**Chapter 38: Root Beneath Naruto's Shadow**
"Naruto, your role in repelling Orochimaru's attack was truly commendable. You struck a decisive blow against him, earning great merit."
Danzo gazed at Naruto with undisguised admiration.
*So, that old bastard already knows about what happened in the Forest of Death during the Chunin Exams,* Naruto thought, his guard rising. *He's a cunning fox. I need to be careful.*
"Having witnessed your exceptional performance, I, as a representative of Root—an integral part of Konoha—believe you deserve a reward, wouldn't you agree?" Danzo's tone carried a subtle, manipulative undertone.
*Tch, I'm no fool. How could I possibly fall for this old fox's tricks so easily?* Naruto scoffed inwardly at Danzo's words.
*Reward?*
*Just another way to trap me.*
"Oh? Tell me more," Naruto said with a nod, his expression blank and his tone indifferent.
*Tch, act friendly toward that old fox Danzo? In your dreams.*
Now that Naruto possessed sufficient strength, he no longer needed to feign deference toward Danzo.
"Hahaha, Naruto, you don't seem particularly interested," Danzo chuckled. "But this reward is extraordinary. I've decided to make you a member of Root, granting you access to powers you can't even imagine now."
"I refuse," Naruto said coldly. "Danzo, let me put it this way: the fact that I even came here is already a courtesy to you. Stop with the nonsense."
"Uh..."
Danzo froze, seemingly stunned by Naruto's words.
"What did you say?" Danzo asked, genuinely doubting he'd heard correctly. *This brat not only rejected such a tempting reward but also sneered at it? Even if he injured Orochimaru, he shouldn't be this arrogant!*
"I said... I'm leaving now. Goodbye, bye-bye!" Naruto said impatiently, rising from his seat and turning to leave.
"You insolent brat! Someone like you is destined to amount to nothing!" Danzo roared, leaping to his feet, his eyes blazing with fury.
"What's this? Getting angry because you're embarrassed?" Naruto scoffed. "Looks like you old geezer isn't as composed as you thought."
*Boom!*
Having torn off the mask of civility, Naruto unleashed the full force of his power, no longer holding back.
Now, Naruto's goal was to break down the old order and build anew.
*Such immense Chakra... it's almost solidified!* Danzo thought, his heart pounding as he watched the crimson Chakra erupt from Naruto's body.
"But in this state, the brat should have lost his mind, right? What a reckless kid."
Danzo's eyes flashed with disdain.
"Danzo, you old fool, do you still think your reward is generous enough?"
Naruto turned to face Danzo, his Fox Eyes blazing, six crimson tails swaying behind him. His voice dripped with contempt.
"The brat's still conscious?" Danzo startled. "How is that possible?"
*Grumble...*
Pale golden fur gradually covered Naruto's entire body. He stretched his limbs, a mocking grin spreading across his face as he stared at Danzo.
In appearance, Naruto now resembled a miniature Nine-Tailed Beast.
"Danzo, what do you think? Anything you want to say now?"
Swaying his six pale golden tails, Naruto extended his palm. A black Chakra sphere slowly materialized in his hand.
One meter in diameter!
"Danzo, you old fool, are you scared?"
Holding the Great Ball Nine-Tailed Beast Rasengan, Naruto advanced on Danzo step by step.
*Gulp... What is this black Chakra sphere?*
Feeling the oppressive aura radiating from Naruto, Danzo swallowed hard, his resolve wavering. *The power of this ninjutsu is immeasurable...*
"Still no response? Then let's test the power of this ninjutsu."
Grinning, Naruto raised the black Rasengan and slowly approached Danzo.
As he moved, the Rasengan above Naruto's palm grew slightly larger.
"Wait, Naruto-kun! Let's talk this out," Danzo quickly pleaded, feigning weakness.
*Ridiculous. One hit from that technique, and Root might cease to exist.*
"Then speak."
Naruto dispelled the Rasengan but remained in his Nine-Tailed Beast state, his gaze fixed on Danzo.
"Gulp..."
Danzo's Adam's apple bobbed as his expression twisted in inner turmoil, as if locked in a fierce internal battle.
"Are you doing this for Konoha? For everyone?" Danzo asked cryptically.
"You're in no position to make demands."
Naruto understood exactly what Danzo had established Root for, and he grasped the meaning behind his words.
"We are Konoha, bathed in sunlight; you are Root, lurking in the shadows. Danzo, is that what you wanted to say? Don't worry, I understand."
Naruto paused, then continued, "So, what do you want to say now?"
"I, Danzo, representing the Root organization, surrender to you!"
Finally, Danzo gritted his teeth and made his decision. He knew Naruto wasn't some impulsive child; the boy had his own agenda.
"Excellent," Naruto nodded. "You're a clever one. The reward this time is quite generous. I like it."
Grinning smugly under Danzo's complex gaze, Naruto dispersed the Nine-Tailed Beast's power and strolled out.
This invitation had backfired spectacularly on Danzo.
*Heh heh, finally got my hands on Root. It's not a mighty force, but even a mosquito has some meat on its bones,* Naruto thought gleefully as he walked back.
He had been eyeing Root for a long time, and Danzo's invitation had played right into his plans.
*Hmm, judging by the time, the Chunin Exams should be starting soon.*
Naruto glanced at the sky and changed direction, hurrying toward the exam venue.
By the time he arrived, a large crowd had already gathered—spectators, instructors, and of course, the participants.
*Phew, looks like I'm still early.*
Surveying the scattered but sizable crowd, Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. *These people are really enthusiastic! So many here already, and the exams haven't even started yet.*
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(End of Chapter)