Deep inside the Root Base's control room, the air hung as heavy as lead.
A viper's cold gleam flashed in Shimura Danzō's lone eye as he fixed his gaze on Tsunade and Ling entering the room. Behind him, several diehard Root loyalists stood like statues swallowed by the shadows, radiating icy killing intent.
"Tsunade... so you finally came... and brought the little bastard who framed me..." Danzo's voice was hoarse, steeped in bitter hatred.
"Danzo, the evidence is conclusive. Spare us your excuses." Tsunade's voice was cold, and the pressure of her powerful chakra began to fill the room. "Release the hostages immediately. This is your last chance."
"Evidence? Hmph! You call something obtained by colluding with the rogue ninja Orochimaru evidence?" Danzo sneered, though his gaze rested mostly on Ling. "Ling Hatake... that Water Release aura of yours, so similar to the Second's... and the secret behind your sudden surge in strength... today, I'll expose you myself!"
Before his words had faded, Danzo attacked without warning! He knew the value of striking first, and his target was Ling, who appeared to pose the greater threat!
"Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere!"
He drew a sharp breath and spat out a barrage of high-pressure wind bullets, tearing through the air toward Ling! At the same time, his other hand formed hand seals with lightning speed!
"Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique!"
It was not a direct attack, but an attempt to disrupt Ling's vision and perception, creating an opening for a killing blow! The veteran's combat experience was unmistakable!
Faced with the sudden onslaught, Ling's gaze sharpened. The extraordinary perception he had gained through his senjutsu training instantly revealed the wind bullets' trajectories and the hidden fluctuations of the genjutsu.
He did not meet the attack head-on. His body seemed to become formless