"A genjutsu?"
Konan instantly realized she had fallen into an illusion. The fact that she hadn't even sensed the caster meant that this genjutsu user was highly skilled, at the very least adept at staying hidden.
However, with Shikigami Dance", she had ways to counter genjutsu users.
In an instant, her body shattered into countless paper fragments, breaking free from the cherry blossom tree's entanglement. As she dissolved into paper, she also dispelled the illusion, then swiftly launched paper shuriken at her unseen attacker.
Clang! Clang!
Kurenai Yuhi deflected the paper shuriken with her kunai, but the impact forced her to take two steps back. Though her taijutsu had improved significantly, she was still at a disadvantage against Konan.
Realizing her opponent's strength, Kurenai immediately created an illusionary clone while concealing her real body in the shadows, ready to support her captain from the sidelines.
"Trying to take prisoners? A pointless effort. The client's request was clear—dead or alive," Konan remarked coldly as she observed Kaede Kaminarimon and Asuma Sarutobi's actions. Without hesitation, she spread two large paper wings from her back and took to the sky.
With a flick of her wrist, the paper restraining the Root ninja suddenly revealed numerous explosive tags.
"Damn it!"
Kaede's sharp eyes caught sight of the explosives just in time. He immediately shouted, "Asuma, get out of there—now!"
At the same time, he swiftly performed a basic sealing technique, managing to neutralize some of the explosive tags. With a powerful yank, he pulled the Root shinobi free from the paper bindings.
**Boom! Boom! Boom!**
A series of massive explosions rocked the street. Under the detonation of dozens of explosive tags, the entire area was left in ruins.
"Cough… cough…!"
Asuma had managed to retreat just in time after Kaede's warning, but the blast still fractured two of his ribs and left him with several external injuries.
Kaede himself sustained minor wounds, but he had used the Root ninja as a human shield, absorbing most of the blast. The unfortunate operative was killed instantly, though Kaede had managed to preserve his head.
"You risked your life just to retrieve a corpse?" Konan observed the scene with an indifferent expression. "Your teamwork is impressive—too refined for mere rogue shinobi. Are you from Konoha?"
Hundreds of paper fragments began swirling around Kaede and Asuma, forming razor-sharp blades.
Realizing they were completely outmatched, Kaede made a quick decision and spoke up.
"We are Konoha shinobi. These men were impersonating our village's forces, so we were ordered to capture them alive."
Konan scoffed. "Impersonating Konoha? A ridiculous claim. I'll be sure to relay this message to my employer."
She had already considered the possibility that these men were genuine Konoha operatives. The four Root members had demonstrated high-level ninjutsu and seamless teamwork—abilities beyond the reach of small nations or wandering mercenaries.
Konoha was known for its combination ninjutsu tactics, something that other great nations rarely practiced. If anyone was faking identities, it certainly wasn't these so-called Root operatives.
With that, Konan flapped her paper wings and disappeared into the night sky.
Watching her leave, Kaede and Asuma finally exhaled. Facing an enemy who could kill them at any moment had kept them on edge the entire time. Had she not been wary of Konoha's reputation, they likely wouldn't have survived.
"Kurenai, Asuma—you both okay?"
Kurenai emerged from the shadows, her expression serious. She had refrained from engaging because she knew that woman's strength was overwhelming. If she had interfered, she would have only become a liability.
"I'm fine," Kaede said, catching his breath. "Asuma, how bad is it? Once we report to the client, we'll head straight back to Konoha."
He then glanced at the severed head of the Root shinobi he had managed to retrieve. The effort had not been in vain—he needed confirmation of their identities.
Sure enough, on the tongue of the severed head was the Root Eradication Curse Seal. There was no mistaking it—these men had been part of Danzo's secret faction.
Kaede sighed internally. What was supposed to be a simple training mission had turned into something far more dangerous. He had heard rumors about the dark dealings of Konoha's leadership, but now he had witnessed it firsthand.
When they returned, he would report everything to the Hokage—including the blue-haired kunoichi who seemed to harbor hostility toward Konoha. She was worth investigating.
---
After a quick round of first aid, Asuma Sarutobi regained enough mobility, and the three immediately headed for the courtyard of the Sanki Trade Association.
However, when they requested an audience with their employer, the steward coldly informed them that the head of the family had no desire to see Konoha's shinobi and that they should leave at once.
Kaede Kaminarimon sighed inwardly. It seemed that the blue-haired kunoichi had already relayed the events to their client. Learning that the ones targeting them all along were members of Konoha's Root division—and that these attacks had cost them dearly—meant this would undoubtedly escalate to the Hokage's desk.
"Captain, what's going on?"
Teru Kinoshita, still confused, couldn't wrap his head around why his captain and teammates had been driven out so soon after completing their mission.
"We'll discuss it on the way back," Kaede replied. "Teru Kinoshita, support Asuma—we're leaving immediately."
Staying here any longer wasn't safe. Even within the borders of the Land of Fire, they could be ambushed at any moment. While Kaede remained in fighting condition, if they encountered another opponent like that blue-haired kunoichi, even a fully operational team wouldn't stand a chance.
Elsewhere
"Sir, we've received word from Konoha. The Root's attack on the Uzumaki Trade Association has gone exactly as planned," a figure known as 18 reported, pulling Hyuga Mirai from his intense focus on analyzing the fusion between his own cells and those of the Shikotsumyaku bloodline.
"Planned?" Mirai blinked, momentarily disoriented. His mind had been entirely preoccupied with his research, and it took him a moment to register what 18 was referring to.
After hearing the report again, Mirai nodded slightly. "Danzo won't let this go easily. Namikaze Minato is still too constrained when dealing with that old relic. Keep shifting the distribution rights to others. The Uzumaki Trade Association only needs to retain control over product development and innovation."
With the widespread adoption of computers, the association would soon be developing other electronic devices—portable gaming consoles, lithium batteries, and more.
If Danzo was planning to strike at the Uzumaki Trade Association, he would find it almost impossible. The only core members he was aware of were Ayaka Uzumaki and the masked Rin Nohara—one stationed in the capital of the Land of Fire, the other in Roran. Even if Root wanted to target them, they were beyond reach.
As for the association's continued expansion, Number 18's oversight ensured its smooth operation. With her ever-growing data accumulation, her ability to anticipate and respond to situations was becoming increasingly refined.
Meanwhile, Mirai himself had made significant progress. The Shikotsumyaku bloodline inherited from Kimimaro had proven highly compatible with his genetic structure, filling in crucial gaps in his sequencing.
Through comparative analysis, he had discovered that integrating the Shikotsumyaku cell sequence could push his genetic count beyond six hundred—something entirely different from the fusion with Hashirama Cells.
One improved genetic perfection without increasing quantity. The other nearly doubled genetic count, elevating the very essence of life.
"This… This is the true inheritance of the Otsutsuki Clan. Senju Hashirama's bloodline must have originated from the Divine Tree. While it enhances an Otsutsuki's genetic structure, it doesn't truly elevate life itself."
Though confident in the compatibility of the Shikotsumyaku bloodline, Mirai still required further experimentation to confirm complete integration. It was his own body on the line—he couldn't afford any mistakes.
"Perhaps I should implant Byakugan-compatible cells into Kimimaro as well. That could compensate for the genetic deficiencies in his system."
A thought struck him—he still had Hyuga Nichirin's preserved body, including a perfectly intact pair of Byakugan.
If transplanted successfully, not only would Kimimaro's genetic flaws be corrected, but his combat capabilities would be significantly enhanced. After all, the Byakugan was an invaluable asset for taijutsu specialists.
Without hesitation, Mirai sent his research findings on the Shikotsumyaku to Orochimaru. He was certain that once Orochimaru reviewed the report, he would personally send Kimimaro to him.
"18, monitor the simulation results. If there are no anomalies after one hundred thousand iterations, notify me immediately."
Leaving those instructions, Mirai made his way toward the Dragon Vein Sealing Tower. Within it, he had modified several training chambers, allowing him to absorb natural energy to refine his Sage Chakra. The tower had become one of the densest natural energy sites in existence.
According to Ichikishima-hime, not even the most enriched regions of Ryuchi Cave could compare.
For that reason, Mirai had constructed additional chambers—exclusively for the Three Great Serpent Princesses.
Arriving at his personal chamber, he pushed open the door, only to see someone rolling restlessly on the bed.
Mirai's eye twitched. "Ayaka… What are you doing instead of training?"
Ayaka Uzumaki twisted her body toward him, pouting. "Mirai-sama, I want you to teach me Sage Mode!"
Mirai couldn't shake the feeling that since Ayaka had undergone Ichikishima-hime's genetic modifications, she was becoming… more snake-like.
"Ichikishima-hime is right next door. My Sage arts aren't suited for you."
---
Konoha – Hokage's Office
Namikaze Minato had summoned Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other three senior council members. Without hesitation, he slammed Kaede Kaminarimon's mission report onto the desk.
"Elder Danzo, you need to explain this," Minato demanded, his expression cold. "Why did Root operatives attack a noble trade association within the Land of Fire? Do you have any idea how this has put Konoha in a vulnerable position? One wrong move, and we could lose all mission contracts."
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, momentarily confused by the accusation. But as soon as he read the report, his face darkened. He passed the document to Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, then turned to Danzo.
"Danzo, explain yourself. Why would Root shinobi be involved in something like this?"
(End of Chapter)
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