Confrontation with Root

Kurenai Yuhi stepped forward, holding out their pass. "Here's our pass."

The ninja at the gate smiled warmly. "Everyone has worked hard." The sight of the dozen or so imposing Anbu operatives made it clear who had returned. However, routine inspections were still required.

"Thanks," Kurenai replied, turning to Kazuya. "Captain?"

Kazuya nodded, and the Anbu operatives followed him through Konoha's gate. This mission had elevated Kazuya's prestige within the Anbu ranks to its peak.

Flying Thunder God! Seventeen kills in a second! Directly confronting Orochimaru! Such achievements shone brightly in the Anbu, where strength was revered. Kazuya was becoming a legend.

As they passed through the village, whispers followed them.

"That must be Captain Kazuya!"

"Yes, it is! Learning the Flying Thunder God Technique from the Fourth Hokage and injuring Orochimaru—it's incredible!"

"So strong!"

The gatekeeper ninjas were excitedly discussing Kazuya's growing fame. Many ninjas in the village had started to admire him.

On their way back to the Anbu base, Kazuya and his team were suddenly confronted by four masked ninjas.

"Nohara Kazuya, Lord Danzo has summoned you. You need to come with us," said one of the burly ninjas coldly.

"Arrogance!" one of Kazuya's Anbu operatives snapped. "How dare you speak to the captain like that! Are you trying to provoke the Anbu?"

Before Kazuya could respond, the burly root ninja drew his long sword, his voice menacing. "This is an order from Lord Danzo, the Hokage's advisor. Do you intend to defy him?"

Kurenai Yuhi stepped in front of Kazuya, her expression furious. "Rebel! After Orochimaru's defection, those words are forbidden!"

Under his mask, Kazuya smiled wryly. Good grief! This was a blatant power play. But were they as tough as Orochimaru?

In an instant, a flash of white light filled the field. Kazuya appeared before the burly ninja and struck hard at his lower abdomen. The ninja had no time to react and was sent flying, vomiting blood from the impact.

The remaining three root ninjas were horrified. But Kazuya was already upon them, his attacks swift and decisive. In moments, two more were on their knees, coughing up blood.

It was a crushing victory. With his Body Flicker Technique, superior physique, and Kage-level chakra, Kazuya felt almost unfairly powerful against the root ninjas.

The last root ninja trembled, staring at Kazuya in fear. The gap in strength was too immense.

[You picked up 80 points of Chakra]

[You picked up 80 points of Chakra]

[You picked up 100 combat experience points]

[You picked up 50 points of Chakra]

Golden light burst from the defeated ninjas. Kazuya smirked under his mask. "Weak," he muttered. "But every bit helps."

Clapping his hands, Kazuya spoke lightly, "I suspect these three are connected to Orochimaru's rebellion. Take them to the interrogation department."

"Yes, Captain!" The Anbu operatives eagerly complied, restraining the bloodied root ninjas. 

Kazuya then turned to the last standing root ninja. "Lead the way."

The root ninja blinked in confusion. "What?"

"You said Danzo wants to see me," Kazuya replied, his smile warm but mocking. "Or are you also part of Orochimaru's faction?"

"No, no!" the root ninja stammered. "Captain Kazuya, please follow me!"

"Good," Kazuya nodded.

As they moved on, Kurenai grabbed Kazuya's arm, her eyes filled with worry. "Root isn't a safe place!"

"Don't worry," Kazuya reassured her, patting her shoulder before following the root ninja.

Shimura Danzo? Interesting. Kazuya's excitement was palpable under his mask. The new big challenge was here—Danzo, the inhumane careerist, the Uchiha butcher, the notorious advisor. This confrontation was going to be thrilling.

Kazuya pondered, "Could we perhaps start a Konoha Civil War with Danzo and the Third Hokage?"

He chuckled. With Danzo's temperament, he'd likely kneel and surrender if the Third Hokage seriously threatened him. No civil war needed.

As they arrived at the dimly lit underground base, the oppressive atmosphere was overwhelming. Kazuya sighed. Staying in such an environment long-term would drive anyone to irritation. No wonder Danzo's men turned into cold-blooded killers.