Chapter 35: Tsunade's Frustration & Danzo's Roots

After Ryu successfully obtained the desired technique from the Scroll of Seals and reaped the rewards from the system, shocking news spread throughout the world. One of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, returned to Konoha to confirm the death of his comrade Orochimaru and retrieve his body, paying respects to his fallen comrade. Ryu and Jiraiya engaged in a heartfelt conversation, reminiscing about the past and the dark deeds of Orochimaru. Jiraiya was deeply saddened by the fate that befell his friend.

Meanwhile, Tsunade received the news and was overcome with shock and a sense of loneliness at the loss of her former companions. However, she was taken aback to learn that another user of Wood Release had appeared in the world, and she suspected it was Ryu. Anger boiled within her, as she felt Ryu had hidden this incredible power from her. Determined to confront him, she decided to meet Ryu at the Shikkotsu Forest.

Tsunade sought the aid of the sage slug to summon Ryu. As Ryu appeared in the tranquil Shikkotsu Forest, Tsunade's anger surged, and she engaged him in a personal battle to witness his Wood Release firsthand. With skill and precision, Ryu unleashed the power of Wood Release, overpowering Tsunade and emerging victorious. Despite her defeat, Tsunade's anger and disappointment in Ryu lingered.

Ryu humbly apologized for his actions, understanding the pain he had caused Tsunade by keeping his abilities hidden. As they sat down together, they shared a drink and delved into discussions about their shared ancestry and the intricacies of Wood Release. Ryu revealed that he possessed the ability to awaken Tsunade's dormant Wood Release, offering her a chance to unlock its potential. He also revealed the heinous deeds Orochimaru had committed, particularly his exploitation of their grandfather, Senju Hashirama's cells. As the Hokage, He had access to Orochimaru's records and was familiar with his experiments involving Hashirama's cells. Ryu's knowledge from the anime gave him the confidence to offer Tsunade power through biotechnology and his own cells.

Ryu extended an invitation for Tsunade to return to the village, knowing deep inside that she would eventually accept. However, Tsunade declined for the time being, stating that she would only return when the right moment arrived. Ryu understood her decision but was certain that Tsunade's longing for the village would bring her back sooner or later.

Konoha Village, Hokage Office.

After agreeing to the research on Tsunade's Wood Release awakening, Ryu wasted no time and began the experiment soon after his return.

In any research experiment, besides having suitable research specimens, funding plays a crucial role.

In terms of personnel, Konoha had no shortage of talented individuals. As the Hokage, Ryu could easily mobilize resources. And as for the funds, the Senju Clan had more than enough. Even though he had initially claimed not to give Tsunade any money, he secretly allocated a substantial portion for her. Now, some of those funds could be utilized for the research, making the best use of everything available.

With both the resources and personnel in place, the experiment could commence immediately.

Due to its connection with Wood Release, Ryu decided to elevate the secrecy level of this experiment to top secret.

This meant that apart from the researchers involved, only the Hokage of Konoha was qualified to possess information about this research experiment.

After all, among the specimens being studied, there were Konoha's valuable intercolumnar cells, as well as blood cells from both Ryu and Tsunade. Additionally, a boy named "Yamato," who unexpectedly possessed Wood Release, would also provide assistance.

Although Yamato was still under the control of the Root, Ryu planned to retrieve him promptly. As a Wood Release user, Ryu had the right to reclaim everything that belonged to the Senju Clan. And in the process, he could also deal a severe blow to the Root.

The latter had become an uncontrolled organization, uncontrollable even by the power of the Hokage, and this trend had to be halted.

Without sufficient reasons, Ryu couldn't forcibly disband such a massive underground organization. However, implementing some restrictive measures was essential.

With these thoughts in mind, Ryu suddenly commanded, "Come here!"

"Lord Fourth!" an ANBU ninja appeared, half-kneeling in the tunnel.

Ryu ordered, "Bring me all the files and intelligence on the Root."

"Yes!" the ANBU ninja replied before swiftly disappearing.

Although the Root members were marked with the Tongue Disaster and Eradication Seal upon joining, preventing them from divulging information about the Root to the outside world, they were still part of Konoha. Despite having their own channels for personnel, funds, and equipment required for their development, they still relied on Konoha's support.

This meant that Konoha had always been aware of the Root's details.

It was also one of the reasons why the Third Hokage allowed the Root to grow, aside from his personal sentiments.

Of course, no matter how much Konoha knew, there were always intentionally concealed aspects of the Root that couldn't be fully uncovered.

Various taboo experiments conducted by the Root and Orochimaru, such as the Sharingan and Wood Release, remained buried deep underground, hidden from the light.

However, once exposed, the reputation would be irreparably tarnished.

Ryu's current task was to unveil the most certain truths.

...

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

A series of black shadows swiftly maneuvered through the dense forest, startling the nearby wildlife, causing them to flee in haste.

"How much farther?" The leader donned the Fourth Hokage's robe and was none other than the current Fourth Hokage, Senju Ryu.

"Hokage-sama, we still have about three kilometers to go," replied an ANBU ninja beside him, dressed in black with a cat-faced mask.

Ryu said, "I didn't expect Danzo to establish the Root so far away. Let's pick up the pace!"

"Yes!" the team responded in unison.

Instantly, the entire team's speed escalated significantly.