Akihara Kagura's goal was achieved.
Shimura Danzo indeed wouldn't suspect Akihara Kagura of betraying him; however, suddenly adopting this superior attitude inevitably leaves a bad impression.
The honeymoon period of friendly relations seemed fake.
Akihara Kagura felt there was a problem with Shimura Danzo's attitude as a supervisor; once he realized he held leverage over someone, he adopted a "I can crush you at any time" demeanor. How could anyone be wholeheartedly loyal to you?
Shimura Danzo didn't think his attitude was problematic.
This old man had used these methods to control his subordinates for many years without issue, so he didn't feel anything was amiss.
Ninja...
Aren't they just tools to be used?
As long as the tool is usable, do you care about the method of use?
Akihara Kagura glanced back at Shimura Danzo, realizing that they might never go back to how things were. Ultimately, he had become a tool of his supervisor.
"What are you still looking at?"
Shimura Danzo coldly glanced at Akihara Kagura, and said in a cold voice: "From now on, don't refer to yourself as Jia. You are no longer permitted to use the Root codename starting today."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
Akihara Kagura slowly lowered his head and exited the office.
Although Akihara Kagura never liked the codename Jia from the start, not wanting to use it and being forced not to use it are indeed different...
If Lord Danzo's future life becomes too peaceful, I'd be a derelict subordinate after all.
In the following days, Shimura Danzo disregarded Akihara Kagura, even canceling his exclusive ninjutsu practice field, completely indifferent to Akihara Kagura's feelings, reverting entirely to treating him as a mere tool.
The third round of the Chunin exam arrived as scheduled.
Serving as the most convenient exhibition of Genin duels, the exam venue was set in a circular training stadium where spectators could watch the final examination from the seats above, an event that villager rarely got to see.
Family members of candidates attending the third round would mostly come to see how their relatives performed, chatting with family and friends before the candidates entered.
The most eye-catching were two individuals.
One of them was Uchiha Itachi.
Uchiha Itachi's father was Uchiha Fugaku, captain of the Konoha Police Force, the highest among all the candidates' family members in both status and strength.
His father Uchiha Fugaku, mother Uchiha Mikoto, brother Uchiha Sasuke, friend Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Izumi, as well as some Uchiha clan members keen on joining the excitement, all came to the exam venue to cheer for their clan's genius boy.
"Nii-san!"
Uchiha Sasuke clung to his brother's arm, pouting: "Hurry up and pass the exam, then accompany me to practice shuriken!"
"Okay~"
Uchiha Itachi gently patted his brother's head, smiling warmly.
"Sasuke, don't disturb your brother."
Uchiha Fugaku glanced at his younger son, surveying the surrounding candidates before his gaze landed on an isolated figure: "That little guy, is it the Wood Release Ninja, Akihara Kagura, you mentioned at home?"
"Yes, father."
Recalling the experience in the Forest of Death, Uchiha Itachi's expression turned somber: "Akihara Kagura's Wood Release is strong. I've never seen such astonishing jutsu..."
"Like a living wooden dragon?"
Uchiha Fugaku pondered for a moment, speaking in a lowered voice: "Our Uchiha Clan does have counter techniques, but your Sharingan level isn't high enough..."
"That child..."
Uchiha Mikoto glanced at Akihara Kagura in the distance, slightly frowning: "Doesn't he have any family or friends?"
"He is Danzo's subordinate."
Uchiha Fugaku had already learned some information about Akihara Kagura from his son and spoke coldly: "Danzo's subordinates are skilled only in killing and executing tasks as tools, likely raised from a young age, hence no family ties."
Due to status constraints, Uchiha Fugaku had to outwardly respect Danzo, although internally aware that Shimura Danzo always harbored hostility toward the Uchiha clan.
Having such a powerful Wood Release Ninja among Shimura Danzo's subordinates wasn't good news for their clan, evidently serving as a measure against them.
Everyone knew...
The Wood Release had once defeated the Uchiha.
"Itachi, defeat him."
Uchiha Fugaku placed his hand on his son's shoulder.
"..."
Uchiha Itachi nodded with maturity beyond his years.
The third exam had given them a few days of rest. Already knowing Akihara Kagura was an immensely powerful Wood Release Ninja, Uchiha Itachi wouldn't waste this time. He specifically requested assistance from his friend Uchiha Shisui to train.
"Nii-san will definitely win!"
Uchiha Sasuke clung to his brother's arm without letting go, proudly proclaiming, "No one can be a match for Nii-san!"
Uchiha Sasuke's voice was loud, inevitably attracting other contestants' attention, with many gazes swept over to them.
"All candidates, enter!"
The chief examiner of the third exam arrived.
The chief examiner of the third exam was Shiranui Genma, who liked to have a senbon in his mouth as a toothpick, appearing very nonchalant.
The candidates bid farewell to their family and friends, striding into the arena, but when they saw Uchiha Itachi and Akihara Kagura, they slowed down, hanging back.
"That Wood Release kid is too strong..."
"Even if I advance, I won't be able to compete against him."
"It's okay; our instructor said not to worry about winning or losing. The examiners won't calculate scores based on victory but rather assess our qualifications to advance to Chunin based on our performance in battle. As long as we display our abilities..."
"It seems we still have hope..."
At the head of the team.
Akihara Kagura and Uchiha Itachi walked side by side.
Uchiha Itachi glanced over at the side to Akihara Kagura, suddenly speaking: "Sorry, I must win this time. I have reasons why I can't lose."
"It's okay."
Akihara Kagura spoke casually, seemingly indifferent to the outcome of the exam, instead bringing up those outside: "Is it because your brother believes you can win?"
"Yes."
Uchiha Itachi nodded, speaking seriously: "I don't want to disappoint father, nor let Sasuke down. The words he spoke, I must fulfill them."
"You seem to have a good relationship with your family..."
Akihara Kagura slowly praised, reflecting: "When I look at you, it's truly a happy family..."
"Thank you."
Uchiha Itachi's attitude immediately turned more gentle.