Inside the Death Forest, a squad of ninja dressed as Anbu stared at Orochimaru ahead of them and spoke in unfriendly tones:
"Orochimaru, why did your people appear in the Death Forest? Do you know how much we risked to keep the Fifth Hokage from finding out about this?"
"If our plan is exposed, no ninja village in the shinobi world will ever take you in again!"
"Remember, you are no longer one of the Sannin. You are a rogue ninja who betrayed the village. Rogue ninja have no right to bargain with us."
At those words, a shadow flickered through Orochimaru's eyes. He then said in a strange, mocking tone, "Of course I know about our plan. But who knows about your collusion with Sunagakure and rogue ninja?"
The ninja squad showed a trace of panic, then pretended to remain calm as they said, "Would we dare do this without the clan head's authorization? Orochimaru, don't throw away this last chance."
With that, the ninja squad took the initiative to leave, turning into streaks of black shadow and vanishing into the forest.
Watching the ninja squad disappear among the trees, Orochimaru sneered and said faintly, "Ever since Danzo was killed, these fools have taken his place in Konoha's darkness. How are they supposed to deal with the disobedient ninja in the village? That idiot Jiraiya doesn't really think the Will of Fire alone can make everyone in the village obediently listen, does he?"
After speaking, Orochimaru looked toward the tree trunk behind him, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Come out, Anko. It has been nearly ten years since master and student last met, hasn't it? Before I knew it, you had already grown up."
After her concealment was seen through, Anko leaped out from behind the tree,