Orochimaru noticed Naruto's gaze as well.
"Heh heh, had this child noticed me long ago...? I'm becoming more and more interested in you." He licked his lips, seeming excited to have found an interesting prospect.
With the Nine-Tails dwelling inside him, extraordinary potential, and the ability to see through his disguise... In Orochimaru's eyes, these were all "good traits" for a missing-nin. Naruto had the makings of a disciple. After all, he was already a veteran teacher with disciples scattered across the world. Thus, faced with Naruto's provocation, he felt no great ill will.
He had seen plenty of talented eccentrics.
Danzo's reaction was somewhat more intense.
A sudden sense of unease rose in his heart. The reason was simple: this child's combat awareness had surpassed his expectations, which would make controlling the Nine-Tails in the future much more difficult.
Moreover, Naruto's displayed personality made him feel extremely insecure.
"Hiruzen, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is ruthless. If someone like him isn't handed over to Root for guidance, he'll bring disaster upon the village sooner or later!"
He lowered his voice, doing his best to make his tone sound objective and calm.
Hiruzen shot him a cold look, his face clearly saying, Aren't you just drooling over him? He said blandly:
"What Naruto just demonstrated was textbook combat. First, he tested his enemy's abilities. Then, he analyzed the enemy's weaknesses and set a targeted trap. Finally, he achieved victory."
"Doesn't that prove he's been following the teachings of the Ninja Academy at all times? I think he's doing just fine."
Hiruzen spoke like a seasoned politician. An ordinary battle between juniors had turned into a model of shinobi combat once it came out of his mouth. Danzo's teeth practically ached with anger, and his tone immediately became urgent. "Hiruzen, you..."
"Danzo." Hiruzen's