In other words, abducting civilians and ninjas from other countries for forbidden research is considered a matter of course.
Root is composed of a group of ninjas who stop at nothing.
Kakashi was already well aware of this.
One cannot expect a moral baseline from Root Ninjas. Once they join this organization, their emotions are suppressed; even if some emotions remain, they are stifled by the dark environment within Root, unable to be released.
"By the way, is Lord Danzo really conducting research on Tailed Beast Chakra?"
Kakashi asked.
Aburame Ryuma nodded, not concealing his answer: "Very few people know about this. Although I can share some with you, these things are still in the experimental stage. Once they're practically mature, I'll let you know."
"I understand. Then I'll head out. I need to arrange for someone to investigate the hospital."
"Here's a list, take it first."
Aburame Ryuma took out a list from his pocket.
Kakashi took the list, casting a questioning glance at Aburame Ryuma.
"What does this mean?"
"Recently, some Medical Ninjas in the hospital have exhibited unusual behavior. Start monitoring the people on the list; you might discover something."
"I didn't expect Lord Danzo to have planted people in the hospital too."
Kakashi shrugged and carefully put away the list.
"There's no choice. Currently, Lord Danzo doesn't want to conflict with the Third Hokage, so we need to maintain a tacit non-action. The hospital aside, Root also possibly has agents placed by Chiba Hakushi in the Anbu. We'll help monitor the hospital while you handle the Anbu on your own."
Unlike the hospital department, the Anbu is under Hokage's authority.
If Root reaches too far, handling this unauthorized would likely lead to fierce conflict among the higher-ups.
This is something both the Third Hokage and Danzo are trying hard to avoid.
After receiving the list, Kakashi turned and left the room.
Shortly after he left, the walls illuminated by candlelight shook suddenly, and two figures emerged.
Leading the way was Danzo, followed by a young man wearing round-framed glasses, with silver-gray hair and a faint, perpetual smile, giving off a vibe of cleverness.
"I was right, Lord Danzo; Kakashi wants to probe Root's intel."
The young man slightly bowed his head, pushing up his glasses frame, and smiled faintly.
"You have some valid points. Now, Kabuto, are you loyal to Root or to Orochimaru?"
Danzo's sharp gaze pierced towards the youth named Kabuto.
The youth named Kabuto calmly smiled: "Of course I am loyal to Lord Danzo, loyal to Konoha."
"Then why are you unwilling to bear the Root's Curse Seal?"
"I would like to do that, but that fellow Orochimaru is too cautious. If he notices anything, I might be discarded by him, unable to collect information for Lord Danzo. Lord Danzo wouldn't want that to happen."
"Your reason passes."
Danzo coldly snorted.
"Thank you very much. Additionally, I have good news for Lord Danzo."
"What good news?"
"Recently, Orochimaru tried to target Uchiha Itachi but seemed to suffer a great setback. Now he's holed up in his lab, frantically researching the Sharingan."
Upon hearing this news, Danzo's eyes slightly gleamed.
Itachi being able to thwart Orochimaru wasn't something he anticipated.
As Orochimaru's collaborator, he knew well Orochimaru's troublesome nature.
This implies Itachi's role is more significant than he imagined; it seems this useful pawn can't be easily discarded.
"This intel is valuable. Now, leave here soon; lingering too long might lead to trouble."
"Yes, Lord Danzo. Your subordinate takes leave."
Kabuto slightly bowed and headed toward the door.
Kakashi... Kabuto, while walking towards the door, recited this name in his heart.
The eyes behind the lenses showed traces of deliberation.
Like himself, wandering among various factions, becoming a quadruple agent, willingly used by others, seeking the real self in this vibrant Ninja Realm...
This person might become a kindred spirit!