Iruka stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing to process the masked ninja's words. He had a fair understanding of both the ANBU and Root—though he never had any ambition to join them, he was still a Chunin, qualified to participate in their selection. But he had chosen another path, dedicating himself to the future of Konoha as a teacher at the Ninja Academy.
Yet now, one of his students—Shouta Kazuki—was being summoned by Danzo. Iruka knew that such summons rarely boded well. Danzo's methods were always shrouded in secrecy, and Root operated in the shadows, answering only to him.
Iruka stepped forward, his stance firm as he positioned himself between the Root ninja and Shouta. His voice carried a sharp edge of authority.
"I wonder what Elder Danzo wants with my student," Iruka demanded. "Does the Third Hokage know about this?"
The Root ninja did not waver. "Iruka, this does not concern you. Danzo-sama does not need the Hokage's approval to summon who he sees fit." His voice was cold and emotionless, reflecting the strict conditioning of Root. "I have been ordered to bring Shouta Kazuki. That is all I need to know."
Iruka's brows furrowed. The last time Shouta had caused an uproar with his reverse summoning, Danzo had appeared almost immediately. But that time, the Third Hokage had also been present. Now, Danzo had acted in secrecy, sending a messenger without warning.
"I am Shouta Kazuki's teacher! His safety is my responsibility!" Iruka declared, his fists clenched. "Without an order from the Hokage himself, I will not allow anyone to take my student! Not even Danzo-sama!"
The masked ninja let out an exasperated sigh. "What a waste of time! Do you intend to defy Danzo-sama's orders?" He pushed Iruka aside, stepping forward.
"Shouta Kazuki, come with me!"
The atmosphere in the classroom grew tense. The students were no longer just passive observers—there was an unspoken understanding among them. The air crackled with the energy of impending conflict.
Sasuke's hand twitched as a kunai materialized in his grip, his sharp gaze locked onto the Root ninja.Naruto's usual exuberance was replaced by a scowl, his instincts screaming that something was wrong.Choji lowered his potato chips, his eyes dark with seriousness.A shadow extended from Shikamaru's feet, creeping toward the masked man.Kiba rested his hand on Akamaru's back, his canine companion growling lowly.Shino's insects stirred beneath his sleeves.Ino swallowed hard, her fingers twitching near her pouch.Sakura's breath hitched as she watched the scene unfold.Hinata, usually timid, clenched her fists and took a steady breath, lifting her gaze.
The tension was palpable. If things escalated further, a battle could break out within the classroom itself.
Within the Psychic Space
Far away, in the mysterious void where the souls of legendary shinobi resided, the scene played out before watchful eyes.
Senju Tobirama frowned. "What is Danzo up to?" he muttered, his sharp mind already calculating the implications.
Senju Hashirama turned toward his brother. "Tobirama, you know him?"
Tobirama nodded, his expression unreadable. "He was one of my students. He seems to have risen to power in Konoha… though I don't like the way he's handling things."
Uzumaki Mito's gaze darkened slightly, though she remained silent. She had lived long enough to see Danzo and Hiruzen's rule firsthand. She had witnessed the destruction of the Uzumaki Clan, a wound that still ached in her heart. And the slow dismantling of the Senju Clan… That was something she could never forget.
Uchiha Madara, leaning casually against a stone pillar, scoffed. "Danzo? That fool is still around?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "He was always a coward, hiding in the shadows. I'd be happy to crush him myself."
Uchiha Fugaku let out a quiet snort of disapproval upon hearing Danzo's name. Near him, Namikaze Minato smiled slightly as he saw Naruto standing his ground, proud of the son he had left behind.
Back in the Classroom
Shouta Kazuki let out a long sigh, stretching his arms before rising from his seat. His eyes flickered slightly as he glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of his classmates. Their shared determination was evident—each of them was ready to stand by his side if things turned ugly.
A smirk played at the corner of his lips.
"Ah… What are you all getting so worked up for?" Shouta spoke lazily, his voice tinged with amusement. "This guy's from Root. What, are you planning to fight him? Be careful, or Danzo-sama might brand you traitors."
The Root ninja let out an impatient huff. "You talk too much. Are you coming or not?"
Shouta shrugged. "Sure, sure. I'll go. No big deal." He turned to Iruka, offering a reassuring smile. "It's fine, Iruka-sensei. Danzo-sama is still an elder of Konoha. He wouldn't do anything reckless… right?"
Despite his words, there was a glint in Shouta's eyes—a look that only those who knew him well would recognize.
He was not afraid.
He was intrigued.
If Danzo had truly set his sights on him, then this could be an opportunity.
As he walked past the Root ninja, he thought about Danzo's famous technique—Kotoamatsukami. If Danzo truly attempted to control him… perhaps he could reverse-engineer the technique. His own Mangekyō Sharingan was still incomplete, lacking a unique ability. But if he could understand the mechanics of Kotoamatsukami, then perhaps… he could awaken something even greater.
A slow grin spread across his face.
Maybe… just maybe… meeting Danzo would be fun.
And if the old man tried anything stupid, well—Shouta had a lot of powerful allies waiting within his psychic space.
If worst came to worst, he could always summon Uchiha Madara.
Wouldn't that be a sight?