Night fell as Hoshita Shūichi dragged his exhausted body home.
Today's efforts had yielded only three Explosive Tags—600 ryo earned. For meals alone, that covered 25 servings for him, or 100 for an average civilian. Since mastering tag production, his total earnings had reached 4,000 ryo.
"Four more days of grinding, then I can splurge on new tools," he mused.
But the moment he opened his door, his instincts screamed danger.
"Who's there?!"
Shūichi barely twitched backward before an iron grip clamped his shoulder, freezing him in place. A hulking figure loomed behind him.
"No need for fear. We're Root. Lord Danzō wishes to see you."
The voice came from a fox-masked operative blocking the entryway.
Shūichi's stomach dropped—then steadied. At least they weren't here to kill him.
As the grip loosened, he stepped forward, mind racing:
Why Danzō? Because of Yakushi Nonō? Or my own potential?
How long have they been watching?
Play dumb or lean into genius?
Crossing the threshold, he spotted Danzō seated calmly on his sofa. The man's right eye was bandaged, but his unwrapped right hand hinted at no hidden Sharingan—yet.
"Lord Danzō." Shūichi bowed with measured respect.
Danzō's gaze held approval. "You're exceptional. The academy can't nurture your talent—Root will. Serve Konoha's shadows, become its unsung hero."
Shūichi bowed deeper. "I'm honored by your regard."
"With the Third Hokage's permission, I'd gladly join Root's elite ranks."
Danzō's eye narrowed. "Yakushi taught you well. Clever boy."
"But Hiruzen's consent is unnecessary. Root operates under the Anbu umbrella."
Shūichi kept his head low. "As a student, my allegiance lies with the academy's head—the Third Hokage. Without his approval, joining Root would be treason."
"And if I'd betray him today, I'd betray you tomorrow. Surely that's not your goal."
Danzō's admiration grew. Such composure at this age? Only Orochimaru had matched it. His desire to claim the boy intensified.
"Well said." Danzō rose, brushing past Shūichi. "Serving me is serving Hiruzen."
"Your 'mother' Yakushi Nonō is Root. You belong with us."
"Hiruzen won't interfere."
At the door, he paused. "Unless you'd prefer Yakushi face… complications?"
With that, Danzō vanished, his enforcers melting into the shadows.
The suffocating killing intent lifted. Shūichi gasped, sweat drenching his back.
That old badger bullied a damn kid!
This ambush was unexpected. Clearly, his summer progress had drawn Danzō's eye.
What now?
After washing up and scarfing down a meal, Shūichi made his move.
Ignoring potential surveillance, he marched into Konoha's bustling night district.
At an izakaya, he found Tsunade and Shizune—fortunately, the legendary sannin wasn't yet drunk.
"Shūichi?!" Shizune gaped.
"Shizune!" He smiled, then bowed to Tsunade. "Lady Tsunade, I'm Hoshita Shūichi."
Tsunade eyed him over her cup. "The 'prodigy' Shizune won't shut up about. What do you want?"
Shūichi cut to the chase. "Please take me to the Third Hokage. Danzō just invaded my home to recruit me for Root."
"What?!" Shizune paled. "Lady Tsunade, he's—"
A glare silenced her. Tsunade's lips curled. "Danzō's the second most powerful man in Konoha. Root's prestigious."
Shūichi stood firm. "I'm the Hokage's student. My loyalty is to him."
Tsunade snorted. "So you're my 'junior' now?"
"If you'll have me," Shūichi said shamelessly.
Tsunade rolled her eyes, then sobered. "Danzō can't force you. The old man won't allow it."
"He threatened Nonō and the orphanage," Shūichi pressed.
Tsunade's cup slammed onto the table. The stench of Danzō's underhanded tactics had killed her buzz.
"What's your plan?" she demanded.
Shūichi blinked innocently. "I'm six. My parents died for Konoha. The Hokage's my guardian now."
"When a kid gets bullied, he tells his dad. Shouldn't the Hokage protect me?"
The ultimate weapon of children: Complaint.
Read advance chapters here:
https://patreon.com/CNBLUE?