Letting out a sigh of disappointment, Shiki was about to head to his next training spot when a mocking round of applause suddenly rang out behind him.
Someone was actually here!
Shiki hesitated — he'd thought this hidden training location was known only to him.
Turns out it was wishful thinking. He even scouted the area every time he came here.
When Shiki turned, he found a figure in Anbu armor standing before him.
An Anbu agent, no less. Though he couldn't tell whether this one belonged to the Third's or Danzo's faction, Shiki now felt ridiculous — all along, he'd believed he was hiding his strength successfully.
His so-called secret techniques, which he thought no one else knew, had clearly been exposed.
[Ichiyōjin Jutsu], Great Fireball Jutsu — all were supposed to be his hidden weapons.
Damn! It seemed he was still just a powerless pawn being manipulated.
"That Great Fireball Technique you used was truly impressive," the Anbu said casually, like they were exchanging small talk. "At the very least, I couldn't perform ninjutsu at that level when I was your age. Of course, I had my own things to boast about — for instance, eliminating certain people who should no longer exist in this world on Danzo's behalf."
As the Anbu spoke of his past like an ordinary conversation, Shiki distinctly sensed a heavy stench of bloodshed.
So this one really was one of Danzo's agents?
He couldn't tell what the purpose of the Anbu's visit was.
"Your praise is undeserved," Shiki replied humbly. "It was merely a child's simple trick." A man like Shiki, always discreet and calm, would never boast — not even in front of an enemy.
After hearing Shiki's words, the Anbu ninja praised him further, "Hmm, just as the intelligence reported — you really are a modest fellow. Compared to that young hothead from the Uchiha clan, you're worlds apart."
This caused Shiki to recall Sasuke Uchiha. After losing to Hyuga Ao, the boy had trained relentlessly for months. Eventually, during faction duels, he won many matches — even defeating Hyuga Ao several times. His status as a genius eventually returned to him.
In truth, Shiki understood it wasn't because Sasuke improved too quickly; rather, Ao simply lacked lasting progress.
But Shiki didn't realize the root cause: Danzo had stopped personally guiding Ao's training.
Thinking about this, Shiki finally lifted his gaze and stared straight at the masked Anbu ninja before him.
"What do you want from me?" he asked.
The Anbu answered coldly and calmly, "Nothing special. I'm just here to offer my congratulations."
Congratulations?
Shiki couldn't understand what there was to congratulate him about.
Seeing the confusion on his face, the Anbu explained, "Lord Danzo has taken notice of your potential. From today onward, you officially belong to Root (Danzo's personal division)."
What?
Shiki's eyes widened. He had known Danzo probably wouldn't honor his agreement with the Third, but he hadn't expected such a direct move.
He wasn't ready yet!
Shiki weakly said, "Wasn't it agreed that I'd make my choice after graduation?"
"Unexpectedly, the Anbu on the opposite side spoke in a cold tone, 'It's your honor to contribute everything for Konoha. You don't have the right to choose!'
Damn it!!!"
Shiki could barely contain his rage and was desperate to charge in and confront the Anbu directly.
But he knew this would be meaningless—in the end, he'd only end up like a moth flying into a flame.
He responded coldly, "What if I refuse to go?"
"In that case, you'll have no choice but to sacrifice your life for Konoha."
Refusing means death?
Then Shiki watched the Anbu turn around and attempt to leave, but suddenly stop, scratching his head and saying, "Almost forgot—you must report to Root headquarters before next year's end. That gives you about three months. Of course, you can try appealing to the Third. If you can get past the protective net Root has set up near the Hokage Office, that is. By the way, our Anbu aren't weak either."
After speaking, the Anbu vanished from Shiki's sight.
Leaving Shiki standing there, dazed and alone.
Chapter 23 Where Is Hope?
"Darn it! Darn it! Darn it!"
Shiki slammed his fist deep into the ground. The earth seemed to tremble, and blood covered his hands.
Isn't that ironic?
He had believed that as long as he worked hard, there would definitely be a solution. But now—was he wrong?
Did it mean he truly lacked any ability to resist at all?
Thinking about it, tears involuntarily streamed down Shiki's face.
What terrified him wasn't being forced into Danzo's Root. It was that despite all his efforts, he was still a complete failure!
A total failure!
Damn it!
Was coming to Konoha against his mother's wishes really a mistake?
Seemingly having lost all meaning in striving, Shiki blankly got up and headed toward Konoha Hospital.
All the pedestrians along the road saw him. That red-haired genius now looked utterly devastated.
"What's wrong with him?"
"He probably got defeated?"
"Maybe he hit a talent bottleneck?"
"Oh, right."
"To see such a bright young genius looking so broken—it's heartbreaking."
"Forget it. Who told him to get too close to that kid?"
After murmuring briefly, everyone walked away.
Once hailed across Konoha for his rare red hair and unmatched talent, Shiki was now nothing more than a passing topic of gossip.
Shiki heard these words, but not one stirred even the faintest flicker of emotion in him.
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