"Jiraiya, Lord Danzō requests your presence."
Shortly after leaving the Senju clan compound, Jiraiya was intercepted by a masked ninja. The voice was eerily calm and emotionless.
Jiraiya halted, unsurprised by the encounter. He had shown such remarkable talent that it was only a matter of time before Danzō sought him out. This day had long been anticipated.
"Lead the way," Jiraiya said coolly.
He had no fear of Danzō. On the contrary, he was curious about the reason for this meeting. Refusing the invitation wasn't even a consideration, though Jiraiya knew that if he truly wished to, there was nothing Danzō could do to stop him.
Jiraiya was well aware that Danzō was a sly fox. But Danzō also possessed certain valuable things. If possible, Jiraiya didn't mind reaching some kind of agreement with him.
Konoha held many dangerous forbidden jutsu that Sarutobi Hiruzen had sealed away, jutsu that Jiraiya couldn't access even with his extraordinary service to the village. But from Danzō? That was a different story. For instance, he was deeply intrigued by the Edo Tensei forbidden jutsu. With his system's rewards, there was always a chance he might come across the remains of a legendary figure from the past. When that day came, Edo Tensei could prove invaluable.
The masked ninja led Jiraiya to the Shimura clan's compound.
The Shimura were a minor clan that had grown significantly in influence after producing a figure like Danzō. Both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzō often spoke of eliminating the divides between clans and the village—integrating all shinobi into the fabric of Konoha. Their lofty ideals promised unity and peace. Yet, in secret, both men prioritized their own clans' growth and power.
To their credit, their initial intentions were noble, but over time, power had clouded their judgment.
'Quite extravagant,' Jiraiya thought as he stepped into the Shimura clan's compound. He couldn't help but compare its grand structures to the Senju clan's, finding the Shimura's even more opulent.
Following the masked ninja, Jiraiya arrived at a serene pond. Danzō sat in a pavilion, awaiting him.
"Greetings, Elder Danzō," Jiraiya said as he entered the pavilion, bowing respectfully.
Danzō nodded and gestured for Jiraiya to sit.
"Elder Danzō, what can I do for you?" Jiraiya asked.
Danzō didn't answer immediately. Instead, he began with a compliment.
"Jiraiya, I hold you in high regard. You have immense potential. I am certain you'll shine brilliantly in the future, becoming one of Konoha's most outstanding shinobi."
Though Danzō's words rang true, Jiraiya remained humble.
"My goal is to become a shinobi as exceptional as you, Elder Danzō, and to protect Konoha."
"Such ambition is commendable. Your sensei would be proud," Danzō said with a rare smile. "With talented individuals like you, Konoha's future will undoubtedly be brighter and stronger."
Danzō's tone shifted slightly as he got to the point.
"To better protect the village, I intend to establish a new organization called Root. I hope you will consider joining this group."
Jiraiya hadn't expected Danzō to extend such an invitation. Root was a fledgling organization, created with the genuine intention of safeguarding Konoha. However, over time, Danzō's personal ambitions would overshadow that noble purpose, turning Root into his private army. Its loyalty would shift from serving the village to serving Danzō's interests.
When Konoha's needs clashed with Danzō's desires, Root's allegiance to him would take precedence, often at the village's expense. Such an organization held no appeal for Jiraiya.
Furthermore, once a shinobi joined Root, there was no leaving. Danzō's Sharingan, hidden beneath his bandages, ensured that every member was subjected to mind control, reducing them to mere puppets who executed his orders without question.
Though Jiraiya's keen perception and abilities allowed him to resist such techniques, he still had no interest in being part of Root.
"Elder Danzō, does my teacher know about this organization?" Jiraiya asked.
Danzō nodded. "Yes. The Hokage has approved its creation."
So it was as Jiraiya had suspected: Root's establishment had the blessing of the Third Hokage.
"The village needs both light and shadow to thrive. Root will operate in the shadows, ensuring the village's stability. Right now, as Root is just beginning, we need exceptional talents like you.
"If you agree to join, I can promise you vast resources, including things even your teacher cannot provide." Danzō's voice dripped with temptation as he fixed his lone eye on Jiraiya, awaiting his answer.
"Elder Danzō, I fully support the establishment of Root. The village does need a force like this to maintain order. However, I am still under my teacher's tutelage. I will discuss this with him. If he agrees, I would gladly serve under you," Jiraiya replied with a smile.
Danzō's brow furrowed slightly, his expression darkening. His tone grew colder.
"Jiraiya, this is a decision you can make yourself. The Hokage would not restrict your freedom in such matters. Even if he objects, I can persuade him. Serve under me, and I will personally guide your training. I am no less capable than your teacher."
Jiraiya hadn't expected Danzō to be so insistent. Though he had already invoked Sarutobi Hiruzen's name as a shield, Danzō continued to press.
"Elder Danzō, it's not that I'm unwilling to serve under you, but I cannot abide by restrictive rules. If you ever need my assistance, I'm more than willing to help for the right price. However, as for joining Root, I must decline for now."
Jiraiya's tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Those who refuse me rarely meet a good end," Danzō said darkly, his lone eye glaring at Jiraiya.
"If there's nothing else, Elder Danzō, I'll take my leave. I need to focus on my training so I can better protect the village. I'd rather not waste time on meaningless matters." Jiraiya's unwavering defiance was evident as he stood to leave.
"You're bold," Danzō said, his face twitching with barely concealed anger.
"Thank you, Elder Danzō. I'll be even bolder in the future. Rest assured," Jiraiya replied with a faint smile before turning to walk away.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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