"Destroy these reports after reading them," Tsunade said. "Shizune and I won't leak any of this information."
"Alright."
Shinji nodded lightly, stood up from his seat, and walked to the kitchen.
He turned on the gas stove and threw the reports into the flames. The papers quickly burned and charred, turning into a pile of ashes in moments.
From now on, he could openly use Storm Release in Konohagakure.
Thinking of this, Shinji's lips curved slightly, and he nodded in satisfaction before turning back to the living room.
But as soon as he stepped into the living room, he froze.
Shizune and Tsunade had already changed clothes.
Especially Tsunade—her loose home clothes were gone, replaced by her iconic tea-green long coat.
Shinji instinctively asked, "Where are you going?"
Shizune smiled and explained, "I'm going to buy some daily necessities."
Since they would be staying in Konohagakure for a while because of Shinji, some daily essentials were necessary.
Beside her, Tsunade deliberately coughed lightly, putting on the authoritative demeanor unique to a teacher. "I have important business to attend to—it's confidential."
She glanced at the wooden box in the corner and said seriously, "Study the books in that box carefully. I'll check on your progress later!"
With that, she hummed a tune, smiling as she pushed the door open and left.
Shizune hurriedly followed.
The room was instantly empty, leaving only Shinji staring blankly at the vacant doorway.
Shinji's gaze fell on the prominent "Gambling" character on the back of Tsunade's coat, and he immediately understood.
What important confidential business? She clearly couldn't resist going to the casino again.
He shook his head helplessly and chuckled bitterly. Ordinary people really couldn't afford to support Tsunade.
Putting it out of his mind, Shinji opened the wooden box, took out a book he hadn't read before, leaned back on the sofa, and quietly began studying.
...
A few days later.
Several minor but notable rumors began circulating quietly within Konohagakure.
The first to spread was that someone from the Uchiha Clan had awakened a new Kekkei Genkai.
And that person was none other than the disciple recently taken in personally by Lady Tsunade.
This news caused quite a stir among the major ninja clans.
The already powerful Uchiha Clan, now with a new addition, would only become more formidable.
Countless people secretly inquired about Uchiha Shinji's information.
But soon, another piece of news emerged: Uchiha Shinji had officially joined the Hokage's direct Anbu.
This news was personally confirmed by the Third Hokage.
The unrest among Konohagakure's ninja clans was forced to subside. The Hokage's face still had to be respected.
Even so, many clans secretly continued gathering all information about Shinji.
But Shinji paid no attention to any of this.
Behind him stood the Uchiha Clan, Tsunade, and even the Hokage.
Any open disturbances were nothing more than trivial matters to him.
...
Deep in the Dark Forest.
Lightning and fire clashed and erupted among the trees as Shinji immersed himself in training.
After a while, he took a deep breath, sat on a bluestone, unscrewed his water bottle for a drink, and decided to rest for a moment.
Suddenly, a dense sound of footsteps approached from all sides.
Shinji's eyes sharpened, and he immediately stood up, on guard, scanning his surroundings warily.
The footsteps made no attempt at concealment, as if deliberately announcing someone's arrival.
Within minutes, over twenty ninjas clad in black tight-fitting combat suits and wearing white masks slowly emerged from the forest, surrounding him.
Recognizing their attire, he immediately knew their identity.
It was Root.
Shinji frowned and asked, "What does Root want with me?"
Seeing these Root ninjas remain silent, he inwardly grumbled: What is Danzo up to now?
Then, a leader-like ninja stepped forward and pointed directly at Shinji.
The others, as if receiving a command, simultaneously drew their swords and charged.
They attacked without even a word of greeting.
Shinji cursed their shamelessness inwardly, his figure retreating repeatedly as he swiftly broke through the encirclement.
His hands rapidly formed hand seals, crossing his fists before his chest.
"Storm Release: Laser Circus!"
A circular arc of light exploded before him, the rapidly spinning ring shooting dense laser beams that instantly illuminated the dark forest.
The surrounding Root ninjas' expressions changed drastically as they frantically dodged.
But the lasers seemed to have eyes, constantly curving and maneuvering, precisely locking onto each target.
The Root ninjas were instantly blasted away by the laser beams, their ninja tools and weapons scattering across the ground.
The forest quickly returned to darkness, leaving only faint scorch marks on the ground and the continuous sound of groans.
Shinji hadn't gone for the kill; he had controlled his strength.
With his current abilities, dealing with these Root underlings was effortless.
He turned to look at a hidden spot to his right and said sternly, "Come out, whoever's hiding there."
From the moment the battle began, he had sensed someone watching from the shadows, especially one person whose presence was strong and made no attempt to hide.
As his words fell, three figures slowly emerged.
The leader was hunched, his face wrapped in bandages covering his right eye, exuding a cold, sinister aura.
He looked up at Shinji, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes.
Shinji's expression turned cold as he bluntly questioned, "Lord Danzo, what is the meaning of this?"
He pointed at the groaning Root ninjas on the ground.
"So, you've awakened Storm Release," Danzo nodded faintly. "This was just a simple test to see how much strength this recently famous young man truly possesses."
What nonsense about a test.
When those Root ninjas attacked earlier, every move was a killing blow, with no restraint at all.
Shinji didn't want to waste words and asked directly, "Lord Danzo, what exactly do you want with me?"
Danzo fell silent for a moment, then looked up at Shinji and spread his arms, declaring:
"Uchiha Shinji, become my subordinate."
"I can give you everything you want—resources, power, money, status."
"As long as you agree, I can help you achieve all of this."
He watched Shinji, quietly awaiting a response.
He had heard about Shinji these past few days and learned from Orochimaru why the latter was interested in him.
Perhaps he could uncover the secret of Wood Release through Shinji.
More importantly, Shinji was now part of the Hokage's direct Anbu, allowing him close access to Hiruzen. If he could turn Shinji, finding an opportunity to ambush Hiruzen would catch him completely off guard.
Shinji was momentarily stunned, looking at Danzo with utter disbelief, thinking the old man was utterly delusional.
Without a doubt, Danzo had ulterior motives for seeking him out. To avoid trouble, Shinji refused without hesitation.
"My apologies, Lord Danzo. I am part of the Hokage's direct Anbu. Rather than becoming your subordinate, I prefer to remain by the Hokage's side."
"Perhaps you can ask again when you become Hokage someday."
Danzo's face instantly darkened, his cheek twitching involuntarily as a surge of anger rushed to his head, as if he were seeing that infuriating figure again.
He gritted his teeth and blurted out, "You'll regret this!"
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "LegendaryTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!