Even Danzo hadn't expected Shawn's words to be so shocking. His eyelid twitched slightly, and a strange sense of excitement rose in his heart.
Did he want to become Hokage?
Of course he did.
Back then… he had been just one step away.
If Hiruzen were to die, then in the current Konoha, I would indeed be the most qualified…
For a brief moment, Danzo was truly tempted.
But soon, images of Konoha's steadily improving situation surfaced in his mind—the Hyūga and Uchiha clans that had only just been suppressed, the undercurrents stirring throughout the shinobi world.
Danzo quickly forced himself to calm down.
"Now is not the time."
"And this method is far too extreme."
"Moreover, even with Wood Release, it may not be enough to deal with Hiruzen…"
As both his closest companion and lifelong rival, Danzo understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's strength better than anyone.
Unless Shawn could perfectly inherit the First Hokage's power, there was no absolute guarantee.
Looking at the fanatical Shawn, Danzo felt deeply satisfied—but his expression darkened.
"Shawn, do not say such things again."
"Hiruzen is the Third Hokage, personally chosen by our teacher."
"His strength is beyond question."
Shawn understood instantly.
I can't beat Hiruzen yet.
He immediately responded with unwavering loyalty:
"Yes, Lord Danzo Shimura. I understand."
Danzo nodded in satisfaction.
Shawn then smoothly changed the subject.
"Lord Danzo, I believe Root's current strength is still far from sufficient."
"We need more elite shinobi to fully utilize Root's purpose—
to protect Konoha and safeguard peace in the shinobi world."
This aligned perfectly with Danzo's own thoughts.
He had long intended to expand Root and seize greater authority—and now was indeed a good opportunity.
The ANBU were stretched thin, so much so that Root—originally only a training branch—had already begun undertaking missions.
There was also another thought growing in Danzo's mind.
To further reshape Root, turning it into a force that obeyed only him.
That idea had been sparked by Nakamura.
If he wanted to firmly grasp power like Shawn, he first had to completely control Root.
After dismissing the other two from the room, Danzo asked,
"How do you think Root should be expanded?"
In the past, he would never have asked a subordinate such a question.
But Shawn's fanaticism and decisiveness pleased him greatly—they matched his own temperament.
"Lord Danzo," Shawn said seriously,
"ANBU alone can no longer meet the demands of the current situation. The Third Hokage also needs you to handle matters he's not suited for. This is Root's chance to grow."
"However, the Third Hokage holds a natural advantage—he can recruit the village's best talents."
"When Root was first established, it was meant to serve ANBU and cultivate personnel, drawing members from major clans other than the Uchiha and Hyūga."
"But clearly, those aren't the very best."
Shawn continued his analysis calmly.
"The Third Hokage also controls the Ninja Academy, allowing him to select geniuses from among civilians."
Danzo nodded slowly.
There was nothing wrong with this assessment.
Most of Root's current members had been recruited with Hiruzen's approval—from clans and the Academy alike.
Originally, Root existed only to serve the Hokage's ANBU.
But as the shinobi world changed and Konoha prospered, ANBU pressure increased—and Root's role gradually expanded.
Just as Shawn had said, Konoha's best talents belonged to the Hokage.
Root could only take what was left.
In such a situation, how could Root ever rival—or surpass—the Hokage's ANBU?
Unconsciously, Danzo began measuring Root against ANBU.
Just as he always measured himself against Hiruzen.
"Well analyzed," Danzo praised.
Shawn immediately showed excitement and continued,
"Lord Danzo, we can't compete with the Third Hokage within the clans or the Academy. He won't allow Root to interfere freely."
"But orphanages—those are different."
"We can select talents there, raise them from nothing, and ensure absolute loyalty to you, and to Root!"
That final sentence struck straight into Danzo's heart, instantly clarifying thoughts that had previously been vague.
"Excellent," Danzo said with satisfaction.
"Tomorrow, at Training Ground Nine, I will personally pass on Wood Release techniques to you."
Shawn immediately pledged loyalty—though inwardly, he couldn't help complaining.
Personally teach? You make it sound like you actually know Wood Release…
Still, it didn't matter whether Danzo knew or not.
As long as he had the Wood Release techniques, that was enough.
After parting ways with Danzo and returning to his quarters within the Root base, Shawn thought about his position within Root—
or rather, his position in Danzo's mind—while showering.
Just as he'd told Nakamura:
He needed to be second only to Danzo, above all other Root shinobi.
Rely solely on Hashirama cells?
On strength?
No.
That wasn't enough.
"Danzo treats everyone except himself as chess pieces—disposable tools."
"One day, I might be discarded too."
"Besides possessing strength that Danzo can't easily eliminate, I must also make him depend on me."
"A strategist… that's a very good role."
After finishing his shower, Shawn admired his body—
muscle lines like a sculpture carved from marble—then wrapped himself in a towel and left the bathroom.
"The Root branding on me can't be removed."
"If I ever want to stand in the sunlight, I'll need to plan very carefully."
Changing into his sleepwear, Shawn lay down, lost in thought.
Being Root's leader would be nice—but who doesn't want to walk in the light?
Danzo wanted that.
So did Shawn.
"Lord Danzo… you really need to work harder."
Shawn sighed.
If his superior didn't advance, how was he supposed to advance?
If Danzo never became Hokage, how could he become Root's leader?
Before he realized it, the clock struck midnight.
Shawn's thoughts were suddenly interrupted.
The status bar refreshed.
Current Status: Speak as You Think
Description:
Sincerity is a lethal weapon—it can kill others, or yourself.
Under this status, you cannot lie against your true thoughts or feelings.
Any target you designate will also be affected by this status.
Refresh Countdown: 167:59:55
Shawn froze.
"Speak as You Think?"
"Sincerity… as a killing move?"
"What kind of ridiculous status is this?"
Is this really something a shinobi should have?
Shawn's expression darkened immediately.
This status could place him in extreme danger.
What if Danzo suddenly asked:
Between me and Hiruzen, who's more handsome?
That would be the end of him.
"Well… looks like I'll need to minimize contact with Danzo for the next seven days."
That was the only countermeasure Shawn could think of.
When facing Danzo, silence was not always an option.
And once he spoke—
He would be forced to tell the truth.
"This cheat really isn't something I can rely on too much…"
Shawn sighed deeply.
Who knew what other bizarre statuses might appear in the future?