The man in the tiger mask spoke gently, his tone surprisingly polite and every movement precise, as if he was trying his absolute best to leave the perfect first impression. Yet underneath all that practiced politeness, I could sense it clearly, he was hiding something significant. Layers of secrets and unspoken threats lurked beneath his carefully constructed exterior. Knowing what I knew about Root from the original series, I was already fairly sure of exactly what was awaiting me if I joined.
"May I come in?" he asked softly, politely, almost as if he was genuinely seeking my permission rather than just going through formalities.
I hesitated, letting him believe that I was genuinely uncertain before cautiously replying, "Sure, come on in."
He stepped inside in measured, careful steps, surveying my tiny apartment like he was mapping enemy territory. His eyes scanned around carefully, lingering briefly as they reached my ceiling mural. It was then, for the first time, that I sensed real, unfiltered emotions from him, genuine surprise and confusion. I sighed internally, slightly amused despite the situation. If I was able to weird out even a Root shinobi, I could only imagine the kind of reaction I'd get from a normal person.
He quickly cleared his throat, pulling himself back into professionalism. "You are extremely talented for your age," he began warmly. I quietly appreciated that he'd started with a compliment, despite knowing he was just warming up his pitch.
"But Root," he continued calmly, confidently, "is an organization built by the elite, for the elite. Instead of slowly improving at the Academy, we would drastically accelerate your growth. No resource would be off-limits. No effort withheld. We'd assign you the finest instructors, providing you with specialized training at a rate you cannot even imagine yet."
He paused for effect, then added in a patriotic voice, "But most importantly, you would serve and protect the village. The village that housed you, trained you, fed you, and kept you safe. You would become an integral part of the hidden strength protecting Konoha from dangers others can't even conceive."
Then he knelt down slightly, bringing himself to eye-level with me. "Please consider joining us. Someone with your potential could grow into a powerful guardian for this village. And you would never be alone. we would provide trainers, support, and loyal comrades in arms." He spoke the last part with a sincerity that I hadn't expected. I could practically hear his hopeful smile, like he genuinely believed what he was selling.
I had to admit I was impressed. I'd always assumed Root mostly relied on coercion and fear to recruit, but this approach was so carefully polished that it would convince most children instantly. The entire pitch was flawless. They complimented me, praised my potential, and promised to nurture me, all in service of the village that had given me shelter and education. By normal standards, I'd be incredibly ungrateful if I refused.
But I knew exactly how Root operated. Darkness had its role, of course. Every society needed shadows. But Danzo Shimura, Root's leader, was something else entirely. He cared nothing for his subordinates. To him, everyone was a disposable tool on his endless quest to claim the Hokage seat. Root's training was notoriously brutal, inhuman even. It went far beyond simply hardening soldiers. It stripped away everything that made them human. It was so cruel that even a kids candy thief would be horrified.
I made sure to take a long moment, faking deep consideration so he wouldn't suspect I'd made my decision immediately. Finally, I replied in a hesitant voice, carefully chosen to appear believable. "I'm sorry, but I really like the Academy. I enjoy taking my time, meeting new people, and gradually growing stronger. Intense training has its appeal, but I think slower progress will benefit me more in the long run. Besides, Daiken-sensei is already an excellent teacher."
The Root shinobi's eyebrows twitched slightly behind his mask, he was thinking, "Taking your time? This kid spends every waking hour training. He even sneaks away from friends just to train more." Of course, he couldn't say that openly, since it would reveal they had been watching Noa closely.
Instead, he simply spoke again in that same gentle voice, casually and warmly, as if he was offering candy instead of lifelong servitude. "I assure you, we have plenty of people you could become friends with in Root."
I laughed inwardly. Sure, friends, until I had to kill them someday on some twisted loyalty test.
I pretended to think again, eyes cast downward, feigning genuine contemplation. Then, looking up slowly with manufactured hesitance, I repeated, "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm happy where I am. I don't want to leave the Academy yet."
That's when everything changed. A switch flipped instantly. Without any further pretenses, a terrible, oppressive bloodlust surged from him. It hit me harder than anything I'd felt in this life. I nearly stumbled back from the sheer weight of it. I wasn't a stranger to bloodlust. my past life had given me more than enough experiences with violence and killing intent. but bloodlust augmented by chakra was something entirely different. It was suffocating.
In a flash, his hand shot forward, gripping my arm with crushing force. The sudden pain nearly drew a cry from my throat. His voice became a menacing growl, full of raw threat. "After everything this village has done for you, you refuse to repay its generosity?" he snarled. I wanted to respond, but I physically couldn't, his grip stealing the air from my lungs.
Now the gentle persuasion had vanished, replaced entirely by fear and coercion. This was the real Root. Honestly, I was scared. I couldn't fight him. He could drag me away to Root's hidden facilities, beginning a ruthless process of mental and physical reprogramming. The mere thought of being systematically broken down and rebuilt sent shivers down my spine. But still, I refused to surrender.
With all the resolve I had left, I gathered chakra into my lungs and shouted desperately, "No!" My voice rang out powerfully, vibrating the walls slightly. But then I realized with dread that no sound escaped beyond the room. Some kind of barrier was already set, preventing anyone from hearing the conversation or any cries for help. My heart sank further.
He tightened his hold, lifting me off the ground easily. My feet dangled uselessly. I could feel his patience snapping completely, preparing to end any further resistance. Just as terror threatened to overtake me entirely, someone suddenly appeared right beside us. I didn't even register who it was at first, not until his hand shot out swiftly, gripping the Root shinobi's wrist with undeniable authority.
I finally recognized the deep, unmistakable voice that resonated with a terrifying power I'd never heard from him before. It was Daiken. "He said no. Drop him. Now."
Then came Daiken's chakra, a surge so potent it filled the room instantly. The sheer weight and pressure of it was unbearable, crashing into my senses like an overwhelming wave. It was too much. I felt my consciousness slipping away almost immediately before everything went dark.
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