The person who arrived was Orochimaru.
Just as Orochimaru and Akihara Kagura had mentioned, he had always been keeping an eye on Yakushi Kabuto, even thinking of taking action when Uchiha Itachi made his move.
Fortunately,
Akihara Kagura arrived just in time.
After listening to the story told by Kabuto, Orochimaru even doubted whether Kagura truly originated from the Konoha orphanage because both Kabuto and Yakushi Nono believed Kagura was a child from the orphanage, just that he had been abducted by him back then…
That child…
Could it really be that he was a child from the Konoha orphanage, who just ran away and was coincidentally abducted by Orochimaru who had defected from Konoha?
Orochimaru was reminded again by Kagura that Kabuto already considered him a child from the orphanage, and Shimura Danzo had handled the paperwork quite well.
What exactly is going on?
Could it be because that child was from the Konoha orphanage, and when Orochimaru suggested he return to Konoha to see Danzo, the child wanted to rescue Kabuto and Nono, thus readily agreed to go along with it?
That child…
Has he been pretending all this time?
Was everything done to rescue Kabuto and Nono?
According to Orochimaru's speculation, this possibility seemed greater, because if Kagura truly followed the identity arranged by Danzo, what he should have done was to kill Kabuto and Nono to avoid any identity leaks, not rescue these two.
It can't be…
Because Orochimaru had mentioned using Kabuto?
Orochimaru's heart shuddered, suddenly feeling this possibility was not small. Kagura, that child, had an extreme personality and would definitely obey his orders, even at the cost of his own life.
Originally, Orochimaru had casually mentioned that the Hashirama Cell transplantation experiments always failed, and Kagura had volunteered to become a test subject, executing his orders too extremely…
Never mind.
This matter will be discussed with Kagura later.
Regardless, this situation was favorable for Orochimaru now.
Because Kagura's talent was high, the issue of his identity would definitely attract Konoha's attention. Only an identity originating from Konoha could earn Kagura more trust in Konoha.
The most important thing now was to bring Kabuto and Nono to his research base first, to prevent these two medical ninjas from really returning to Konoha…
Naturally.
Considering Orochimaru's past abduction of Kagura, Kabuto and Nono extremely disliked Orochimaru but were also fearful of his power.
However…
As Kagura's superior, Orochimaru's skill in manipulating people was also unsurpassed. He only needed two things to make these two people have no choice but to side with him.
"I can help you deal with the trouble from Shimura Danzo."
Orochimaru, with a sinister smile, looked at Yakushi Kabuto and Yakushi Nono, offering them a condition they couldn't refuse: "As long as I'm willing to step in, Shimura Danzo will no longer pursue you, and he won't even trouble Kagura for saving you."
...
Yakushi Nono remained silent, unsure how to respond.
Indeed, this offer was very tempting to her, but she knew that Orochimaru was an extremely dangerous person, and seeking refuge with Orochimaru was like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
Yakushi Kabuto was more contemplative. After thinking for a while, he raised his own concern: "If we were to take refuge with you, becoming rogue ninja of Konoha, would that bring trouble to Kagura?"
"Not only will it not bring trouble, but it could even help Kagura."
Orochimaru's smile grew wider as he continued with a light laugh: "That child has always been my experiment. I've always been reluctant to let him leave my side. It's just that I needed information from Konoha, so I sent that child back to Konoha to act as my spy."
When Orochimaru reached this point, his eyes narrowed slightly: "This is a dangerous job, but I've mentioned the crises you two might face, mentioned that Shimura Danzo originally ordered me to deal with you. That child went without hesitation..."
"We agree."
Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses and spoke softly: "After all, we don't have the power to resist Lord Orochimaru. Accepting is the best choice for us, isn't it? When can we return to Konoha, and when can we see Kagura again?"
...
Yakushi Nono frowned.
Initially, Yakushi Nono thought Kagura had been living a hard enough life, but it turned out that the child's situation was even tougher than she had imagined, even having to navigate around Orochimaru.
Orochimaru is Konoha's S-rank rogue ninja...
If discovered, that child's life would be over!
"Let me contact Danzo again!"
Orochimaru spread his hands, smilingly said: "Welcome to visit my base. You can see the environment where Kagura grew up..."
...
Yakushi Kabuto and Yakushi Nono shivered at the thought.
Because the Akihara Kagura mentioned by Orochimaru was actually living a more tragic life.
"It's truly fitting of Lord Orochimaru..."
When Akihara Kagura used the "Ninja in the Shadows" to observe Orochimaru recruiting Yakushi Kabuto and Yakushi Nono, he couldn't help but praise Orochimaru lavishly in his heart.
This superior's ability to manipulate people's hearts is almost catching up to him!
Indeed, if Orochimaru were willing to lend a hand, he could indeed solve the problem with Shimura Danzo for him. The only issue is that Shimura Danzo, this superior, might not like him.
However...
That doesn't matter.
As long as his own identity crisis can be resolved first, that would be good.
As Akihara Kagura leisurely led people on their journey, he was waiting for Uchiha Itachi to go and report this incident to Shimura Danzo.
This is the usefulness of Uchiha Itachi being alive!
As long as Uchiha Itachi goes to report the details of this incident, reporting the relationship between Akihara Kagura and Yakushi Kabuto, Yakushi Nono, Shimura Danzo would come to know one thing...
"Akihara Kagura is a child from the orphanage!"
Upon hearing Uchiha Itachi's report, Shimura Danzo immediately became furious, feeling that he had been played by Akihara Kagura: "That scoundrel has been using me all along, ever since he entered the Root, he has been using me!"
No wonder that child has always been obedient to me!
No wonder that child has always been quick to strike and scold the people of the Root!
Because that child is from the Konoha orphanage, the child's purpose in coming to the Root was not to become my tool, but to take the opportunity to make Yakushi Kabuto and Yakushi Nono leave the Root. The child has always been disguising himself!
"Does he think I have no way to deal with him?"
Shimura Danzo, holding his cane, wanted to go see Sarutobi Hiruzen, but soon calmed down because he knew he couldn't reveal the fact that he was still secretly colluding with Orochimaru.
Orochimaru is still useful to him!
Shimura Danzo, with a face full of anger, could only suppress his rage. The only thing he could do, perhaps, was to blame Orochimaru for not telling him everything about Akihara Kagura!
Even though...
That was something Shimura Danzo couldn't be bothered to ask about.
Who would have thought, a tool meant for killing could hide such deep thoughts and even such profound schemes!
Perhaps that child has always been trying to attract Sarutobi Hiruzen's attention, doing everything possible to become Sarutobi Hiruzen's genius of Wood Release, all for the purpose of making Sarutobi Hiruzen help him make Yakushi Kabuto and Yakushi Nono leave the Root!
"My assessment task has failed."
Uchiha Itachi respectfully reported all the news he had heard, and then slowly bowed his head, saying, "I hope Lord Danzo can give me another chance…"
Silence.
Shimura Danzo clenched his cane.
At this moment, Shimura Danzo quickly regained his composure, realizing it was not that Uchiha Itachi could not leave the higher-ups of Konoha, but rather that the higher-ups of Konoha could not do without Uchiha Itachi, the spy.
"The assessment of you is not for the sake of killing."
Shimura Danzo narrowed his eyes, slowly continuing, "Your assessment is to test whether you can bear the will of darkness. When you are willing to do whatever it takes for the safety of Konoha and resolve any potential crises, you have already passed the assessment."
Uchiha Itachi incredulously lifted his head.
"From today on, you will be directly under my command."
Shimura Danzo looked down at Uchiha Itachi and announced, "Whether Konoha and the Uchiha clan can move towards a peaceful future depends on you from now on, Itachi."
"Yes, Lord Danzo!"
Uchiha Itachi's heart leapt once again.
Initially, Uchiha Itachi thought he had not passed the assessment and feared that the communication channel between Konoha's higher-ups and the Uchiha clan would be cut off. However, Shimura Danzo still chose to accept him.
As long as Shimura Danzo accepted him, he could use the intelligence of Konoha's higher-ups to influence the Uchiha's decisions, and the intelligence of the Uchiha clan to influence the attitude of Konoha's higher-ups towards the Uchihas!
This was Uchiha Itachi's real spy plan!
Although this step was difficult, for the peace of the village and the clan, it was something a Konoha ninja, a member of the Uchiha clan, must do!
"Anbu..."
Uchiha Itachi raised his concern.
Because of his conflict with Akihara Kagura, once he returned to the Anbu, he didn't know how many more issues would arise between him and Akihara Kagura.
"There's no need to return to Anbu."
Shimura Danzo shook his head and suddenly called out two names.
"B, C."
Two masked Anbu ninjas emerged from the shadows and knelt respectfully on one knee in front of Shimura Danzo.
Shimura Danzo looked at Uchiha Itachi and ordered, "Starting today, you two will be under Itachi's command. Your team is responsible for monitoring the actions of the Uchiha clan."
"Yes."
Uchiha Itachi and the two Root ninjas bowed their heads.
"Work hard."
Shimura Danzo looked down at Uchiha Itachi, almost greedily staring into his eyes: "Don't disappoint me, Itachi."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
Uchiha Itachi bowed his head, not daring to look up.
At that moment, Uchiha Itachi knew his plan had succeeded.
"By the way, did you just say they brought back the Third Tsuchikage?"
Shimura Danzo squinted his eyes and asked, then without waiting for Uchiha Itachi's reply, he scoffed to himself, "The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki the Fence-Sitter..."
Compared to the Fourth Mizukage Yagura, the secrets Onoki held were certainly more numerous, almost equivalent to holding the entire intelligence of Rock Village in his hands.
Even though Shimura Danzo knew it was impossible for Sarutobi Hiruzen to hand over Onoki to him, he couldn't help but feel excited at the thought of having Rock Village's intelligence...
"I need to go out."
Shimura Danzo forcefully tapped his cane and commanded, "Gather all the Root members. I'm going to meet Onoki and see that kid!"
He had to ask in person...
Whether that kid was really an orphan!
He had to find out for himself...
Whether that kid had been secretly playing him all along!
If all of this was true, he was willing to sacrifice an eye to deal with that kid and take control of Onoki ahead of time!
Outside the Village of Konoha.
Akihara Kagura offered his opinion.
"I want to hand over the Third Tsuchikage to Lord Danzo."
Akihara Kagura's brows faintly revealed a trace of worry: "If Lord Danzo knew that I had been following his orders solely to rescue Kabuto and the Dean, he would definitely be very angry with me. At least giving him the Tsuchikage would let him know of my loyalty…"
"Kid."
The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, was extremely angry, almost clenching his teeth: "Do you intend to offer me as a gift to that despicable Danzo?"
"…"
Hatake Kakashi's forehead twitched, and he quickly tries to calm the old man: "Lord Tsuchikage, please calm down a bit. The Hokage will not let this happen."
After saying that, Hatake Kakashi turned to Akihara Kagura, advising him: "Even if you hand over the Tsuchikage to Danzo, he would not forgive you for rescuing the Dean and Kabuto…"
Akihara Kagura glanced at Hatake Kakashi and reiterated his old affairs: "This is a crucial moment in the competition with Uchiha Itachi for the future leadership of the Root…"
"But…"
Hatake Kakashi felt a bit of a headache and proactively asked: "You... haven't you already rescued Kabuto and the Dean from the Root?"
"I know."
Akihara Kagura seemed somewhat obstinate and said: "But, only in the Root can I realize my ninja way, rooted in darkness to protect the light…"
"Moreover…"
Akihara Kagura looked at Hatake Kakashi and continued: "I have been exposed to the darkness of the Root. The people there are also protecting Konoha. I want the people of the Root to ensure that the tragedies of Kabuto and the Dean do not happen again in the future…"
When Akihara Kagura talked about these things, he showed a spirit of fearless universal brotherhood and asked in return: "Captain Kakashi, if Lord Danzo chooses Uchiha Itachi as the future leader of the Root, do you think such tragedies will decrease?"
"I think…"
Hatake Kakashi remembered the scene of Uchiha Itachi standing next to Kabuto, swinging his ninja sword at Kabuto, and the darkness that emerged from that child.
Hatake Kakashi couldn't help but sigh, thinking that Akihara Kagura was more suitable to be the future leader of the Root than Itachi, and proactively said: "However, maybe there's no need to meet Danzo. The Hokage allowed the establishment of the Root, so he could also appoint the future leader of the Root, right?"
~~~
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