Three figures stood like cold statues among the broken walls, completely blocking the way. Their masks were expressionless, indifferent killing intent radiating from the eyeholes. Their chakra was concentrated and uniform-clearly, they were Root elites.
"Ling Hatake, Lord Danzo requests your presence. Come with us," the lead Root ninja repeated, his tone brooking no argument, his voice mechanically cold.
Ling's heart tightened slightly, but he kept his expression calm. His mind raced through his options. Force his way through? The strength of these three was unknown, and they likely had backup measures. The risk was enormous. Obey? Once he entered Root's lair, his life would be entirely in Danzo's hands.
[Calm down, boy.] Tobirama's voice hit him like a splash of ice water, instantly steadying him. [Since Danzo sent someone to "invite" you rather than assassinate or arrest you outright, he either doesn't want an open break yet, or still has doubts and expectations about your "value." This is a chance to maneuver.]
"I'm honored by Lord Danzo's invitation." Ling slowly stepped out from behind the broken wall, his voice carrying just the right touch of "surprise" and "respect." "May I ask why he wishes to see me so late at night? The village suffered a disaster today, and many wounded still need help. Could we..."
"Lord Danzo's orders take absolute priority," the Root ninja interrupted bluntly, his voice utterly flat. "Come with us immediately. Don't make this difficult."
The other two Root ninja shifted their feet slightly, positioning themselves to flank him and exerting an oppressive pressure.
Ling knew there was no way to put them off. He took a deep breath and nodded. "In that case, let's go. Please lead the way."
He acted like an ordinary Genin forced to obey an order, but secretly pushed his sensory