Chapter 91 : Roots

"Hiruzen Sarutobi fought bravely during the Konoha Crush, facing off against his former student, Orochimaru. Even though he was old, Hiruzen gave everything he had to protect the village. In his final moments, he gave his life away to stop Orochimaru, ensuring that Konoha would be safe from further harm."

By no, means what they were saying was wrong but it was sounding much grander than it should be to Shika, maybe because he knew the reality of the Third Hokage.

"As his life slipped away, Hiruzen thought of the people he loved—the village, his students, and the future generations he had watched grow. He died with a smile, knowing he had done everything he could for Konoha."

'Yeah, I am done listening to this…' Shika can't help but roll his eyes and wants to get out of there. He achieved his goals, and that was all that he wanted.

Hiruzen, Orochimaru and Kabuto are dead, this was an absolute W for him. Hiruzen was supposed to die so not much amazement there but Orochimaru and Kabuto. That's a big deal.

And yeah, Orochimaru is still technically not dead, there is still his curse mark holding a part of his soul but hey, he ain't coming back anytime soon. That is more than enough for Shika.

Now at least he doesn't have to worry about Sasuke becoming a rogue Ninja anytime soon, and an army of zombie Shinobi marching towards his village.

But, it doesn't stop there, there is more. That Bastard clone of his gave one heck of a headache to him when he popped, but he also gave him something which made him feel that that terrible headache was worth it.

He got Orochimaru's Kusanagi sword, not the one which he gave to Sasuke mind you, it was his which he could extend the length of and make the sword fly and attack enemies like some sort of Sith master.

This sword was a cut above the rest… and now it was his. This was a kind of sword to which he can actually put his Curse Energy to make it a cursed tool. He can't wait to start working on that. A little giddy, he honestly just wanted to go and try the sword out but he knew that he couldn't, because…

The entire village gathered to say their final goodbyes to their beloved Hokage. The atmosphere was sombre, and the skies were overcast, reflecting the sorrow that gripped Konoha. Shinobi of all ranks, villagers, and even children stood in silence as Hiruzen's body was laid to rest.

It is strange how none of these students or friends were there at this time? Almost feels like those who knew him personally didn't care much about him dying. Even Jiraiya wasn't there at the the Funeral for some reason.

The monument where past Hokage names were carved now bore Hiruzen's name. As the funeral concluded, the people of Konoha vowed to honour his memory and continue to protect the village, just as he had done throughout his life.

Shika also did his acting, but after that, he immediately leaves from there. No longer want to waste time there anymore.

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After the Third Hokage's funeral, Konoha's two elders, Homura and Koharu, approached Jiraiya. They asked him to become the next Hokage, as he was one of the strongest and most experienced shinobi left in the village. But Jiraiya wasn't interested in the position. He believed he wasn't the right person for the job. He loved his freedom, travelling the world and gathering information. Being tied down as Hokage wasn't something he wanted.

Instead of outright refusing, Jiraiya came up with a reasonable response. He told the elders about Tsunade and how she would be a much better choice. "Tsunade is strong, skilled, and more than anything, she has the right background unlike me. She's the one the village needs right now," Jiraiya explained. He then convinced the elders to let him leave the village to search for her. Tsunade had been missing from Konoha for a while, wandering and avoiding her responsibilities.

Though reluctant, the elders agreed with Jiraiya's suggestion. They trusted him to bring Tsunade back and help the village find its new leader.

"So we will, Send a team of anbu with you to help search for her…" said one of the elders but Jiraiya at this instant denied it.

"No need, they will be just a bother…"

But after thinking about it again, he smirks and replies, "Though I won't mind bringing a certain someone with me." Jiraiya n smirked as he said this, confusing both elders.

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It was a calm day in Konoha, and Shika was making his way to meet Sasuke, finally ready to reveal some knowledge to him when two masked ANBU members suddenly appeared in front of him, their blank, emotionless faces staring down at him. Something about their presence made Shika uneasy.

"We need you to come with us," one of the ANBU said, his voice cold and without emotion.

Shika felt a chill run down his spine. 'Root !', but why? Why suddenly Danzo is looking for me. As for how he knew that this was too, besides Anbu which other organizations in Konoha act like this in broad daylight?

Shika tried to stay calm. "Sorry, I have other things to take care of, so until it is a direct command from the Hokage, I'm ain't interested." he said casually, hoping to brush them off without causing a scene.

The root members didn't seem interested in his excuse. "This is not a request," the other one said, stepping closer. The tension grew, and Shika's mind raced. He can't fight, even though he kills them, more will come after him later on. He wasn't in the mood to run away but that was the only option.

'But why, did anyone see me using Sharingan back then ?… Do Danzo know that I have a Sharingan ?' Shika's mind was racing.

This was an issue, but its not just one powerful enemy who he can run away from or using tricks to kill him. As long as Danzo lives and have an interest in him, this will continue to happen.

'Tch'

Just as the situation was about to escalate and Shika was about to use his Shadow to get away, a familiar voice cut through the air. "Hey, how about you two back off?" Jiraiya appeared, standing between Shika and the ANBU members, his presence immediately changing the atmosphere.

Shika visibly saw the two Roots tensing up.

The two Root agents didn't dare challenge Jiraiya. They knew who he was.

"This is an Order from Danzo Sama… Master Jiraiya, we request that you don't intervene…" they said even though Jiraiya was always there, Shika had to say that they had guts.

"Haha, I don't think so that is possible, you see this young man here will be coming with me… we are going outside the village." Jiraiya just laughed and reply, but this also meant that he wasn't going to let them take Shika from here.

Those among roots wanted to say something but before that, they felt a powerful pressure on them, of course, this was Jiraiya. He was calmly looking at them but the pressure on them was way to powerful.

They pause for few seconds and then finally without a word, they disappear into the shadows, leaving Shika standing there, still on edge.

'Sigh, good thing Jiraiya was here…'

Shika let out a sigh of relief but couldn't help feeling suspicious. "Why were they after me?" he asked, looking at Jiraiya.

'He is not suppose to know about Root so to get any information he first have to put that out first.'

Jiraiya's usual carefree attitude was replaced with a more serious tone. "Someone dangerous has his eyes on you," he said.

Shika felt a pit form in his stomach. Danzo and Root were dangerous. If they wanted him for something, it wasn't good. "So, what now?" Shika asked, unsure of what was coming next.

Jiraiya grinned and gave Shika a friendly slap on the back. "You're coming with me. We've got a mission to find Tsunade, and I could use someone like you with good tracking ability. Besides, it'll get you out of the village for a while and away from their reach."

Shika was taken aback. "Wait, you are looking for Tsunade, one of the sannin? Why?" Shika got to play his part, right.

Jiraiya shrugged. "I have my reasons. There's a lot happening in Konoha, and you're unfortunately caught in the middle of it. So get ready kid, we are moving out in a few hours." Jiraiaya slams his hand on Shika's back, it stings like hell but he endures it, and smiles back.

Shika realized that Jiraiya wasn't just taking him on this mission for no reason. He was trying to protect him, to get him out of the village before Danzo could make his move.

After a moment of thought, Shika nodded. "Alright, I'm in."

"Good choice," Jiraiya said with a grin.

xxx

Why do you thing Danzo is after Shika, did he know about his Sharingan ? or its someting else ?

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