In a tent simply furnished.
Tanzō sat cross-legged on the camp bed, his eyes slightly closed, looking calm and composed.
Kaze remained silent for a while and finally couldn't hold back, initiating the conversation, "Father, aren't you going to give me an explanation for what happened tonight?"
Tanzō lifted his eyelids and glanced at his son, and a mysterious smile curled on his lips. "First, tell me what you've figured out and what you want to know from me."
Kaze gritted his teeth. "I know that Sister Yukino betrayed me and secretly informed Sunagakure of my whereabouts."
Tanzō stared directly into his son's eyes, his gaze deep and intense. "Then, have you figured out the reason?"
"Because I'm your only son and you have no intention of remarrying, so..." Kaze paused.
"So if I die, Sister Yukino's younger brother is very likely to become the new heir of the Shimura clan."
Tanzō gave a satisfied grunt and then looked at Kaze with an encouraging look. "Anything else? Go on."
Kaze lowered his head and said in a low voice, "Actually, you've anticipated all this. You deliberately transferred me to the battlefield. It seemed like you were giving Sister Yukino a chance, but in fact, you wanted to use me as bait to lure and kill a high - level combatant from Sunagakure."
Tanzō nodded approvingly. "Good. You can calm down and figure all this out in such a short time. You're truly my son, Kaze."
He set this trap and put his son in danger with three purposes, one of which was what his son said.
Secondly, he wanted to lure some people in Konoha to take action. Then, he could use this as an excuse to purge the unstable elements within Konoha.
His son almost got killed on the battlefield. He believed that Hiruzen would understand if he took extreme measures.
Thirdly, it was to teach his son a lesson and let him see the true nature of the ninja world.
To make him understand that so - called friendship, family affection, and bonds are worthless in the face of interests.
"Yukino has been captured. So..."
Tanzō looked at Kaze, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes. "So, how do you plan to deal with this traitor?"
Kaze didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked at the light screen in front of him.
[Option 1: Behead her with a single sword strike as a warning to others about the consequences of betraying you. Completion reward: Killing power 1.]
[Option 2: Out of old affection, exile her from Konoha and let her fend for herself. Completion reward: Speed 1.]
[Option 3: What else can you do? Of course, choose to forgive her. Completion reward: Defense 1.]
Kaze casually selected an option and said, tiredly.
"Father, if I'm not wrong, Sister Yukino has been following your orders from start to finish, right?"
There were too many variables from Yukino secretly sending a message to Sunagakure to luring Yuta into the ambush.
Unless Yukino was on their side from the beginning, Tanzō couldn't have perfectly controlled every aspect of the plan.
Moreover, others may not know how strong Tanzō's control over Root is, but how could he not?
[Selection successful. Completion reward: Defense +1!]
Finally, a flicker of emotion appeared on Tanzō's otherwise calm face.
Previously, he always thought his son was mediocre and stubborn. However, his son's performance tonight really surprised him.
"Incredible... simply incredible! You're truly the son of Tanzō Shimura!"
Seeing his son looking downcast, Tanzō roughly guessed what was on his mind. He clapped his hands with a smile and said, "Come in, Yuto."
Nani?!
Kaze was stunned. He turned around in shock and saw that familiar figure.
What the...!
Not only was Yuto alive, but he wasn't carried in. He walked in on his own!
"Sorry, my young master. I tricked you again. Hahaha!"
Yuto laughed heartily. As a member of Root, how could he not know Lord Tanzō's plan?
His fearless charge towards Yuta and his "death" at the latter's hands were all part of the plan.
"Do you remember those Sand ninjas we encountered during your first mission?" Yuto asked. "Those guys wearing human skin."
"Of course I do," Kaze nodded. Those strange creatures left a deep impression on him.
"Root erased the consciousness of one of the Sand ninjas. After some indescribable operations, they made him look like me and stuffed his body with summoning talismans."
"The moment Yuta lost sight of me, with the help of the talismans, I used the Substitution Jutsu to switch places with that Sand ninja."
After hearing Yuto's explanation, Kaze showed a look of realization.
Indeed, at that time, Yuta was eager to abduct him and wouldn't stop to check if the one he crushed was really Yuto.
That meant in this mission, only Ayako, who came from the reconnaissance squad, was kept in the dark and unfortunately got seriously injured...
"I'm just glad you're okay, Uncle Yuto!" Kaze smiled again.
He was a selfish person. He could accept sacrifices, but he couldn't bear to see the people around him get hurt.
"Alright, Yuto. You can leave now." Tanzō waved his hand, signaling him to go.
"Yes, Lord Tanzō. My young master, I'll take my leave then."
Yuto left respectfully, leaving only the father and son in the tent.
"Now that the plan is completed, you don't need to stay here anymore." Tanzō looked at Kaze with a smile. "Tell your father, what are your plans next?"
Kaze looked at the light screen in front of him. He thought to himself that today was truly an absurd day. Two multiple-choice questions popped up!
[Option 1: There's nothing more important than learning. Of course, I'll go back to the village to complete my studies! Completion reward: Killing power +1.]
[Option 2: I aim to defend the frontier and safeguard my country! I'm heading to the battlefield in the Land of Rain! Completion reward: Speed +1.]
[Option 3: I wish to join the Anbu and serve Uncle Sarutobi. Dad, could you do me a favor and use your connections? Completion reward: Defense +1.]
]
[Option 4: I want to join Root to relieve my dad's worries and be a great filial son. Completion reward: Chakra 1.]
Kaze glanced at the options and resolutely said, "Father, I want to join Root to relieve your worries and be a great... Pfft! Pfft!"
Kaze quickly stopped himself. He nearly blurted out the whole option just then!
[Selection successful. Reward obtained: Chakra 1!]
Tanzō gave Kaze a deep look. "Are you sure, Kaze?"
"I'm sure!" Kaze replied without hesitation. He had long wanted to enter Root.
In this way, if Tanzō remained stubborn later, he could take over Root from within, leaving Tanzō isolated and unsupported.
In this way, he might be able to save his dad's life...
Damn! He was actually willing to go to such lengths for his dad. He was even touched by his own filial act!