The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the streets of Konoha with a warm orange color, and the elongated shadows intertwined on the ground, like a flowing picture scroll.
Senju Chen has just completed the second D-Rank Mission today - bathing Inuzuka Clan's litter of Ninja Dog puppies. At this moment, there is still a faint smell mixed with shower gel and puppy milk on his body, which forms a wonderful contrast with the simple and sharp sense of the artifact behind his back.
There are 7 left.
He was silently calculating in his mind. According to this efficiency, within three or four days, he would be able to complete the "novice target" set by Orochimaru, and then he could legitimately stay at the training ground and start his own "scientific research project".
Just when he was in a relaxed mood, wondering whether his next task would be to help Akimichi Clan harvest vegetables or go to the Aburame Clan to collect Kikaichū, his footsteps suddenly stopped.
A vague, cold and dead breath, like gangrene attached to the bone, quietly appeared within his range of perception.
He didn't look back, he just kept walking like an ordinary child, preparing to reach the main road where there are many people.
However, his spirit was already on high alert, and Chakra was quietly circulating in his body, ready to deal with any emergencies at any time.
A figure appeared beside him without any warning.
The other party was wearing a standard Anbu uniform and a pure white mask without any patterns on his face. He seemed to be a ghost walking out of the shadows, without any trace of life.
"Senju Chen."
The sound coming from under the mask was like two cold stones rubbing against each other, without any emotion.
"Shimura Lord Danzo, I want to see you."
Senju Chen then slowly turned his head, his dark eyes showing just the right amount of doubt and confusion. He tilted his head and asked, "Who are you? I don't seem to know you?"
He sneered in his heart.
It seems that this old fox dormant underground Konoha can't hold himself back after all.
"You don't need to know me." The masked ninja's voice was still cold, "Just come with me and you will know."
As he spoke, he stretched out his hand, as if he wanted to grab Senju Chen's shoulder directly.
The "innocence" on Senju Chen's face instantly faded, replaced by a vigilance that was inconsistent with his age. His small body nimbly slid backwards, like a loach, perfectly avoiding the opponent's hand.
"I'm sorry." He shook his head politely, but his tone became firm, "My sister is still waiting for me to eat at home, so I can't go with you."
After saying that, he turned around and prepared to leave.
He wanted to see how far Danzo's "invitation" had gone.
Sure enough, the Root ninja swayed and stood in front of him again like a ghost. This time, there was an undeniable sense of oppression in the opponent's aura.
"This is not a request."
Senju Chen understands in his heart. It seems that the other party insists on "inviting" him to come over today.
"In that case..." Senju Chen sighed softly. He looked a little cute like a little adult, but his words made the atmosphere freeze instantly, "Then I can only offend you."
Before he finished speaking, a bright golden electric light suddenly exploded on the dim street!
Clang--!
The sound of Qingyue's sword echoed throughout the long street!
Senju Chen had pulled out the Thunder God Sword from behind at some point. The golden lightning sword blade drew a gorgeous trajectory in the air. The arc jumping on the sword made a soft "sizzling" sound. The violent and pure power of thunder made the surrounding air anxious.
Root Ninja's pupils suddenly shrank under the mask!
Thunder God Sword!
Second Hokage's sword! Why is it in this kid's hand?!
Before he had time to think about it, his body's instinct had already made him take out the Ninja Blade from his waist and block it in front of him.
Ding!
The golden thunder blade collided with the cold steel knife, erupting into a series of dazzling sparks. A strong sense of paralysis spread along the blade of the blade and instantly spread throughout the Root ninja's body, causing his arm holding the knife to freeze.
What a fast speed! What a powerful force!
Root Ninja was horrified. Although he did not use all his strength in order not to attract attention, the opponent was just a five-year-old child! This level of swordsmanship and reaction speed were simply not something that a newly graduated Genin could possess!
What frightened him even more was that from beginning to end, he never felt the Chakra fluctuations of Wood Release Ninjutsu in Senju Chen. In other words, the opponent was evenly matched with him just by relying on Taijutsu and sword skills!
This place is not far from the main road of the village, and people come and go. Once it gets too big and attracts the attention of Konoha Military Police Force or even Hokage, things will be in trouble.
Just when the Root ninja was in a dilemma, an old and gloomy figure appeared quietly between the two of them, as if teleporting.
With only two fingers, he lightly clamped the golden thunder blade, and no matter how much electric arc jumped on it, it could not damage it at all.
"That's it."
Senju Chen's pupils shrank, and he retracted Thunder God Sword, looking warily at the uninvited guest in front of him.
The person coming is none other than Shimura Danzō.
His bandaged right eye, his exposed left eye, and his face that was as wrinkled as dry tree bark all exuded a chilling aura.
"Lord Danzo." The Root ninja immediately knelt on one knee and lowered his head respectfully.
Danzo ignored his incompetent subordinate. His one eye swept over Senju Chen and the Thunder God Sword with great interest. Then, he squeezed out what he thought was a "kind" smile on his face, but that smile was uglier than crying.
"What an amazing junior. The bloodline of the Senju Clan is truly worthy of its reputation." His voice was hoarse, like a rusty gear turning, "Child, don't be afraid, I don't mean any harm."
Senju Chen felt a chill in his heart, but his face remained alert and alienated. "Are you Shimura Lord Danzo? You have been to my house, I have seen you, you are looking for me, what's the matter?"
"Konoha is a big tree with lush branches and leaves. It needs sunshine and rain, but it also needs roots deep underground to absorb nutrients and eradicate moths in the darkness." Danzo did not answer directly. Instead, he started his speech in a seductive tone.
"The 'root' I command is the root of Konoha. We live in darkness, bear infamy, and do all the shady work, just to protect the prosperity of the tree. Your talent should not be buried in the sun. Only by being tempered by the 'root' can you become Konoha's sharpest weapon."
He took a step forward and stared at Senju Chen: "Your sister Tsunade's father was once one of the leaders of 'Root'. My son, by joining 'Root', you are inheriting the will of your fathers. When you grow up, I will leave the future of 'Root' in your hands."
These words were full of emotion and emotion, and were full of the "righteousness" of sacrificing for the village and the "temptation" of passing on power.
If it were a real five-year-old child, he might really be moved by his words.
But in Senju Chen's heart, there was only two words at this moment: fart.
Inherit the will of your fathers? It sounds better to say it than to sing it. You still want to hand over the 'root' to me? I'm afraid you don't want to transform me into a second emotionless killing tool, and then treat me as a new container for the 'root' when you die of old age.
Senju Chen kept complaining in his heart, but his face showed a complex look of entanglement and yearning.
Danzo actually showed up in person. It seems that this matter today is not easy to fool.