Naruto evolution system

Chapter 155: Ripples

"In the end, this world bows to strength. No matter how intricate the schemes, without power, they all come to naught."

After unraveling the details of recent events, Baishi couldn't help but sigh.

Suddenly, a faint groan interrupted his thoughts. Danzo's eyelids twitched slightly as if he were regaining consciousness.

Without hesitation, Baishi flicked his finger, and a wooden spike shot out, piercing Danzo's forehead. His body convulsed for a moment before falling still.

Baishi clasped his hands together and activated a jutsu—Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique. A flash of white light consumed Danzo's corpse, disintegrating it at an atomic level.

Having confirmed from Danzo's memories that he didn't possess resurrection techniques akin to Madara Uchiha's delayed revival methods, Baishi saw no need to preserve the body for further observation.

As Danzo's remains vanished into nothingness, Baishi felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

"Is this what they call resolving inner demons?" he mused with a chuckle, shaking his head.

He retrieved some paper and ink to continue his study of the sealing jutsu on his body, as though nothing had transpired.

But while Baishi could move on, the same couldn't be said for others—particularly Danzo's Root subordinates.

The moment Danzo died, the Curse Tongue Eradication Seal placed on them was lifted. Chaos erupted within Root.

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The Following Morning

Konohagakure

Hokage's Office

Standing at the desk, Kakashi reported formally, "After preliminary investigation, we can confirm that Danzo is dead. The unrest within Root stems directly from this."

Minato Namikaze maintained a neutral expression, showing neither joy nor sorrow.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before issuing an order: "Kakashi, inform the ANBU to immediately take over Root. All records, particularly personnel files and mission reports, must be preserved intact."

"Understood." Kakashi bowed and exited the room.

Minato let out a quiet sigh as he walked to the window, gazing out at the village below with gentle eyes.

"Father?"

Startled, Minato turned toward the door, sensing a familiar presence.

The door creaked open slightly, and a small golden-haired boy peeked inside.

"Not here," the boy murmured, creeping into the room on tiptoe.

Just as he was about to act, he felt a firm grip on the back of his collar.

"Ah!" the boy yelped, spinning around to find Minato's smiling face.

"Dad!"

It was none other than Naruto Uzumaki, Minato's son.

"Naruto, what are you doing here?" Minato asked, still holding him by the collar.

Naruto lowered his head, mumbling hesitantly, "I haven't seen you for three days..."

Minato's smile faltered.

Setting Naruto down gently, he knelt to meet his son's eyes, resting his hands on the boy's shoulders.

"Naruto," Minato said softly.

"Hm?" Naruto looked up, meeting his father's gaze.

"I'm sorry, Naruto. I promise to come home earlier from now on."

Naruto's face brightened instantly. Sticking out his pinky, he said, "Promise?"

"Promise." Minato hooked his pinky around Naruto's.

Just then, three figures entered the room.

Minato turned and greeted them respectfully, "Third Hokage, Elders."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled warmly as he looked at Naruto. "Ah, this must be young Naruto. What a charming boy!"

Naruto, unafraid, replied cheerfully, "Grandpa, your beard is really white!"

Hiruzen burst into laughter, his hearty chuckles filling the room.

Minato chuckled as well before addressing Naruto. "Naruto, go on home now. Daddy has work to do."

"Okay!" Naruto nodded, running toward the door.

Halfway there, he stopped and turned back, waving his pinky. "Don't forget, Dad!"

"I won't," Minato reassured him with a smile.

With that, Naruto left the room, his spirits high.

As soon as he was gone, the atmosphere in the office grew heavy.

After a long silence, Koharu Utatane broke it with a question: "Minato, what exactly happened to Danzo?"

Though the ANBU was under the Hokage's direct command, Sarutobi and the elders had enough influence to insert their own agents. They had been informed of Minato's order to investigate Danzo almost immediately and had come to confirm the findings.

Minato glanced at Koharu and the others before sighing. "Based on the ANBU's findings, it's highly likely that Danzo is dead. The disorder within Root supports this conclusion."

The three elders exchanged grim looks. Although they had suspected as much, hearing it confirmed left them disheartened.

After a long pause, Koharu asked, "And the perpetrator?"

"We don't know yet," Minato admitted.

"What about Danzo's subordinates?"

Before Homura Mitokado could finish, Minato interjected, "No need for concern. I've already ordered the ANBU to take over Root's operations."

Homura opened his mouth as if to argue but faltered under Minato's calm yet firm demeanor.

Koharu stepped forward, ready to lend her voice to the protest, but Sarutobi spoke up first. "That seems reasonable. From now on, Root can function as a training ground for future ANBU operatives."

Sarutobi's statement effectively ended the discussion. If even the former Hokage had no objections, Koharu and Homura had little ground to argue.

"Hmph," Koharu huffed, clearly displeased. She turned to Minato and said, "Ensure Danzo's death is thoroughly investigated. A member of Konoha cannot die without justice."

With that, she strode out of the office.

Her implication was clear: Minato could take over Root, but avenging Danzo was non-negotiable. She even invoked Konoha's name as leverage.

Minato, however, remained unfazed. An investigation would be conducted, of course, but any further action would depend on the circumstances.

Truthfully, Minato had long been at odds with Danzo. The elder had repeatedly sabotaged his efforts to reconcile with the Uchiha clan, nearly pushing them to the brink of rebellion.

To Minato, Danzo's death was almost a relief. Had it not been for Sarutobi's oversight, he might have dealt with Danzo himself.

Despite his gentle demeanor, Minato was a decisive and strong-willed leader. This firmness was evident in his earlier confrontation with Homura.

He had no intention of allowing another Danzo to rise within Konoha.

(End of Chapter)

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