I assign when I need you."

Seeing that Hyuga Iwa was wavering, Danzo felt delighted.

Hyuga Iwa nodded. "That does sound good. But I would rather become a medical ninja. Lord Danzo probably has no need for that, does he?"

Hyuga Iwa knew that Danzo had a great need for researchers. He had just thought that if he could come into contact with research on Wood Release in the future, that did not seem too bad either?!

"For the prosperity of Leaf Village's great tree, everyone must provide nourishment for it. You and I are both the roots of this tree. In the future, you will discover that I am the one who silently provides nourishment to Leaf Village."

Danzo did not directly answer Hyuga Iwa's question. Instead, he spoke in vague, ambiguous terms. Anyone who did not understand him would definitely be fooled by him.

Hyuga Iwa could not help sneering inwardly. At the same time, he knew that if he did not give Danzo an answer today, this would probably not end well.

Still, in order to secure more benefits for himself, he made another request. "Then you must support my research work in the future. I'm very interested in biotechnology."

"Agreed."

Hearing Hyuga Iwa's words, Danzo became even happier. He was in desperate need of research talent. If Hyuga Iwa could truly become such a person in the future, then he could not let him go today. Besides, as long as Hyuga Iwa and his mother remained in Leaf Village, was he afraid Hyuga Iwa could escape his grasp?

"I see. Then that is all for now. If I have any requests in the future, I will bring them up to you, Lord Danzo."

Hyuga Iwa did not push his luck. He stopped while he was ahead. He would stabilize Danzo for now, then take things one step at a time in the future.

Soon, having received an answer that satisfied him, Danzo slowly withdrew. Hyuga Iwa, meanwhile, suddenly collapsed onto the ground, trembling all over. It took quite some time before he gradually recovered.

Just then, hurried footsteps came from the darkness. Before long, they reached Hyuga Iwa.

Hyuga Yuko, her eyes red, let out a long breath of relief when she saw Hyuga Iwa, as though the boulder in her heart had finally fallen away.

"Iwa, why are you sitting on the ground? Hurry up and get up. You still hadn't come home so late at night. I was worried sick..."

Seeing his mother's red-rimmed eyes, Hyuga Iwa felt a pang in his heart, yet also an incomparable warmth.

"A lot of injured people came to the hospital today, so I helped out and lost track of time."

"That is adults' business. Why did you get involved? Don't do this again, understand?"

"Mm, I know. Ah, I'm suddenly so hungry. What did you make today?"

"You, honestly. Whenever something happens, you always try to change the subject. I really don't know who you take after." Hyuga Yuko tapped Hyuga Iwa on the head, then said fondly, "I made your favorite grilled meat."

"Yay! Long live Yuko Mom!"

"Come on, I'll carry you."

"Mm..."

Hidden nearby, Danzo watched Hyuga Yuko carry Hyuga Iwa toward the Hyuga Clan's compound and muttered to himself, "As long as someone has a weakness, no one is beyond my use."