Root’s Revenge

Leaving the memorial behind, Naruto intended to regroup with hisvillage if rain comrades. However, he crossed paths with an Anbu operative who awaited him.

"Follow me," the Anbu instructed, striding forward without a backward glance.

With no one else in sight, Naruto opted to comply, though Kurama cautioned him about potential deception and hostility.

"It's likely from the Root organization. I killed their leader, Danzo, so I anticipated retaliation," Naruto remarked to Kurama.

Prepared for any eventuality, Naruto followed the Anbu, even as they ventured farther from the village, ultimately arriving at a secluded spot on its outskirts.

Internally, Naruto scoffed at the Anbu's naivety in believing he was a mere pawn. However, he maintained his facade of compliance, feigning ignorance until they reached a forest clearing.

"Are my comrades here?" Naruto inquired innocently. "This doesn't look like a resting spot."

At last, the Anbu dropped the facade, revealing his true intentions. A member of the Root organization, he harbored deep animosity toward Naruto from the outset, leading him astray with malicious intent.

Several figures emerged from the surrounding woods, with some individuals leaping out from nearby trees. There were eight in total, all clad in Anbu attire, but in reality, they were former members of Root.

They swiftly encircled Naruto, their intentions clear—this wasn't going to end well for him.

"Naruto, do you know who we are?" one of them demanded loudly.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, removing his hand from his ear. There was no need for them to shout; he could hear them perfectly well.

As for their questioning...

Naruto smirked disdainfully, his grin dripping with contempt. "You're truly stupid. Whether you're acting under the guise of Anbu or Root, or seeking revenge for someone, why not just confront me directly? Why resort to this cowardly display of fury?"

The "someone" he referred to was Shimura Danzō. Of course, Naruto hadn't forgotten Danzo; he was deliberately feigning ignorance to further incense them.

He genuinely couldn't fathom their motives.

"But I understand now. Just like me, you enjoy inflicting pain and taking lives. You think by doing so, you'll achieve ultimate vengeance. But let me make one thing clear: I don't give a damn about Danzo or your petty vendettas. If you're here to die, I'll gladly oblige," Naruto declared, his tone chillingly resolute.

The eight individuals exchanged glances, as if snapping out of a trance, and ceased their pointless banter. Their gazes hardened, brimming with murderous intent, before they lunged at Naruto in unison, wordlessly determined to end him.

In their minds, they had meticulously crafted this trap and with eight of them against one, they believed victory was assured.

Naruto's response was far from what the surrounding people expected. Rather than showing gratitude for their attempted ambush, he sneered and reminded them of how he had once escaped Konoha Village's encirclement.

As the group of eight roots closed in on Naruto, he made his move. In a blur of motion, he swiftly evaded their grasp, leaving them frozen in shock.

In the blink of an eye, blood sprayed from the rooted ninjas. Naruto stood unscathed, leaning casually against a tree, his white attire unstained by blood.

With two knives hanging from his belt, he seemed untouched by the carnage he had just caused. In mere moments, he had dispatched eight highly trained ninjas with ease.

Mocking their feeble attempt, Naruto remarked, "Is that all?"

One of the rooted ninjas, still clinging to life, glared at Naruto with seething resentment. But Naruto dismissed him with a casual wave, cutting off any attempt to speak.

He knew their plan had contingencies. If he were to kill them in Konoha Village, he would face repercussions.

Real Anbu members, led by Morino Ibiki, emerged from the shadows, surrounding Naruto.

"Come with us, Naruto," Ibiki commanded.

But Naruto's response was defiant, "And if I refuse?"