Having spent years in darkness, Root ninja all exuded a somber aura. The layout of the Root headquarters was even more oppressive. An ordinary ninja stepping into Root headquarters would undoubtedly find their limbs weakening, a spontaneous fear welling up in their hearts. The oppressive force of Root was not something ANBU could compare to. But Naruto's elegance and composure were so dazzling. The more Danzo looked at Naruto, the more pleasing he found him. He recalled how confident and composed he himself had been in his youth.
"Actually, from the very beginning, Root was the most suitable choice for you," he said, looking at Naruto with a smile.
"Although there were many twists and turns along the way, as long as the outcome is good, that's all that matters," Naruto chuckled.
"Indeed, you're right." Naruto's words implied that Root was a good outcome, and this piece of flattery made Danzo feel quite pleased inwardly.
"Then, Sensei, I wonder what I need to do after joining Root? I believe you know my thoughts; I want to become stronger as quickly as possible," Naruto asked softly, his expression gentle and kind.
Naruto was still very wary of the Root headquarters. Danzo and Orochimaru had always cooperated, and Danzo wasn't averse to various human experiments. The possibility that Danzo might conduct human experiments on him couldn't be ruled out. After all, he was deep within Root headquarters; even if the Third's influence was vast, it couldn't cover every single aspect. It was always right to be cautious.
"Just as I told you before, I will give you a great deal of freedom. The ninja commissions you've undertaken previously were too low-level. Without life-and-death experiences, one cannot become a qualified ninja. I will give you the opportunity to grow, to experience the trials of death through high-difficulty commissions."
"Of course, for you, these commissions will not be simple. You may encounter powerful enemies, and you may also be required to do things that violate ethics and morality. Using helpless civilians as hostages to lure out a target, killing those civilians to enrage the target, or even... using civilian bodies for experiments."
"Root's commissions are things ordinary ninja will never encounter, nor would they dare to. And what you must do is simply complete them."
Danzo's tone became calm, as if he were recounting an ordinary, everyday matter. His murky eyes stared intently into Naruto's, yet he was surprised to see only gentleness and serenity within them.
"I understand. I will meet your expectations, Danzo-sensei," Naruto's tone remained unchanged, as if he too had heard nothing out of the ordinary.
Danzo turned and walked away, stooped, his voice fading into the distance: "Uzumaki Naruto, you are even more outstanding than I imagined. You may leave. Your teammates are waiting for you outside."
Just as he was about to disappear into the darkness, Danzo paused, his hoarse voice echoing in the dim space. "Root was founded with the mission to be Konoha's eyes, to nip all potential threats in the bud. Grow well, Naruto. Do not disappoint my expectations. In the future, you will be the leader of Root."
Danzo's voice pierced the stale air, then grew more distant. Clack, clack, clack. The sound of his cane resumed, and soon, Danzo vanished into the darkness, gone from sight.
"Leader of Root, hmm?" Naruto silently watched Danzo depart, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes behind their thick lenses as calm as ever.
Naruto was very curious why Danzo was so insistent on taking him as a disciple. Initially, he had thought Danzo was merely coveting his Kekkei Genkai and the Nine-Tails within him. But now, it seemed Danzo was genuinely grooming him as a successor. Hoping that he would become the leader of Root in the future and assist him? He hadn't expected the leader of Root to be so naive. When cold darkness is tinged with emotion, it becomes riddled with weaknesses.
Naruto chuckled softly and turned to leave the room.
Stepping out of the Root headquarters, the glaring sunlight made his eyes, already accustomed to darkness, narrow slightly. The scent of a fresh breeze drifted to his nose, washing away the stench of decay from within the Root base. Outside the headquarters, two figures had been waiting for some time. Upon seeing Naruto emerge, they walked towards him.
"Naruto!" A familiar voice called out. Rock Lee was scratching his head with a goofy grin, much to Naruto's slight surprise. "Didn't expect this, did you, Naruto? I'm going to be your squadmate from now on! And this here is Aburame Neri, from the Aburame clan."
"Hello, Uzumaki Naruto." The woman standing beside Rock Lee wore a heavy black cloak, her face covered by a black cloth, her eyes calm. From her long eyelashes and pretty eyes, one could guess that Aburame Neri was likely a beauty. Unfortunately for any hopefuls, Rock Lee was oblivious to such things, and Naruto himself held no particular interest.
"Hello," Naruto replied, his thick lenses reflecting the light, his tone gentle.
The Aburame clan was one of Konoha's major families, quite mysterious, their ancestral Secret Jutsu: Insect Techniques, were not only for combat but also served multiple functions like reconnaissance and defense. The Aburame clan treated their own bodies as nests for their insects, nurturing them with chakra. Naruto had witnessed Aburame Shino in battle; his insects were incredibly difficult to guard against. A single careless moment could lead to being caught.
Unlike other clans, the Aburame clan had more connections with Root. Unlike ANBU, Root ninja were almost all trained from a very young age. Within Root, there was no room for emotion; their training methods were exceedingly cruel and bloody. Ultimately, they became emotionless, soulless killing machines.
From what he had learned from the Fourth Hokage, Danzo was extremely cautious in his dealings. Arranging for Aburame Neri to be on his team was undoubtedly to monitor him. But why Rock Lee? Naruto's eyes narrowed, a hint of confusion within them. It was highly probable that Rock Lee's performance in the Chunin Exams had caught Danzo's attention. It seemed Danzo wanted to remold Rock Lee, to brainwash this naive fellow.
Countless thoughts flashed through Naruto's mind in an instant, finally coalescing into a perfect, gentle smile. He extended his right hand. "Hello, Aburame Neri."
Aburame Neri's pretty eyes stared intently at Naruto's blue ones for a moment before she extended a small hand and lightly grasped his. Her voice was crisp: "Hello. Please give me your guidance from now on."
Neri's hand was cold and smooth. She immediately withdrew it after the handshake. Naruto, with his sharp eyes, noticed several insects peeking out from her sleeve cuffs.
"Since it's our first meeting, let's go get something to eat and get to know each other," he suggested, retracting his hand.
"Alright! Let's go, let's go!" Rock Lee cheered.
"By the way, Lee, how did you end up joining Root?" Naruto asked on the way.
"Elder Danzo approached me, hoping I would join Root and be your partner. I thought about it and agreed. I want to help you."
Rock Lee's answer was not unexpected to Naruto. He maintained his smile, walking with Rock Lee and Aburame Neri. Aburame Neri trailed at the back of the group, her gaze fixed deeply on Naruto's back, her eyes flickering.
'This Uzumaki Naruto... he's so strong. My insects... are actually showing fear? No wonder Lord Danzo took him as a disciple.'