Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 35 The Seal of the Extinction of the Tongue

Now that things have come to this, Danzo has not hidden anything.

He told the third generation about the origin of "A".

As an infant, "Ko" was implanted with first-generation cells for culture as an experimental subject for Orochimaru.

Because the larvae lack sufficient stamina to withstand the force of the interstitial cells.

During the same period, the other fifty-nine test subjects died one after another, and "A" was also abandoned by Orochimaru as a failed experiment.

But ultimately, its will to survive allowed it to live on tenaciously.

He was fortunate enough to be discovered by Danzo Shimura and thus escaped death.

When Danzo discovered that "Kou" was the sole survivor who had withstood the First Hokage's cells and awakened the Wood Release bloodline limit, he was overjoyed.

From then on, Danzo valued "Armor" highly, and even obtained the First Hokage's Wood Release ninjutsu to personally instruct him in ninjutsu training.

The reason why A was chosen to go on this mission was...

The reason was to send a Wood Release ninja to investigate the secrets of another "Wood Release ninja".

To everyone's surprise, even though they missed the "master's" return time, they still failed.

What surprised him even more was that the little rascal named Qingwu actually delivered "A" to the Third Generation.

"So..." The Third Hokage slowly stood up, his tone carrying a hint of pressure:

"Danzo, are you and that traitor still conducting human experiments?"

Danzo sneered: "Whether Orochimaru did it or not, I don't know, but I did not disregard your orders, Hokage-sama."

Danzo's tone was full of sarcasm.

However, the Third Generation did not bother to pursue the matter at this point.

"No matter who it is, if they continue to conduct these heinous human experiments, I will not let them go."

"Hmph, Hiruzen, I've told you about Kagami's background. Now, may I take him with me?"

"No, you're saying he was an experiment from over a decade ago? I need more time to investigate."

"Hiruzen, don't go too far. When have I ever lied to you?"

"Danzo, do you still remember the original intention of the First Hokage in establishing the village? It was to prevent children from going to the battlefield. But what about you? You personally pushed a child into a hell that is more cruel than the battlefield."

How could the Third Hokage not know about the training methods used at the root?

However... it's one thing for others, but Wood Release... even though he was the second Wood Release ninja after Qingwu, the Third Hokage never considered handing him over to Danzo again.

"Original intention?" Danzo slammed his cane down heavily. "Hiruzen, look at the ninja world now. The war is not over yet. What Konoha needs is real power."

"Power is not everything! Danzo, power without the heart will only bring destruction."

"Hiruzen, you're always so naive and weak. What is Wood Release? It's the power that brought peace to the world, the power that the First Hokage used to quell the chaos. Is such a power meant to be nurtured like a flower in a greenhouse?"

"Danzo, are you at a loss for words? It seems you've already said these things once before, regarding the Qingwu incident."

"Hiruzen!!!"

Danzo didn't want to say any more. "I didn't argue with you about Senju Seigo because he was just one of my surveillance targets, while 'Kō' was a subordinate I personally trained!"

Danzo stepped forward, almost face-to-face with the Third Hokage: "Give me back my men!"

His meaning was clear: even if you are the Hokage, you can't keep "stealing" my people away. Moreover, mentioning Qingwu made Danzo inexplicably feel unable to suppress his anger.

In response, the Third Hokage's expression also turned cold.

"Danzo, have you forgotten?" The Third Hokage's voice was eerily calm. "I am the Hokage. This village, including you and Root, must listen to me."

He paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately:

"A is a patient at Konoha Hospital and is under the direct protection of the Hokage."

"No one, including you, may touch him, let alone take him away, without my permission!"

Danzo stared intently at the Third Hokage, his single eye blazing with fury and resentment.

Sometimes he doesn't even know what he's doing.

Deep down, he knew that no matter how many arguments they had, they would all end with him saying, "I am the Hokage."

But every time he starts, he always has a "delusion": this time he can convince his old friend!

Therefore, Danzo became even more greedy for the position of Hokage.

He hopes that one day, when others refute him, he can end the controversy with the words, "I am the Hokage!"

The stalemate lasted for a full minute.

Finally, Danzo snorted coldly and turned to leave.

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen."

His voice came from the doorway, "And... do you really think 'A' will listen to you?"

The footsteps faded into the distance.

The fact that the door wasn't slammed this time surprised Hiruzen Sarutobi, leaving him somewhat dazed.

And Danzo was right, that child was difficult to deal with.

As the Hokage, he inquired for a long time but only learned a code name called "A". He didn't get any other information.

That's why he kept it under the guise of "treatment".

The Third Generation let out a long sigh, leaned back in his chair, and wearily rubbed his temples.

"Hokage-sama," an ANBU member appeared, "should we strengthen the security at the hospital?"

"Yes!" The third leader nodded. "Work in shifts 24 hours a day. No one is allowed to get close to that child."

"Yes."

The dark areas disappeared.

The Third Generation was left alone in the office again.

He lit his pipe and took a deep drag.

Amidst the swirling smoke, a faint, aged laugh could be heard.

"Qingwu...you're even smarter than I thought...or rather, more cunning?"

The third generation leader felt a mix of joy and worry about this "trouble".

However, he did not dislike Qingwu, who caused trouble.

In the ninja world, naive people are easily killed. Knowing how to protect oneself and how to use others' strength against them is a good thing.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh!"

It started raining heavily outside the window.

The Third Hokage's gaze was drawn to the raindrops. "Two Wood Release bloodlines... does this signify the rebirth of Konoha...?"

Whoosh!

At the same time, Danzo, leaning on a cane, appeared on the rooftop opposite the hospital.

He stood in the rain, looking across the street with one eye.

That was the ward where A was "detained".

"Hiruzen...you think you can control Wood Release like this?" He chuckled coldly in a low voice.

"Lord Danzo!" A Root ninja appeared silently: "Are you going to forcibly bring Kouya back?"

"No," Danzo shook his head, "Forcibly taking him away would be tantamount to completely breaking ties with the Hokage, and now is not the time."

"That Jia..."

"He will make the right choice."

"But what if the seal is broken..."

"Hmph, unless I personally remove the 'Seal of the Root of Tongue Calamity,' any attempt to break it will directly destroy it, and Hiruzen will not take the risk."

It rained harder and harder.

Danzo turned and disappeared into the rain.

……

Whoosh!

Qingwu sat in the wooden house, gazing at the rain curtain in the forest.

I felt that...bone-chilling loneliness again.

Even a Tier 5 Deadwood Guardian only possesses a little intelligence, capable of accepting more commands and engaging in simple communication.