XX-level Hokage

Shouhan stopped moving again; she simply couldn't bear such humiliation.

“I think Shouhan’s two younger brothers are doing well now, I wonder what will happen next,” Mashiro said slowly.

Mentioning her two younger brothers, Temari's face turned deathly pale, and she raised her hand in protest. Mashiro led Temari away from the prison.

"You'll be coming to Hyuga to take care of me from now on. If I'm satisfied, I'll release your two younger brothers as well," Mashiro said with a smile.

"Yes, Lord Mashiro." Tehan's eyes were utterly empty, as if he had lost his soul. In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu were gathered. "Danzo has been murdered," the Third Hokage said, exhaling a puff of smoke.

Upon hearing this news, both Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked extremely grim. Although they had already heard the news, they still couldn't believe it when they actually heard it.

"Who killed Danzo? We must avenge him!" said Xiaochun, who was very excited. They didn't have many old friends to begin with.

“I don’t know. I’m too old now. Danzo is dead, and it’s time for me to retire,” the Third Hokage sighed. Mitokado Homura and Koharu remained silent.

"What do you guys think of Mashiro?" the Third Hokage suddenly asked.

"She's a very talented child. Now that you're mentioning her, are you suggesting she become the new Hokage?" Mitokado Homura exclaimed in surprise. "Impossible. Regardless of her qualifications, credibility, or age, she has no chance of being elected," Utatane Koharu said.

The Third Hokage shook his head and said, "No, I want to make her the new leader of Root, to assist the new Hokage in governing Konoha." "That would be feasible," Mitokado Homura said without any objection.

Where there is fire, there will be shadow. The "Root" is necessary to maintain peace in Konoha. Since the Third Hokage is willing to send his disciple to be the shadow, they naturally have no objections.

Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Princess of Sand and Rock

Mashiro and Tehan's escape from prison went incredibly smoothly. After that meeting, all the higher-ups knew the Third Hokage's attitude towards Mashiro, and the Anbu, as the Third Hokage's weapon, naturally wouldn't make things difficult for Mashiro. They formally signed a guarantee, and Mashiro left with Tehan.

"You don't seem happy?" Mashiro said to Tsubasa as they walked. "No, I'm very happy," Tsubasa replied with a forced smile.

“Don’t force yourself. Just follow your heart. Since you can’t go back to the Sand Village, it’s obviously better to stay with me than to stay in the prison. You can also get some information about the Sand Village. It’s clearly in your best interest, so don’t be so pessimistic,” Mashiro said to Temari.

"You seem to care about me a lot," Temari said to Mashiro after a moment's hesitation.

In the ninja world, before gaining sufficient strength or becoming a leader, the lives of all ninjas are not actually good, especially during wartime.

"In those times, swindlers were dying all the time, and the situation was even worse for female swindlers," Mashiro said leisurely.

"?" Handan was very puzzled by what Mashiro had said out of the blue.

“You weren’t born during a time of war, nor were you born in a small ninja village, so of course you wouldn’t understand what I’m saying. Children born in those environments are very attached to people they like,” Mashiro said, looking at the azure-clad Guan Kong.

Although Mashiro rambled on a bit, Temari still managed to glean two key points. "Have you experienced war?" she asked doubtfully. "And do you have feelings for me?"

"War? Sorry, I'm a proper young lady born in a peaceful era. As for feelings, I do have quite a few feelings for you," Mashiro said, seemingly genuinely.

"Affection? It can't be the kind of affection between a man and a woman, can it?" Temari asked strangely, if Mashiro really had those feelings for her. Originally, she thought that what Mashiro made her do in the cell was to humiliate her, but now... Temari's pale face suddenly turned red again. "What do you think men and women are together for?" Mashiro suddenly asked.

"To have offspring," Shouhan replied, adding that the harsh environment of Sharen Village was the common answer among the women there.

"Procreation is indeed a very important part, but nowadays many ninjutsu can allow women to give birth on their own, and some forbidden techniques can even clone a child directly. So why do people still choose the oldest way of getting married and having children?" Mashiro continued to ask.

Shouhan didn't know how to answer.

"Because of feelings, that's the foundation of everything, and these feelings don't just exist between men and women. But don't worry, right now I only have a physical attraction to you," Mashiro said calmly.

Shouhan lowered her head silently, now even more worried.

He led his hand to his courtyard, and upon entering, he saw Heitu lying on his side in the corridor eating biscuits.

"Didn't I arrange a room for you? Why do you still come here every day?" Mashiro stepped forward, took the biscuit from Kurotsuchi's hand, and stuffed it into her mouth.

"The entire Iwa-Haku delegation has left, why won't you let me go back?" Kurotsuchi looked at Mashiro with a resentful expression.

"You can't blame me for this. Your grandfather said you should stay in Konoha for a few more days because he's worried about you going back with the delegation since you're injured. He said he'll send a Jonin to escort you back, so there's no need to rush," Mashiro said helplessly, spreading her hands.

"Isn't he that Sand Ninja? How come he's here?" Kurotsuchi asked, looking at Temari behind Mashiro with some confusion.

"After investigation, it was found that she had nothing to do with this incident, and was actually the daughter of the deceased Fourth Kazekage. Just in case, the village decided to let her stay with me for the time being," Mashiro said without changing her expression.

"Ha ha ha ha"

Kurotsuchi suddenly laughed and said, "The Hyuga clan is like an inn now, isn't it, innkeeper?"

Mashiro reached out and rubbed Kurotsuchi's face with both hands, saying, "Yes, dear guest." "I surrender, I surrender!" Under Mashiro's onslaught, Kurotsuchi immediately raised her hands in surrender. Only then did Mashiro smile and release her hands.

Kurotsuchi covered her face, which had been rubbed red, and looked at Mashiro with resentment once again.

"Alright, you can go back now. I have some important things to discuss," Masashi said, patting Kurotsuchi's hair. "Tch."

Hei Tu wiped his mouth, then left with the biscuits in his arms.

After seeing Kurotsuchi off, Mashiro turned around and found Temari looking at him strangely. "What's wrong?" Mashiro asked.

"It's nothing, it just doesn't feel like your style," Temari said.

Although Mashiro is about the same age as her, she has always felt that Mashiro is a wolf in sheep's clothing, cold-blooded, cunning, and good at scheming. Especially after the prison incident, Tehan developed a deep fear of Mashiro.

But watching Mashiro and Kurotsuchi interact, she inexplicably sensed a doting and indulgent, humorous and gentle nature from Mashiro, a style completely different from what she had imagined.

"My style? You mean insidious or ruthless? You read that right. That's exactly who I am. I love attacking other people's weaknesses and forcing them to submit. I won't hesitate to kill anyone who stands in my way."

"But a person can't maintain the same style all the time; that's too tiring. As a bad person, being gentle and humorous occasionally might bring unexpected rewards," Masashi said with a smile.

"There's something else I never expected: you love to talk. Even when there are things that don't need an answer, you still explain them to me very carefully," Temari continued.

Because I'm usually quiet and reserved in many situations, or I cherish my studies like gold, I sometimes talk a bit more; it's a kind of balance, I guess. "Mashiro extended her hand to Temari."

Shouhan's heart skipped a beat, but he still didn't dodge.

I stroked Shouhan's hair; it was a bit fuzzy, with a strange feel to it.

Withdrawing her hand, Mashiro led Temari to the living room and gestured for her to sit on the other side of the table. "Now, let's get down to business," Mashiro said calmly.

Shouhan straightened up, that oppressive feeling that terrified her returned. "Shouhan, what are your thoughts on the position of Kazekage?" Mashiro asked, looking at Shouhan.

"With the news of the Fourth Kazekage's death, Sunagakure will definitely be thrown into chaos, especially since Orochimaru launched a failed war in the name of the Fourth Kazekage. Now, other factions in the village are definitely slandering our faction. Just like you said, this is the best opportunity for other forces in Sunagakure to vie for the Kazekage position, especially since the three children of the Kazekage haven't been able to return to Sunagakure," Shouhan said, his head bowed.

"You seem quite pessimistic about the situation in the Sand Village?" Mashiro poured a cup of tea, pushed it toward Temari, and said softly.

“Our lineage is currently the largest force in the Sand Village, and many high-ranking members are also biased towards us. But as you said, there will definitely be people who use the power of other villages to compete for the position of Kazekage. The position of Kazekage cannot remain vacant for too long, and the three of us cannot return in the short term. If this continues, even our power will be shaken.” Temari said, gripping her cup tightly.

“It’s so pitiful. As the children of the Fourth Kazekage, you are still in a foreign country, your fate unknown, while the struggle in the village has already begun.” Mashiro stood up and came behind Temari, gently pressing her shoulder.

“I can help you, the position of Kazekage,” Mashiro whispered in Han’s ear.

Chapter Thirty-Nine: "Roots"

Five days after Danzo's disappearance, the Third Hokage announced that Mashiro would become the new leader of Root. This fact was known only to a select few outside of Root itself.

As a result, most Konoha villagers had no idea of ​​the existence of "Root".

For the Root ninjas, the Third Hokage's announcement was tantamount to announcing Danzo's death. Although this speculation had arisen after the Cursed Seal disappeared, the Root ninjas reacted differently after the news was actually announced.

For the Root ninjas who were forced to join Root and those who opposed Danzo's ideals, Danzo's death and Mashiro's succession were undoubtedly the beginning of Root's changes; while for Danzo's henchmen and the Root ninjas who agreed with Danzo's ideals, Danzo's death and Mashiro's succession caused them great anxiety.

The headquarters of "Root" is located underground in Konoha.

In the leader's office, Mashiro smiled as she looked at the "Root" cadres kneeling around her.

"Please don't be nervous, everyone. I only learned about this news recently. I am honored to be accepted by such an important organization as Root," Mashiro said gently.

"What are you saying, sir? Since it is the Hokage's will, I believe you can lead Root to a better future," said Aburame Torune, Danzo's personal guard, flatteringly.

Other officers also expressed their respect and goodwill towards Mashiro.

As core members of the "roots," they are very adept at understanding the situation.

"I've heard that Lord Danzo used cursed seals to control the life and death of Root members during his lifetime, and our Hyuga clan also has a similar cursed seal called Caged Bird, which I think you've all heard of," Mashiro said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, "the cadres of the root were all nervous, as they had just gotten rid of Danzo's seal."

"Of course, everyone, don't worry. I trust the people of Root very much. There's no need for me to use any special seals," Mashiro continued. Hearing this, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief. But before they could celebrate, Mashiro's next words plunged them into despair once again.

"But I still have some concerns about you all. After all, you are all Danzo's former subordinates. Some people have suggested that I get rid of you, but you are all Konoha ninjas, and you are all very outstanding ninjas. I just can't bear to do it. So, you should all be willing to be planted with the Caged Bird Seal, right?" Mashiro looked at them and said calmly.

There was silence.

"I agree with Master Shin's suggestion and voluntarily plant the Caged Bird." Hyuga Kintoki, the deputy leader of the Root Investigation Team, suddenly said, then removed his headband, revealing a smooth forehead; he was a member of the main clan.

"Kintoki, you did very well. As a member of the Hyuga clan, I know your fear of the Caged Bird Seal, but you are actually willing to accept it now. I have high hopes for you." Mashiro said to Hyuga Kintoki with a smile, and then planted the Caged Bird Seal on his forehead.

"Are you all still hesitating? I can assure you that once we truly establish trust, I will immediately release you from the caged bird trap," Mashiro said, looking at the others again.

"What are you all waiting for? Lady Mashiro, as the current leader of Root, didn't force us but gave us a choice, and she even promised to remove us from the organization later. Do you all have some issues with Lady Mashiro, or are you harboring selfish motives?" Hinata Kintoki said.

Upon hearing Hyuga Kintoki's words, Aburame Torune and Yamanaka Fu knew they could no longer remain silent. "Lord Mashiro, we are willing too."

Immediately afterwards, all the cadres voluntarily accepted the caged bird planted by Mashiro.

Mashiro gazed at all the executives who had already planted the caged bird, her eyes lingering.

Hyuga Kintoki's initiative was a pre-arranged act by Mashiro. She had approached Hyuga Kintoki beforehand, promising him that she would perform an eye transplant on him and then promote him from vice-leader to full-fledged leader.

The Caged Bird Seal, a cursed seal passed down through the Hyuga clan, can only be removed by replacing the eyes of the clan members who have been imprinted with it. Moreover, it must be the eyes of the main branch of the clan. For outsiders who are not members of the Hyuga clan, it seems that there is a way to remove the Caged Bird Seal, but it is only seemingly possible. After all, this is the first time that the Caged Bird Seal has been imprinted on an ordinary ninja.

The reason why Mashiro went to such great lengths was quite simple: the most important condition for planting a caged bird is that the person being planted cannot have any intention of resisting.

This is why caged birds are usually planted when the birds are two or three years old before the family separates.

At the training ground of "Root", all members of Root were gathered there.

Mashiro arrived at the training ground with a group of officers, and everyone hurriedly bowed. "Lord Mashiro!"

"Everyone, please don't be nervous. I'm not like Lord Danzo. I'm a very easygoing person. When I was training with my teacher, I heard about everything you've done for Konoha in secret. In my eyes, you are Konoha's dark heroes, silently protecting everything in Konoha," Mashiro said sincerely.

These words resonated in the hearts of all the ordinary ninjas of Root, and their gazes toward Mashiro became serious.

"You ordinary shadows protect Konoha, nameless sacrifices, suffering, but you also have families and want to be respected. I am here to change all of that. Not all tree roots have to be buried deep in the soil. We also need the nourishment of sunlight. I promise you all, I will let the light shine here, and let all the sacrifices be remembered!" Mashiro said, her eyes sparkling.

Mashiro's declaration made everyone in the "Root" look at Mashiro seriously. Their eyes were filled with hope, respect and gratitude. Even the executives next to Mashiro had complicated expressions. No one had ever treated him like a rat in the gutter.

"Mashiro-sama"

A Root ninja knelt down respectfully.

Immediately afterwards, all the ordinary ninjas of "Root" knelt down respectfully. Seeing this, all the executives of "Root" also knelt down respectfully.

Mashiro stepped forward and looked at the first ninja who knelt down. "What's your name?"

“Sai, my name is Sai,” Sai said respectfully.

"You're quite good," Mashiro said, looking at Sai. [Name: Sai]

Gender: Male Age: 14 Favorability: 78 Relationship: Subordinate

Affection Reward (50): Ninja Brush (Already Obtained) Affection Reward (90): Ninja Art: Super Beast Imitation Painting

After settling everything in the Dark Division, Masami returned home.