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Three ANBU operatives...
Kakashi wasn't reckless by nature. Upon witnessing such a formidable assembly before him, he immediately halted his advance.
Just what kind of volatile situation has the old man dragged home?
Meanwhile, having successfully collected Feng Bai's sample, the ANBU operative thoughtfully employed Palm Sage Technique to heal the tiny puncture wound. Though he should have departed immediately, something inexplicably drew his gaze back to the ice sculptures Feng Bai had crafted.
"Uh... want to keep one?" Though puzzled why the operative would employ such legendary medical ninjutsu for a mere needle prick, Feng Bai decided to offer a sculpture out of courtesy upon noticing the ANBU's apparent interest, selecting one of his more presentable creations.
He assumed the operative would decline, but to everyone's astonishment, the ANBU actually accepted the ice sculpture, offered a respectful bow, and vanished via Body Flicker Technique.
Following that operative's departure, the remaining two also disappeared from Kakashi's field of vision without a trace.
"You..." With all ANBU gone, Kakashi rolled his shoulders and approached Feng Bai, immediately noticing ice sculptures scattered across the ground.
"What are these...?" Kakashi picked up one specimen, perplexed. In this weather, ice formations shouldn't exist naturally. Unless—
"Ah, that's my ability." Feng Bai raised his hand, resolving Kakashi's confusion.
"Kekkei Genkai..." Kakashi furrowed his brow.
Where exactly did Dad acquire this individual? No wonder ANBU were dispatched to monitor him.
"Achoo." At home preparing lunch, Sakumo Hatake sneezed unexpectedly.
Regarding this matter, Kakashi had misunderstood Sakumo. Throughout Feng Bai's time accompanying Sakumo, he had never revealed his Ice Release capabilities. The reasoning was straightforward—they had been operating within Kirigakure territory. Should their presence be discovered, he could easily claim Sakumo had abducted him, thereby severing any association.
However, if Kirigakure's forces learned he possessed a Kekkei Genkai—
He'd likely face execution by burning, reminiscent of medieval witch trials.
Demonstrating this ability within Konoha proved far safer. Kekkei Genkai enjoyed considerably better treatment here than in Kirigakure.
At least it wasn't the Sharingan, so the leadership wouldn't maintain constant vigilance. During the early narrative period, before divine-level conflicts emerged, such abilities remained highly valued. Perhaps Hiruzen Sarutobi would even personally ensure his welfare.
If this opportunity could distance him from Danzō, even better!
Feng Bai contemplated optimistically, completely forgetting that concerning Kekkei Genkai collection, Danzō harbored even greater enthusiasm than the Third Hokage.
Moreover, Hiruzen hoped Feng Bai would forge bonds with Danzō, making intervention between them impossible.
Predictably, while Root monitored Feng Bai, the Hokage's ANBU simultaneously observed Root operations, reporting everything to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Ice Release Kekkei Genkai? Sakumo truly delivered an unexpected gift." Hiruzen's expression brightened upon learning of Feng Bai's Ice Release possession.
With proper management, Konoha could acquire a new Kekkei Genkai clan, elevating the village's future combat capabilities significantly.
Reaching this conclusion, Hiruzen immediately issued directives: "Ensure that child Feng Bai's protection at all costs, while intensifying surveillance on Root operatives. Determine their intentions!"
Concerning Root's sample collection from Feng Bai, Hiruzen understood perfectly—merely his old friend's verification method driven by lingering doubts. Should Feng Bai prove unrelated to Danzō, Hiruzen would employ every means to recruit him, never permitting Danzō to claim him.
However—
If Feng Bai truly was Danzō's son, Hiruzen would lack justification for interference.
Hiruzen found himself conflicted. He simultaneously hoped Feng Bai was Danzō's son, encouraging Danzō toward greater restraint, yet also wished otherwise, enabling him to instill the Will of Fire personally.
Sigh, such a challenging decision.
Meanwhile, Danzō received Beta's comprehensive report.
"Lord Danzō, I've delivered the sample to Orochimaru. He promised expedited comparison completion." Beta, still adjusting to Root headquarters' sudden illumination, bowed even more deeply than usual.
"Furthermore—" Observing Danzō's silence, Beta produced a partially melted ice sculpture from his clothing: "I discovered that child possesses Ice Release Kekkei Genkai."
"What?" Danzō's half-closed eye snapped wide, focusing intently on the sculpture in Beta's grasp.
Wait, why does this sculpture resemble me?
Intrigued, Danzō accepted the ice sculpture, examining it meticulously with his single eye.
The facial bandages, the distinctive chin scar—this was undeniably his likeness.
"He created this?" Danzō inquired with characteristic detachment.
"Affirmative." Beta responded with lowered head: "Upon my arrival, he had crafted numerous sculptures—predominantly featuring your image."
"Indeed..." For the second time today, Danzō experienced cardiac tremors.
Recalling that timid, cowering figure, Danzō mused: Though he appears frightened of me, does he secretly yearn for my acknowledgment...?
Danzō, having spent years conditioning subordinates, believed he understood children of this age. He remained oblivious that Feng Bai simply found him convenient to sculpt.
"However, Ice Release... that woman..." Settling into his chair while clutching the ice sculpture, Danzō began anticipating Orochimaru's results: "If he truly is my son, possessing Ice Release, combined with Root's resources..."
A new possibility materialized in Danzō's mind.
Though this prospect required awaiting definitive results.
"Hiruzen concealed such crucial intelligence from me. Is that man awaiting my reaction?" Danzō harbored irritation toward Hiruzen's apparent "deception."
Hmph, that individual is probably monitoring my response. Should I refuse acknowledging this child, he'll immediately recruit him for his own faction.
"Instruct Ryōma to intensify Feng Bai's protection while maintaining strict surveillance on surrounding ANBU operatives. Should they attempt intervention, immediate countermeasures are authorized!" Believing he had deciphered Hiruzen's intentions, Danzō addressed Beta.
"Gamma!" Subsequently, Danzō summoned Gamma, who continued Root facility preparations.
"Lord Danzō." Having recently completed light bulb installations, Gamma awaited instructions.
"Investigate the Shimura clan estate for properties near the Ninja Academy in favorable locations. If available, prepare suitable accommodations. Additionally, these facilities have become excessively bright—remove those bulbs!"
"Understood." Were it not for the cursed seal's constraints, Gamma genuinely wished to question whether Danzō was deliberately toying with him.
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