This Danzo Is Weird!

For several days after becoming a member of the Earth Branch Squad, Danzo did not rush to assign Pakura any tasks.

Instead, he instructed Shisui to take her around Konoha, familiarize her with the local customs, and taste the delicacies of the Land of Fire.

For example, at this moment, Shisui and Pakura were crouching on a rooftop, overlooking the bustling villagers below.

Each of them held a box of Ichiraku Ramen, Shisui's favorite.

Since Pakura could not reveal her identity, she had to wear a mask at all times.

So, if she wanted to eat, she had to slightly lift her mask, quickly slurp down a mouthful of noodles, and then cover her face again.

Shisui did the same.

After all, they were currently on a mission as members of the Root organization.

For a Root ninja, the mask was their second face, and their codename was their second name.

During missions, they had to address each other by their codenames and were strictly forbidden from revealing their true identities.

"How is it? Ichiraku Ramen tastes good, right?"

Shisui, wearing his [Rooster] mask, asked Pakura

Pakura gently lifted her mask with her fair fingers, finished the broth in her container in one gulp, and then replied:

"It's not bad."

Her tone had softened considerably compared to when she first arrived in Konoha.

Looking at the villagers bustling below, Pakura suddenly asked:

"What is that thing they're holding?"

Her face showed curiosity.

Since early morning, she had noticed some children selling these sheets of paper on the streets.

And the villagers seemed quite interested in them.

Most would buy a copy, then gather in small groups to read it together.

This would quickly spark heated discussions, followed by animated debates as if they were intoxicated.

And their topics always revolved around major national affairs…

This made Pakura very curious.

Shisui followed her gaze and glanced down before chuckling.

"Oh, that? That's the newspaper my teacher founded."

"It announces the recent policies of the upper echelon, as well as interesting news from inside and outside the village."

"Newspaper?"

Pakura still looked puzzled.

The term was entirely foreign to her.

To help her understand better, Shisui went down and bought a copy.

Looking at headlines such as [War Relief Funds Have Been Distributed Under the Supervision of Jōnin Minato], [Reconstruction of Kikyo Castle Has Surpassed 70% Completion], and [Konoha's Outpost at the Water Country Port Is Under Active Construction], Pakura finally grasped the concept of a "newspaper."

It felt novel to her.

So Konoha's citizens got to access such fresh information every day?

Pakura suddenly felt a pang of emotion.

In Sunagakure, the villagers' lives revolved around work and the endless yellow sand.

There were no extra entertainment activities, let alone access to national affairs like this.

Looking at the lively, peaceful streets, she sometimes thought—wouldn't it be nice to live a stable life in Konoha?

But in the dead of night, she would remember her comrades who perished in the desert, the Kazekage and Sunagakure's high-ranking officials who had tried to kill her.

Whenever those thoughts surfaced, she would wake up with a start.

Until her revenge was complete, she had no right to enjoy this peace!

Sensing Pakura's shifting emotions, Shisui suddenly turned to her and said seriously:

"Knowing my teacher, I can say for certain—he genuinely values your talent. He doesn't see you as just a tool against Sunagakure and Kirigakure."

Hearing Shisui's words, Pakura fell into silence.

For days, Danzo had been letting Shisui take care of her and help her experience Konoha's way of life.

The purpose was clear—to help her integrate into Konoha.

Pakura, being naturally perceptive, could easily sense this.

It was ironic.

The village she had served loyally all her life, Sunagakure, had sold her out in the name of peace.

And the village she had always considered an enemy, Konoha, had become her final refuge.

Fate truly worked in strange ways.

However, before she could exact her revenge, there was no room in her heart for anything else.

Likewise, after experiencing betrayal, she could no longer accept any form of emotional ties.

So, in response to Shisui's attempt to console her, Pakura replied coldly:

"I appreciate Lord Danzo's kindness, but I'm better suited to being a tool."

"At least a tool won't be betrayed, right?"

Hearing Pakura's guarded words, Shisui scratched his head and said no more.

For a moment, silence hung between them.

Fortunately, a crow suddenly landed on Shisui's shoulder.

Sensing something, he said, "Lord Danzo is looking for us. Let's go."

With that, his figure vanished instantly.

Pakura glanced at him before disappearing as well.

———

Deep within the Root headquarters…

Danzo's trusted subordinate, Aburame Ryoma, had finally returned to duty after more than half a month of recovery.

This was a relief for Danzo.

After all, the post-war period required handling a great deal of affairs.

Moreover, with the undercurrents stirring within the village, Root was severely understaffed.

Ryoma's return would take some weight off Shisui's shoulders.

"How's your recovery, Ryoma?"

Danzo looked at his long-time subordinate with a tone of concern.

Hearing the question, Ryoma immediately dropped to one knee and responded resolutely:

"Lord Danzo, my body is in perfect condition. I am ready to dedicate myself to Root at any time!"

Danzo glanced at him and sighed, shaking his head.

"Stop saying 'dedicate' all the time. It's unlucky."

"Root exists to protect more comrades and support the village's growth, not just for you all to throw your lives away."

Rather than looking embarrassed after being reprimanded, Ryoma actually seemed… excited.

Yes! This was it!

That familiar feeling was finally back!

Seeing Ryoma's growing enthusiasm, Danzo's expression turned odd.

What's with this guy?

Did scolding him just now actually make him happy?

"Ryoma, are you okay?"

This time, Danzo was genuinely concerned.

He didn't want Kumogakure's torture to have messed with the guy's mind.

"I'm fine, Lord Danzo!"

"I just can't help but feel excited knowing I can serve you again!"

Ryoma's response made Danzo sigh in relief.

So it was loyalty.

That's fine, then.

"Cough, cough."

Danzo cleared his throat a few times to shift the topic.

"This time, I've called you here for a very important mission."

Hearing the words 'important mission,' Ryoma's eyes immediately lit up.

"I guarantee the mission's success!"

Danzo sighed again, shaking his head.

"I haven't even told you what the mission is yet!"

Ryoma responded firmly, "No matter what the mission is, as long as it's Lord Danzo's order, I will complete it!"

Danzo rubbed his temples in frustration.

This guy's loyalty might actually be too excessive.

Seeing Aburame Ryoma practically itching for action, Danzo decided to stop keeping him in suspense.

"I want you to become the new Jinchūriki of the Five-Tails."

Ryoma froze for a moment. After a few seconds, he finally spoke.

"That… might not be a good idea, Lord Danzo."

For once, Ryoma actually questioned Danzo's order—a rare occurrence.

"I've just returned from Kumogakure, and a Tailed Beast is such an important asset. What if—"

Before he could finish voicing his concerns, Danzo interrupted him bluntly.

"There is no 'what if.'"

Danzo stood up from his wheelchair, looked Ryoma in the eye, and asked, "Ryoma, how long have you been following me?"

Ryoma thought for a moment before answering.

"Since I was a child, when you selected me to join Root. It's been about twenty years now."

Danzo, leaning on his cane, stepped closer.

"In those twenty years, have you ever betrayed me?"

Ryoma shook his head without hesitation.

For most things, he might need a moment to think.

But betrayal?

That was absolutely impossible.

To him, Danzo's orders were absolute. Betrayal was never an option.

"Then that settles it."

Danzo placed a firm hand on Ryoma's shoulder.

"Just as you are unwaveringly loyal to me, I place the same trust in you."

"A Tailed Beast is too important to be left in anyone else's hands. Only you can be trusted to control it."

Through the dark lenses of their sunglasses, their gazes met.

Master and subordinate, both understanding each other completely in that moment.

Their years of cooperation had built an unspoken bond—no further words were needed.

"I understand, Lord Danzo!"

"I will not disappoint your trust!"

Ryoma declared with absolute determination.

Danzo gave a faint smile.

"Don't think becoming a Jinchūriki is some kind of blessing."

"A Tailed Beast's power is indeed immense, but the dangers a Jinchūriki faces are beyond what ordinary people can imagine."

"If you lose control for even a moment, you could go berserk under the Beast's influence… and become nothing more than a sacrifice for its rebirth."

Despite the warning, Ryoma showed no hesitation.

"Don't worry, Lord Danzo. I will control the Tailed Beast's power and make it serve you!"

Satisfied with Ryoma's resolve, Danzo settled back into his wheelchair.

"In that case, let's go."

"It's time to head to the underground chamber and meet the 'Steam Ninja.'"

_

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