Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
The sound of a cane echoed through the dark underground cave.
The cane's owner moved slowly, arriving at a prison cell deep within the cave. Looking at the figure imprisoned inside, he said coldly, "You look pathetic, Orochimaru!"
There was no doubt.
The person locked inside the deepest cell was Orochimaru, whom Shinji had defeated in the previous battle at Konoha while acting as "A" of the Akatsuki Organization, and whom Konoha had subsequently taken prisoner.
Bound from head to toe by Sealing Jutsu, Orochimaru peered through the bars at the figure outside and smiled. "Danzo, I never expected you to be the first to visit me! Looks like the old man has restored your position on the Advisor Elder Council!"
Leaning on his cane, Danzo said, "You dared to desecrate the remains of the First and Second. That was utterly foolish!"
"Hmph!"
Orochimaru gave a soft snort.
Danzo continued, "The interrogation team will question you next. I don't want the village to learn about our cooperation. You understand what I mean, don't you?"
Orochimaru smiled. "So you want me to keep my mouth shut. If that's the case, you'll have to pay me something, won't you?"
Danzo said, "I'll let you out when the time is right—but not now!"
Orochimaru nodded.
After all, he had plenty of leverage over Danzo. If Danzo went back on his word, Orochimaru had all sorts of ways to deal with him.
After finishing what he had come to say, Danzo turned and started toward the exit. But halfway there, he suddenly stopped. "In three days, Tsunade will face a vote of confidence from the Jonin."
Orochimaru wasn't surprised. "So it's Tsunade!"
Danzo said, "If you want to get out as soon as possible, think carefully about how to deal with