Konoha Village, Hokage's Office.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"Come in."
The door creaked open, and Orochimaru stepped inside.
"Lord Third, you called me?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Yes, Orochimaru. I need to ask you something. You've been researching Wood Release for years. Under what conditions do you think the Wood Dragon Jutsu can completely absorb a White Zetsu?"
Orochimaru paused, surprised. "White Zetsu? Are you referring to that strange creature we captured five years ago?"
Hiruzen nodded. "Yes, one of them attacked Yoruichi today."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with interest. "Are you saying Yoruichi's Wood Dragon Jutsu fully absorbed the White Zetsu?"
"Yes. Our Intelligence Division confirmed it and even captured some photos."
Hiruzen slid a few photographs across the desk. Orochimaru leaned forward, scrutinizing them. The images showed a White Zetsu shrinking into nothingness as the Wood Dragon constricted it.
"Absorbed completely… Could it be that White Zetsu's body is composed of cells from the First Hokage?" Orochimaru's voice grew excited. "If that's true, it explains why they can travel through earth and trees so effortlessly."
"What a waste, though," Orochimaru muttered. "Is it gone?"
"There may still be more," Hiruzen replied, pushing another photo toward him. This one showed three White Zetsu figures together.
"A group of them?" Orochimaru muttered, stunned.
Hiruzen then gestured to a sealed beaker on his desk. "This contains the last remaining liquid left by the White Zetsu."
Orochimaru's hand shot out, but Hiruzen smacked it away.
"Not yet," Hiruzen said with a smirk. "You'll get your chance, but first, I have a task for you."
"What do you need me to do?" Orochimaru asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Go to the Land of Lightning and bring Danzo back. He should have some spoils from his mission—perhaps the Two-Tails."
Orochimaru's eyes widened. "The Two-Tails?! Lord Third, do you realize how dangerous this could be? The Raikage will hunt him down!"
Hiruzen chuckled. "Don't worry about the Raikage. I'll handle him myself. It's been years since I've had a proper fight."
"Deceiving the Hidden Cloud, are we?" Orochimaru smirked.
"Deceiving?" Hiruzen shook his head. "They've been infiltrating Konoha for years, trying to steal the Nine-Tails. This is just payback."
Orochimaru sighed. "When should I leave?"
"In three days. Until then, stay close. I don't want you disappearing before the mission."
"Fine," Orochimaru said, his tone laced with reluctance. "But can I study that White Zetsu liquid afterward?"
"No. You'd lose yourself in it and miss the bigger picture."
Orochimaru grumbled, clearly frustrated.
---
Land of Water
A damp sea breeze hit their faces as Yoruichi led his team forward.
"Sensei, what's the plan? Are we storming the Mist Village?" Obito asked, his excitement barely contained.
Yoruichi glanced back at him. "Can you even kill a chicken yet? Talk about storming a village. Don't get ahead of yourself."
Obito pouted. "But I'm a genius of the Uchiha clan! I awakened my Sharingan!"
Yoruichi smirked. "Good. Then use it. Someone's coming."
Before Obito could respond, a massive sword slashed through the tall grass, revealing a towering figure. He had pale blue skin, sharp teeth, and a menacing grin.
"Who are they?" Obito whispered.
The Mist ninja accompanying the swordsman sneered. "Lord Kisame, it's them! One of the kids has a Sharingan!"
"Kisame Hoshigaki," Yoruichi muttered. His eyes flicked to the large blade. It wasn't the Samehada yet, just a simple oversized sword. Kisame looked younger—this must have been before he joined the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Kisame's eyes narrowed. "Konoha shinobi, you know me?"
"I know you," Yoruichi said plainly. "But it doesn't matter."
Kisame smirked. "Then let's see what you've got."
Obito froze, his legs trembling. Yoruichi ruffled his hair. "Go on, genius ninja. Show me what the Uchiha are made of."
Obito stammered, "Sensei, he's huge! His chakra is terrifying!"
Kakashi stepped forward, kunai in hand. His gaze was steady, but the tension in his body was clear. Even Rin stood behind them, nervously watching.
Yoruichi leaned casually against a tree. "You all need to learn to keep a low profile. Flash your Sharingan around, and you'll become a target. Everyone will want to gouge your eyes out."
Rin stifled a giggle. "Sensei, you're so mean to Obito."
"Not mean. Honest," Yoruichi said with a shrug. "Now, let's see how the so-called genius handles himself."
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