"This is one of the finished products, it's very beneficial for nurturing the tense brain of a ninja."
Aomi pushed a box of medicine and its prescription in front of the Nara Clan Leader, indicating for him to inspect it.
The Nara Clan Leader's eyes lit up, ignoring Akimichi Torifu's urgent gaze, he carefully examined the prescription and then swallowed it.
Instantly, the Nara Clan Leader felt a refreshing coolness in his brain, even his thoughts sped up a bit, and the chronic ache deep within his brain was momentarily alleviated.
For the Nara Clan, whose brains are always turning, this was a rare, excellent tonic!
The Nara Clan Leader made a prompt decision and said:
"Aomi, our Nara Clan volunteers to provide elite clansmen for the Root. Since the Root's Will of Fire is so inspiring and moving, our Nara Clan will not let the Aomi Leader down; we must join this big family!"
Akimichi Torifu frowned, puzzled as to how this usually clever old man wouldn't even try to negotiate.
But immediately, Akimichi Torifu felt a pain in his calf as the Nara Clan Leader silently kicked him.
Akimichi Torifu was startled and quickly followed up by saying:
"The Akimichi Clan is the same! We ask for nothing in return, only to have the Akimichi Clan participate in the Root's Will of Fire!"
This kick awakened Akimichi Torifu.
The Aomi in front of him was not someone to be bargained with, or bullied like a child.
He was the Root Leader who had overturned Shimura Danzo with a gentle smile but even harsher methods.
On him was the Will of Fire, but he was never lacking in firmness, just like his teacher.
Akimichi Torifu recalled Aomi's extremely hawkish attitude towards other Hidden Villages, feeling somewhat regretful. He had spent too much time at home as a wealthy idler, losing even basic political sensitivity.
In actuality, Akimichi Torifu was just a bit naive. When Senju Tobirama asked who would stay behind back then, he could remarkably say in public, "Staying behind will surely lead to death, so who will go..."
Aomi demonstrated the improved Mind Body Transfer Jutsu to the Yamanaka Clan Leader but did not provide the corresponding training method, only letting him experience its nearly doubled intensity.
He showcased the improved Parasitic Destruction Insect to the Aburame Clan...
Exhibited a new type of Taijutsu evolving from Beast Mimicry Ninpo to the Inuzuka Clan...
And finally demonstrated Root's abundant ninjutsu reserve, stating that these resources were fully open to all Root Ninja.
"Gentlemen, I think there is some misunderstanding between us."
Aomi stood up slowly, Tomoe swirling in his eyes, sweeping a powerful gaze over the ninja clan leaders present:
"The current Root, though in need of manpower, isn't trying to force you. It's just that your ninja clans are the backbone of Konoha, hence the slots were preferentially opened to you because of your previous merits."
"New Root will not force any Konoha Ninja to join, we only need companions who agree with the path of the Will of Fire and elites capable of developing into the cornerstone of Konoha."
"Roots absorb nutrients from the bottom but always must feed back to the leaves, and as the roots supporting Konoha, what we need is incredibly solid essence. I hope everyone understands this principle."
"You all can take your gains and leave now..."
Aomi waved his hand dismissively, not even waiting for answers from the Yamanaka Clan, Aburame Clan, and other ninja clans.
The clan leaders stood up helplessly, internally confused by Root's powerful incentives.
Yet the Nara Clan Leader, in a voice neither loud nor soft, as if speaking to Akimichi Torifu yet letting Aomi and others slightly overhear, said:
"Torifu, Aomi's leader is Tsunade-sama, the current Hokage Assistant!"
"Do I need to emphasize these points to you? If you don't bet or solidify your stance now, how will you gain importance later?"
"Do you think Jiraiya and Orochimaru still have great chances? It's very difficult, so don't hesitate..."
The Nara Clan Leader pulled Akimichi Torifu's hand and quickly left the venue.
Aomi watched the Nara Clan Leader's departing figure with a smile, nodding with satisfaction.
This Ninja World always has intelligent people, just like Root's Yakushi Nonou, the Nara Clan Leader...
After the Nara Clan Leader finished speaking, the other clan leaders knew well it was directed at them, yet their hearts were still moved.
Although the war that could reshuffle the decks hadn't arrived, with Aomi's grip on Root and outstanding talent, could the more experienced Orochimaru and Jiraiya compete with him?
The answer to this question, combined with Sarutobi Hiruzen's attitude, seemed increasingly clear.
Once all the clan leaders had left, one man who had been silent suddenly returned, looking at Aomi with fervor:
"Lord Aomi, I apologize that the Hyuga Clan refused your invitation, but please allow me to join Root. I am willing to give my all for your will and the new Root!"
Among all the ninja clans in Konoha, Aomi's invitations had reached everyone, except the Hyuga Clan.
Only the Hyuga Clan had explicitly rejected Aomi's invitation!
Just like in the original timeline's Hyuga, during the peace celebration between Konoha and Hidden Cloud, from Jonin to Genin, everyone participated except this clan, who did not attend because they were celebrating the Main Family's heir's third birthday...
Just as there were no Hyuga in Anbu and Root, this noble family of Konoha similarly rejected the new Root's invitation.
Aomi sighed and shook his head, patting his shoulder: "Hizashi, do you represent the Hyuga Clan?"
Hyuga Hizashi firmly shook his head: "Lord Aomi, I only represent myself!"
Aomi smiled gently: "Hizashi, I truly like the Will of Fire burning within you..."
"Come with me, you are the first member of the new Root. I hope your Will of Fire will burn away some obstacles to the new era in the future."
Hyuga Hizashi's heart trembled, and he nodded repeatedly: "I will not fail your trust, Lord Aomi!"