The first ray of morning light never reached Root's underground depths.
Dozens of figures stood silently in the vast central conference room like statues. They were the remnants of Root, the scattered parts left behind after Danzo, its central processor, had collapsed.
There was no fear in the air, only numbness stripped of all emotion.
They had witnessed their former master's downfall, and now they awaited their new master's judgment.
Execution?
Or becoming new tools?
To them, perhaps there was no difference.
Naruto walked in, his footsteps stirring no echo in the cavernous space.
Zero followed behind him like a shadow.
Everyone's gaze instinctively focused on Naruto.
Their eyes held a mixture of appraisal, vigilance, and resignation.
Naruto did not walk toward the stone chair that symbolized supreme authority. He simply stood in the center of the conference room and surveyed Konoha's darkest creations.
He did not speak, deliver an impassioned speech, or offer any hypocritical reassurance.
He merely tilted his head toward Zero.
Understanding, Zero formed a simple hand seal.
Buzz.
The smoothest stone wall in the conference room suddenly lit up.
Line after line of text appeared, branded into it by an invisible chisel.
It was neither a new operational doctrine nor an inspiring slogan.
It was their dossiers.
Their erased, real pasts.
Codename: Mountain Haze. Real name: Kenta Kobayashi. Family background: Both parents deceased. Has a younger sister, Kobayashi Misaki, who suffers from a chronic hereditary illness. Reason for joining Root: Danzo controlled the doctor capable of treating her illness and coerced him into joining.
Codename: Night Owl. Real name: Suzuki Tōru. Family background: Descendant of a Jonin family. A failed mission brought disgrace upon his entire clan. Reason for joining Root: Danzo promised to clear his family's name and provide resources for its revival.
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