Celestial starlight, dazzling and brilliant, converged upon the body of Yakushi Nonō.
Immense divine power relentlessly remodeled the girl's form, guiding her evolution towards godhood.
Danzo and the other two in the group witnessed this miracle, their hearts yearning to offer themselves as sacrifices to Lu Ming.
Of course, this was just a thought.
Since time immemorial, were there ever any men who became priestesses?
And as for being a god official, they weren't even qualified, were they?
This much they knew, even the most foolish, Muzan Kibutsuji, understood this.
Moments later, the starlight dissipated, revealing Yakushi Nonō, her transformation complete, before everyone.
Though her appearance hadn't changed dramatically, she exuded an aura of utmost sanctity.
Like a compassionate saint, she seemed to embody the purity of a lotus blooming from the mire.
Immaculate and ethereal, beautiful yet transcendent.
With a single glance, Danzo immediately lowered his head, unable to look any further.
The reason was simple.
Priestesses served and communicated with the divine.
How could mere mortals dare gaze upon a woman belonging to the gods?
Even if, a moment ago, Yakushi Nonō was still Danzo's subordinate, this was the case.
The mere fact that she had received divine grace was enough to demand respect from everyone!
"Yakushi-sama."
The old fox's greatest strength lay in his adaptability.
While envious, Danzo maintained his composure.
He believed that while he may not be as powerful as Yakushi Nonō now, as long as he continued to offer sacrifices, he would eventually attain equal power!
The One Who Unifies All is generous!
He would never neglect his devout followers!
"Mm."
Yakushi Nonō understood her changed identity.
She merely nodded faintly, acknowledging Danzo's altered address.
"I must go to see my great Master. Before I return, I expect you to uphold your promise."
To see her great Master?
Danzo jolted, immediately realizing who Yakushi Nonō was referring to. His mind buzzed with excitement.
'Yakushi-sama, just after becoming a priestess, is already granted a pilgrimage?'
'It seems my assumptions were correct.'
'From now on, I should continue offering suitable girls, seeking favor from the One Who Unifies All!'
'In time, maybe I'll also have the opportunity to see Him, to make a pilgrimage!'
Thoughts raced through his mind, but Danzo didn't forget to reply.
A mere orphanage was nothing. Root could afford it.
As long as he could mend his relationship with Yakushi Nonō, any amount of money spent would be worth it!
"Yes, Yakushi-sama. I will instruct them to give the orphanage the best treatment!"
"From now on, the children will receive proper care from Root!"
Yakushi Nonō naturally believed that Danzo, however bold, wouldn't dare deceive a priestess.
After taking one last look towards the orphanage, the girl transformed into a beam of light, leaving the world of Naruto alongside the celestial body cluster.
Danzo prostrated himself once more: "Farewell, One Who Unifies All, Farewell, Yakushi-sama!"
【Worm Sorcerer: Farewell, One Who Unifies All, Farewell, Yakushi-sama!】
【Sun Worshipper: Farewell, One Who Unifies All, Farewell, Yakushi-sama!】
As the great divine presence departed, the phenomenon gradually faded.
The space that had been severed reintegrated into the world of Naruto.
The Root ninjas guarding the perimeter, bewildered, looked around, but Yakushi Nonō was nowhere to be seen.
Just as they were about to approach, Danzo stopped them.
"The ceremony is over. You have no business here."
"As you command, Danzo-sama!"
Obedience was a ninja's duty.
The Root ninjas had no right to refuse Danzo's orders. With those words, they departed one after another, leaving Danzo alone.
Ensuring that all his subordinates were gone, Danzo could no longer hold back and began to assess his gains.
"Alright, I'm the only one left, time to test my newfound power!"
"First, .............."
"Wood Release: Wood Dragon Jutsu!"
Growing up listening to tales of the First Hokage's dominance over the world of shinobi, Wood Release held a different significance, a different symbolism, in Danzo's heart compared to other kekkei genkai!
He yearned to possess the power of Wood Release!
Now, his dream had finally come true!
With a torrent of chakra channeled, a wooden dragon emerged from beneath the concrete!
Its mouth opened wide, roaring towards the sky!
Its dragon eyes gleamed fiercely, exuding boundless might!
"This is it, the Wood Release that the First Hokage used to suppress Uchiha Madara, to tame the Nine-Tails!"
Danzo reached out, trembling as he stroked the dragon's ferocious face.
His heart, it felt like it had been injected with a potent stimulant, beating wildly again!
Years of frustration and resentment had yielded sweet fruit!
A dream once thought unattainable had become reality!
Everything seemed within his grasp!
"Hahahaha!"
Danzo couldn't help but laugh out loud, his anticipation for the future soaring.
After all, this was only his first sacrifice!
As he continued to offer sacrifices, to what heights could he ascend? Danzo dared not even imagine!
In the livestream.
Watching the spirited Danzo, Zouken Matou and Muzan Kibutsuji were filled with envy.
At the same time, they were consumed with regret, blaming themselves for not offering sacrifices first!
If they had been the first, what would Danzo have to do with anything?
What a regret!
Regret for being so cautious!
To doubt the great One Who Unifies All, I am truly a fool!
【Worm Sorcerer: Congratulations, Danzo. However, I have matters to attend to, so I'll excuse myself. If you need anything, contact me through the chatroom.】
【Sun Worshipper: Same here, I also have things to do, I'm leaving.】
"Go, go, you two be busy."
In high spirits, Danzo naturally didn't mind their sour remarks.
He waved his hand, a rare warmth appearing on his usually shadowy face. "Just so happens I need to try out my newfound power. I won't keep you any longer."
With that, Danzo closed the livestream.
He was already contemplating his next sacrifice.
"Let me ponder this. Besides Tsunade, who else in Konoha is suitable?........."
"I heard Sarutobi brought back a little girl from the Uzumaki clan, and over in the Land of Grass, there seems to be another Uzumaki orphan."
"Perhaps, next time, I'll offer two priestesses to the One Who Unifies All?"
One for the first offering, then two for the second!
How else could he demonstrate his sincerity?
The more Danzo thought about it, the more it seemed feasible.
Without hesitation, he headed towards the Hokage Tower!
This time, he would prove to his old friends, with his strength, who truly was the one to lead Konoha to its peak!
.....................................................................