Chapter 162: Trust & Truth 02

Chapter 162: Trust & Truth 02

The grin on Daichi's face vanished as he heard that question. He kept silent and looked at his sensei.

'What do I tell him? Me remaining silent is already an answer to that question. Gramps told me that knowledge of the Root organization is known only to the upper level ninjas and even they don't know the full details.'

Daichi recalled the conversation he had with Kensei after his encounter with the Root ninjas.

Flashback.

"Did they have any kind of identification marks?" A concerned Kensei wanted to know every detail he grandson could recollect about the attackers.

"No. They also only used the standard jutsus. There was nothing in their techniques that pointed to any clan or organization." Daichi replied.

He kept a calm face but internally he was unhappy about lying to the man. Daichi apologized to Kensei in his heart for the deceit. 'I'm sorry Gramps. But I have plans for those bodies. And I can't reveal info that I got from Observe.'

Kensei was silent and after a few minutes spoke as he went over what just happened. ''Since we don't have concrete evidence, their real identities will remain unknown but I'm positive they attacked you under Danzo's orders. Based on the information and their strength they are most probably Root ninjas."

Daichi nodded. ''What do I do now?''

''For the moment, nothing. Hiruzen won't let something like this slide. And since the attack failed Danzo would definitely not plan another. Not with the scrutiny he'll be under.''

"You said that knowledge of his organization exists on a need to know basis. Since an academy student like me shouldn't be privy to information like this, what do I do in the event that the Hokage questions me? I'm not sure I can lie and get away with it."

"You probably won't. Tell him the truth. I'll take the blame. If Hiruzen questions you, tell him I'm the one who told you about him and his agents."

Daichi slowly nodded.

Flashback End. nove(l)bi(n.)com

Kakashi was intently looking at his student's expressions. 'So he knows. But will he admit it?'

Daichi let out a sigh and replied. "Yes. I do."

"How?"

"My old man told me. The wrong attention that I said I wanted to avoid. It's from the man leading that organization." Daichi replied.

The Jonin ninja sighed hearing that. "So you know about Danzo"

The boy nodded. "Kensei told me some things about him. It didn't paint a pretty picture."

Kakashi nodded. He knew what Daichi was talking about. 'That man came after my Sharingan once. So I have no doubt he would go after someone like Daichi.'

"Very well. Since you answered my questions honestly, I suppose it's only fair that I do the same."

Daichi was surprised. "Wait. Don't you want to know anymore? Like how much I know about him and The Root ninjas?"

The Jonin shook his head. "No. I'm sure Kensei told you everything you needed to know."

Daichi kept silent at that. He then repeated his earlier question. "What was the real reason behind this test?"

"That unwanted attention you wanted to avoid. I'm afraid it's too late for that."

Daichi's eyes narrowed. "So that Danzo guy is coming for me."

"Not Danzo."

Daichi was confused. 'Is there someone else? Who could be after me at this time?'

Kakashi nodded. "His proficiency in Genjutsu comes last. But I only say that due to the number of illusion techniques he used. Most were D and C Rank and he didn't use much to conserve his chakra since he knew my Sharingan is a counter and it would only be a waste."

Hiruzen nodded agreeing with that decision.

"But I believe he's highly resistant or immune to Genjutsu techniques."

"What?" The old kage was shocked.

"Yes. Whenever I used Genjutsu on him, the chakra entered his system but was immediately flushed out."

Hiruzen leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. "Was it some kind of an automatic response from his body or was he aware that he was being attacked and was able to actively counter it?"

"Based on his expression and reaction, he was aware that I tried to use Genjutsu on him but the thing is he didn't need to do anything when he was attacked. He didn't need to disrupt his chakra flow nor did he inflict pain on himself to get free. It was as if he knew he was getting attacked and his body automatically responded to the foreign attack without needing him to take action."

Hiruzen was silent as he heard that. 'This is certainly interesting. Only people with special visual prowess can see through Genjutsu so efficiently. But Daichi isn't an Uchiha or a Hyuga. And based on the blood work Tsunade did, she didn't find anything that indicated that he was from any clan It must be some kind of a special technique'

Hiruzen was silent for a minute and then looked at the Jonin. "Kakashi. This information. When you complete the report, do not write it down. His resistance to Genjutsu must be kept an absolute secret. If this information gets out, there will be plenty who will have their eyes on him. Both in and out of the village. So keep this to yourself. And make sure to tell Daichi that he shouldn't reveal that ability to anyone."

The silver haired Jonin nodded his head. "There is something else. You were right. He knows about Danzo and the foundation. Kensei told him."

The Hokage sighed when he heard that news. "I figured. Kensei won't take any chances with Daichi after what happened."

"I also told him about Orochimaru." Kakashi hid a wince as he looked at the sharp eyes drilling into his skull.

Hiruzen looked at his Jonin with narrowed eyes. Several seconds later he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is a very delicate time Kakashi. Any information leak could be catastrophic to the plans I've put in place. So why did you do something like that?"

"Trust needed to be built. If I lied about why I put him through what I did then It wouldn't have gotten us anywhere. Lying won't help us and he needs to know the danger so he can prepare." Kakashi made his judgment and he was going to stand by it. "And besides, I believe Daichi knows the value of keeping something like this a secret. He might tell Kensei but I'm sure he won't tell anyone else."

The kage sighed. "I will trust your judgment on this."

"Thank you Lord Hokage."

Kakashi gave a brief oral report on Daichi's abilities, skills, strength and weaknesses. Hiruzen was impressed with the boy's progress. Once the debriefing was done Kakashi left the office and headed home.

Hiruzen was in his office going through everything he heard. 'The Chunin exams are coming up in a few months. But it's going to be held in the Stone village. Should I send Daichi to take part? I can't send him alone. He'll need a team Hmm There is still plenty of time. I'll deal with this matter at a later date.'

-

In a dimly lit room Danzo was standing near the window and looking out at the village. 'Hiruzen pulled back his surveillance and let go of the restrictions placed on me. So he didn't find anything after all. For the moment I can move somewhat freely and conduct business. But still I need to be careful. He now knows Root isn't disbanded but he doesn't have any proof.'

He turned around and at that moment a ninja rose from the shadows of the room. The shinobi in black gear kneeled indicating his loyalty to his master.

"Lord Danzo. I've conducted a thorough review of all the candidates we've recruited last year along with some of the active ones who joined a few years prior. I didn't find any spies."

Danzo nodded and dismissed his agent. He sat down in a nearby chair and thought about the situation. 'The second Hiruzen learned of the attack he suspected me. It was because the attackers knew about Daichi and more importantly Tsunade's phobia. But 'he' made sure that all my agents hid as soon as Hiruzen took me into custody. His efficient work has made things easier for me. Making him my second in command was an excellent choice.'

'Since Hiruzen couldn't find any evidence of my organization being operational, I thought for sure that he would send someone to infiltrate Root. Seems I was wrong'

His grip on his cane tightened just a bit. 'So then why do I still feel uneasy?'

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Author's Note:

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