As night fell, Shūichi Hoshita dragged his tired body back home.
With limited time today, he only managed to make three Explosive Tags, earning 600 ryo.
For food expenses, that would cover about 25 meals for him.
For an average person, it would be enough for 100 meals.
Since learning how to make Explosive Tags, including today's earnings, he had accumulated 4,000 ryo.
"Just four more days of hard work, and then I can go on a shopping spree and buy several types of ninja tools," Shūichi silently planned. But as soon as he opened the door and entered his house, he sensed something was off.
"Who's there?"
Shūichi shouted softly, preparing to retreat.
But before he could move, a terrifying force pressed down on his shoulder, immobilizing him.
A large man appeared behind him.
"Don't be afraid. We're from the Root. Lord Danzo wants to see you," said a figure in a fox mask standing by the entrance.
Shūichi's heart sank, but he also felt a slight sense of relief.
At least they weren't here to kill him.
The hand on his shoulder released its grip, and Shūichi stepped forward.
Why would Danzo want to see him?
Was it because of Head Nonō Yakushi?
Or because of his own abilities?
Had he been under surveillance for a long time?
How should he respond?
Should he act naive or like a genius?
In an instant, a flurry of thoughts raced through Shūichi's mind.
As he crossed the threshold, he saw Danzo sitting on the sofa in his living room.
Danzo's right eye was covered with a bandage, but his right hand appeared normal, without any bandages.
"Lord Danzo!"
Shūichi greeted him calmly with a bow.
Danzo looked at Shūichi, a hint of appreciation in his eyes, and said, "You're very talented. The Ninja Academy is no longer suitable for you. The Root is where you truly belong, where your potential can be fully realized, allowing your talents to serve Konoha better. You can become a hero who protects the village!"
Shūichi bowed again, saying, "I'm deeply grateful for your high regard, Lord Danzo."
"If the Third Hokage allows it, I would be honored to serve you and join the Root. After all, the elite level of the Root is second to none in Konoha."
Danzo's gaze sharpened. "It seems Nonō Yakushi has taught you well."
"You're very clever!"
"But you don't need to worry about Hiruzen. The Root is part of the ANBU."
Still bowing, Shūichi respectfully said, "Lord Danzo, I'm currently a student at the Ninja Academy. The Third Hokage is the headmaster, so I am one of his students."
"I must receive the Hokage's approval and permission before I can graduate early and join the Root to serve you."
"Impudent!"
"How dare you refuse Lord Danzo!"
A sudden shout rang out, and Shūichi felt a terrifying killing intent envelop him, making every hair on his body stand on end. A wave of fear surged from deep within.
For the first time, he realized that killing intent was a real thing, capable of instilling overwhelming terror in its target.
Cold sweat ran down his back, and droplets of sweat unknowingly began to form on his forehead.
Biting the tip of his tongue, Shūichi spoke in a slightly hoarse voice, "Lord Danzo, if I were to agree to serve you without the Third Hokage's permission, that would be a betrayal of the Third Hokage."
"If I betray the Third Hokage today, I could just as easily betray you in the future."
"I believe this is not your intention."
Danzo stared at Shūichi, his admiration growing.
For someone of this age, to remain so composed and articulate in such a situation—perhaps only Orochimaru could compare.
He became even more determined to bring Shūichi Hoshita into the Root.
"Very good!"
Danzo slowly stood up and walked past Shūichi, saying, "Serving me is the same as serving Hiruzen."
"Besides, your head director, Nonō Yakushi, is also a member of the Root. You were born to be part of it."
"So, Hiruzen won't stop you."
As he spoke, Danzo paused, already at the door, and added, "Moreover, you wouldn't want anything to happen to Director Nonō Yakushi, would you?"
With those words, Danzo exited the house.
The two Root shinobi inside the room also vanished silently, as if they had never been there.
The terrifying killing intent receded like a tide, and Shūichi couldn't help but gasp for air.
Danzo, that despicable old man, was bullying a child like him.
This whole scenario hadn't been part of Shūichi's expectations.
Danzo showing up at this moment likely meant he had noticed the significant progress Shūichi had made over the summer.
What should he do?
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Shūichi closed the door and headed to the bathroom.
He washed up, cooked a meal, and filled his stomach.
By the time he had finished cleaning up, he had thought things through.
Without worrying whether the Root was still watching him, Shūichi headed straight for Konoha's bustling streets.
Before long, he found Tsunade in a tavern, with Shizune by her side.
Luckily, it was still early, and Tsunade hadn't gotten drunk yet.
"Shūichi!"
Shizune exclaimed in surprise when she saw him.
"Shizune!"
Shūichi greeted her with a smile, then approached the table and bowed to Tsunade. "Good evening, Lady Tsunade. I'm Shūichi Hoshita."
Tsunade glanced at him. "Kid, I know who you are. Shizune says you're quite the genius."
Shizune blushed at that.
Shūichi smiled at Shizune, then turned to Tsunade. "Lady Tsunade, I'd like to ask you to take me to see the Third Hokage."
"Hmm?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, showing a bit of interest. "Why?"
Shūichi laid it all out. "Just now, the Root leader, Danzo, broke into my house and invited me to join the Root."
"What?"
Shizune gasped, "Shūichi, you..."
"Lady Tsunade..."
But before she could finish, Tsunade silenced her with a glance.
Disgust flickered in Tsunade's eyes, but she smirked. "Danzo is the second most powerful man in Konoha, and the Root is very strong."
Shūichi responded righteously, "But I'm a student at the Ninja Academy, and the Third Hokage is the headmaster. That makes me his student."
Tsunade scoffed, "So you're saying you're my junior, then?"
Shūichi quickly seized the opportunity. "If Lady Tsunade doesn't mind, then of course I am."
Tsunade rolled her eyes, took a sip of her drink, and snorted. "You're right. You're a student at the academy, and if you don't want to, Danzo won't be able to do anything to you."
"Don't worry, if Danzo tries to take you, the old man won't let it happen."
Shūichi quickly added, "But Danzo threatened me with the orphanage and Director Nonō Yakushi."
Tsunade's hand, which was holding her cup, paused. Her mood took a nosedive.
She usually turned a blind eye to Danzo's dirty deeds, but when they were shoved in her face like a pile of filth, it was too revolting to ignore.
Setting her cup down, Tsunade's expression finally grew serious.
Beside her, Shizune watched Shūichi with deep concern, clearly wanting to say something to Tsunade but holding back.
Looking at Shūichi, Tsunade asked, "What do you plan to do once you see the old man?"
Shūichi blinked and replied, "Lady Tsunade, I'm still just a first-year student at the Ninja Academy, not even six years old yet."
"My parents died for Konoha, so as the Hokage and headmaster of the academy, the Third Hokage is like a guardian to me."
"Now that I'm being bullied, shouldn't I report it to my guardian?"
"And shouldn't the Third Hokage stand up for me?"
What's the best trick a child has?
Tattling!
Telling an adult!
(End of Chapter)