Danzo's expression darkened.
"What Konoha needs is an iron fist and resolve! That naive mercy of Minato Namikaze's will only lead the village into the abyss!"
"Lin Ze, you're a smart man. You should know who can bring Konoha true strength! Follow me, and you will be one of the founders of a new era!"
"A founder? One like you, hiding in the sewers, experimenting with your comrades' lives, and resorting to kidnapping and threats to get what you want?"
Lin Ze scoffed and shook his head. "I'm not interested."
A trace of anger finally flashed through Danzo's eyes.
"Since you refuse to do this the easy way, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
He gave a slight wave.
Soon, two Root members emerged, escorting the bound Kurenai Yuhi and Rei Uesugi.
Both girls had a few scrapes on their faces, and their eyes were filled with exhaustion. But when they saw Lin Ze standing on the statue high above, surprise and worry crossed both their faces.
"Lin Ze!"
Kurenai Yuhi couldn't help crying out in a trembling voice.
Rei Uesugi bit her lip hard, her complicated gaze shifting between Lin Ze and Danzo. She already understood their situation, and her heart filled with regret.
If... if I'd left with Nonō and the others back then, would I never have become a bargaining chip to threaten Lin Ze?
Was my decision to stay really wrong...?
The thought gnawed at her heart like a venomous snake.
"Lin Ze, don't worry about us!"
Kurenai Yuhi came to her senses and shouted, "He wouldn't dare do anything to us!"
Rei Uesugi nodded emphatically as well.
"That's right! Lin Ze, get out of here! Don't agree to anything!"
Seeing the two girls still thinking of him under these circumstances, Lin Ze's gaze grew colder.