Such a large-scale operation was too obvious to escape the attention of Root's spies.
Though both Root and the main Konoha forces had the same goal, protecting the village, their methods were fundamentally different.
When Hiruzen led a group of Jonin to confront Orochimaru without any prior warning, Danzo's first reaction wasn't to notify Orochimaru but to consider how to sever ties with him. He understood that Hiruzen likely knew of his connection to Orochimaru but also that Hiruzen wouldn't openly reveal it.
Danzo was deeply rooted in Konoha, his roots spread wide and strong, was meant to support the village like a tree. He couldn't be easily uprooted.
Even so, when Hiruzen and his group set out, Danzo had to act as though he had no relationship with Orochimaru, even if it was just a small gesture.
"Erase all traces of Orochimaru's work, leave nothing behind," Danzo ordered, staring ahead into the empty space before him.
Behind him, three masked ANBU knelt. Upon receiving the command, they vanished into the shadows.
"If it's you, you wouldn't just surrender so easily. Don't blame me, Orochimaru," Danzo muttered, lifting his right arm with a cold smile.
Losing Orochimaru as an ally, someone who had once been connected by mutual benefit didn't bother Danzo much. He had already gained most of what he wanted. Orochimaru had left behind something even more important, a boy who could control Wood Release. Wood Release was capable of restraining tailed beasts, a vital tool for Danzo's ambition to become Hokage.
Danzo's right arm was a product of Orochimaru's research. He had maintained their relationship for the potential it held, but now that things had escalated to this point, it was time to let go.
....
Deep in the forest, the night was still.
The heavy thud of footsteps landing on branches echoed through the silence as a group of Konoha ninjas arrived at a hidden entrance made of stone. Vines and tree roots wrapped around the stone pillars, and the stone door, covered in moss, stood under a large tree.
Over forty ninjas quickly spread out, positioning themselves on the trees and ground, forming a perimeter around the stone door.
Hiruzen stood at the forefront, his expression grave as he looked at the entrance.
"We've finally arrived at this moment…"
His gaze remained fixed on the moss-covered stone door as he ordered, "Spread out in a five-kilometer radius from here. This is a secret base—there are surely more than one exit."
"Yes!" The ninjas immediately complied, dispersing to extend the perimeter, ensuring that if Orochimaru tried to escape, he would have no way out.
Tsunade and Jiraiya stayed close to Hiruzen, but before Jiraiya could speak, Hiruzen interrupted, "You should go as well."
Jiraiya frowned. "Do you really plan to face this alone?"
Hiruzen glanced at him and said calmly, "I have my bodyguards."
He gestured to the two ANBU at his side, loyal subordinates whose strength was undeniable.
"It's better if I stay with you," Jiraiya insisted, not out of distrust for the ANBU but because he felt more secure being at Hiruzen's side.
Hiruzen firmly rejected the offer. "You know Orochimaru's abilities. If he tries to escape, I won't be able to stop him. To ensure success, the perimeter needs to be strong, and you and Tsunade are vital to that effort. You cannot stay here."
With a slight tone of regret, Hiruzen added, "I may be old, but I'm not so weak that you need to worry."
Jiraiya exchanged a hesitant look with Tsunade. Neither of them felt comfortable leaving, but Hiruzen's resolve was clear.
"Go," Hiruzen said, this time with finality.
Reluctantly, Jiraiya and Tsunade left.
Once they were gone, Hiruzen moved swiftly to the stone door, placing his hand against the cold, damp surface of the moss-covered stone. He hesitated, staring at the door in silence.
One of the ANBU, wearing a bird-shaped mask, spoke up, "Third Hokage?"
Hiruzen took a deep breath and pushed the door open. A low rumble echoed as the door slid aside, revealing the dark tunnel beyond. Immediately, the sound of a spring mechanism snapping filled the air as a barrage of traps was triggered, sending a wave of projectiles flying from the darkness.
Without a word, the two ANBU leapt in front of Hiruzen, deflecting the projectiles with their blades.
"Traps… You were prepared for us," Hiruzen murmured, eyeing the floor littered with fallen weapons before charging into the tunnel, the ANBU right behind him.
As Hiruzen, flanked by his two ANBU bodyguards, advanced deeper into the base, the other Konoha ninjas spread out, tightening the perimeter. Meanwhile, Kotoe, who had been discreetly tracking the group, was forced to keep her distance, navigating the outskirts of the expanding formation.
Inside the base, Hiruzen skillfully avoided several traps set by Orochimaru. It wasn't until he reached a wooden door that he finally stopped. He could hear faint sounds coming from behind it.
Hiruzen stared at the door with a tense expression. The two ANBU positioned themselves on either side, ready for action.
Hiruzen signaled with his hand, and the ANBU followed his command. One kicked the door open while the other swiftly entered, securing the right side of the room.
However, the expected attack did not come.
The two ANBU remained on alert, but Hiruzen stepped into the room, his eyes immediately narrowing in shock at what he saw.
Inside the room was a workbench, and standing in front of it, with his back to them, was Orochimaru. His arms were moving, but Hiruzen couldn't see what he was doing.
The overwhelming stench of blood filled the room. All around were bodies, hanging from the walls or lying in corners, covered in blood-soaked cloths. It was a scene of horror—a testament to Orochimaru's inhumane experiments.
"Orochimaru… what is this?" Hiruzen growled, his voice thick with disappointment.
Orochimaru turned slowly, his snake-like eyes gleaming coldly as he faced Hiruzen. "I set many traps, yet I didn't expect you to come in person."
"Orochimaru!" Hiruzen shouted, his anger rising. "The missing Chunin, Jonin, and even ANBU members… it was you, wasn't it?"
Orochimaru set down the tools in his hand and laughed, a low, raspy sound. "Isn't it obvious? You're standing right in front of the evidence."
One of the ANBU, wearing a bird-shaped mask, asked in a bewildered voice, "Lord Orochimaru, why… would someone like you… do this?"
Orochimaru cut him off sharply. "Do you want me to kill you?"
The ANBU froze, instinctively raising his guard as Orochimaru's murderous intent filled the room.
Hiruzen stared at Orochimaru, his heart heavy with disappointment. "Why are you conducting these experiments? What are you trying to achieve?"
Orochimaru sneered, turning fully to face them. "It's all for the development of new jutsu, of course."
"To perform such experiments on your own people… for the sake of jutsu?" the ANBU in the dog mask growled in anger.
Orochimaru chuckled darkly once again.
"You're developing forbidden techniques… What are you hoping to gain?" Hiruzen demanded, the weight of his student's betrayal crushing him.
"Everything!" Orochimaru replied, raising his arms as if reaching for something. His eyes gleamed with ambition and malice as they reflected the dim light of the room.
Humans are creatures driven by the intangible.
Be it belief, goals, or… desire.
People strive for what they want, for the end they wish to reach.
As Hiruzen stared into the depths of Orochimaru's cold, malevolent eyes, he felt a profound sense of disillusionment.
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Currently on Chapter 284: The Incoming Information