“Lady Tsunade.” Haru bowed slightly and said, “We have located Aburame Torune in a Root training base within the Death Forest.”

All members who join Root must undergo Root training and brainwashing.

Not to mention, Torune is still young. He is only seven years old, just like Shino Aburame.

“Immediately arrange an Anbu squad to go with me.” Tsunade stood up and instructed.

“The Anbu squad from last time, would they be suitable?” Haru pondered for a moment and asked.

“Kakashi and Itachi? Yes, they are indeed good. Let’s go with them.” Tsunade nodded and spoke.

“Understood.” Haru turned and left the Anbu office.

His movements were swift, and in less than three minutes, four Anbu Ninja appeared before Tsunade and Kitazawa.

Leading them were Kakashi and Itachi Uchiha.

Upon seeing Kitazawa, both of them were somewhat surprised. Haru had told them they were going with Tsunade to Root.

Kitazawa’s presence here was very sudden. However, after their experience in the Village Hidden in the Grass last time, they quickly regained their composure.

“Follow me,” Tsunade said and walked out.

Danzo and his Root intelligence were well-informed, so she had to act quickly. If they were detected in advance, there was no telling what might happen.

The group entered the Death Forest at an extremely fast pace.

“This way.” Kakashi ran at the front.

Under his guidance, they arrived at the Root base. This Root base was built in a valley, with two Root Ninja guarding the entrance.

Seeing this, Tsunade walked directly forward.

“Lady Tsunade?” The two Root Ninjas were surprised to see her.

But they remained very conscientious, blocking her path.

“Lady Tsunade, without Lord Danzo’s order, you cannot enter.” The masked Root Ninja said in a deep voice.

“I have the Third Hokage’s writ.” Tsunade took out the Hokage’s writ and said.

“We require Lord Danzo’s order.” The Root Ninja repeated.

“You Root are truly audacious!” Tsunade’s face darkened, and she questioned, “Are you a Konoha Village Ninja or not? How dare you disregard the Hokage’s writ?”

“We are Konoha Village Ninja.” The Root Ninja said emotionlessly, “But also Root Ninja.”

“Itachi.” Tsunade was too lazy to argue with these brainwashed Root Ninja and called out directly.

Genjutsu: Sharingan! Itachi appeared directly in front of the two Root Ninja.

He activated his Sharingan, and three tomoe slowly rotated, emitting an invisible ocular power.

The two Root Ninja subconsciously glanced at him and immediately fell into a dazed state.

Kitazawa, seeing this, felt a subtle sensation. He suddenly thought of a question.

The cause of the Uchiha Clan massacre in his previous life was the conversation between Danzo and Itachi Uchiha.

Under the premise of intelligence and information disparity, Itachi Uchiha agreed to cooperate or make a deal with Danzo.

But now, with Tsunade’s intervention, Itachi and Root were in direct conflict.

Would this deal still happen? Kitazawa wasn’t sure, but he felt the probability would be very low.

After Itachi controlled the two Root Ninja, he stepped forward and sharply struck them on the neck. They immediately fainted.

Tsunade bypassed them and walked into the valley. Many buildings and training facilities were constructed within the valley.

It was morning, and a group of Root members was training.

“Recruiting a bunch of children to join Root, Danzo is truly deranged!” Tsunade glanced around, and her face immediately showed disgust.

This group of Root members was clearly newly joined or probationary Root members. Their ages were generally very young; no one seemed to be over twenty.

During the Ninja World War, it would have been normal. After all, by the end of the war, manpower was severely insufficient.

But Root was clearly not doing this due to a lack of manpower, but rather for ease of brainwashing and cultivating them like venomous insects.

The sound of rushing wind echoed.

Eight masked Root Ninja surrounded them. They were the guards of this Root base.

“Lady Tsunade, please stop.” The leading Root Ninja spoke.

His tone was the same as the Root Ninja guarding the gate earlier, full of indifference.

Chakra Enhanced Strength! Without a word, Tsunade threw a punch directly. Terrifying power stirred up visible air currents.

With a bang! The Root Ninja in front of her had no chance to react, flying backward at an extremely fast speed like a cannonball.

The remaining seven Root Ninja subconsciously stepped forward to catch his body. But the residual power still made them stumble back several steps.

“It’s more satisfying to let my fists do the talking!” Tsunade’s lips curled into a smile as she said.

Kakashi’s heart trembled at the sight. Last time, Tsunade hit the Hidden Grass Village Ninja, which was understandable.

But to treat Root Ninja, who were also Konoha Village Ninja, with such ferocity, she truly lived up to her reputation.

A hint of envy flashed in Itachi’s eyes. He also wished to resolve all problems with strength, like Tsunade.

Especially the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha Village.

The leading Root Ninja was knocked unconscious with one punch, but the remaining Root Ninja surrounded them.

“You all come and help!” One of the Root Ninja turned and shouted at the group of Root Ninja training nearby.

Hearing the command, they instinctively rushed forward.

In the blink of an eye, Tsunade and Kitazawa were surrounded by more than five times the number of Root Ninja.

“I am Tsunade, here by the Hokage’s order. Who dares to make a move?” Seeing this, Tsunade clenched her fists, exuding a terrifying aura, and asked.

The next second, many wavering individuals appeared among the Root Ninja. Some of them had not been in Root for long and had not been completely brainwashed.

Now, hearing Tsunade’s name, they naturally felt fear.

“Don’t forget the consequences of defying Lord Danzo!” The same Root Ninja spoke again.

“Ridiculous!” Tsunade laughed in anger, raging, “Root Ninja dare to disobey the Hokage’s command? Take them all down!”

Although they were outnumbered, the Anbu Ninja immediately carried out Tsunade’s order.

Moreover, Kakashi and Itachi were both seasoned veterans, naturally fearless.

And although there were many Root Ninjas, the truly strong ones were the seven official Root members. The remaining Root Ninja lacked both strength and experience.

A melee immediately broke out.

Kitazawa flashed and blocked in front of Tsunade. In such an intense battle, someone was bound to get injured. When blood was shed, it would trigger her hemophobia.

Tsunade paused slightly, then understood. Her heart warmed, and she didn’t join the fight, standing still and watching Kitazawa’s figure. This way, she could avoid seeing blood.

Wind Release: Gale Palm!

Kitazawa clapped his hands. Chakra surged out, transforming into a strong wind that blew towards the Root Ninja in front of him.

Although Anbu Ninja were all elites, the Root Ninja were numerous and had already fallen into a hard fight. Moreover, in the Anbu Ninja’s minds, Tsunade was stronger than all of them, so she naturally didn’t need any protection.

The Root Ninja, facing the strong wind, instantly disappeared with a Body Flicker Jutsu.

Rasengan!

Kitazawa, unhurried, held the Rasengan in his right hand and smashed it to the left. The Root Ninja, who had just reappeared, met his Rasengan head-on, his skin immediately tearing open, and he fainted.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!

Another Root Ninja opened his mouth and spewed out a giant fireball. Hot air rolled, and the surrounding temperature rapidly increased. Wherever the fireball passed, it left a scorched path.

Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!

The moment the fireball appeared, Kitazawa conjured streams of water out of thin air around him. The water streams spun out, eventually condensing into a majestic water dragon.

“Is this Second Grandpa’s Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu?” Tsunade recognized it at a glance.

Because a normal Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu wouldn’t be that fast. When did Kitazawa learn Water Release again? Was it chosen after the mission in Hidden Grass Village last time?

In such a short time, had his Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu reached such a level?

Tsunade felt confused. Had he been hiding his true abilities all this time?

Now, whether it was Medical Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, or Water Release, Fire Release, and Wind Release, he showed extremely high talent.

However, there was another possibility. That is, Kitazawa simply had no opportunity to learn these Ninjutsu at the Ninja Academy, so he had no way to display his talent.

But no matter what, at Kitazawa’s current level, the reason no longer mattered. After all, the emergence of an elite Jonin was a good thing for Konoha Village.

The water dragon roared, devouring the fireball, and continued its momentum, smashing into the Root Ninja.

The five elemental releases have a certain relationship of mutual restraint. Fire Release counters Wind Release, Wind Release counters Lightning Release, Lightning Release counters Earth Release, Earth Release counters Water Release, and Water Release counters Fire Release.

Kitazawa was still using Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu, which naturally completely overpowered Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique.

But this Root Ninja was a Jonin. He reacted quickly, retreating while forming hand signs.

Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!

The ground rose, and a wall ascended, blocking the water dragon. Kitazawa took a glance. Sure enough, there were no three dog heads on this wall.

Wind Release: Rotating Shuriken!

Kitazawa took out a shuriken and threw it directly. With a crack! The spinning shuriken immediately shattered the earth wall.

Kitazawa, with one hand behind his back, lunged forward, blocking the Root Ninja who was about to leave.

The Root Ninja was stunned for a moment, then, without hesitation, he charged forward with a kunai.

Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Jutsu!

Kitazawa formed a hand sign with one hand and, meeting his gaze, directly released the genjutsu. The Root Ninja’s body suddenly trembled, a look of fear appeared on his face, and the kunai in his hand clattered to the ground.

Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique allows the target to see the most terrifying scene in their heart, and what he saw was Danzo.

Kitazawa took this opportunity to step forward and knock him unconscious.

Although there was a reason, Root members were also Konoha Ninja. If they were killed, the nature of the situation would change. Even Tsunade said to subdue them, not kill them.

Suddenly, a loud bang occurred.

Kitazawa subconsciously looked back and saw Tsunade’s kick crack the ground, sending countless gravel flying. The Root Ninja who attacked her immediately screamed and fell to the ground. Blood sprayed out.

Konoha style Body Flicker! Kitazawa secretly thought it was bad and quickly stood in front of Tsunade.

Wind Release: Gale Palm!

A fierce wind surged out, blowing away the smell of blood. Tsunade subconsciously grabbed his shoulder, her body trembling slightly, trying to keep from falling.

“Lady Tsunade, are you alright?” Kitazawa took a look and found her face pale, her pupils somewhat unfocused.

“I… I’m fine.” Tsunade shook her head and said.

She didn’t see the blood, only smelled it, so it wasn’t that serious. Kitazawa secretly breathed a sigh of relief and didn’t leave again. He stood in place, like a fort, with Wind Release, Fire Release, and Water Release taking turns providing support.

Soon, all seven official Root members had been subdued. The remaining reserve Root personnel were surrounded by Anbu. They had already lost more than half, or more accurately, more than half had been knocked unconscious.

“Who is Torune Aburame?” Kitazawa asked on behalf of Tsunade.

After a few seconds, Torune Aburame slowly raised his hand. His expression was similar to other Root members, but the uncertain surprise in his eyes revealed his inner thoughts.

Simply put, he hadn’t been completely brainwashed yet.

“Come here.” Kitazawa explained, “I am Shino’s teacher, and we came at the request of the Aburame Clan to bring you home.”

“Shino?” Torune Aburame’s expression changed. He looked as if he had transformed from a puppet into a living person.

“That’s right.” Kitazawa nodded and said, “It’s Shino Aburame, your good friend.”

Upon hearing this familiar name, Torune Aburame’s mind couldn’t help but recall various memories. His expression became richer and more complex.

A moment later, he made up his mind and walked to Kitazawa’s front. Although Torune Aburame was young, he had heard of Tsunade’s great name.

If only Kitazawa led the team, he would not dare to leave Root. Because he was worried that Root would be detrimental to the Aburame Clan.

But with Tsunade here, plus Kitazawa saying it was at the request of the Aburame Clan, he naturally had no need to stay in Root.

“Tsunade!” Just then, a distorted and angry voice approached from afar.

Tsunade took a deep breath, her body shaking off the effects of hemophobia. She turned to look at the newcomer, the one-eyed Danzo, leaning on his cane.

“Tsunade, what are you doing?” Danzo asked coldly, “Attacking fellow Konoha Ninja, are you trying to defect?”

“That’s what I should be asking you!” Tsunade took out the Hokage’s directive and asked, “Does Root, which only obeys your orders, still remember that it is a Ninja of Konoha Village?”

“You!” Danzo was choked with anger.

He immediately rushed over when he heard the news that the Root base had been attacked. But he didn’t expect Tsunade to have received Hiruzen Sarutobi’s order.

Damn it! What was his old friend trying to do? Had Hiruzen really disregarded their decades of friendship?

“Who knows if your Hokage’s directive is fake?” Danzo gripped his cane tightly and asked, “Even if it’s real, does the Hokage’s directive say to force your way into the Root base?”

“That’s true, it doesn’t.” Tsunade put away the Hokage’s directive and said, “But your Root violated the rules first, I’m just acting according to the rules.”

“What rule is there about forcing your way into the Root base?” Danzo asked with an angry face.

“I forced my way in. What can you do?” Tsunade asked confidently.

When it came to being unreasonable, she was even more unreasonable than Danzo.

“You… didn’t you say you were acting according to the rules?” Danzo was so angry that he wanted to use Kotoamatsukami.

But he noticed that Itachi was also there, so he didn’t dare to use it. After all, his Kotoamatsukami came from Uchiha Shisui.

Danzo didn’t know that Itachi had already learned the truth from Shisui. He was worried that Itachi would report this matter to Hiruzen.

In that case, he would have no way to defend himself and would directly confirm the fact of attacking Shisui.

Furthermore, he still wanted to use Kotoamatsukami to control Tsunade; no matter how tolerant Hiruzen was of him, he would never allow it.

“Rules are dead, people are alive.” Tsunade smiled faintly and said, “Torune Aburame, I’m taking him. If you have any problems, go find the Third Hokage.”

“Torune Aburame?” Only then did Danzo Shimura understand Tsunade’s purpose in forcing her way into the Root base.

Damn Aburame Clan! He immediately reacted. The Aburame Clan had definitely sided with Tsunade. A hint of panic arose in Danzo’s heart.

Tsunade really wanted to contend for the Hokage position! How could he compete then?

“Let’s go.” Tsunade glanced at him, snorted coldly, and then walked past him.

Kitazawa, with Torune Aburame, quickly followed. Kakashi and Itachi, along with other Anbu, disappeared from the spot.

Danzo froze in place. He really wanted to order Root to kill Tsunade and Kitazawa. But he knew that the consequences of doing so were something he could not bear.

There was no need for Hiruzen to act; Jiraiya and others would not let him off.

“Ah ah ah!” After they left, Danzo finally couldn’t hold back and furiously said, “Damn it! You all just wait!”

The nearby Root Ninja, seeing their leader so out of control for the first time, couldn’t help but kneel on the ground, trembling.

[Current Mission: Retrieve Torune Aburame from Root.]

[Mission Reward: Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.]

[Host has completed the mission, reward issued.]

As soon as Kitazawa left the Root training base, the system’s prompt appeared before his eyes. A large amount of information flooded his mind.

The Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal, in the original work, was a unique sealing jutsu of Root.

All Ninjas who joined Root would have this jutsu planted on their tongue by Danzo.

Its effect was simple: if the target wanted to speak about specific things, their whole body would become numb, unable to speak or move.

And there were two ways to release it. Either the caster actively releases it, or it automatically releases after the caster dies.

Kitazawa, when watching the anime in his previous life, had wondered if, since they couldn’t speak, they could write.

But now that he had mastered the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal, he understood its power.

It would trigger at the thought. Neither speaking nor writing was possible.

“Kitazawa, you can take him directly back to the Aburame Clan.” After returning to Konoha Village, Tsunade said, “I’m going to the Hokage Office to explain the situation to the Hokage.”

Just taking Torune Aburame wasn’t enough; she wanted Hiruzen to clearly define Root’s recruitment procedures.

“Alright.” Kitazawa nodded and agreed.

“One more thing.” Tsunade walked a few steps, then suddenly turned back and said, “Starting tomorrow, you’ll be learning Chakra Enhanced Strength from me.”

“Huh?” Kitazawa was astonished. He really hadn’t expected it.

“Don’t misunderstand.” Tsunade snorted lightly and said, “I saw that your fighting today was too wishy-washy, not straightforward enough.”

Aren’t Ninjutsu Ninja all like that? Kitazawa complained in his heart, but he was still very happy.

Chakra Enhanced Strength was a genuine, powerful taijutsu with a very high Upper limit, capable of even shattering Susanoo with one punch.

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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep