Lin Ze's pupils abruptly contracted, and the aura around him instantly turned icy:
"What did you say? Captured? By whom?"
"A group of masked ninja. Ruthless and well trained. They were probably Konoha's 'Root.'"
Tagitsuhime answered, "My clone happened to wander into that area and witnessed the battle. The three of them were defeated and captured, then taken toward the Valley of the End."
"I intended to follow them and investigate, but I discovered a jumble of presences and numerous barriers there. I dared not venture deeper rashly, so I immediately returned to report to you, Master."
She had not chosen to use this information to threaten Lin Ze. After spending these days at his side, she understood the young man's character very well.
He repaid both kindness and grudges, and responded to persuasion, not coercion.
Offering sincere help would elicit a response from him far more readily than threats.
"The Valley of the End... Root..."
A cold light flickered in Lin Ze's eyes.
He understood what was going on!
Danzo!
No wonder he had suddenly been "kind" enough to give him a day to think during today's meeting!
So this was what he had been waiting for!
He wanted to use Kurenai and Ling to threaten him, force him to submit, and support him as Hokage!
What a tactic! Just what I'd expect from Danzo! Fury surged within Lin Ze.
He truly had not expected Danzo to dare lay hands on the Hokage's son and his fellow villagers, much less act so quickly!
"Why were you paying particular attention to them?"
Lin Ze suppressed his anger and looked at Tagitsuhime.
This coincidence seemed a little too deliberate.
Tagitsuhime covered her mouth and chuckled. "Naturally, I pay extra attention to the people you care about, Master, in case the need