At the entrance of the Root headquarters, the massive stone bridge spanning the abyss had been fully restored.
Aside from a few battle scars on the surrounding rock walls, no one would have known that a Kage-level battle had taken place here.
Tap. Tap. Tap...
A curvaceous figure walked alone across the bridge.
"That irritating presence... Even from this distance, I can still sense it."
A wave of searing heat rolled forward as Pakura slowly emerged from the depths of the base, stepping into the path of Ikawa Kamimi.
"Milady..."
Ikawa Kamimi knelt slightly, her mask in place, exuding an air of respect and obedience.
Pakura found herself even more annoyed.
"This is a restricted area of Root. I need to verify your identity. Remove your mask."
"Yes, milady."
Ikawa Kamimi slowly removed her mask, revealing a face of striking beauty—calm yet carrying an unmistakable allure.
Seeing her face, Pakura's delicate brows furrowed slightly. Her irritation only deepened.
"Raise your head. Stick out your tongue."
Such a humiliating demand. Yet, Ikawa Kamimi complied without hesitation, her gaze steady as she obediently extended her tongue.
On it, a black curse mark was clearly visible, lending her an eerie, bewitching aura.
Her unquestioning obedience, her captivating figure, that enchanting face—combined with the unnatural submissiveness of her outstretched tongue—
It all made Pakura feel even more irritated.
Yet, she had no valid reason to act against her.
"Boring. Put your mask back on and follow me."
Turning away, Pakura strode toward the depths of the base.
One ahead, one behind, they walked through the long, dimly lit corridors, the flickering torches casting shifting shadows along the stone walls. Each harbored their own thoughts.
As they neared the heart of Root, Danzo sat upon his stone chair, waiting.
"Danzo-sama..."
"Danzo-sama..."
After saluting, Pakura stepped forward and took position behind Danzo, watching the kneeling Ikawa Kamimi with wary eyes.
This woman made her uneasy. If not for Danzo personally summoning her—
"I reviewed your mission report. You handled the situation in the northern Fire Country well. I appreciate capable subordinates."
Danzo had nearly forgotten about this woman who had defected to him at the Lightning Country's border.
Back then, he had merely noted her ambition—and her pleasing appearance.
Yet now, she had once again caught his attention.
"Serving you is my duty," Ikawa Kamimi replied, her tone calm, though she could not stop the slight acceleration of her heartbeat.
"Fake," Pakura muttered to herself in a voice only she could hear.
To Danzo, however, her whispered remark was even clearer than the sound of Ikawa Kamimi's racing pulse.
He ignored it and turned back to the woman kneeling before him.
"Choose an A-rank jutsu, then report to Nono. Assist her in handling surveillance affairs. Dismissed."
"Yes. I will not disappoint you."
Ikawa Kamimi's heart skipped a beat. Despite her measured tone, she couldn't conceal her excitement.
She lifted her head slightly to steal a glance at Danzo—but under Pakura's icy stare, she quickly lowered her gaze and turned to leave.
Her curvaceous figure gradually disappeared into the darkness of the corridor.
In the flickering candlelight of the dim chamber, only Danzo and Pakura remained.
"Pakura."
"Yes."
Danzo's voice carried a faint chill as he looked at the kneeling woman beside him.
"You are a shinobi. A Root shinobi. You should understand the rules of Root."
Pakura's free-spirited nature often crossed the line. Danzo decided it was time for a reminder—to prevent internal discord and any unnecessary trouble.
"I have disappointed you, Danzo-sama. Please punish me."
Her sincere tone, at this moment, was that of a true shinobi.
Danzo, however, did not intend to actually discipline her.
Aside from this particular issue, she was otherwise flawless.
"Just be mindful next time."
"No, you should punish me."
Pakura lifted her head, her expression serious.
"...Hm?" Danzo was caught off guard.
"All Root shinobi bear the 'Root Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.' Danzo-sama, please brand me with it as well."
She spoke with unwavering conviction, even sticking out her tongue like a small puppy, gazing at Danzo expectantly.
"...Leave."
Danzo's voice turned cold. Expecting her to behave normally was clearly foolish.
Seeing his expression, Pakura had no choice but to relent and step out of the chamber.
Left alone, Danzo sat in silence on his stone chair, feeling a hint of exasperation.
Shinobi... none of them were normal.
Which, in turn, made Root...
Uchiha Itachi was a younger-brother fanatic.
Yakushi Nono had a soft spot for orphans.
That Ikawa Kamimi? Undoubtedly a power-hungry opportunist.
And Pakura? She was even worse...
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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