Root is a very peculiar organization.
It has no connection to any existing institution in Konoha; in fact, most people don't even know of its existence. Initially, when Danzo established Root, he publicly announced it as merely a training center for Anbu members. However, as his power grew, the organization gradually expanded into a dark cloud hanging over everyone's heads. Its functions shifted from simple surveillance and apprehension to infiltration, assassination, and coercion.
Simply put, Root is a classic espionage and secret service agency. The difference between Root and the Anbu is that Anbu members still follow certain rules, whereas Root members follow none. Their boundaries of conduct are extremely blurred, based almost entirely on Danzo's will. Even more absurdly, Root's operational funds no longer require the support of the Third Hokage or the advisors; they have their own secret sources of income. This is why, even though Root was once officially disbanded, the entire organization could be rebuilt instantly at Danzo's command.
As Allen's understanding of Root deepened, he felt that the Third Hokage was a "genius" in the worst way possible, as he had personally cultivated a monster he could not control. Within this organization, almost every single person was a ninja who felt extreme dissatisfaction with the current policies. Combined with Danzo's blatant, undisguised eyeing of the Hokage seat, it was inevitable that trouble would brew.
If one were to compare the Third Hokage and Danzo to the "good cop/bad cop" dynamic, the current situation was that the "bad cop" was no longer satisfied with his role and wanted to steal the show, while the "good cop" was powerless to stop him.
Furthermore, the authority possessed by a Root member exceeded anyone's imagination. Take Allen, who had just joined: if he discovered someone acting against Konoha's interests, or even just suspected someone of being a spy controlled by enemy forces, he could arrest them immediately without permission from any department. If the target dared to resist, he could execute them on the spot.
That's right! No evidence required! No need for due process!
Imagine what a massive temptation this would be for young people who found the rules and regulations of the Shinobi Handbook unbearable. Thus, the loyalty of Root members toward Danzo was easy to understand. Only under the leadership of this "Shinobi of Darkness" could they obtain power that placed them above others.
"Third Hokage, who would have thought you were the world's greatest expert at digging your own grave? Not only did you create Root and Danzo, but you also indirectly paved the way for the Akatsuki. Considering the despicable things Danzo and Root have done over the years, Konoha truly deserved that final Planetary Devastation..."
After figuring out Root's history and internal structure, Allen couldn't help but mutter a low critique.
Critique aside, he actually quite approved of Danzo's management methods. Especially the brainwashing education conducted under the guise of "everything for the village"—it completely twisted the moral compass of the members, and most of them firmly believed that everything they did was right.
As Allen leafed through various Ninjutsu scrolls and gathered intelligence in Root's archives, Torune Aburame suddenly appeared out of thin air and said in an emotionless tone, "Danzo-sama wishes to see you."
"Lead the way."
Allen immediately put down the materials he was reading and followed him to a secret room. To be precise, almost all the rooms in Root's underground base were identical, and Danzo would appear in any of them at random. This prevented enemies from easily tracking his movements or eliminating the leader of Root through assassination.
Currently, Danzo sat in a chair, holding a letter covered in fine print, his expression inscrutable. When he saw the two enter, he raised the letter and asked, "Do you know who wrote this to me, and what is written inside?"
"No," Allen answered bluntly.
For a subordinate to guess a superior's intentions is a major taboo; he wasn't about to make such a stupid mistake.
"This is a letter from Orochimaru of the Sannin. As for the contents, he plans to use next year's Chunin Exams to launch a joint attack with the Sand Ninja to kill his teacher, the Third Hokage. He wants my support, or at least my silent consent." Danzo revealed the contents of the letter openly, without any concealment.
"Orochimaru?" Allen blinked, feigning confusion.
Danzo gave a meaningful nod. "Exactly! You joined the village recently, so it's normal not to have heard of the Sannin. In truth, they are all exceptionally powerful and excellent ninjas, disciples trained by the Third Hokage himself. Especially this Orochimaru; he possesses immense talent for Ninjutsu and technical research. Through his channels, we have obtained much vital intelligence. After all, Root is the guardian within the village's darkness; as long as we get the information we need, it doesn't matter if we trade with a rogue ninja."
"I see!" Allen nodded, putting on an act.
In reality, he was laughing hysterically inside. It felt too good to play the mastermind for a fool! He wasn't about to tell Danzo that he understood Orochimaru better than Orochimaru understood himself.
As for Shisui's Mangekyo ability, Kotoamatsukami, Allen wasn't worried from the start. In the anime, Danzo used it twice, once on Yamato and once on Mifune. And the result? With just a slight reminder from an outsider, the targets quickly regained their senses. Of course, this might be because Danzo wasn't the original owner of the eye and didn't possess the Uchiha bloodline, so he couldn't unleash the full power of this "Ultimate Genjutsu."
"What do you think of this matter?" Danzo looked up, staring into Allen's eyes.
"Me? I think it's an opportunity! Didn't you say before that Konoha's upper management is already rotten to the core, and only Root can restore its vitality? This is perfect. We can use Orochimaru's hand to prune the rotten branches. Then, while the village is under attack, we can make a name for Root in one fell swoop, paving the way for you to become the Hokage." Allen spoke with a tone of feigned excitement and agitation.
"But don't you think doing this is a betrayal of the village?" Danzo continued to test him.
Others might have hesitated, but Allen, knowing the plot, replied with a smile: "Those who achieve great things do not sweat the small stuff! Even a gardener pruning a tree's rotten branches will inevitably cut off some healthy parts. Any reform must come with growing pains. As long as you can do better than the Third Hokage, what does a little sacrifice matter?"
Hearing this, Danzo finally showed a satisfied expression. "Good! You truly haven't disappointed me. Now, I have a mission for you. Go to the Hidden Sound Village to meet with Orochimaru and stay there to monitor every move of this plan. Remember! If he dares to have any ill intentions..."
"I will take his head and bring it back to you!" Allen finished the sentence for him with a smile.