“Hokage-sama, the casualty report from the Root base is in.”
“The death toll exceeds seventy percent. The Root base is completely destroyed, and critical departments like the laboratory and storage rooms are heavily damaged.”
In the Hokage’s office, an ANBU reported while holding a list.
With each sentence, Hiruzen’s face turned a shade paler. By the end, he was nearly bloodless, his spine hunched, appearing as if he had aged decades.
Danzo was dead.
The Root had been obliterated.
The losses were so immense that it seemed nearly impossible, even if he wanted to rebuild.
Danzo, his right-hand man, had died in such an absurd manner.
The Shimura clan searched the ruins for a long time, finally finding some of Danzo’s remains and hair, which they buried with his belongings.
Barely, it could be considered a grave.
Hiruzen still couldn’t understand why Danzo had targeted Naruto.
Sitting nearby, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, their elderly faces equally bloodless, looked grim.
To their left was Danzo’s seat.
Typically, the four of them would discuss significant matters there. Now, only three remained.
Danzo’s seat was permanently empty.
“Hokage-sama, there’s another matter that requires your attention.”
The ANBU’s voice was solemn.
“We found a ninja in the Root’s ruins who possesses Wood Style.”
“What?!”
Hiruzen’s breath hitched, eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
“Wood Style? Are you sure it’s Wood Style?”
His breath grew hot.
Wood Style, the power of Hashirama!
The First Hokage of Konoha, who quelled the Warring States Period and founded the village!
Hiruzen had witnessed the power of Wood Style in his youth; it was unparalleled!
“Yes, we found him in the ruins of the Root. He used Wood Style: Wood Locking Wall to shield himself from the collapse, so he’s only slightly injured.”
Wood Locking Wall?
Hiruzen took a deep breath.
A defensive wood-style jutsu creates a protective dome from wooden pillars.
The information was likely accurate since the ANBU could accurately name the jutsu.
“Where is this Wood Style ninja? Take me to him immediately!”
…
At the ANBU base, in a medical room, a boy with brown hair, around ten years old, sat quietly in a corner, his arm wrapped in bandages.
Squeak!
The door to the medical room opened.
The boy instinctively drew a kunai, assuming a defensive stance and glaring at Hiruzen.
This action made Hiruzen stiffen.
“Hokage-sama, please forgive Kinoe’s rudeness! He’s been in the Root for years, making him solitary and defensive. He’s never met you.”
An ANBU hastily explained.
Hiruzen nodded slightly, showing understanding.
The environment in the Root was far more brutal than even the ANBU.
Growing up in such an environment, it’s normal for him to be wary of strangers.
“You said his name is Kinoe?”
Hiruzen looked at the ANBU.
“Yes, we tried communicating with him, and only got the name Kinoe.”
Kinoe?
A name typical of Danzo.
Hiruzen’s face softened into a kind smile like a friendly old man hoping to ease Kinoe’s wariness.
“Kinoe, could you show Grandpa your Wood Style?”
Wood Style was too important. Hearing about it wasn’t enough; he needed to see it himself.
Koharu and Homura, who came with him, also held their breath, eyes filled with hope as they watched Kinoe.
The medical room fell silent.
All eyes were on Kinoe.
Under their heated gazes, Kinoe nodded, extending his right hand.
In his palm, a green sprout began to grow.
Hiruzen’s eyes seemed to light up with flames.
Wood Style! It was Wood Style!
Since Hashirama’s death, the Wood Style had been extinct for decades and reappeared!
“Heavens bless Konoha! Heavens bless Konoha!”
Uncontainable excitement surged from Hiruzen’s heart.
Anyone could see his joy!
Beside him, Koharu and Homura were also visibly excited.
Wood Style held immense significance for Konoha!
It was the power that ended the Warring States Period and founded the village!
Kinoe was still young, with limitless potential!
Reaching Hashirama’s level might not be impossible!
Hiruzen’s grief over Danzo’s death lessened.
He even felt grateful to Danzo. Without him, Konoha wouldn’t have a new Wood Style ninja.
He had some guesses about Kinoe’s origins.
Years ago, he supported Danzo in conducting wood-style experiments at the root.
However, since the experiments were not progressing and consuming much of Konoha’s resources, he ordered them to stop.
It seemed Danzo hadn’t given up and continued secretly, eventually succeeding with Kinoe!
“Kinoe, you’re a gift to Konoha. Let’s abandon the name Kinoe. I’ll give you a new name.”
“Tenzō! How about Tenzō?”
Hiruzen’s eyes burned as he watched Kinoe, waiting for his response.
“Tenzō?”
Kinoe tilted his head, murmuring.
He seemed to accept the name.
“Good! Good! Good!”
Hiruzen’s old eyes filled with tears.
Tenzō’s appearance symbolized fortune, especially valuable to Konoha now in a downturn!
Perhaps Tenzō could even bring Tsunade back to the village!
Tsunade, one of the Sannin and the Princess of Konoha, had drifted away from the village for various reasons.
She had even left Konoha, spending years wandering gambling dens.
Hiruzen was deeply troubled by this, trying everything to bring Tsunade back but failing.
But Tenzō’s appearance offered a new opportunity.
With Wood Style like her grandfather’s, Tenzō might have a blood connection, giving a reason to bring Tsunade back.
Since Mirai’s return, he has caused significant disturbances.
Hiruzen had never felt so strongly about wanting Tsunade back.
As one of the Sannin, the Princess of Konoha, and Hashirama’s granddaughter, her status was no less than the Blue Flash.
Mirai openly aimed for the Hokage position.
So, let’s find the strongest competitor.
The Fifth Hokage will emerge from these two!
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