---
"I've drawn his attention. Take this chance to search the place thoroughly," Danzo Shimura ordered in a low voice.
With a nod, Aburame Ryoma disappeared, blending seamlessly into the shadows.
Danzo adjusted his crutch as he stepped into Orochimaru's secluded hideout. The dimly lit hall was lined with twisted, eerie sculptures. As Danzo entered, his sharp eyes narrowed. Orochimaru, as though expecting him, sat perched on a raised seat. His usually vibrant, sinister aura was diminished, replaced by a palpable weariness.
Danzo raised an eyebrow. So, the rumors were true.
"Orochimaru, what happened to your injury?" Danzo asked bluntly, forgoing any pleasantries.
"It's nothing," Orochimaru replied smoothly, his usual smirk tugging at his lips, though it lacked its former vigor. Naturally, he wouldn't reveal the truth.
Danzo eyed him suspiciously. The man before him was dangerous.
Despite his curiosity about Orochimaru's injury, Danzo knew pushing too hard could sever their fragile alliance—a risk he wasn't willing to take just yet.
Breaking the tense silence, Orochimaru spoke, his voice as smooth as ever. "No need to have Ryoma snooping around. I did take 'Tenzo.'"
Danzo's eyes darkened instantly. "What?"
Orochimaru's grin widened. "Really, Danzo," he sneered, "why be so possessive over an experimental subject? Especially when you've been keeping secrets from me as well."
"Hand over 'Tenzo,'" Danzo demanded, his voice cold, almost threatening. "Unless you want to break ties with me."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with amusement, though his body shuddered slightly as he coughed, wiping a trace of blood from his mouth. "I detest being threatened, Danzo." His smile returned, more snake-like than before. "Are you sure you want to take that gamble?"
Danzo's face remained expressionless, but his mind raced. Orochimaru could flee at any moment, leaving Konoha—and any traces of his treachery—behind. But Danzo was bound to the village. If his experiments with Wood Release were exposed, his ambitions for the Hokage seat would be destroyed.
After a moment of silence, Danzo spoke, his voice cold but measured. "—Tenzo—has been with the Foundation for over a decade. He's served his purpose. But don't think for a second that I will allow you to act freely without consequences."
Sensing Danzo's reluctance but quiet concession, Orochimaru's eyes sparkled. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "The Fourth Hokage is dead, and Sarutobi-sensei has reclaimed power. But his time is coming to an end. Soon, the Fifth Hokage will be chosen."
Danzo scowled. "What are you getting at?"
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Who do you think will become the Fifth Hokage?"
"You?" Danzo's lip curled in disdain. "You've already lost Sarutobi's favor. Don't be absurd."
Orochimaru's expression didn't change. "I'm aware it won't be me. But I still have supporters. And I can help you reach that coveted position."
Danzo's eyes widened, though his expression remained cautious. "And what would you ask for in return?"
Orochimaru's grin widened. "Senju Hashirama's body. Deliver it to me, and make sure no one finds out."
Danzo paled slightly. "Are you out of your mind? Experimenting with his cells is one thing, but desecrating the First Hokage's grave?" His voice lowered, almost a whisper. "If we're caught..."
"I'm well aware of the risks," Orochimaru cut in, waving his hand dismissively. "So, do we have a deal?"
Danzo stood silent, his mind calculating the consequences. Orochimaru's request was dangerous—perhaps even reckless. But few would dare disturb Hashirama's resting place, and with a proper replica, they might avoid suspicion. Besides, the temptation of seizing the Hokage seat gnawed at him.
After what seemed like an eternity, Danzo finally spoke. "Fine." His voice was low, but laced with malice. "But if you betray me..."
"You'll have nothing to worry about," Orochimaru interrupted, his voice smooth as silk. "Now, take your little bug and leave."
Danzo stiffened slightly at the mention of Aburame Ryoma but didn't respond. Orochimaru's hideout was filled with serpentine eyes—discretion was impossible here.
As Danzo turned to leave, he issued one final warning. "Don't do anything you'll regret."
Orochimaru simply smiled, watching the Root leader depart. His thoughts wandered to Natsume. Their next meeting would be very, very interesting.
---
Meanwhile, on the southwestern edge of Konoha, the Uchiha Clan had been relocated to their new compound—a large, yet isolated district. Though the grounds were more spacious, the clan was displeased with their distance from the village center. Uchiha Fugaku, their leader, had quelled any overt dissent, though many still resented the decision.
By the waterfall behind the compound, Uchiha Shisui stood alone, staring into the cascading water. His mind was restless, replaying his earlier encounter with Orochimaru. The Sannin had attacked without hesitation, his intentions clear.
Shisui had always believed in Konoha's leaders—Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo, the Sannin—each embodying the village's Will of Fire. But why had Orochimaru targeted him? Had the Hokage sanctioned the attack? No... impossible.
"It can't be..." Shisui muttered to himself, shaking his head. If he doubted Konoha's leadership, his entire world would unravel.
The sudden appearance of an ANBU operative interrupted his thoughts. "Uchiha Shisui, Lord Hokage has summoned you."
Shisui's heart skipped a beat, but he masked his unease with practiced composure. "Understood. I'll go at once."
As he entered the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted him with a warm smile. "Shisui, come in. Sit down."
The Hokage's casual demeanor immediately eased some of Shisui's doubts. He shouldn't have questioned him.
"I have a mission for you," Hiruzen began, his tone gentle but firm. "With the death of the Fourth Hokage, Kumogakure has grown bolder. We need to respond swiftly."
Shisui straightened, his resolve returning. "I'm ready, Hokage-sama. I'll carry out any mission you assign."
Hiruzen's smile widened. "I trust you, Shisui. You carry the blood of Uchiha Kagami, one of my dearest comrades. You've inherited his Will of Fire."
Shisui's chest swelled with pride at the mention of his ancestor, one of the Second Hokage's most loyal students.
"I had intended to promote you to Jōnin officially," Hiruzen continued, "but with recent events, there hasn't been time. For now, I'm granting you full Jōnin authority for this mission."
Shisui bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," Hiruzen said with a smile, placing a hand on Shisui's shoulder. "And when you return, we'll talk about your future in the ANBU."
As Shisui left the Hokage's office, his heart felt lighter. Orochimaru's attack was personal, not sanctioned by Konoha's leadership. His faith in the village—and in the Will of Fire—remained unshaken.
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