The depths of the Root Organization's base.
Shimura Danzo was still busy in his office.
When Shimura Danzo saw Akihara Kagura and Kabuto enter, he immediately wanted to reprimand him: "Jia, I heard you always drive away the people who practice with you."
"It's a waste of time."
Akihara Kagura shook his head, looking somewhat displeased: "Those guys are too weak. Practicing with them for half a month is not as effective as half an hour of Lord Danzo's guidance."
"Humph..."
Shimura Danzo nodded with a bit of self-satisfaction and continued: "Tomorrow, you will participate in the Chunin Exams. Don't disappoint me."
"It's starting so soon?"
Akihara Kagura pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and asked in surprise: "I haven't submitted this Chunin Exam registration form yet. Should I submit it before the exam tomorrow?"
"Huh?"
Shimura Danzo's expression became a bit strange, feeling like he was about to be angered by this boy into trembling: "Why haven't you done such a small task as submitting the registration form? It should be submitted a week before the exam. Why didn't you hand it in?"
Akihara Kagura was silent for a moment and then said in a low voice: "Because Lord Danzo didn't allow me to leave the Root's base and training grounds, I didn't know who to give it to..."
"..."
Shimura Danzo immediately felt his anger disappear.
The old man extended his hand helplessly and took the registration form from Akihara Kagura: "Give it to me. I'll take it to the Chunin Exam examiner for you."
In such situations...
Shimura Danzo could only help by pulling some strings.
"By the way..."
Akihara Kagura quickly raised a new question: "I'm still not very familiar with the village roads. Lord Danzo, could you accompany me to the exam site tomorrow?"
"..."
Shimura Danzo really didn't want to appear when there were many people around.
This old man, who just wanted to stay hidden in the shadows, looked at Kabuto standing beside him, and his expression immediately turned cold: "Kabuto, I'll give you a new task. Take Jia to the Chunin Exam site tomorrow."
"Yes."
Kabuto agreed, bowing his head.
"Kabuto, why do you seem a bit reluctant?"
The young ninja couldn't help but chuckle, a mischievous curve appearing on his lips: "I'm taking good care of you, aren't I? Don't want to accompany me? Or don't want to live anymore?"
"Jia!"
Shimura Danzo sternly stopped Akihara Kagura's murderous intent, reprimanding: "Kabuto is still useful to the Root. Without my order, don't kill people at will."
"I understand."
Akihara Kagura agreed with a cheerful smile.
Only then did Shimura Danzo feel relieved and turned to look at Kabuto.
The old man, with an icy look, continued to instruct: "After taking Jia to the Chunin Exam site tomorrow, head to the Land of Earth to look for opportunities to infiltrate the Hidden Rock Village and await orders!"
"Yes."
Kabuto had no choice but to accept the order.
"Alright, go wait outside!"
Shimura Danzo waved his hand, signaling Kabuto to leave, leaving only him and Akihara Kagura in the office. The old man's gaze softened.
"Jia."
When Shimura Danzo brought up the matter, he looked a bit somber: "How is your learning of the Wood Dragon Jutsu I taught you? If you can't master it, don't push yourself to learn the First Hokage's ninjutsu..."
Shimura Danzo was actually a little angry.
Because the old man thought it impossible that he could teach Akihara Kagura the First Hokage Senju Hashirama's Wood Release Ninjutsu through such abstract teaching methods. Thus, he requested Sarutobi Hiruzen for another opportunity to view the Sealing Book written by previous Hokages.
However...
Sarutobi Hiruzen refused Shimura Danzo's request.
Shimura Danzo had reason to suspect that Sarutobi Hiruzen was worried about Akihara Kagura's growing strength threatening his position as Hokage, concerned that the Root's power would pose a threat.
This put Shimura Danzo in a bit of a bind.
If he wanted to become Hokage, he needed to make Akihara Kagura stronger; if he wanted Akihara Kagura to become stronger, he needed the Sealing Book; to get the Sealing Book, he needed to become Hokage.
This...became a vicious cycle!
Shimura Danzo could only temporarily give up on the Sealing Book, hoping that Akihara Kagura's talent would allow him to develop powerful Wood Release Ninjutsu through the Wood Release Kekkeigenkai!
"You can try developing your own Wood Release Ninjutsu..."
When Shimura Danzo spoke of this, it was like a guiding teacher: "I've seen your talent for ninjutsu. The Wood Release Ninjutsu you develop yourself may not be inferior to the First Hokage's Wood Release Ninjutsu."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
Akihara Kagura nodded. After hesitating for a moment, he explained: "However, I may have already mastered a kind of Wood Dragon Jutsu. I'm just not sure if it's the one Lord Danzo taught me, but the Jutsu's power is quite impressive..."
"Oh?"
Shimura Danzo raised his eyes slightly.
Why didn't you tell me about this?
Before Shimura Danzo could ask, Akihara Kagura seemed to understand his superior's suspicion and quickly added: "A few days ago, I mastered the Wood Dragon Jutsu and have been wanting to tell Lord Danzo!"
At this point, Akihara Kagura wasn't very happy: "But those who practiced with me wouldn't let me come see Lord Danzo!"
"..."
Shimura Danzo was silently at a loss for words.
Because what those Root Ninjas said was correct, Shimura Danzo indeed wanted to avoid an awkward situation and didn't want to see him. Who would have thought this kid had actually achieved results in his learning?
Shimura Danzo dodged the topic and instead complimented: "Never mind, no need to quibble with them. It's enough that you can master the ninjutsu I taught you..."
"Yes."
Akihara Kagura quickly nodded, trying his best to show respect and admiration for Shimura Danzo: "As long as Lord Danzo can guide me in a direction, I will strive to advance in that direction, no matter what ninjutsu it is, I can master it..."
"Hmm."
Shimura Danzo's expression improved considerably.
However, the old man considered and decided to avoid teaching Wood Release Ninjutsu for the moment: "In the future, when I have time, I'll browse the Sealing Book left by the First Hokage, and then I'll teach you new ninjutsu."
This was Shimura Danzo's effort to save face, trying to maintain his dignity in front of his subordinates despite being unable to acquire the Sealing Book.
"Yes."
Akihara Kagura would not expose his superior.
There must always be room for the superior to maneuver.
Although Lord Danzo hasn't obtained the Sealing Book at the moment, what if he gets it in the future? Avoiding embarrassment should not be too quick or rash.
If absolutely necessary...
If Lord Danzo can't get the Sealing Book...
I'll find a way to help him get it!
"Go rest now."
Shimura Danzo waved his hand, indicating that Akihara Kagura could leave, and finally reminded: "During the Chunin Exams, you absolutely must not lose to that Uchiha Itachi kid!"
"Can't I just kill him?"
Akihara Kagura's retort was more like an answer to Shimura Danzo.
Shimura Danzo shook his head and sighed softly: "Don't always think about killing. Especially when someone might still be of use, like Uchiha Itachi is to me."