Sora’s pupils abruptly contracted, the aura around him instantly turning icy cold:
"What did you say? Captured? By whom?"
"They were a group of masked ninja, ruthless and highly trained. They should be Konoha’s ’Root’," Tagitsuhi replied.
"This humble one’s clone happened to wander into that area and witnessed the battle. The three of them were outmatched and captured, then taken towards the Valley of the End."
"This humble one wanted to follow and investigate, but discovered the aura there was chaotic, with many barriers. Not daring to venture recklessly, I had to return imdiately to report to Master."
She did not choose to use this information to threaten Sora. During these days staying by Sora’s side, she understood this youth’s character very clearly.
He would repay both kindness and grievances. He was responsive to softness but not to hardness.
Sincerely offering help was far more effective in gaining his response than threats.
"Valley of the End... Root..."
A cold glint flashed in Sora’s eyes.
He understood what was happening!
Danzo!
No wonder he suddenly, and with apparent "goodwill," gave him a day to consider during the eting today!
He was waiting for this!
He wanted to use Kurenai and Min to threaten him, to force him to comply and support him for Hokage!
’What a good thod! Truly worthy of Danzo!’ Rage surged in Sora’s heart.
He truly had not expected that Danzo would dare to target the Hokage’s son and village comrades, and act so swiftly!
"Why did you specifically go to pay attention to them?"
Sora suppressed his anger, looking at Tagitsuhi.
This coincidence seed sowhat deliberate.
Tagitsuhi covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Those whom Master cares about, this humble one naturally pays extra attention to, to prepare for unforeseen needs. It seems it ca in handy this ti."
Sora looked at her deeply for a mont, not pursuing the question further.
Regardless of Tagitsuhi’s motives, the information she brought was indeed crucial.
He imdiately stood up and vanished from the room.
The next mont, Sora appeared outside the courtyard of Kurenai Yuhi’s ho.
Knocking on the door, both Shinku Yuhi and Ao Yuhi were at ho.
"Sora? Why are you here? Looking for Kurenai? She hasn’t returned from her mission yet," Ao said with a smile, greeting him.
Shinku also looked over, his eyes carrying a questioning look.
Sora glanced around, confirming Kurenai was indeed not ho. Suppressing his emotions, he tried to keep his face calm.
"Auntie, Uncle, I just received so unconfird news from the front lines. It said Kurenai’s squad might have encountered so trouble, and their mission ti might be extended. I ca to tell you, so you wouldn’t worry."
He paused, then continued.
"You don’t need to worry. I will personally go to rendezvous with them and ensure they return safely."
The smile on Ao’s face stiffened for a mont, a flicker of worry in her eyes. But seeing Sora’s steady gaze, she nodded.
"Alright, alright... With you going, we are reassured. Sora, you must bring Kurenai-chan back safely."
Shinku said solemnly, "Be careful in everything."
"I will," Sora promised earnestly.
Leaving the Yuhi household, Sora stood on the streets of Konoha, looking towards the direction of the Valley of the End, his eyes completely turning cold.
...
Shinku stood at his doorstep, gazing in the direction where Sora’s figure had vanished, his brow tightly furrowed.
As a Jonin, his observational skills were extrely keen. Although Sora had concealed it well, Shinku still sensed sothing unusual.
"Kurenai and the others... it’s probably not a simple mission extension," Shinku said gravely.
The worry on Ao’s face deepened. "Shinku, you an..."
"That child Sora is bearing it alone."
Shinku turned, quickly putting on his ninja flak jacket. "I’m going to the Hokage Building."
"What good will that do? Didn’t Sora already go?" Ao asked anxiously.
"Kurenai is my daughter, I am naturally worried. But more importantly, Asuma is also in that squad."
Shinku’s eyes were sharp. "He is the Hokage’s son. Sarutobi Hiruzen would never ignore his own son. With the Hokage’s intervention, there might still be a chance to turn things around, and it could also ease so pressure on Sora."
After saying this, Shinku’s figure sped towards the Hokage Building.
...
Valley of the End, within the secret Root base hidden beneath the giant statues.
Danzo coldly looked at Kurenai Yuhi and Min Uesugi lying side by side on the ground, still unconscious, and Asuma, who was separated from them.
"Hmph, the son of Hiruzen is indeed troubleso."
A flicker of apprehension passed through Danzo’s eyes, but it was soon replaced by ruthlessness. "However, for the sake of the Hokage position, I can’t afford to care about that now."
He turned to a masked Root mber and ordered, "Go, have that brat co alone to the Valley of the End to see ."
"Additionally, keep an eye on him. Do not let the news leak."
"Yes," the Root mber bowed, accepting the order.
"Danzo-sama."
At that mont, another Root mber hurried in.
"The periter of the base reports spotting traces of the Azure Dragon. He... he is almost at the valley entrance already."
"What?"
Danzo’s eyebrows furrowed sharply. "How did he find out so quickly?"
He had arranged this operation with extre secrecy. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen might not imdiately detect any clues. Sora was far away in Konoha. How could he possibly receive the news and co knocking so rapidly?
Several thoughts flashed through Danzo’s mind instantly, but there was no ti for detailed contemplation.
However, he soon sneered again.
"It’s just as well he ca. It saves from wasting manpower to send a ssage. Quite convenient."
He glanced at Asuma on the ground and commanded, "Keep Asuma secure. Don’t let him die."
"Yes."
Danzo adjusted his robes and slowly walked towards the base entrance.
’Sora, since you willingly walked into the trap, don’t bla for being ruthless. Today, whether you agree or not... you will agree.’
...
Valley of the End.
Sora and Tagitsuhi stood on the fingertip of the Uchiha Madara statue, their faces expressionless as they watched Danzo slowly walk out from the base entrance below.
Sora’s aura was restrained, but the icy coldness contained in his black eyes was more piercingly cold than the water spray from the waterfall.
"Sora, you arrived faster than this old man anticipated."
Danzo stopped, glanced at Tagitsuhi, then turned to Sora, his eyes slightly narrowing. "It seems you care a great deal about those two girls."
"Where are they?"
Sora couldn’t be bothered with his words, asking directly.
Danzo laughed hoarsely.
"Don’t worry, they are safe for now. However, whether they remain safe depends on your choice."
"Support , to beco the Fourth Hokage. As long as you publicly declare your stance, I will release them imdiately and guarantee their safety and future in Konoha henceforth."
Hearing this, a trace of mockery curved at the corner of Sora’s mouth.
"With thods like these, you still want to beco Hokage? Danzo, you truly are regressing."
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