On the way back to Konoha, Shimura Danzō continued to regard Akihara Kagura as a well-behaved child. After all, most children used as experimental subjects would be terrified by the horrors of human experiments, and thus, obedient and cautious.
Yet… this boy was an exception.
Throughout the journey, Kagura displayed an unusual curiosity about the world around him. At one point, while resting by a river, he even asked if they knew how to fish.
Fishing?
Only someone with a lazy, carefree attitude would fish.
As a supporter of Root, the dark underbelly of Konoha, Danzō thought such behavior frivolous. Even in dire circumstances, Root operatives would use practical means—like spearing fish—to obtain food.
Danzō realized that this boy's curiosity was significant. Perhaps he had never truly encountered darkness. Once back in Konoha, Danzō would need to guide him carefully.
Show the boy the cruel reality of the world, and he would become obedient… Danzō prided himself on molding children, especially those with normal tendencies, into tools capable of killing without hesitation.
Yet… Kagura quickly proved him wrong.
"Wood Release: Grafting Technique!"
Kagura demonstrated a brutal yet precise fishing method using Wood Release. A wooden spike shot from his palm, piercing a fish over a meter long. The fish struggled violently.
Then, his fingers formed a seal.
The spike sprouted countless branches inside the fish, piercing its body completely. Blood instantly stained the river red.
The technique was gruesome… yet Kagura's expression was pure joy.
"Lord Danzō! I caught a fish!"
His innocent smile contrasted with the cold-blooded efficiency of his method, revealing a natural aptitude for killing.
"Remarkable…"
The elder watched the scene, a rare compliment escaping his lips. "A skilled use of Wood Release… an excellent child."
The boy's bloodline and approach to life convinced Danzō that he had indeed found a perfect seedling.
Konoha, the richest shinobi village in the world…
Danzō hurried back to Konoha with Kagura, wary of exposing himself and eager to test the boy's abilities.
He never used the main gates, preferring secret passages and unmarked barriers to return to Root's underground base.
Kagura followed Danzō, dropping into a well that led directly into the base. Immediately, he felt the oppressive, shadowy atmosphere.
This superior… operated in complete darkness.
The underground Root base was vast. Even with its classical pavilions and some modestly luxurious structures built into the cliffs, the shadowy ambiance could not be disguised.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A loud knocking echoed. Several operatives turned to see the boy tapping the railing.
"Alpha."
Danzō frowned, displeased. "What are you doing? Be quiet."
"Yes, Lord Danzō."
Kagura quickly complied, then explained, "I thought the railing would be stone, but it's wood. Lord Orochimaru once mentioned…"
"Silence!"
Danzō's eyes flashed with anger, voice icy. "Alpha, from today onward, completely forget about Orochimaru!"
"Yes, Lord Danzō."
Kagura complied again, adding, "That lord once mentioned that damp underground air makes wooden buildings prone to decay…"
Silence fell.
Danzō realized his earlier warning might have been too subtle. He wanted Kagura to forget Orochimaru the person, not just the name, but clarifying this seemed overly meticulous.
"I must attend to business."
Danzō waved his hand, instructing his subordinates, "Ryōma, arrange his accommodations. Let him understand the will of Root, then bring him to me."
"Yes."
Aburame Ryōma nodded respectfully, eyes cold as he looked at the boy.
"Follow me. Do not wander. This base contains restricted areas and traps."
"I understand."
Kagura obediently followed Ryōma.
The Root base was enormous, like a massive well. Classical buildings clung to the stone walls, connected by corridors and bridges.
"Alpha, this will be your quarters."
Ryōma led Kagura to a sparse room: one cupboard, a simple futon on the floor, and a lamp in the corner.
Kagura looked around and asked, "Could I have a proper bed? I don't like sleeping on the floor…"
"No."
Ryōma shook his head, voice cold. "Root members do not need unnecessary comforts or emotions. You accept your arrangements and nothing more."
Kagura raised an eyebrow. "Are you… my superior? Or will you be my superior in the future?"
"No, and you will never have one besides Lord Danzō."
Ryōma's answer was firm. Only Danzō's orders dictated the actions of Root operatives.
In theory, that was true. In practice, Root had unspoken rules. Ryōma, as Danzō's personal guard, held authority over other members. But the members themselves had no personal ambitions—they only served the will of Danzō.
"Now, I will impart the will of Root to you…"
Ryōma continued without noticing Kagura's expression.
"Root members have no names, no emotions, no past, no future. Our hearts hold only our missions. It is the will of Root that supports Konoha from the shadows."
Kagura raised his first question.
"What is your name?"
"Aburame Ryōma."
"That's a name. Aren't you a Root member?"
"That is not my name."
Ryōma's response was swift, as if he had been indoctrinated long ago.
"Aburame Ryōma is my codename within Root. Lord Danzō assigned it, knowing my past. That is all you need to know."
Kagura slowed his voice, testing a loophole.
"You still remember your past… that doesn't quite align with the will of Root, does it?"
---
(End of Chapter 6)