Chapter 15: Haru Finally Types a Question Mark
"This way."
Once they left Ichiraku Ramen, the leading ROOT ninja walked ahead, guiding the way.
Haru observed these individuals and noticed they had no intention of making a move here.
Although the streets were empty, this was the main street of the village.
Even Danzo wouldn't be reckless enough to go that far.
If Haru wasn't mistaken, these ROOT ninjas were likely planning to take him to a secluded location before making their move.
However, Haru naturally had nothing to worry about.
Even though these were ROOT ninjas with strength surpassing ordinary jonin, compared to the elite of the Cloud Village, they should be evenly matched.
Even those individuals would be unable to withstand his chakra release.
Let alone the fact that he currently mastered Fire Release techniques like the Great Fireball.
He could use these people to practice and perhaps learn some jutsu from them as well.
Most importantly, he could use this opportunity to intimidate Danzo!
Thinking of this, Haru felt a sense of relief. He remained vigilant for any sudden movements from the ROOT ninjas while following them to their destination.
Haru gradually noticed that the ROOT ninjas formed a cross formation as they walked.
At least two ROOT members were guarding him from the front, back, and sides, seemingly trying to block any escape routes.
As time passed, they moved further away from the center of the Leaf Village, and the sky began to darken.
Interestingly, Haru became increasingly familiar with this path.
"Aren't we going to meet Danzo?" Haru asked knowingly, "If we keep going down this road, we'll reach the Uchiha clan's residence."
The ROOT ninjas remained silent, continuing their advance.
As expected…
These people intended to find a place to deal with him and then frame the Uchiha clan.
In fact, the current timeline was very close to the night of the Uchiha massacre.
Danzo and the other high-ranking officials of the Leaf Village had discussed this matter with Sarutobi multiple times.
Additionally, given Danzo's philosophy, he had never agreed with Sarutobi's approach to governing the village.
The stronger Haru displayed his talents, the more troublesome it would be if he became the next Sarutobi.
Thus, it was best to deal with him before he grew stronger.
Besides, having his body appear in the Uchiha compound could also serve to pressure them.
If the Uchiha clan were to take extreme actions, even Sarutobi would find it difficult to stop Danzo.
In fact, Sarutobi's handling of the Uchiha clan had always been puzzling.
He had only kept saying in high-level meetings, "I will find a way," without any substantial actions.
In the end, Sarutobi merely compromised and allowed Itachi to carry out the cleanup.
So, if he were to die at the hands of ROOT…
Sarutobi would probably choose to compromise again.
After all, one was a dead Haru, and the other was a living Danzo.
It was easy to see which was more important in Sarutobi's eyes.
But…
Danzo clearly lacked understanding of Haru; a mere ten ROOT ninjas were no match for him.
"Alright."
Haru suddenly stopped, stretching his limbs, as he had lost the patience to continue walking.
They had already moved far enough from the village that no one would notice what was happening here.
"Continue."
A ROOT member, seeing Haru stop, immediately reached out to press his shoulder, wanting him to move forward.
Seeing this, Haru decisively released his chakra, aimed at the ROOT ninja, and charged forward.
Boom!
With a loud bang, the ROOT ninja was sent flying, rolling several times on the ground before coming to a stop.
"Let's end the game here." Haru surveyed everyone present, his voice low, "Since you're here for an assassination mission, let's see what you've got."
No one expected Haru to react this way.
Even if he was indeed different, he was facing ROOT ninjas.
Assassination missions were routine for them.
Although they couldn't understand why Danzo would form a ten-man team to assassinate a student who hadn't even graduated yet.
But no matter how you looked at it, how strong could he really be?
In the past, even when they tried to assassinate Sarutobi, it was just a ten-man squad.
However, what just happened left them in disbelief.
Haru had clearly been standing still; how had he managed to send a ROOT ninja flying?
How had he done it?
"Attack!"
The leading ROOT ninja was the first to react, giving orders to the others.
Even if the situation had taken a turn, it wouldn't affect the final outcome.
They would resolve Haru here and pin the blame on the Uchiha clan.
This was Danzo's direct order.
To them, it was an absolute command.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
Haru narrowed his eyes, seeing the ROOT ninjas drawing their long swords, charging toward him.
Their movements were clean and efficient, with no extraneous actions.
A flash of steel aimed straight for his throat.
If it had been someone else, they might have been killed before they could even take a breath.
But unfortunately, he had...
Signing System!
Boom!
A loud explosion echoed, and chakra visibly burst forth from Haru, enveloping his entire body and forming a layer of chakra armor.
Clang!
The long sword clashed against Haru's chakra, producing a crisp sound, and then, a crack appeared, spreading across the blade and causing it to shatter.
Crash!
Haru seized the ROOT ninja by the throat.
"Do you also want to dance?"
Haru deliberately deepened his voice, tightening his grip, then jumped and delivered a kick, using his chakra to send the opponent flying dozens of meters away.
This was indeed a classic line from Madara; it was undeniably thrilling.
However, ROOT members were all devoid of emotion and names.
Even if Haru displayed overwhelming strength, these individuals felt no fear and would not retreat!
They quickly fell back, rearranging their formation, then pulled out kunai, swiftly throwing them to feign an attack.
But just as Haru was preparing for a full-on fight, another kunai flew out from the nearby forest, skillfully nullifying ROOT's feigned assault.
Whoosh!
The kunai aimed at Haru fell to the ground one after another.
The ROOT ninjas immediately became alert.
Haru frowned and instinctively glanced in the direction the kunai had come from.
In the blink of an eye, a shadow leaped from the woods, landing firmly in front of Haru.
"Just in time."
In an Anbu uniform, with distinctive silver hair and that familiar voice…
It was you, the copy ninja, Kakashi Hatake!
Then, Kakashi turned his head and spoke softly, "Don't worry, I'll protect you."
Haru: "???"