Chapter 65: The Tree and Its Roots (Revised)

"The Root was established not long ago. We enforce brutal training and evaluations, with devastating losses."

Danzo said slowly. "To help mitigate these losses, I'll require the use of your genjutsu."

"You mean Five Senses Manipulation?"

"Precisely—a technique that makes them repeatedly experience life-and-death situations, creating the sensation of real death each time without causing actual harm."

Danzo nodded.

"No problem. That's simple enough."

Akaba agreed immediately, though inwardly he began to wonder how Danzo had found out.

The Narakami no Jutsu combined with Five Senses Manipulation had originally been a failed experiment.

Within the Sakuma clan, very few even knew about it—let alone outsiders. Even fewer knew that Akaba had studied and mastered it.

After thinking it through, one name surfaced in his mind.

"Has Orochimaru allied with Danzo?"

After contemplating for a moment, Akaba quickly dismissed the idea.

At this point in time, Orochimaru simply lacked any real value for an alliance with Danzo. Perhaps this was just one of Danzo's many calculated moves, a small gamble.

Now came the question:

Had Danzo intentionally let slip this "clue," or had it been accidental?

This was exactly why Akaba disliked working with Danzo—he was an old schemer full of hidden agendas. Every interaction required hours of thought.

After a moment of frustration, Akaba decided not to dwell on it further.

There was no immediate need to worry about Orochimaru yet. For now, finishing Danzo's request was the priority.

He followed Danzo into this simple courtyard, where the sound of clashing metal soon reached his ears.

Sounds of kunai and shuriken.

He'd only been a ninja for barely a month, yet he instantly recognized what type of weapons those were.

"Do you need a mask?" Danzo asked indifferently.

"Is there anyone else in Konoha who can perform Five Senses Manipulation?"

Akaba shook his head.

What would be the point of wearing a mask? It would be like trying to steal a bell while covering your own ears—pointless and obvious.

"Then everyone, assemble."

Danzo strode inside leaning on his sword, with Akaba at his side.

Immediately, silence fell. In the blink of an eye, everyone gathered before him.

So this was Root!

Looking around, Akaba observed their appearances. Though nothing suspicious stood out at first glance, subtle differences in their attire revealed their backgrounds.

Two members from the Aburame clan, one from the Hyuga family, and a large figure who must be from the Akimichi clan.

As for the other dozen or so individuals, he couldn't quite tell.

"He is someone you should all already know. He will now perform genjutsu on all of you."

At this point, Danzo's lips curled slightly into a cold smirk. "The Sakuma clan's genjutsu—you know exactly what that implies. You will experience the most terrifying deaths lurking within your hearts. If anyone feels they cannot endure it, step forward now and leave."

Silence filled the air, but no one stepped out.

Akaba pursed his lips slightly. He wasn't sure how Danzo had conditioned them—likely through Root's usual methods—but one thing was certain: 'no harm' didn't always mean 'non-fatal.'

"Very well, since nobody is leaving, please cease all resistance."

He continued.

Akaba steeled himself, focusing and channeling chakra through his body.

As everyone sat down, he formed hand seals—in the blink of an eye, the seals were completed.

[Narakami no Jutsu!]

A ripple of chakra spread outward, and then every single person went motionless.

"Teacher, using Narakami no Jutsu multiple times can still be fatal."

Akaba reminded.

Narakami no Jutsu could reveal the most terrifying fears deep in one's heart. Those with weak willpower could easily suffer mental death—becoming a vegetable—after repeatedly experiencing real fear hundreds of times.

"I know, but this is the best way to minimize losses."

Danzo remained silent for a moment before softly speaking, "Root has never been about light."

"Yes, Teacher. You're absolutely right—that makes perfect sense."

Akaba replied casually, just to appease.

He didn't fully agree with Danzo's ideology, and felt equally indifferent toward Hiruzen Sarutobi's methods. Besides, they were in Root now, on Danzo's territory.

"Hmph, you sly little fox."

Danzo sneered slightly, secretly pleased inside.

The Third was trying to seize control over both of Konoha's greatest prodigies at once, not realizing neither would ever accept his ways.

In the end, it'll all amount to nothing.

As time passed, the genjutsu gradually reached its most terrifying stage. Screams echoed throughout the valley.

One second... two seconds... everyone abruptly woke up, soaked in cold sweat.

"Rest for a bit."

Danzo said indifferently.

"Sir, we can still continue!"

"My order is to rest!"

Danzo repeated sternly.

"Yes sir."

"Thank you, sir."

Everyone sat down, panting heavily.

Akaba felt slight sympathy. Danzo really understood every way to torment people.

If he kept using genjutsu continuously, they'd eventually become numb and break down completely.

Now, pretending to let them rest, but because of the realistic pain caused by Five Sense Manipulation, their memories and fears actually became deeper during rest periods—and these fears would enhance the effects of the next technique.

Right now, everyone truly felt as though the pain of dying was real.

The way they looked at Akaba carried a tinge of fear.

What cruelty!

After sighing, he collected himself, thinking about how he could maximize the effect of his techniques.

Hmm, use one round of genjutsu first, then guide them afterward.

Akaba thought for a moment, reaching a decision.

So a few minutes later, he cast the genjutsu again. Another few minutes passed, and everyone woke up once more.

"Rest."

Danzo simply said.

Akaba then sat down, as if about to strike up a casual conversation: "Many of you are elite warriors who've seen combat, taken lives. Death itself isn't scary. I want everyone to understand what Root truly means."

People turned toward him—some listening carefully, others skeptically or mockingly.

"Konoha is like a mighty tree. Without Roots, what happens to that tree?"

"Just imagine—you are the Roots, while your families are the trunk, fruits on the branches, or birds resting among the leaves. If there are no Roots left, Konoha will collapse. Can you picture such a scene?"

When Akaba finished speaking, his hands suddenly made the Hand Seals. [Narakami no Jutsu]

Imagination extended into a new scenario.

What they saw previously might have been their personal fears—perhaps dying in battle, failing missions, or even suicide—but this time, they would witness their loved ones' deaths.

"No, no!"

"I'll kill you! I'll kill you all!"

Terrified, angry, sorrowful sounds and emotions poured out chaotically through their voices.

Danzo remained silent for a moment, then finally burst into laughter.

After a long pause, he looked at Akaba and said, "Interested in joining Root?"

Of course, what he meant by "joining" wasn't becoming an ordinary member, but rather implying the position of a successor.

Yet,

"Sensei, I'm not suitable. Please find someone more capable."

Akaba shook his hands in refusal.

Such words might fool others, but he himself wouldn't fall for it. Was Root really a place where people could stay?

Danzo didn't seem surprised, though he felt regret.

Then, he chuckled bitterly and said, "No problem," Danzo replied. "Who can predict the future anyway?"

Akaba glanced at him, slightly astonished deep inside.

Look at how moved he seemed—could it be that Danzo had actually fallen for his words too?

Impossible!

While pondering this, his gaze swept aimlessly until suddenly noticing something off about one person. He immediately said, "Not good! Sensei, wake up the person on the second row's far left!"

Danzo instantly appeared beside him, struck the person's head with a Genjutsu dispelling method, and quickly freed him from the illusion.

However, after waking up, the man kept screaming wildly, his [Shadow Possession Jutsu] crazily expanding, trying to control everything around him.

"Thwack!"

With one precise strike to the neck, Danzo temporarily controlled the man's body.

"He had already sunk deeply into the Genjutsu. That was too close."

Akaba exhaled sharply, still somewhat shaken.

"The smarter a person is, the more they tend to overthink."

Danzo sighed with regret, showing slight weariness as well. "Break the Genjutsu. Let them rest for now."

Akaba immediately formed Hand Seals and released the Genjutsu.

As expected, everyone broke free from the illusion, though their emotions were somewhat abnormal.

Most calmed down quickly upon seeing Danzo and Akaba, but only a few, like the one named Nara, were nearly out of control.

"Today's training ends here. Everyone, rest."

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