Root Bases

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Danzo extended his hand, inviting Muzan to join Root. This time, he was certain Muzan would accept.

"Join Root? Yes!" Muzan responded without hesitation. He couldn't stay in Konoha for long, so having Danzo as his shield during this period seemed practical.

"Excellent!" Danzo replied, leading Muzan to the hidden Root base.

A powerful genjutsu barrier concealed the base, ensuring no outsiders could perceive its true nature. Inside, masked shinobi moved with silent precision, each one embodying complete ruthlessness. This wasn't the demeanor of ordinary people—this was Konoha's darkest corner, where ninjas were molded into tools, expected to obey without question.

"Your authority in experimentation will only be second to mine," Danzo stated as they walked through the base. "When it comes to research, you'll have full control."

Danzo had invested heavily in Muzan, whose ambition reminded him of Orochimaru. He hoped Muzan could become Konoha's new shadow.

With the war over, many children had become orphans. Root's latest directive was to gather them—orphans of war, easily manipulated and trained to follow Danzo's orders.

Muzan's gaze lingered on a group of children undergoing harsh training, fighting each other relentlessly. Root's ideology was simple—strength was paramount, and emotional ties were weaknesses. Eventually, they would fight to the death, like in Kirigakure's infamous "Bloody Mist" exam.

"Here, you won't need to worry about resources," Danzo continued. "Your activities will remain undiscovered."

Danzo hesitated before adding, "But be cautious with human experimentation. Resources are still limited."

"Understood," Muzan replied nonchalantly. Human experimentation was necessary, but for now, Muzan didn't need many subjects.

Content with Muzan's response, Danzo began boasting about Root's power, claiming his leadership far surpassed Sarutobi Hiruzen's softness.

But Muzan wasn't listening. He had stopped at a small training ground. "That child... he's impressive."

A boy, despite his young age, moved with precision and potential. Muzan watched as the boy aimed his kunai at his opponent's throat but stopped short of a lethal strike.

"Him?" Danzo asked. "He's an orphan from the Konoha Orphanage, adopted by Nonō Yakushi."

Though the orphanage appeared charitable, Root had long infiltrated it, and even its director was Danzo's agent. The boy, Kabuto Yakushi, had been brought in by Nonō and showed promise as a ninja.

As the sparring session ended, Muzan approached the boy, his expression unreadable. "You fought well. If you're willing, stay with me."

Kabuto looked up, surprised. He didn't know who Muzan was but understood that anyone walking beside Danzo held significant power.

"You want to train a child?" Danzo asked, surprised. Muzan wasn't known for taking on students, especially a child like Kabuto, who—though skilled—wasn't exceptional by Root's standards.

"If you wish to train him, he's yours," Danzo conceded, curious to see how Muzan would handle the boy.

Kabuto's fate was no longer his own. He had joined Root to survive, undergoing rigorous ninja training.

"I won't have much time to teach him," Muzan said calmly, "but while I'm here, he will learn."

As Muzan studied Kabuto, he wondered if the boy had encountered Orochimaru yet. Muzan knew Orochimaru could manipulate others, but at this stage, Orochimaru was too consumed with his own experiments to interfere.

Kabuto followed Muzan silently as Danzo continued discussing Root's operations. Though Kabuto didn't fully understand Muzan's role, he knew his future now lay under Muzan's guidance.

"You'll oversee the lab," Muzan told Kabuto. "The Fourth Hokage will be announced soon. You should observe the proceedings."

The upcoming appointment of Namikaze Minato was a challenge for Root. Although Sarutobi Hiruzen would step down, the true power would remain with him and his allies.

Once Danzo left, Muzan and Kabuto were alone in the lab. Muzan ignored Kabuto at first, letting the boy stand quietly. He watched Kabuto closely, noting his resilience. Kabuto hadn't yet developed his famous skills, but his ability to endure Muzan's silent scrutiny was remarkable.

"You have a solid foundation as a ninja," Muzan finally spoke. "That will save time. But know this—I don't waste my efforts on the weak. From today, prove your worth."

"I will train you to become strong. At least for now, you will have the power to shape your own fate."

The word "fate" resonated with Kabuto. Muzan noticed the boy's fists clench before relaxing. Satisfied, Muzan smiled faintly.

Kabuto's life had been filled with hardship—taken to the orphanage, renamed, and forced into Root to protect it. Fate had never been kind to him.

"Seize your fate," Muzan said quietly.

Kabuto repeated the words to himself, meeting Muzan's gaze. He had been given a chance, and he would seize it.

"Before your training begins," Muzan continued, "you'll need to learn theoretical knowledge. My time is limited, so your education will be intensive."

Muzan recognized Kabuto's potential, especially in chakra control, which could make him a great medical-nin. But for now, Muzan would focus on sharpening Kabuto's mind before honing his body.

---

Muzan handed Kabuto the notes he had used during his original training. Muzan had a habit of recording his methods, and these notes summarized his years of experience.

When Kabuto received the notes, he could feel Muzan's determination and ambition.

"I will definitely work hard to become strong and serve you!" Kabuto declared earnestly.

"You'd better grow up quickly," Muzan replied.

Kabuto was undeniably a genius, but he was still too young. He couldn't even reach the lab table, making it impossible for him to assist Muzan in any significant experiments.

Muzan was in charge of the lab, which was far more advanced and precise than the basic equipment at Konoha Hospital. It was a place where countless experiments could be conducted.

He allowed Kabuto to explore the lab on his own. If Kabuto didn't understand something, he could write it down, and Muzan would answer once he finished his tasks.

The first task Muzan undertook was checking the equipment, ensuring Danzo hadn't tampered with anything. He didn't plan to start experiments on demon weaknesses right away. Instead, his focus was on analyzing the composition of sunlight.

Muzan worked alone, and his focused figure caught Kabuto's attention.

Watching such a powerful figure work so diligently, Kabuto knew he had to keep up. Only by passing Muzan's tests could he truly serve him.

A resolve formed in Kabuto's heart: only by becoming stronger could he control his destiny and assist Muzan.

"The basic analysis of the three-color light spectrum is complete," Muzan noted aloud.

Aside from the ultraviolet rays that could burn him, the other components of sunlight had no effect on Muzan. However, the true fatal component remained undetected.

No matter how advanced the technology, the current equipment couldn't provide Muzan with the answers he sought. In fact, there was no machine in the entire ninja world capable of delivering what he needed.

Muzan was lost in thought until Kabuto's voice brought him back to reality. It was already night.

"Sir, you haven't eaten yet," Kabuto said, concerned.

In Kabuto's mind, even powerful shinobi needed to eat.

"No, let's return to the village," Muzan responded.

The Root's experimental base was located in the Forest of Death, and they needed to head back to the village. This time, Muzan would test Kabuto's learning.

They traveled at a steady pace, conserving chakra with every leap. For Kabuto, who still had limited chakra, it was challenging, but he followed Muzan without complaint, despite his sweat-soaked clothes.

In Muzan's eyes, Kabuto's performance was commendable. He had mastered basic chakra control, but the real test would be in combat scenarios and further training.

Near the village outskirts, Muzan stopped. Kabuto, utterly exhausted, nearly collapsed upon landing, his body reaching its limit.

"Let's go. I'm treating you to dinner today," Muzan said.

Though the Konoha orphanage was a charitable institution, it lacked funding, and meals were barely enough to stave off hunger. Kabuto, who was undergoing ninja training, needed more nutritious food.

As they entered the village, many people greeted Muzan. Kabuto, observing this, finally understood who Muzan truly was.

"I didn't realize he was Lord Muzan. It's a shame I've never seen his face under that black robe," Kabuto thought to himself.

The Konoha orphanage housed many children, some of whom were weak and often fell ill. When the director was too busy, she would bring them to the hospital, where the medical ninjas sometimes spoke of Muzan.

Many children at the orphanage admired him, inspired by the stories they heard. Though they had never seen him, his deeds were the stuff of legend.

High-intensity training demanded a lot of protein. Even though Kabuto could barely eat anymore, he forced himself to finish every bite.

As they walked, Kabuto's stomach ached from fullness, but he followed Muzan in small steps.

"Today was the most satisfying meal I've ever had," Kabuto remarked, hiding his discomfort.

Muzan, lowering his hat, gave Kabuto an indifferent look, making the boy worry that he had said something wrong. But then Muzan spoke, addressing a core belief he wanted Kabuto to understand.

"Kabuto, after witnessing the cruelty of Root and the horrors of war, do you think this world is flawed?"

Kabuto remained silent, unsure of how to respond.

"Work hard to become stronger. When you are strong enough, you can help me change this world. The way of the ninja is flawed. Only through the advancement of technology can we secure a future."

Muzan wanted Kabuto to understand that while ninjas possessed great power, true peace and progress could only come from technological advancement. Muzan knew very few in the ninja world had the talent to drive this progress, and Kabuto was one of them.

"Yes, Lord Muzan!" Kabuto replied with determination.

Though Kabuto didn't fully understand the power required to change the ninja world, he was resolved to help Muzan achieve his vision.

The Konoha orphanage continued to operate even after Kabuto joined Root. In fact, part of its ability to keep running was due to Kabuto's involvement with Root.

Though she knew it would be difficult for Kabuto to return, Yakushi Nono, the orphanage director, stood at the door each day, hoping for his return.

"I hope Kabuto is surviving," she thought.

Nono had once been a member of Root herself but left due to their inhumane training methods. She had applied to become the orphanage director to escape that life, but Danzo had never truly let her go.

As she stood lost in thought, a figure appeared under the streetlamp.

"Lord Muzan?" she recognized him instantly. She had seen him at Konoha Hospital and knew his silhouette well. A brief moment of hesitation betrayed her inner fears.

Kabuto being with Muzan likely meant Muzan had ties to Root.

"Don't worry, I've brought Kabuto home. I'm glad Kabuto has such a kind adoptive mother," Muzan said, sensing her unease.

Yakushi Nono, known for her warm and nurturing nature, was also called the "Walking Witch" for her formidable skills. As one of Root's elite spies, she had successfully provided valuable information to Konoha and sent many talented children to the village.

"As for the orphanage, I'll make sure a portion of the profits from the bloodline detection machine is used to improve the children's lives," Muzan continued. "It represents hope for the new generation of Konoha."

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