Xu Fan slowly typed a question mark.
"Here."
As soon as he left Ichiraku Ramen, the leading ninja stepped forward to guide the way.
Xu Fan observed them carefully and noticed they had no intention of making a move just yet.
Although the street was empty, it was still the main road of the village.
Even Danzo wouldn't be so reckless.
If he wasn't mistaken, these Root ninjas were likely planning to take him somewhere secluded before eliminating him.
However, Xu Fan had nothing to worry about.
Even though these Root ninjas were stronger than the average Chūnin, they were no match for the elite forces of Kumogakure.
Even those warriors couldn't withstand his chakra.
Not to mention, he now had mastery over Fire Release techniques, including the Great Fireball Jutsu.
This would be a good opportunity to test his skills—and perhaps even learn some jutsu from them.
Most importantly, he could use this chance to send a warning to Danzo.
As he thought about it, Xu Fan's mood lightened. He followed the Root ninjas while preparing to make his move.
Gradually, he noticed their formation shifting into a cross pattern as they walked.
At all times, at least two Root ninjas guarded his front, back, left, and right, ensuring that his escape routes were cut off.
As time passed, they moved farther from the heart of Konoha, and the sky darkened.
What caught Xu Fan's attention was how familiar this path felt.
"Aren't we supposed to meet Danzo?" he asked knowingly. "If we keep going, we'll end up at the Uchiha clan's district."
The Root ninjas remained silent, continuing forward.
As expected…
They were planning to kill him and frame the Uchiha clan.
The current timeline was dangerously close to the night of the Uchiha massacre.
Danzo and the Konoha elders had already discussed this matter multiple times with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Danzo had always disagreed with Hiruzen's leadership philosophy.
The stronger Xu Fan became, the more dangerous he would be if he sided with Hiruzen.
So, before he had a chance to grow, the best course of action was to eliminate him.
Additionally, if his body were found in the Uchiha district, it would put even more pressure on them.
If the Uchiha clan reacted too aggressively, even Hiruzen might not be able to stop Danzo.
In truth, Hiruzen's handling of the Uchiha clan had always been perplexing.
Beyond repeatedly saying, "I'll find a way" in meetings, he had taken no concrete action.
In the end, he had simply compromised and let Itachi handle it.
So if Xu Fan were to die at the hands of Root…
Hiruzen might just compromise again.
After all, it was one dead Xu Fan versus one living Danzo.
And Hiruzen would know which one mattered more.
But...
Danzo clearly underestimated him.
Did he really think ten Root ninjas would be enough?
"Alright."
Xu Fan suddenly stopped and stretched his muscles. He had no patience for this anymore.
They were far enough from the village—no one would notice what happened here.
"Keep moving."
One of the Root ninjas reached out to grab Xu Fan's shoulder, attempting to force him forward.
Xu Fan responded immediately.
He unleashed his chakra and struck.
BOOM!
With a loud impact, the Root ninja was sent flying, rolling across the ground before coming to a stop.
Xu Fan looked around at the others, his voice low and calm.
"Since you came for an assassination… let's get started."
No one had expected him to react like this.
Even if he was a special case, he was still just a ninja academy student.
Assassination missions were second nature to Root operatives.
None of them could understand why Danzo had assigned a ten-man squad to kill a mere student.
But no matter the reason…
He was still just a student, right?
After all, even when they tried to assassinate the Third Hokage, it was with a squad of ten.
So what was going on here?
How had Xu Fan, without even moving, sent one of them flying?
"Attack!"
The squad leader snapped out of his shock and gave the order.
Even if the situation had changed, the outcome would not.
Xu Fan would die here, and the Uchiha clan would take the blame.
This was Danzo-sama's direct order.
And for them, his word was absolute.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
The Root ninjas drew their swords and charged.
Their movements were precise and efficient, wasting no energy.
A flash of cold steel glinted in the dimming light—aimed straight at Xu Fan's throat.
If it were anyone else, they wouldn't even have time to react before being cut down.
But unfortunately for them…
He had already signed the contract.
BOOM!
A powerful chakra shockwave erupted from Xu Fan, visible to the naked eye.
The energy engulfed him, forming a protective chakra cloak.
Clang!
A sword struck the chakra barrier with a crisp metallic sound.
A fracture formed along the blade, spreading instantly—before the entire weapon shattered into pieces.
Crack!
Xu Fan reached forward, gripping the ninja by the throat.
His voice dropped into a deep growl.
"You want to dance too?"
Tightening his grip, he hurled the ninja away, sending him flying with a single powerful kick.
The chakra-enhanced strike launched the opponent dozens of meters into the air.
"That line really does feel good to say."
But these Root ninjas were nameless, emotionless soldiers.
Even after witnessing Xu Fan's overwhelming strength, they showed no fear.
Not a single one of them hesitated or retreated.
Instead, they quickly repositioned, adjusting their formation before hurling kunai at him in a feint attack.
Xu Fan was just about to counter when—
A new barrage of kunai flew in from the shadows, intercepting every single one of the Root ninjas' attacks.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The kunai clattered to the ground.
The Root ninjas tensed.
Xu Fan frowned, glancing toward the direction the kunai had come from.
Then, in the blink of an eye, a dark figure emerged from the woods, landing gracefully in front of him.
"Just in time."
An Anbu uniform. A familiar voice.
It was him.
Not Mr. Fifty-Fifty… No.
The Copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake!
Kakashi turned slightly and spoke in a calm voice.
"Don't worry. I'll protect you."
Xu Fan: "???"