Inside the dim room, Masahiko respectfully handed over the second-hand intelligence scroll retrieved from the Hokage Office.
Danzo looked at Masahiko with profound meaning.
"You went to the Hokage Office first?"
"Yes, I delivered these two intelligence scrolls to Lord Hokage, and only then did I come to you..."
Masahiko produced the sealing scroll. "This item was not made known to Lord Hokage."
"You've done well."
Danzo nodded with satisfaction.
He took it, his tone indifferent:
"In my organization, I originally only accepted orphans, and I only trusted subordinates I raised from childhood. But you are different..."
"You are clever. Initially, I only needed a spy to keep an eye on the fox and Sasuke. That was my original intention for investing in and helping you."
A trace of friendliness appeared on Danzo's face. "But after you got the opportunity, you improved rapidly. The you of now is qualified to earn my recognition and become my subordinate!"
"For you, my lord, and for Konoha, this subordinate has always done his utmost, not daring to fail your expectations!"
Here with Danzo, Masahiko offered nothing but overflowing loyalty.
But in reality, he was very clear—
Danzo was purely spinning a fantasy.
Furthermore.
The other party undoubtedly still had work for him to do.
Sure enough—
"Your loyalty and ability, I have already seen. Now, I assign you a long-term mission."
"Make Uchiha Sasuke awaken those eyes as well. Simultaneously, you must also ensure his loyalty to Konoha."
Danzo's voice was cold and distant. "Can you do it?"
"Of course!"
Masahiko nodded. "This subordinate has been doing exactly that."
"There is one more thing."
Danzo stood up and retrieved a scroll from a nearby bookshelf.
It was a confidential document, still bearing a Sealing Jutsu, requiring further decryption.
Danzo undid the seal and then placed it before Masahiko.
"Look."
"Yes!"
After a quick scan, Masahiko had a general idea.
It was a description about Tailed Beasts and Jinchuriki. His face appropriately displayed shock and disbelief.
After a long while, he finally looked up, asking with astonishment and confusion: "My lord, so... Naruto is innocent? The real thing causing harm is the Tailed Beast inside him?"
"Yes."
Danzo nodded.
He sat down and said, "Tailed Beasts are calamities, but they are also powerful assets, the strongest weapon of every Village."
"You mean... you want me to teach the fox... ah, no, Naruto, to teach him how to master this power?"
Masahiko was completely "flabbergasted."
Danzo said, "You need to guide him, ensure he remains controllable."
"Yes!"
Only then did Masahiko breathe a sigh of relief.
Danzo continued, "Controlling Tailed Beasts is a natural talent of their clan. Naruto must also possess this ability, it's just being interfered with by the Tailed Beast, preventing its use."
He took out a scroll.
"Additionally, his academic performance is too poor. In the future, you must pay attention to guiding him, lest he later fails to learn Sealing Jutsu."
"Yes, this subordinate understands."
Masahiko accepted it.
On it were many Sealing Jutsu formulas and knowledge, far more intricate and complex. The previous document compared to this was merely an introductory version.
Just looking at it made him dizzy, let alone Naruto.
Making an academic failure master this ability... that truly was a monumental task.
Even the usually confident Masahiko finally showed a troubled expression.
Danzo's tone was profound: "I believe you can do it."
"This subordinate will spare no effort!"
...After leaving the base and returning to the Village, Masahiko's expression quickly calmed.
Teaching Naruto Sealing Jutsu was, of course, not that easy.
However.
For now, take one step at a time, see how things go.
His immediate goal was to gain Danzo's trust, then find a way to slowly infiltrate Root's power, and use their resources to achieve his own goals. Otherwise, everything would be inconvenient.
Naruto's education problem was a matter for the future.
By that time, whether Danzo was even alive was another question altogether.
Masahiko's mind was at peace, but there was one person who wasn't so calm.
Just over an hour later, probably right after class ended, he hurried over.
But unfortunately... the one at the Ninja Academy was just a Shadow Clone. At the moment class ended, it had dispersed on its own to avoid the unnecessary burden of the "education class monitor" duties.
Not far ahead, Neji was panting heavily.
A few seconds later, he straightened up, his gaze fixed, asking breathlessly, "What you said about practicing my own Gentle Fist... how do I do it?"
"Heh heh heh."
Masahiko chuckled softly. "You finally asked this question."
Neji clenched his fists but dared not act out.
He understood his own weakness.
He was unwilling.
He wanted help!
But at the same time, Neji was also afraid of others knowing his innermost thoughts—
That Caged Bird Seal, like a tight band locked on his head, making it impossible for him to forget for even a moment.
Masahiko said lightly, "First, you must break the lock in your heart."
He walked forward, speaking as he went: "Hatred, emotions are wonderful things. They can control you, but they can also be used by you..."
Neji listened from behind.
At first, he was somewhat impatient, thinking Masahiko was purely speaking empty words.
But then Masahiko paused and, turning his head, said: "Trying and risking your life to achieve are two different things. Which do you choose?"
"Of course, risking my life to..."
Neji stopped mid-sentence.
Because before Yagyu Masahiko's eyes, it seemed his innermost thoughts could not be hidden.
He silently lowered his head, offering no defense.
Masahiko said, "A person who speaks of fate and destiny with every breath, how could they possibly risk their life to do something?"
His steps were slow.
"The reason Sasuke sought you out is probably because, to some extent, he saw himself in you."
"Once you accept fate, nothing remains."
That face turned towards him, eyes deep as they looked at him. Masahiko leaned his head closer, his low voice lingering by Neji's ear. "Do you dare to bet your life?"
At this moment... Neji distinctly felt his heart accelerate.
Bet his life!
He had always believed he was already working hard enough, determined enough.
But when that word echoed in his ears... he hesitated.
"As a member of the branch family, you must think clearly before considering whether to take this step."
That hand patted his shoulder.
Neji stood rooted to the spot, completely unaware of when Masahiko left.
Bet his life... When he regained his senses, he stumbled dazedly towards the school.
Back in the classroom, the teacher found him somewhat strange but didn't reprimand him excessively, merely telling him to return to his seat.
Neji hardly listened for the entire class.
He felt he was standing at a crossroads in his life. One path he could see clearly, but was unwilling to take.
The other was unclear, but utterly tempting... Returning home that evening, Neji looked at his father's belongings and made a decision in his heart.
That night, he thought of many things, but the images that flashed most frequently in his mind were his father's unwilling gaze just before the Caged Bird Seal was carved onto him.
And—
The agonizing posture of his father writhing on the ground after Hyuga Hiashi activated the curse mark.
And also... that corpse.
As a member of the branch family, even the head of the branch family had no power to choose their fate. Yet he, at least, could have a chance to choose.
So what if it's his life?
I'll bet!