The upper ranks of Konoha had learned of Han's Ice Release kekkei genkai after Yuhi Shinku returned to the village.
The information had landed on the Third's desk alongside the report on Liumu's Light Release.
However, before Sarutobi could respond, Shimura Danzō suddenly appeared in front of Liumu.
Looking at the old man with half his body wrapped in bandages, Liumu immediately recognized him.
"You're Liumu? Jiraiya's student?"
Liumu and Han had just finished buying vegetables and were on their way home.
Faced with Danzo's questioning, Liumu nodded.
At this point, Danzo had not yet received a Sharingan transplant from the Uchiha Clan. As for why he was already wrapped in bandages, presumably it was to conceal the Hashirama cells on his shoulder.
Could it be... Danzo was already involved with Orochimaru at this point?
As far as he knew, Orochimaru had helped transplant Danzo's Hashirama cells. And thinking back to their time in Kirigakure, Orochimaru had shown an intense interest in cultivating kekkei genkai...
"Did you need something?" Liumu asked, looking up.
Liumu was Jiraiya's student, and Jiraiya was the Third's pupil.
What could Danzo want with Liumu, someone from his old rival's line of disciples, at a time like this?
Liumu couldn't figure it out right away.
"Join Root."
"Join Root?"
Hearing this, Liumu immediately laughed.
"What is this supposed to be? A request? Or an order?"
Liumu asked bluntly.
At the six-year-old Liumu's insolent questioning, the two men behind Danzo immediately stepped forward, ready to strike.
However, as they passed in front of Danzo, he stopped them with his cane.
"Neither," Danzo replied. "Consider it an offer to recruit you."
Danzo turned to look at the gently flowing water below the riverbank. "You're Jiraiya's student, so you must know quite a bit about Root. Your abilities are