Inside the Hokage Building.
"Shidan, your Aburame clan has produced quite the remarkable young man,"the Third Hokage said to Aburame Shidan, a pleased smile forming on his face.
"It is all thanks to you, Third Hokage. Without your guidance, the Aburame clan would not be what it is today,"Aburame Shidan replied respectfully.
A new generation was rising—fresh sprouts of the Will of Fire.
The White Fang's renown still echoed through the village, the Legendary Sannin stood tall, Namikaze Minato's rise was unstoppable, and now Aburame Shiki and Kakashi were emerging as new talents.
Konoha was terrifyingly strong.
Teacher, I have protected Konoha,the Third Hokage thought as he finished reminiscing. Then he addressed Shidan:
"You've had quite the workload recently. Supporting Minato must be difficult, isn't it?"
"To work with Minato is an honor. He is a reliable partner… and a true leader,"Aburame Shidan answered sincerely, admiration clear in his tone.
The Third Hokage nodded, satisfied.
Minato… how dependable you've become. Even the next generation is beginning to follow you.
And with Shiki and Kakashi's performance today…
The Hokage couldn't help but sigh,"It's just as they say—the waves of the Yangtze River push forward the waves before them."
A thought quietly formed in his mind.
Maybe… it was time to let Minato shoulder greater responsibility.
The Third Hokage sank into contemplation, alone in his office.
"You performed well today. Shimura Danzo will definitely send someone to approach you. He always tries to recruit any genius he can."
"Especially a genius from the Aburame clan—his clan of choice for recruitment."
Aburame Shiki had just arrived outside the Aburame compound when he saw a man waiting for him.
A slightly flamboyant figure dressed in black, with a purple mark at the corner of his mouth.
So it's him… Aburame Ryoma. As expected. Time to play along.
Shiki adjusted his sunglasses calmly.
"Um… who are you, senpai?" he asked.
"My name is Aburame Ryoma. I am a member of ANBU,"Ryoma said flatly.
It wasn't technically a lie—Root was officially part of ANBU, even if Shimura Danzo was its true leader.
"Hokage-sama wishes to see you. Come with me."
Ryoma turned and walked away, expecting Shiki to follow.
Given that they were near the Aburame clan's territory, causing a scene here would become complicated. Shiki followed without resistance.
There was nothing unusual in Shiki's expression. To anyone watching, it simply looked like an ANBU agent delivering a summons.
He's deceived many people with that line, Shiki thought.Though maybe Ryoma genuinely believes Root is ANBU… and Danzo is truly Hokage in his heart.
They walked for some time until they entered a remote, sparsely populated section of the Forest of Death.
"Ryoma-senpai," Shiki said lightly, "this… doesn't seem to be the direction of the Hokage Building."
Ryoma stopped.
"So, did you bring me here because you wanted to speak privately? No problem—I'm easy to talk to,"Shiki added with a relaxed smile.
Ryoma was inwardly impressed.Aburame Shiki showed no sign of fear. Truly worthy of Danzo's attention.
Ryoma spoke calmly:
"You shouldn't waste your time in the Academy anymore. Your talent for ninjutsu and your mastery over insects are exceptional. You should be somewhere that can truly utilize those talents."
"Where would that be?"Shiki asked, curious.
Ryoma's expression shifted slightly."The Root. Our leader is the great Shimura Danzo—once a candidate to become the Third Hokage. If not for misfortune, Danzo-sama would have been Hokage."
"Even now, Danzo-sama leads Root and silently protects Konoha."
"Under his command, your abilities will flourish. You'll contribute to the village on a far greater level."
"So join Root. There, you will learn the true Will of Fire. Not the shallow, childish things they teach in the Academy."
Shiki inwardly sighed.
Danzo and Hiruzen really are masters of brainwashing.
He responded with polite admiration:
"Shimura Danzo-sama… yes, I've heard much of him. I truly respect him. Even though I haven't met him, I admire him deeply."
Ryoma's stern expression softened slightly upon hearing this.
"Then join Root. Under Danzo-sama's leadership, you will find true purpose."
"But I must refuse," Shiki said calmly. "I admire Danzo-sama himself—not the Root organization, which hides in the shadows without even showing its face."
"If I wished, I could enter ANBU through official channels. What group in Konoha better represents duty and life's meaning than Hokage-sama's ANBU?"
Shiki's meaning was clear:Between ANBU and Root, he could join ANBU easily—so Root had nothing uniquely valuable to offer.
Ryoma frowned, feeling cornered. If Shiki were fully rejecting Root, he could simply force him.
But Shiki wasn't rejecting Danzo. In fact, he respected him—just not the organization. Ryoma sensed there was still room to persuade him.
So he tried again:
"Join Root. Only in Root can you truly understand the Will of Fire. Root's Will is the real Will of Fire. Everything outside it is shallow nonsense."
Shiki lifted his head slightly.
"I admire Danzo-sama personally. If I could become his disciple—if I could directly inherit his will—then I would gladly join Root."
Ryoma frowned deeply.
To him, being invited by Danzo-sama was already a tremendous honor.Yet Shiki was now demanding the privilege of becoming Danzo's disciple?
It felt like he was overreaching.
"Join Root first," Ryoma said impatiently. "I will report your request to Danzo-sama. He will decide."
Shiki sighed inwardly.
So that's the trap. If Danzo refuses, I'll be stuck in Root forever.
Ryoma watched his expression and sighed as well.
"There is no other choice. I'll show you the greatness of Root."
"Once you see it, you'll join us willingly."