Chapter 19: The Dark Watch of the Ninja World, The Threat from Danzō Shimura!
Konoha Village, sunny and peaceful as always. But in the shadows unseen by ordinary people, certain dark wills were quietly at work.
"Root" Base. Danzō Shimura, the "Darkness of Shinobi" who left a significant mark in Konoha's history, had a chilling, eerie glow in his visible eye. In front of him, several "Root" ninja wearing animal masks knelt on one knee.
"Uchiha Akira..."
"The latest report from the Intelligence Department states that this kid's personal strength far exceeds his peers, and the team he leads has also seen a qualitative leap in its members' strength in a short period."
A "Root" ninja responded in a low voice, "According to intelligence analysis, Uchiha Akira's team demonstrated a Lightning and Fire Release composite Ninjutsu during a mission, with a power rating of B-rank upper, even approaching A-rank."
"Composite Ninjutsu… A brat from the Uchiha Clan can fuse Lightning Release and Fire Release to this extent? Hmph, the wicked Uchiha, as expected, cannot be underestimated." Danzō Shimura pondered for a moment, then slowly raised his hand and issued an order: "Send out elites to conduct a comprehensive secret investigation of Uchiha Akira. His daily training, mission execution, interactions with clan members, and even his diet and daily life—nothing should be overlooked. I want a report detailed enough to know how many words he speaks each day!"
"Yes, Lord Danzō!" Several "Root" ninja flickered, disappearing into the shadows like ghosts.
At the same time, Uchiha Akira led his team members on a routine patrol mission outside Konoha Village. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows.
"Captain, everything is normal. No suspicious individuals found." Uchiha Rin's clear voice came through; her sensory abilities had become quite sharp under Akira's guidance and potential activation.
"Mm." Akira nodded, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the dense forest around them. Suddenly, his brow subtly furrowed. His mental power, far surpassing ordinary people, allowed Akira to keenly sense several extremely subtle Chakra fluctuations, lurking in the dark, silently observing them.
"Root..." The word instantly flashed through Akira's mind. He continued to lead his team to complete the predetermined patrol route, as if completely unaware. But Akira's inner self had already raised his guard to the highest level.
"As expected, I've caught the attention of that old dog, Danzō Shimura," Akira thought to himself. Danzō Shimura, this man who would stop at nothing for the so-called "foundation of Konoha," his hands stained with blood. He was one of the direct instigators of the Uchiha Clan's future tragedy. Uchiha Akira and Danzō Shimura could only end up in a fight to the death, with no room for maneuver.
"I just didn't expect him to be so impatient." A cold killing intent flashed deep within Akira's eyes.
Returning to the Guard headquarters, Akira dismissed his team members, and he returned to his office alone. His consciousness sank into his mind.
"System."
[Family Growth System Activated]
[Detecting that the host is currently under secret surveillance by Konoha's high-ranking officials (Danzō Shimura), Threat Level: Medium]
[Triggered Family Emergency Mission: Vigilant Gaze]
[Mission Objective: Counter "Root" surveillance and ensure core family secrets (System existence) are not leaked.]
[Mission Reward: 2000 Family Glory Points, Unlock "Anti-Reconnaissance" series Family Skill Nodes.]
[Mission Time Limit: One Month]
[Failure Penalty: Family Glory Points reset to zero, one randomly mastered skill level decreases.]
"2000 Glory Points, and Anti-Reconnaissance Skill Nodes… Danzō, you really sent me a big gift."
"Anti-Reconnaissance Skill Nodes, huh? Just what I needed."
Uchiha Akira began to quickly think of countermeasures. First, the team's training plan must be adjusted. In addition to regular strength enhancement training, specialized training in anti-reconnaissance, anti-tracking, and covert operations must be immediately put on the agenda.
Second, Uchiha Akira needed to use the system to counter "Root"'s surveillance. "System, can you block or interfere with 'Root's' Chakra sensing of me and my team?"
[Yes. For 100 Family Glory Points, you can purchase "Low-Level Chakra Fluctuation Confusion Aura (Personal Version)," lasting 24 hours. For 500 Family Glory Points, you can purchase "Mid-Level Chakra Fluctuation Confusion Aura (Team Version)," lasting 72 hours, which can effectively interfere with sensing below Jonin level.]
"Mid-Level Team Version, purchase!" Akira did not hesitate.
[Purchase successful, 500 Family Glory Points consumed. Remaining Family Glory Points: 525.]
An invisible wave spread out from Akira, quietly covering Rin, Tetsu, and Kai. The three, resting or cultivating in their respective homes, were completely unaware of this. Meanwhile, the "Root" ninja monitoring in the shadows suddenly felt a blur before their eyes.
"Huh? What's going on?" A "Root" ninja responsible for tailing Uchiha Rin rubbed his eyes in confusion. He found that the Chakra fluctuations on Uchiha Rin's body suddenly became somewhat indistinct, as if separated by a layer of something. "An illusion?"
Similar situations also occurred with other "Root" ninja responsible for monitoring Akira's team members. Although they could still sense the general location of their targets, the precise, detailed Chakra characteristics became difficult to capture.
Far away at the "Root" base, Danzō soon received abnormal reports from his subordinates.
"Danzō, this is just an appetizer. The real game has just begun."