"So that's how it is?"
Sakumo Hatake looked genuinely surprised.
"So you have that kind of connection… That means you really are a descendant of the Senju. No wonder Tsunade went to see you."
Then he smirked slightly.
"She must've given you something too, right?"
He knew Tsunade's personality very well.
"Hehe! Nothing gets past you, Sensei!"
Shiro Akira grinned.
"She gave me the Shadow Clone Technique and a Water Release—Water Stream Wave. Said I could go to her if I run into trouble."
"Mm."
Sakumo nodded.
"Keep in touch with her. It'll only benefit you. Tsunade… is someone you can trust."
Then his expression turned serious.
"As for Danzo Shimura—"
"You must never come into contact with him. Don't even mention him casually."
"If he sets his sights on you, it will be extremely dangerous."
"If you ever feel like you're being watched or targeted, report it to me immediately. I'll handle it."
In Sakumo's eyes—
Danzo was a high-risk threat.
"Understood!"
Both Shiro Akira and Kakashi Hatake nodded.
Then Shiro Akira hesitated slightly before speaking:
"Actually, Sensei… these past few days, I've felt like someone's been watching me. I'm not sure if it's just my imagination."
"Hmm?"
Sakumo frowned.
"You're certain?"
"Yes."
Shiro Akira nodded.
"Ever since my talent improved, my perception has become sharper. I can vaguely sense someone observing me… and it feels hostile."
"It's different from before."
He didn't say it outright—
But he was almost certain.
Root.
Not ANBU.
The feeling was colder… darker… malicious.
And at this time—
Only Danzo would have reason to target him.
"Stay here."
Sakumo's tone turned cold.
Shua!
In an instant—
He created a shadow clone to remain behind, while his real body vanished from the courtyard.
Shiro Akira and Kakashi exchanged a glance, then looked at the clone.
"Sensei… did you find something?"
"Mm."
The clone nodded.
"I've also sensed a faint gaze before—especially when Shiro Akira first arrived."
"I thought it was the Hokage's surveillance, so I ignored it."
"But now… probably not."
"Just wait. The real body will handle it."
Anyone daring to spy on his disciple—
Especially with hostile intent—
Would not be let off lightly.
Outside — The Hunt Begins
Sakumo moved at extreme speed.
His perception expanded outward—
Scanning.
Locking on.
And very quickly—
He found them.
The Root operatives had grown careless.
"Not good!"
Their expressions changed instantly.
"Scatter!"
They tried to flee.
Too late.
Crack—!
A flash of lightning tore through the air.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Three figures were blasted off the trees and slammed into the ground.
Before they could recover—
Sakumo appeared in front of them.
Cold.
Sharp.
Like a drawn blade.
"So it is Root."
His voice was icy.
"You've got quite the nerve… spying on my disciple."
The leader of the Root operatives tried to bluff:
"White Fang, don't make false accusations. We're executing orders from Danzo-sama. Are you trying to rebel?"
BAM!
Sakumo answered with a kick.
Straight to the face.
Teeth shattered.
Blood spilled.
The man collapsed, stunned and humiliated.
Using Danzo's name to threaten him—
The head of ANBU?
Ridiculous.
Sakumo's gaze turned even colder.
"You… and Danzo… are not qualified to say such things."
"Go back and tell him this—"
"If I catch you spying on my disciple again…"
"I won't hesitate to deal with you personally."
"Understood?"
Silence.
Fear.
Then—
Shua!
Sakumo vanished.
Hokage's Office
Moments later—
Sakumo stood before Hiruzen Sarutobi and reported everything.
He wasn't worried for himself.
But Shiro Akira—
Could not be dragged into this.
"Is that so…"
Hiruzen frowned.
"I understand. I'll personally warn Danzo."
"I already told him—Shiro Akira is someone I value, and your disciple. He is not to be touched."
"Seems he didn't take my words seriously."
There was clear displeasure in his tone.
Danzo acting behind his back—
Again.
"That would be appreciated, Hokage-sama."
Sakumo nodded.
With that assurance, he was satisfied.
At least for now—
Hiruzen wouldn't allow this to escalate openly.
"This is my responsibility."
Hiruzen waved it off with a smile.
"Shiro Akira is a talent both you and I recognize. He represents Konoha's future."
"We can't allow his growth to be hindered."
"Mm."
Sakumo nodded and stood.
"Then I'll take my leave."
"Go ahead."
Hiruzen smiled.
"And send my regards to Shiro Akira."
The moment Sakumo left—
Hiruzen's face darkened.
He raised a hand.
An ANBU appeared instantly.
"Summon Danzo. Now."
"Yes!"
The ANBU vanished.
And not long after—
They arrived at one of Root's hidden bases.
Because this time—
Hiruzen wasn't going to let it slide.