Following the root member, Shishou quickly arrived at the base he had discovered earlier.
The root member approached a hidden tree root, fiddled with it, and revealed an electronic keypad.
Seeing the root member inputting the code, Shishou quietly activated his Sharingan, copying the movements entirely.
As the root member entered the code and disappeared inside, Shishou was about to reveal himself when another figure appeared at the keypad. Mimicking the root member's actions, they entered the code and slipped inside.
"Is that an ANBU member?"
Seeing the distinctive ANBU mask, Shishou was taken aback.
Why would the Third Hokage's ANBU be investigating Danzo's Root?
Could there be a major secret hidden here?
Approaching the keypad, Shishou placed his finger on the seam of the door.
Phosphorescent Worms were released from his fingertip, quickly burrowing inside and forming into the shape of Orochimaru on the other side.
Given that the subjects involved were Danzo and the Third Hokage, Shishou unhesitatingly chose to disguise himself as Orochimaru.
After all, with Orochimaru's persona,
His presence anywhere wouldn't seem strange.
And whatever he planned to do wouldn't be surprising either.
Isn't that peculiar?
After releasing the Phosphorescent Worms, Shishou returned to the forest to conceal himself, starting to control the Phosphorescent Worms, which had taken the form of Orochimaru, and made them walk into the passage.
Thanks to the system, Shishou could control and share the vision of the Phosphorescent Worm clones within a kilometer.
Although they couldn't act independently like regular clones, being able to control and share vision made them a very useful skill for Shishou.
Controlling the 'Orochimaru,' Shishou heard the sounds of a fight ahead after a few steps.
Then, Danzo's voice echoed.
"Yugao, admit it, were you sent by Hiruzen?"
Uzuki Yugao, kneeling on the ground and clutching her injured left hand, gritted her teeth as she looked at Danzo and said,
"No, I just noticed many giant animals disappearing in the Forest of Death and came to investigate. I followed a Root member when I saw him."
The Forest of Death was Konoha's training ground for ninja, and the giant beasts inside were precious training tools.
With the Chunin Exams approaching, and being one of the proctors appointed by the Third Hokage, Yugao naturally paid close attention to the situation in the Forest of Death.
Noticing the discrepancy in animal numbers, she immediately came to investigate, only to find herself caught by Danzo.
"You silly girl!"
Why are you so foolish?
If you had mentioned the Third Hokage as your backing, Danzo might have had some reservations and spared your life.
But now...
Tsk, tsk, tsk, there's no saving you.
Outside the base, Shishou, listening to Yugao's response through the Phosphorescent Worms, sighed helplessly.
However, given that Yugao had just been promoted to Chunin and was only thirteen or fourteen, it was understandable that she was a bit naive.
As expected, as soon as Yugao finished speaking,
Danzo turned to leave, instructing his subordinates,
"Take care of her."
The secrets in this laboratory couldn't be allowed to be known by outsiders.
Whoosh!
Hearing Danzo's order, Yugao's face turned pale, and she immediately used the Body Flicker Technique to escape down the passage behind her.
Three Root members simultaneously used the Body Flicker Technique, chasing after Yugao and disappearing together.
Bang, bang, bang!
Three thudding sounds echoed in the dark passage.
The next moment,
Shishou, carrying the injured Uzuki Yugao, walked out of the passage and stood before Danzo.
Since it was his fault for causing the situation by transforming animals, he couldn't just stand by and watch her get killed.
So he used the Flying Thunder God seal left by the Phosphorescent Worm clone to enter the base and save her.
Of course, he appeared disguised as Orochimaru, using the Phosphorescent Worms, to avoid causing trouble for himself.
"Orochimaru?"
Danzo's pupils contracted as he looked at the figure.
If there was anyone in this base Danzo least wanted to see, it would be the Third Hokage, followed by Orochimaru.
This base was built for the Wood Release human experiments to replicate Yamato's abilities.
It involved human experimentation, so he didn't want the Third Hokage to know.
It also involved Yamato, so he didn't want Orochimaru to know either.
Because Yamato was someone he had hidden away from Orochimaru, leading Orochimaru to believe the Wood Release experiments had failed, abandoning the research on Hashirama's cells.
If Orochimaru found out now, it would lead to a relentless pursuit.
"Orochimaru!"
Uzuki Yugao, upon hearing that it was Orochimaru who saved her, was shocked. She tried to struggle out of Orochimaru's grasp.
She had heard many horrifying stories about Orochimaru's inhumane experiments and would rather die than fall into his hands.
However, her hand was injured, and with Shishou holding her legs while she lay over his shoulder, she couldn't muster any strength and could only twist and turn.
"Stay still!"
Seeing Yugao wriggling, Shishou frowned and gave her a pat on the backside.
Hmm, this hind leg meat is really nice!
"Ugh..."
The sudden attack on her sensitive area made Yugao blush with anger and fear, causing her to pass out from the shock.
"Hehehehe, Danzo-sama, long time no see."
Ignoring the fainted Yugao, Shishou imitated Orochimaru's voice, addressing Danzo.
"Why has your voice changed like this?"
"Tell me, why have you come to see me?" Danzo, recovering from his initial shock, remained wary.
What?
Did I imitate it wrong?
Isn't this how Orochimaru laughs?
Shishou internally complained and, recalling Orochimaru's persona, carefully spoke.
"I heard the Uchiha clan was wiped out and came to ask Danzo-sama for a few corpses for my research."
Asking for Uchiha corpses was indeed something Orochimaru might do.
"I see."
Danzo immediately accepted the explanation, as it was something Orochimaru would indeed do.
"Ryoma," Danzo called out to Aburame Ryoma behind him.
"Yes."
Aburame Ryoma handed a scroll to Shishou.
There really are some!
Danzo, you old dog, you don't even spare the dead Uchiha.
"In that case, I shall take my leave."
Shishou took the scroll and began to retreat.
For him, rescuing Uzuki Yugao was the primary objective, and he seized the opportunity to leave.
He didn't want to clash with Danzo, who possessed Uchiha Shisui's right eye, just yet.
"Leave Uzuki Yugao behind!"
Glancing at Yugao on 'Orochimaru's' shoulder, Danzo demanded.
Although Yugao hadn't seen the inside of the lab, Danzo didn't feel safe.
"Don't worry, she'll never appear in Konoha again."
Shishou merged into the passage, leaving with these words.
"Ryoma, relocate the entire lab immediately!"
Watching 'Orochimaru' leave, Danzo turned and entered the lab, instructing Aburame Ryoma.
"Yes."
...
Meanwhile,
Shishou returned to the Forest of Death, killed the bugs sent by Aburame Ryoma to track him, and quickly left with Uzuki Yugao.
Soon, he used the Flying Thunder God technique to return to the lab, hiding in the shadows and using the Phosphorescent Worm clone to explore the entire lab.
"So, it's a Wood Release human experiment lab!"
After understanding the situation, Shishou's eyes narrowed as he disappeared.
Land of Fire, Fire Source City.
After investigating Danzo's lab, Shishou brought Uzuki Yugao to his residence in Fire Source City.
Uzuki Yugao had already been targeted by Danzo, and returning to Konoha would only lead to death.
"How is she?"
"The wound on her hand isn't serious, and there won't be any lasting effects. She should wake up soon."
"Is that so? Thank you for your hard work."
"Mm, I need to go meet Takeko now. Please watch over her and explain everything when she wakes up."
After treating Uzuki Yugao, Uchiha Mikoto wiped the sweat from her forehead and stood up to leave.
Today was Takeko's weekly report time, and she needed to hear updates on the casino and banking operations.
Because Shishou's Fire Source City casino and banking operations were gradually stabilizing with a weekly turnover of tens of millions, she couldn't afford to be negligent.
"No need, leave those matters to Takeko."
"Your task is to focus on strengthening your abilities."
Shishou pulled Mikoto into his arms, exploring her body while inhaling her scent.
"Really, is that alright?"
Mikoto's face turned crimson, her eyes revealing the three-tomoe Sharingan. Her body tensed up but she let Shishou continue.
She found her resistance to Shishou weakening over time.
"Ahem!"
Uzuki Yugao, who had woken up at some point, coughed with her eyes closed, reminding the two of her presence.
If these two weren't getting more and more outrageous, Yugao would have preferred to keep pretending to be unconscious.
"I-I'll be leaving now."
Uchiha Mikoto suddenly stood up, her cheeks burning, and hurriedly ran away.
"Now, how do you plan to repay me for saving your life?"
Shishou, seeing the opportunity slip away, glared at Uzuki Yugao.
"You're not Orochimaru, so who are you?"
Uzuki Yugao sat up and stared at Shishou.
Having been awake for a while, she had already figured out from their conversation that he wasn't Orochimaru.
"You don't need to know who I am, just know that I mean you no harm."
"Danzo has his eyes on you."
"You can't go back to Konoha now, so what are your plans?"
"If you have family in Konoha, I can help you bring them here."
Shishou casually propped his chin with his hand, lying on the tatami while observing Uzuki Yugao.
As a minor character with not much screen time but considerable popularity, Uzuki Yugao's beauty was undeniable.
Just looking at her was a delight.
Especially her purple hair, which was particularly striking.
The only downside was that she was still somewhat immature; it would be better if she were more mature.
Should I use my Mangekyou ability on her?
Shishou pondered this while admiring her beauty.
"I can't go back?"
Uzuki Yugao frowned. As a chunin in the ANBU, she was well aware of the consequences of crossing Danzo. Hearing she couldn't return was not surprising.
After all, she had no family in Konoha, so it didn't matter if she couldn't go back.
Thinking this, Uzuki Yugao looked at Shishou and said,
"Thank you for saving me. How do you want me to repay you?"
How to repay?
A drop of water should be repaid with a spring.
I'll make a small concession; just marry me.
Shishou recalled some jokes from his previous life and said with a good mood,
"Since you can't go back to Konoha, why not help me here?"
"I need a capable enforcer for some of my operations in Fire Source City, and you fit the bill."
"What do you think?"
Hearing Shishou's proposal, Uzuki Yugao nodded, finding it reasonable.
Wait, did he just say this place is...?
Fire Source City?
"This is Fire Source City?"
Uzuki Yugao was shocked. It had only been an hour since she lost consciousness, so how did she end up in Fire Source City?
Even at full speed, it would take her over ten hours to travel from Konoha to Fire Source City.
Is he tricking me?
Uzuki Yugao left the room and leaped onto a large tree in the courtyard.
"It really is Fire Source City..."
On top of the tree, looking at the distant view of Fire Source City, Uzuki Yugao murmured.
She had been here before, so the scenery was familiar.
"So, have you made up your mind?"
Shishou appeared beside Uzuki Yugao, looking at the scenery with her.
"How did you manage this?"
"What do you mean, manage this?"
"How did you travel from Konoha to Fire Source City in just one hour?"
"Oh, that? Of course, with the Flying Thunder God technique."
"What? The Flying Thunder God technique..."
Uzuki Yugao was so shocked that she accidentally broke the branch she was standing on and started to fall.
Fortunately, Shishou quickly grabbed her, preventing her from falling.
"Are you trying to take advantage of me?"
Holding Uzuki Yugao in his arms, Shishou teased with a smile.
"Y-you're talking nonsense."
Blushing, Uzuki Yugao quickly extricated herself from his embrace and looked at him.
"You can use the Flying Thunder God technique?"
Shishou didn't waste words and placed his hand on her shoulder, using the Flying Thunder God technique to return to the previous room.
It's really the Flying Thunder God technique!
"Alright, I need to return to Konoha. You stay here for now."
"Since you know my secret of using the Flying Thunder God technique, you'll have to stay with me from now on."
"In a few days, I'll have a task for you."
After returning to the room, Shishou, tired of explaining, quickly came up with a reason and disappeared.
He planned to leave the troublesome Uzuki Yugao to Mikoto.
"Ugh..."
"So what if you can use the Flying Thunder God technique."
Watching Shishou disappear, still not fully understanding, Uzuki Yugao grumbled through gritted teeth.
As for his last two sentences, she didn't take them seriously.
Leaving the room, Uzuki Yugao started to explore the estate.
"Why are there so many children?"
"And why do they seem hostile towards me?"
As she wandered, Uzuki Yugao soon noticed something strange about the estate.
She found it odd that the children seemed to hold some animosity towards her.
When she reached the estate's gate, intending to explore Fire Source City, someone stopped her.
"The benefactor said you can't leave now!"
Uchiha Izumi stood in front of Uzuki Yugao, staring at her seriously.
Because Uzuki Yugao was still wearing her Konoha uniform, Uchiha Izumi didn't have a good impression of her.
Looking at the girl blocking her, Uzuki Yugao felt a sense of familiarity, as if she had seen her somewhere before.
Suddenly, a figure flashed in her mind, and she exclaimed in disbelief,
"You are Uchiha Izumi?"