Chapter 119: The Root Reforms Begin!

In the blink of an eye, three months had passed since Fujinaka Genma became the leader of Root.

Over those three months, he had been familiarizing himself with and stabilizing this violent organization.

From within outward.

By now, except for the spies already deployed, every other Root ninja—even those previously on external missions—had been replaced and screened.

Overall, the process of taking over Root had gone smoothly.

It caused no major upheaval; only fifteen people had died in total.

That meant Root currently had 447 members remaining.

But the vast majority were still operating as spies in the field.

Fujinaka Genma currently controlled 168 combat-ready personnel.

That was no small number.

Remember, Root members were all elites.

Not every one was a Jonin, but all were top-tier Chunin or Special Jonin.

The proportion of Jonin alone reached one-third.

This was a formidable force.

In the past, Fujinaka Genma had thought his Charm attribute was off the charts—but now,

it was too little, utterly insufficient!

During this time, as rumors spread, news of Fujinaka Genma becoming Root’s leader reached the entire ninja world; combined with his control over Root, his reputation rose steadily, gaining eight points directly to reach eighty.

Fujinaka Genma did not hold back—he immediately spread it out.

That meant he had now influenced eighty Root ninjas.

Though none had become his absolute loyalists, after a month, all their loyalty had exceeded seventy-five.

Only Ren, Yi, Li, Zhi, and Xin, having been subjected to the Infinite Tsukuyomi genjutsu, had loyalty at one hundred.

Among the other influenced Root ninjas, the highest loyalty belonged to his first Tiba , Congyi, along with Yūshō Ryūma and Yamato, with loyalty levels of ninety, eighty-five, and eighty-three respectively.

The number of Root ninjas whose loyalty reached seventy—the system’s standard for recruitment—had risen from 103 to 153.

The rest were merely a matter of time.

Thus, Fujinaka Genma’s current accumulated Ride-And-Kill points had surged to ninety thousand.

In short, Fujinaka Genma now firmly controlled Root.

Root headquarters.

In his office, Fujinaka Genma stretched, gazing at the mountain of paperwork, and sighed with a wry smile: “Without Shadow Clones, I’d have no time left for cultivation—over time, my combat skills would grow rusty.”

“But Shadow Clones alone won’t suffice—I need assistants.”

Fujinaka Genma tapped his fingers on the desk, considering his next move.

The foundation was secured; now came deeper reforms to Root.

Or perhaps, using Root as a base, expand his influence throughout Konoha.

That too was a way to increase Charm.

Right now, the more Charm, the better.

“But before reforming, I need to further solidify my foundation and strengthen Master Minato’s power.”

Fujinaka Genma mused inwardly.

He currently controlled over ninety percent of Root’s combat strength, but Minato had few Zhishu Jonin under his direct command—many still answered to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Of course,

Minato’s current methods of handling affairs were far less adept than Hiruzen’s.

Even now, when dealing with Root matters, Fujinaka Genma often consulted senior Root ninjas like Yūshō Ryūma for advice on specifics.

But,

Fujinaka Genma did not want the Anbu split into three factions.

Only the Hokage’s direct Anbu and Root were needed.

After long contemplation, Fujinaka Genma had his plan ready; he wrote out a list, then immediately left the base with Yamato, heading for the Hokage Tower.

In the Hokage’s office, Minato Namikaze looked up and smiled: “Genma, Itachi’ve come at the perfect time.”

“About Kakashi?”

Fujinaka Genma guessed with a smile.

“Yes.”

Minato nodded, sighing: “The deaths of Rin and Obito hit him hard. I want him to join Root to assist me.”

“So first, he needs a period of special training in Root.”

Fujinaka Genma nodded: “Your idea aligns perfectly with mine.”

He handed Minato a list.

Minato saw it was a list of Root ninjas, and looked up at his student: “Genma, what is this…?”

“I plan to transfer these people into the Hokage’s direct Anbu.”

Fujinaka Genma explained: “In my vision, Root will have three primary functions going forward.”

Minato immediately leaned forward, listening intently.

“First, training: to train elite ninja for the Anbu and all of Konoha.”

“Or rather, to train top-tier ninja. My goal is that every graduate reaches at least Special Jonin level.”

Fujinaka Genma’s ambitions were vast.

Minato nodded silently, gesturing for him to continue.

“Second, internal affairs.”

Fujinaka Genma explained: “Targeting spies and traitors within Konoha.”

“Third, external intelligence gathering, planting spies, and eliminating enemies.”

In truth, the second and third functions handled all the unsavory tasks.

“Additionally, all Root missions must be documented and submitted to the Hokage.”

“Furthermore, the Hokage may issue direct orders to Root.”

Upon hearing the final point, Minato froze in surprise.