Chapter 155: The Mask

When Kato Gofu first saw Danzo Shimura, it was in a spacious underground hall serving as a training ground. Danzo stood atop a high platform, beneath which a large group of ninja clad in combat training attire gathered.

Kato cast a quick glance and estimated there were over a hundred individuals. Only a few wore masks; the majority’s faces were uncovered. Among them, a ninja wearing a white demon mask—likely a leader—was addressing the others. Near him stood several others wearing distinct masks, apparently instructors or senior figures.

Hearing Kato’s salute from behind, Danzo did not turn around. Instead, he gazed down at the training field and said, “You’ve arrived. Come, take a look at my Root organization’s ninja force.”

Following Danzo’s indication, Kato looked down at the scene below. Though called a ninja force, it resembled more a group of trainees from the ninja academy. Except for a few tall, masked figures, most were slender youths around eleven or twelve years old—boys and girls alike—at the typical age for graduating from the Konoha Ninja Academy.

Yet, the expressions on these young faces differed starkly from those Kato had seen at the academy. There, children’s faces were carefree, full of hope and joy. Here, under the platform, the youths’ faces were cold, numb, resolute, and fanatical.

Listening for a while to the white demon-masked leader’s speech, Kato’s gaze shifted to a stack of masks resting on a table beside Danzo. A vague suspicion formed in his mind.

Still, he asked, “Is this the induction test for new members of the organization?”

Without turning, Danzo replied, “Heh, you guessed right. This is the entry exam for a new batch of Root’s own cultivated members. Soon there will be a mask-giving ceremony. Since you’re here today, accompany me and watch.”

“Most of them are war orphans, some from Konoha, others from different countries. From a young age, I arranged for them to be adopted and raised, providing food and clothing, so they might survive in this ruthless ninja world.”

“We train them as ninjas, hoping they become the roots buried deep beneath Konoha’s great tree, supporting it firmly.”

As Danzo finished, he turned to face Kato fully, his single visible eye gleaming with an inscrutable light as he fixed his gaze on him.

After these words, Danzo said nothing further and did not await a response. He turned back toward the platform’s edge, watching his Root ninja force below.

Meanwhile, the white demon-masked instructor had finished speaking. The young trainees, led by other masked Root ninja, began one-on-one combat bouts.

Unlike the typical sparring matches at Konoha’s academy, these were not mere practice fights—they were lethal skirmishes. The combatants struck with far greater ruthlessness than academy students. The tests were far deadlier than graduation exams.

Every move targeted vulnerable points; the weapons used were clearly sharpened, occasionally flashing cold steel. The ninjutsu employed included large-scale destructive techniques, some even forbidden arts. A single misstep could mean death or grievous injury.

Within moments of the test’s commencement, Kato observed at least seven or eight fallen combatants lying dead on the training ground below.

Reflecting on Danzo’s earlier gaze, the stack of masks beside him, and the brutal battles below, Kato’s lips twitched with a faint, silent smile. He said nothing, standing quietly by Danzo’s side, watching the grim scene.

Two rounds of combat passed. In the end, fewer than twenty youths remained before Danzo. As for the fate of those eliminated, Kato did not inquire, and Danzo did not offer explanation.

Following the tests, Danzo delivered a speech akin to the graduation ceremony at the ninja academy, emphasizing the will of Konoha’s roots to the new recruits.

Then came the mask-bestowal ceremony. Danzo personally handed out various styles of masks to those who had passed the battle trials.

Receiving one’s mask officially marked acceptance as a formal Root member.

Once the proceedings concluded, Danzo addressed the silent Kato: “Come, accompany me on a tour of the Root headquarters. You’ve been here many times but never truly explored. Walk with me.”

Shaking a white long-eared rabbit mask in his hand, Kato glanced once more at the young ninjas now wearing their new masks. He smiled wordlessly, said nothing, and followed Danzo off the platform to begin their inspection of the Root base.

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After the interlude of the new member induction test, Danzo and Kato spoke of the recent high-level meeting in Konoha, specifically concerning the deputy leader of the Northwest Barrier Camp.

Danzo, leading the way, said, “Hizashi told you, right?”

Kato replied, “You mean the deputy leader of the Northwest Barrier Camp? Yes, he informed me when I met the Third Hokage at noon.”

Kato never hid information from Danzo if it was easily verifiable.

“Heh, I never expected it would be so smooth this time, pushing you into that position,” Danzo chuckled. His laughter was somewhat hoarse and sharp, but Kato could tell his mood was excellent. After all, Kato had served under Danzo for a long time, and Danzo was usually a man of few smiles.

Now, with such joy, Kato wondered if it had something to do with the white long-eared rabbit mask in his hand.

Danzo then began recounting in detail the events of the recent high-level meeting. He did not claim all the credit himself, though the pride and delight in his mastery of power and influence were unmistakable.

The two engaged in lively conversation, with Danzo doing most of the talking and Kato chiming in occasionally.

Seeing Danzo so pleased, Kato refrained from dampening his spirit. Compliments flowed readily, and flattery was delivered with resounding fervor.

Feigning deference was a task Kato knew well—much like when he undermined Danzo’s rivals.

When Kato finally left the three-story inn, he carried not only the rabbit mask but also several scrolls of various sizes, containing familiar formulas and scents. The Kato Trading Post was open once again.

The masks in Kato’s possession were not gifts from Danzo. Rather, Kato had selected them from the pile himself, subtly signaling his affiliation with Root. Whether Danzo believed this or not was no concern of Kato’s.

In any case, Kato had already gained much benefit from the Kato Trading Post—enjoyed the rewards and demonstrated loyalty. Should the trading post open again, Kato welcomed it eagerly, confident he could handle whatever came.

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