TitoVillar
patreon
JST Chapter 126: Temptation and Resolve
🕑 Added 2024-12-09 02:50:55 +0000 UTCAfter speaking with Torifu and the leader of the Nara clan, Kazuki showed the leader of the Yamanaka clan an improved version of the Mind Body Switch Technique, but without revealing the training method, only showing him how he could control another body while remaining conscious.
He then presented the Aburame clan with a group of enhanced insects...
To the Inuzuka clan, a new form of taijutsu derived from the Four Legs Technique…
And finally, he displayed the Root's vast collection of ninjutsu, making it clear that these resources were available to any shinobi who joined them.
"Gentlemen, I believe there is a misunderstanding."
Kazuki slowly stood up, his eyes displaying the tomoe pattern of the Sharingan as he swept his gaze over the clan leaders present.
"Although the current root needs manpower, it is not to force you. It is just because the shinobi clan you belong to is the backbone of Konoha, and because of your previous achievements, the quota is open to you first."
"The new root will not force any Konoha shinobi to join. We only need companions who agree with the path of the will of fire and elites who have the ability to develop into the cornerstone of Konoha."
"Roots absorb nutrients from deep within, but they must always return them to the leaves. As the support of Konoha, the root requires a firm and pure essence. I hope you understand this."
"Now, you can take what I have given you and leave..."
With a sweeping gesture of his hand, Kazuki gave the order to retreat, without even waiting for responses from the Yamanaka, Aburame and other clans.
The clan leaders stood up, uneasy at the tempting proposals the root offered them.
The leader of the Nara clan, in a tone not too loud but enough for Kazuki and the others to hear, commented as if speaking to Torifu: "Torifu, Leader Kazuki's sensei is Tsunade-sama, current assistant to the Hokage."
"Do I really have to remind you of these things? If we don't take a stand now, how do you think we'll be valued in the future?"
"Do you think Jiraiya or Orochimaru have much of a chance? It's difficult, very difficult. Don't hesitate any longer..."
The leader of the Nara clan took Torifu by the arm and hurriedly left the hall.
Kazuki watched with a satisfied smile as the Nara clan leader retreated.
The words of the leader of the Nara clan resonated in the hearts of the others. Although they knew that the message was directed at them, they could not help but ponder.
Although whenever a war occurs there is a reorganization of interests, and due to Kazuki's actions the outbreak of the war has been postponed, but it is only a matter of time before it happens, and considering the power that Kazuki had at the root and his exceptional talent, could Orochimaru or Jiraiya compete with him?
The answer seemed increasingly obvious when combined with Hiruzen's attitude.
As the other leaders left, a man who had remained silent throughout the meeting returned with determination. He looked at Kazuki with fervor.
"Kazuki-sama, I am sorry that the Hyuga clan has rejected your invitation, but please allow me to join the root. I am willing to give my all for your will and the new root."
Of all the clans in Konoha, the only one that had clearly rejected Kazuki's invitation was the Hyuga clan.
Kazuki shook his head and patted him on the shoulder. "Hizashi, do you represent the Hyuga clan?"
Hizashi firmly shook his head. "Kazuki-sama, I only represent myself!"
Kazuki smiled gently. "Hizashi, I like the will of fire burning in you..."
"Come with me, you are the first member to join the new root, I hope your will of fire can burn some things that hinder the new era in the future."
Hizashi trembled with excitement and nodded quickly. "I will live up to your trust, Kazuki-sama!"
...
Kazuki sitting at the head of the meeting room, smiled lightly as he watched the new members joining the root.
After the last meeting, the shinobi clan leaders gave Kazuki a long list, indicating that Kazuki could choose freely.
Those present were selected after a rigorous evaluation process.
With the exception of the Hyuga clan who were still pretending to be dead, even Sarutobi Hiruzen had sent several jonin as a show of support, enthusiastically congratulating the creation of the new Root, without a hint of displeasure apparent.
This gesture by Hiruzen caused a great stir among the shinobi clans.
With the new Root's disproportionate growth, many were cautious about Hiruzen's stance.
After all, the previous Root leader was firmly suppressed by him. Although Shimura Danzo was hiding in the village to ask for geniuses, everyone with a discerning eye knew that Sarutobi Hiruzen had a plan in mind. The Root was not an unordered expansion, but just an extension of the Hokage's will.
But in the recent high-level meetings, Hiruzen took the pressure from all sides with an extremely harsh attitude, ignored the doubts of the conservatives among the jonin, severely reprimanded Koharu and Homura, and ordered everyone not to question Assistant Hokage Tsunade and Root leader Kazuki.
He even flexibly used the great hat of the will of fire to show that anyone who disobeys the Hokage's orders is hindering the work of the higher leaders and will be treated as a traitor to the village.
At the same time, he provided unprecedented support to the Root: financial resources, ninjutsu, and administrative procedures flowed unrestricted, with a level of determination that left everyone perplexed.
Since when did this conservative Hokage delegate so much power?
It didn't even seem like delegating power. Rather, it seemed that, with any excuse or pretext, he threw all power directly at Kazuki and the root, as if he were afraid that his control as Hokage was too absolute.
What's going on? Since when did the power of the Hokage become so undesirable to him?
Hiruzen had once been a master of political balance. His ability to distribute power between Danzo, Koharu, Homura, and even his own disciples was impeccable. But now, his attitude had taken a 180-degree turn.
However, with this surprising show of support from Hiruzen, there was nothing else left to say.
For a time, even Sarutobi Hiruzen's reputation in Konoha was changing. The previous criticisms about his hesitation, timidity, and lack of ninja spirit disappeared, and everyone looked at the Hokage with new eyes.
What no one knew was how satisfied Hiruzen felt inside.
For years, the psychological pressure of the shinobi war had tormented him.
As the Hokage of Konoha, Hiruzen had certain abilities, but he was not extremely strong. Compared to Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama, he was just an average genius.
Against other Kage such as the Third Raikage or Onoki, Hiruzen's chances of victory were slim.
During those long nights, Hiruzen assessed the military resources of Konoha and the other villages, and often suffered from insomnia until dawn.
Under such great pressure, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't show his style as the Supreme Shinobi.
But everything changed thanks to Kazuki.
Although Hiruzen wasn't an absolute genius, his sensei was!
Kazuki, an experiment shaped by decades of planning, with the combined strength of Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Izuna, the skills of the Uzumaki clan, cells of Senju Tobirama and who knows what other Kekkei Genkai, turning him into an insurmountable monster.
At this point, Hiruzen realized a truth: since he was not good enough, he should quickly hand over power to his sensei.
If he continues to cling to power and knows that his hands and feet are not clean, Hiruzen will always think of Danzo, who was beaten into mud by Kazuki that day. He lost his eyes, lost his arms, was double sealed and imprisoned. He can't help but feel cold in his heart.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had no confidence that he could survive the reckoning from his sensei.
...
"Kazuki, Orochimaru and Hiruko are here..." Uchiha Yashiro quietly walked to his side and said softly.
Kazuki nodded, indicating that they should be allowed to pass.
These two scientific geniuses from Konoha were prominent figures that Kazuki wished to recruit. The preliminary meeting of the new root, organized that day, was intended to show them the strength and resources of the organization.
“Orochimaru, Hiruko, welcome.” Kazuki’s voice was calm, almost friendly.
Orochimaru responded with a slight nod and a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
As for the position of Hokage, Orochimaru felt great dissatisfaction towards the Third Hokage for ignoring his achievements as an outstanding disciple and imposing unilateral decisions. The appointment of Tsunade as advisor to the Hokage and Kazuki as leader of the Root had left him bitterly frustrated, and he was even surprised by his sensei's determination to attack Danzo.
However, recent events had surprised him. He had severely punished Danzo, sending him to prison to clear Kazuki's path to power.
Although he hated to admit it, Orochimaru began to see his sensei in a new light. For the first time in years, he seemed to have regained some of the determined, commanding spirit that had made him a legend among shinobi.
As for Kazuki, Orochimaru's feelings were even more complicated.
On one hand, he saw in him a possible perfect vessel for his immortality technique, wanting to replace his idol Senju Tobirama and gain this perfect body.
But on the other hand, he considered him a direct rival in the race for the title of Hokage.
Comments
Lord Xavier
Great stuff, can't wait for more
