As a god high above, Lu Ming felt that he should maintain a certain degree of mystery in front of these villains who were inherently suspicious and cautious.
After all, distance makes the heart grow fonder, right?
Of course, that was just one reason.
Another reason was that the chat group could not completely isolate Lu Ming's influence on the members.
Simply put, the members were too weak.
They couldn't communicate with Lu Ming.
Even with the chat group relaying messages and isolating 99.99% of his influence, it wasn't enough!
Therefore, Lu Ming could only keep his messages as short as possible, lest one day everyone in the chat group would turn into irrational, deformed beings.
So, he sent a single word, "Yes," and silently went offline.
Even if he couldn't chat, it was good to watch the fun.
As long as he didn't actively activate his omniscience, Lu Ming could completely treat the upcoming events in the members' worlds as movies, once his power seeped into those worlds.
He had nothing better to do anyway, so it was a good way to pass the time and find some amusement.
"Danzo, Danzo, whether you can take the first step depends entirely on you."
Lu Ming was looking forward to seeing what Danzo would do.
........................
Outside the outskirts of Konohagakure, an orphanage.
A young girl, dressed in a nun's habit and wearing round-framed glasses, radiated a gentle aura as she smiled at the children playing in front of her.
She was none other than Yakushi Yuno, chosen by Danzo as a sacrifice.
The kind-hearted girl, her initial desire to become a ninja, was to support these orphans who had lost their families in the war.
Her kindness, however, made her a tool in Danzo's hands, serving as a spy to infiltrate other ninja villages and steal confidential documents.
Yakushi Yuno yearned to escape Root, but she never had the chance.
She also knew that Danzo wouldn't easily let go of such a useful tool.
Furthermore, maintaining the orphanage required a significant amount of money. Besides serving Danzo, Yakushi Yuno couldn't think of any other options.
"Are they here again?"
Sensing the deliberate movement of the Root ninjas, the smile on the young girl's face was no longer as radiant as it once was.
But in front of these children, she could only force a smile, finding an excuse to go to the deserted forest.
Swish, swish, swish—
The sound of breaking wind echoed as three Root ninjas appeared in front of Yakushi Yuno.
The leader, his voice devoid of warmth, spoke coldly: "Lord Danzo has ordered you to come with us."
"...................”
After a moment of silence, knowing she couldn't resist, Yakushi Yuno looked mournful, as if all her strength had suddenly drained from her, and asked sadly: "Can I say goodbye to the children before leaving?"
"No."
Her request was denied, unsurprisingly.
The Root ninjas, their human emotions extinguished, were nothing more than tools, executing Danzo's orders without question.
They had no compassion.
"I understand."
She couldn't fight against the inevitable. Yakushi Yuno had no choice but to obey.
Following behind the three Root ninjas, she arrived at Root's headquarters, built beneath Konohagakure.
It was as dark as ever.
No sunlight ever reached this place.
Everything exuded a chilling, ominous atmosphere.
Yakushi Yuno lowered her head, pondering what task Danzo had prepared for her.
Soon, she had a certain guess.
‘It's probably another infiltration mission into another ninja village to steal confidential documents, right?’
‘Is it Kumogakure this time, or maybe Iwagakure?’
Lost in her thoughts, Yakushi Yuno walked down the long corridor and reached the innermost room.
She was to meet the leader of Root, Danzo.
"Yuno, you've come."
A hoarse voice rang out, giving the feeling of a venomous snake hidden in the darkness, dangerous and deadly.
Yakushi Yuno lowered her head in fear, just as she was about to kneel and bow, Danzo stopped her.
"No need for formalities. Yuno, you are no longer a member of Root, nor are you my subordinate."
A smile twisted across Danzo's old face, a smile that could make a child cry. He said, "Congratulations, Yuno. You are free."
Free?!
Is it really true?
The young girl looked up in surprise, but then she quickly lowered her head again, filled with fear.
"Lord Danzo, this subordinate has never thought of betraying you!"
"Of course I believe in your loyalty, Yuno."
Danzo said softly, "But, the situation is different now. You have a more important mission. It wouldn't be appropriate for you to continue being my subordinate."
Hearing this, Yakushi Yuno swallowed hard.
She already had a bad feeling about this.
A more important mission?
Could it be..................
That they are going to send me to my death?!
Subsequently, Danzo's words confirmed her suspicions.
"I need you to serve as a sacrifice, offered to the great All-Unifying One!"
"Consider yourself fortunate, Yuno!"
"This is an opportunity that others would beg for!"
"As a witch who serves the gods, you will gain a higher status than this old man!"
"The children at the orphanage will also receive better treatment because of your sacrifice!"
These words were practically a blatant threat to Yakushi Yuno.
Disobey my orders, and not only will you suffer, but those children at the orphanage will suffer too!
Danzo had hit upon Yakushi Yuno's weakness, and he was not afraid of her disobedience.
As Danzo expected, the young girl remained silent for a moment before giving her response: "As you command, Lord Danzo."
"Good. You can leave now."
"Someone will notify you once the altar is ready."
Danzo waved his hand, satisfied, dismissing Yakushi Yuno.
The sacrifice had been secured.
Now, what should I ask the gods for?
Danzo pondered for a moment, then his eyes lit up.
"Power comparable to the Six Paths Sage?"
But then he thought again, and felt that it was inappropriate.
"Just a Yakushi Yuno, and I want such a generous divine favor, it might not be right."
"If I anger the gods, it would backfire."
"Although the chat group said the great All-Unifying One is very generous, I can't be greedy................."
Danzo fell into deep thought.
It wasn't until he felt a sharp pain in the part of his body where Hashirama's cells were fused that he had an idea.
.....................................................................