The Formation of "Root"

So that was what this was about! Nangō Kumoi understood perfectly, but he put on a thoughtful, slightly troubled expression at just the right moment.

"Senior Brother's concerns are not without merit."

He spoke slowly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the tabletop.

"The Anbu are indeed under tremendous pressure.

"However, Senior Brother Danzo, establishing an entirely new, independent department with special authority is no trivial matter.

"This is not as simple as adding another organization. It involves the allocation of resources, the balance of power, and even the entire village's security philosophy."

He looked up at Danzo, his gaze clear and sincere.

"Senior Brother, you and I came from the same teacher. We both serve Konoha.

"I have no doubt about your original intention in proposing the formation of 'Root.' It is to make Konoha safer.

"But first, I want to ask: in your vision, aside from carrying out missions the Anbu find 'inconvenient' to handle, what is the most fundamental difference between Root and the Anbu?

"If we are merely creating another 'Anbu Number Two' with slightly different priorities, is there truly sufficient reason for it to exist?

"Might it instead make the organization bloated, blur the boundaries of responsibility and authority, and even lead to internal competition and waste?"

Danzo's brow furrowed slightly. Clearly, he had not expected Nangō Kumoi to approach the matter from this angle.

He said in a deep voice, "The difference lies in purity and focus. The Anbu stand at the boundary between light and darkness; Root will belong completely to darkness.

"It will not need to consider its image in the light, nor will it need to undertake ordinary guard duties.

"Its sole mission will be to use every necessary means to eliminate potential threats to Konoha, whether they come from outside or within.

"Its members will undergo harsher selection and training, cast aside all personal emotions and hesitation, and become the most perfect tools."

"Cast aside personal emotions and become perfect tools..."

Nangō Kumoi repeated softly, a complicated trace of emotion appearing on his face.

"Senior Brother, that reminds me of something our teacher, Tobirama, said when he taught us.

"Our teacher devoted his life to studying ninjutsu, establishing systems, and pursuing reason and efficiency.

"But he never taught us to regard living, breathing shinobi as nothing more than 'tools.'

"Our teacher established the Anbu to protect the village through concentrated professional strength.

"But Anbu shinobi are still, first and foremost, shinobi of Konoha. They have names, comrades, and convictions they need to protect."

After a pause, his tone became even more earnest.

"Senior Brother Danzo, you wish to become the 'darkness' that protects Konoha. I admire that resolve and sense of responsibility.

"But we must understand that 'being in darkness' and 'turning one's heart toward the light—the overall well-being of Konoha' do not conflict. In fact, they must be unified.

"If an organization, from top to bottom, believes itself to be nothing but 'tools,' if it worships only 'necessary evil' without needing to understand 'why it must be evil,' then the power it holds will become exceedingly dangerous.

"It may eliminate pests, but if it loses control or is misled, it may also harm Konoha's own healthy body."

Danzo's gaze flickered. His lips pressed tightly together. He did not immediately argue back, but he was clearly not fully convinced.

He was simply somewhat surprised—and inexplicably stifled—by Nangō Kumoi suddenly bringing up "their teacher" and such principles.

He was accustomed to direct calculations of interests and comparisons of strength. Discussions of "principles" and "instrumentality" left him temporarily unable to formulate a precise rebuttal.

Seeing Danzo's slightly bewildered yet forcibly composed expression, Nangō Kumoi knew the timing was about right.

He suddenly changed direction, his tone becoming decisive.

"However, Senior Brother's proposal has indeed pointed out a potential weakness in our defense system.

"Simply rejecting it outright would not be the best course."

Danzo abruptly raised his head, surprise and wariness flashing through his eyes. He agreed? Just like that?

Nangō Kumoi raised one finger and said clearly, "The Root division may be established."

Before the hint of just as I thought in Danzo's eyes could spread, Nangō Kumoi immediately added the second half.

"However, I must personally participate in drafting and give final approval to its formation plan, personnel selection criteria, initial training curriculum, and the qualification review of its first core members.

"This is not because I distrust you, Senior Brother. On the contrary, precisely because this matter is of such great importance, it concerns Konoha's most fundamental security principles and the boundaries of its power.

"We must ensure that from the moment it is born, it travels along the correct path and truly becomes Konoha's 'dark root,' rather than an uncontrollable poisonous vine."

Danzo's expression darkened instantly. So there was a catch after all!

He wanted to argue. He wanted to emphasize that no one understood covert operations better than he did. But Nangō Kumoi gave him no opportunity.

Nangō Kumoi leaned forward, his gaze calm yet carrying the unquestionable authority of the Hokage, and spoke slowly.

"Senior Brother Danzo, you will be the future head of Root. That is beyond doubt.

"But first, I am Konoha's Hokage.

"Our teacher entrusted the village to me, and I therefore bear the responsibility of ensuring that every blade is held in the right hands and pointed in the right direction.

"For the Hokage to personally assess and approve the foundation of its establishment is not interference. It grants Root the highest level of legitimacy and responsibility.

"A Root fully endorsed by the Hokage, with clear planning from the very origin of its system—

"Will be able to carry out its mission more efficiently and without hesitation in the future, and truly become the sharp blade you desire, guarding Konoha's darkest places.

"Senior Brother, what do you think?"

His final sentence was not a question, but a statement of fact.

Danzo fell silent.

He realized that he could not refute it.

Nangō Kumoi had seized upon "Hokage authority" and "procedural legitimacy," while taking the moral high ground of "better development for Root."

If he fiercely objected now, he would instead appear to have ulterior motives or insufficient respect for the Hokage's authority.

This was different from when he had privately discussed it with Hiruzen. This time, he was formally presenting a proposal to the Hokage.

"...I understand."

Danzo finally let out those words slowly, his voice betraying little emotion.

"We will proceed as Lord Hokage says.

"I will draft a detailed proposal for its formation as soon as possible and submit it for your review."

As long as the formation is approved and the first step is taken, the way it operates afterward can still be adjusted gradually.

The initiative will not necessarily remain in his hands forever.

"Good. Then I look forward to your proposal, Senior Brother."

Nangō Kumoi smiled, as though their earlier clash had been nothing more than an ordinary discussion.

"It is all for Konoha. Thank you for your hard work, Senior Brother."

After seeing off Danzo, whose thoughts were far from simple, Nangō Kumoi closed the door. The smile faded from his face, and he let out a soft breath.

The first step has boxed him in. He wants to build an independent kingdom? Not a chance.

Still, if Root is wielded well, it really can resolve quite a few troubles that are inconvenient for me to handle directly.

The key is to stamp the ideology firmly in place and keep a tight grip on personnel authority... There is a long road ahead, Senior Brother Danzo.

Returning to his seat, he began considering what kind of "distinctive" introductory education and loyalty assessment system he should design for the future Root division.