Wood Release—a bloodline limit—was unquestionably Shimura Danzō's lifelong obsession.
As for his claim that only Konoha could wield the power of Wood Release, everyone present knew it was nothing more than a joke. No one took it seriously.
The old man always spoke of acting "for Konoha," yet in private, he wished to hoard all power for himself.
No—Danzō wanted that power personally.
If he could produce a second Wood Release user… it would mean Orochimaru's technique had reached a barely mature stage. Danzō's heart burned with ambition. Perhaps he could even attempt to transplant Hashirama's cells and awaken the Wood Release bloodline of the First Hokage.
The elder's gaze snapped from the boy to Orochimaru, and he asked the question he most wanted answered.
"Orochimaru, does the awakening of Wood Release in this child mean that Hashirama's cells can now be successfully transplanted into others?"
"No."
Orochimaru shook his head, extinguishing Danzō's excitement like a bucket of cold water.
"Kagura's cellular experiment was successful purely by chance—an incidental result of the experiment…"
The old man's expression darkened.
"But…"
Orochimaru's tone shifted, a faint, ambiguous smile tugging at his lips.
"This experiment has already led me to a new research approach. I'll just need some rare materials and a substantial amount of funding…"
Akihara Kagura glanced at Orochimaru in surprise.
This successful transplantation was possible solely because of his 'Shinobi Science' trait. Any experiment performed on him would succeed if it followed Shinobi Scientific Theory. How could Orochimaru even claim a new approach?
Danzō, of course, was unaware of this nuance.
After a moment's hesitation, the old man nodded.
"List your requirements. I'll try to provide them. And… next time, I want results that satisfy me."
"I will deliver," Orochimaru replied, a dark smile slowly spreading across his face.
"Then I'll take him with me."
Danzō beckoned to the boy, his tone still cold yet faintly gentle.
"You… Akihara Kagura?"
"Yes."
Orochimaru nudged Kagura's shoulder once more, smiling.
"Treat this child well. I don't want anything to happen to him. His body may be needed for future experiments…"
Kagura was led toward Danzō.
"I understand."
The old man nodded approvingly and ran a hand through the boy's hair. After a moment of thought, he spoke:
"From today onward, you are part of Root. Forget your name. Your codename is now Alpha."
Kagura's eyes widened in shock.
You've got to be kidding me…
He almost forgot this part. All Root operatives were forced to abandon their names and personal attachments. For life, only a codename symbolized their existence.
Then—
[System Notification]: [You have a new superior: Shimura Danzō. Reward: New Employee Package, new traits unlocked!]
[System Notification]: [You have a new superior: Hiruzen Sarutobi. Reward: New Employee Package, new traits unlocked!]
New Traits Unlocked:
Shadows of the Shinobi – When your host requires intelligence, the necessary information will be provided. (New Employee Package reward)
Ninja Instructor – When your host learns a jutsu, the jutsu will be mastered successfully if it adheres to ninja theory. (New Employee Package reward)
"Yes, Lord Danzō!"
Kagura responded immediately.
Though Danzō was not the most virtuous person—willing even to change his name—this superior's gift package was extremely powerful.
Moreover…
Becoming a subordinate automatically granted Kagura a Konoha assignment.
Technically, all Konoha shinobi were under the Third Hokage, but this package effectively gave Kagura a second set of perks.
And the traits themselves—Shadows of the Shinobi for intelligence gathering, Ninja Instructor for jutsu mastery—were exactly what Kagura needed.
Shimura Danzō was a strong superior indeed.
The minor inconvenience of a new codename meant nothing. Someday, if Danzō wished to die, Kagura would ensure he left this world intact…
The old man didn't yet realize that the boy already harbored such thoughts. He waved to his two subordinates, preparing to leave with Kagura.
Before departing, Danzō suddenly turned back, addressing Orochimaru.
"This base is no longer secure…"
"Hm?"
Orochimaru's brow furrowed immediately.
Compared to other bases, this one was far better equipped. Thanks to Kagura, who had modern education and meticulous management, it had always been neatly maintained. Orochimaru had considered it a long-term stronghold.
"I've received intelligence…" Danzō's expression darkened. "A small town near this base… your old friend has appeared."
"…I understand."
Orochimaru instantly thought of a tall, white-haired man. His expression darkened. Teeth clenched, he muttered under his breath.
"Jiraiya… persistent as ever…"
"Reports of his movements reached me. Ever since you left Konoha, he has been investigating you in secret. Like your teacher, he is naive, but to us, both are nuisances."
Danzō, always averse to anyone resembling Hiruzen in temperament, spoke coldly:
"If an opportunity arises, it's best to eliminate him. Otherwise, he will continue to be a problem."
"…Understood."
Orochimaru's expression grew even grimmer.
"Jiraiya… is not so easily dealt with…"
"I can leave Ryōma behind to assist you," Danzō suggested, pointing to one of his bodyguards.
"No need."
Orochimaru rejected curtly. "Jiraiya… that useless fool. He has never been my match, even since ninja school."
"Then I shall take my leave."
Danzō nodded.
"..."
Kagura stood silently, a hint of exasperation on his face.
The old man's eyesight may have dimmed with age, yet he still couldn't see such minor matters? Expecting Orochimaru to defeat Jiraiya in his lifetime was as unrealistic as expecting him to take down the Third Hokage himself.
---
(End of Chapter 5)