The Root Buried Deep Underground Also Longed for Sunlight

"Yes, sir!"

The other Root ninja looked on with envy.

Aburame Ryoma took a moment to adjust, then began. "Over the years, I witnessed every stage of Orochimaru and Shimura Danzō's human experiments. At first, they were acting on the Third Hokage's orders, researching Wood Release's power to restrain Tailed Beasts. Most of their test subjects were Rogue Ninja and prisoners of war..."

"But later, they began experimenting on children. After the Third Hokage ordered the experiments stopped, they moved to another base and continued their research. It went on until the village destroyed the base and Orochimaru defected..."

"I watched countless ninja and innocent children die. First, they endured the agony of cell transplants. Then they waited like meat in a can, shut inside a lightless underground base and clinging to a faint hope. One by one, they died in cold nutrient tanks. And all we could do was watch it happen!"

Ryoma's face twisted with pain.

"This wasn't what I wanted... I love the sky, plants, nature, carefree animals... But ever since I joined Root, every breath I take in the sunlight has felt tainted by guilt!"

"We came after you for more than our clans' sake. We ourselves can't bear the thought that the experiments will continue even after Shimura Danzō is gone!"

Ryoma looked at Shinji Uchiha with hope in his eyes, waiting for an answer.

...He must have kept it bottled up for so long. To hear an Aburame Clan ninja pour out this much in one breath...

Shinji exhaled. "Then why not leave Root, return to your clan, and live a normal life?"

Ryoma gave a bitter smile. "We've spent too long in the dark... Most Root members have now been assigned to ANBU, doing the same things as before. We... we don't want