Anya stormed off in clear frustration, muttering, "Uncle, if you hadn't stopped me a moment ago, I'd have definitely shown him my sword art."
Red sighed, "Enough already. That was right outside the Hokage's office. If you'd drawn your blade first, do you want to end up locked up again for another three years?"
Anya was just venting, of course. Actually starting a fight wasn't necessary, though he was clearly upset.
Though confused by Anya's intense dislike for Danzo, Red still tried to reason, "To tell you the truth, I don't like this person either, but his existence is necessary for Konoha."
"Oh? So you know something about him," Anya asked curiously.
"Yes. After all, I used to be his superior, so I know a little about him."
After quickly returning home, Red poured Anya a glass of hot water and continued their conversation, "Every village has both light and darkness—Danzo represents Konoha's dark side, which is exactly why his organization is called Root. With him around, things the Hokage can't deal with openly can still get done through Danzo. Therefore, during the long period when the Third Hokage governed Konoha, it wouldn't have reached its current state without Danzo."
"Uncle, have you ever considered that people naturally have self-interest? No one would willingly stay hidden in the shadows forever."
Red smiled carelessly, "With the Third Hokage present, he can't cause any serious trouble. Everything he does now happens under the Third Hokage's control."
Suddenly Anya asked, "Including that experiment too?"
Red gave Anya a complicated look before saying anxiously, "What experiment?"
"Haven't you really heard about it? Then forget I mentioned it," Anya replied casually. Truthfully, he was curious why Orochimaru valued Danzo so much, so he had secretly used the Division Technique to attach himself to Danzo earlier. Their argument had been intentional. Under his soul surveillance, he got results—right now Danzo was repeatedly mentioning an experiment while inside the Hokage's office.
Anya instantly understood—Red knew all about it. Unfortunately, Danzo had been extremely tight-lipped—even inside the Hokage's office, he hadn't revealed any details about the experiment, merely stressing repeated delays in progress and the need for more time.
"That experiment… Fewer than five people in Konoha even know it exists," Red said after a pause. "I don't know how you found out, but you must keep it secret. Got it?"
Red saw the curiosity burning in Anya's eyes, thought for a moment, then decided to speak. He knew full well how stubborn Anya was—if he didn't say anything, Anya might go sneaking off to check out Danzo on his own. With both of them so hot-headed, a deadly confrontation was all too likely.
"The experiment," Red finally admitted, "was related to Wood Release."
"Wood Release—the First Hokage's Kekkei Genkai?" Anya expressed surprise. "Wait—you're telling me Konoha's actually researching this? This kind of forbidden experiment feels more like something right up Serpent Master's alley."
That's right. Serpent Master must have known everything. He probably even knew that Danzo was leading the research, which is why he told me not to kill Danzo. Thinking about it, the two of them must have always been in contact. It makes sense that Danzo's experiments were actually being guided remotely by Serpent Master. Now everything makes sense.
Red's expression turned serious as he spoke, "You should understand the situation now—war is breaking out everywhere, and every nation is looking for ways to utilize the power of Tailed Beasts. With their immense chakra, they could turn the tide of battle. If Konoha could control the Wood Release of the First Hokage, then there would be no need to fear the Tailed Beasts anymore."
"Tsunade doesn't know about this experiment, right?"
"Of course." To study the Wood Release, one would naturally need the cells of the First Hokage. And where they came from? That goes without saying. If Tsunade ever found out, she'd blow her top. Red offered a bitter smile.
"Sounds pretty dark indeed."
Who would've guessed? He always acts so noble and upright on the surface, but secretly, he's no different from Serpent Master. Then again, it made sense—after all, Serpent Master was his student. Someone who personally trained the "three vices"—gambling, sex, and drug use—couldn't be entirely clean himself.
"I've tried to stop it before, but the temptation of the Wood Release is just too great," Red sighed. "If Konoha could master this power, it would surely dominate the battlefield and shape the future. It might even lead to peace like the First Hokage achieved in his time." Red couldn't say whether the experiment was right or wrong—it was simply a matter of different priorities.
"They won't succeed," Anya disagreed. This experiment was extremely difficult, and he had been involved in experiments with Orochimaru for over half a year and fully understood how tough it was. Even Serpent Master himself would struggle to pull it off. Danzo had even less chance of success unless Tsunade and Orochimaru teamed up. But that was simply impossible.
After understanding the details of the experiment, the two dropped the subject. Anya started treating Red's body, cooking meals for him, and stayed with him until nightfall.
Red watched the busy figure of Anya and couldn't help but grow more and more fond of him. Even if he wasn't fond, he already knew the truth—his beloved daughter had already fallen for him, and truth be told, he quite liked Anya too.
"That's strange. It's so late already, why hasn't Kurenai come back yet?" Red had been treated all day and felt much lighter now, the aches and pains easing gradually.
Anya, carrying the freshly prepared meal, said, "She went to the training ground to practice. I suppose she realized her own weaknesses from the recent defense battle. That's a good thing."
Red tasted a bite of Anya's dish and nodded in approval, "Mmm, nice."
Whether he was complimenting the food or agreeing with Anya's words, Red's face remained lit with a continuous smile.
After a couple more bites, Red suddenly thought of something. He got up, went into the room, and came back with a bottle of wine. After pouring himself a cup, he poured another one for Anya and happily said, "Come on, Anya, have a drink with Uncle. Such delicious food deserves some wine."
Seeing the bottle on the table, Anya couldn't help but think of the one Red had sent him back in Prison. He felt speechless and muttered somewhat disdainfully, "I hope it's not the same wine from that time."
"Come on, no way! Don't worry—this is one of my personal treasures. I almost never bring it out. Not even Kurenai knows where it's been hiding. Come on, let's toast." Red was in high spirits and began chatting more than usual.
Anya gave Red a faintly sympathetic look but stayed quiet.
"Strange... why do I sense some murderous intent?" Red raised his cup, somewhat puzzled.
A voice filled with resentment came from behind Red. "Sneaking around with liquor is one thing, but now you're trying to corrupt Anya too? Father, I think you've been taking things too easy lately."
Red's hand jerked slightly as he looked up at the ceiling, stammering awkwardly, "Huh... the moonlight sure is lovely tonight."
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