Kabuto Yakushi's intelligence sent Danzo into deep thought.
At his position, his personal interests had long since diverged from those of the village. Sometimes, sacrificing some of the village's interests could actually benefit him personally.
The present situation was a perfect example!
Now, he and his Root, which existed in name only, had already been forced into a corner by the Third. Especially after Jiraiya and Tsunade returned, his influence had plummeted.
He even vaguely felt that he had already been excluded from the highest decision-making circle.
That was also why Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, who had always supported the Third, were increasingly taking his side.
The forces that had once been able to balance the Third had gradually lost that ability due to Jiraiya and Tsunade's return, Yakumo's emergence, Naruto's growth, and other factors.
Moreover, this imbalance was still continuing.
So if Danzo could not turn the situation around soon, his influence among the village's upper ranks would only grow weaker. After all, he was no longer young, and time was not on his side.
And the most effective and direct way to restore the balance was to successfully capture a member of the Akatsuki Organization.
Having made up his mind, Danzo waved his hand.
Swish.
A Root ninja landed in front of him. "Lord Danzo, what are your orders?"
Danzo leaned on the cane in his hand. "Gather everyone!"
"Yes!"
Without question or hesitation, the Root ninja answered and quickly vanished from the spot.
In the blink of an eye, the day of Shinji's meeting with Orochimaru arrived.
Evening.
In the forest.
Orochimaru arrived at the meeting place early. Leaning against a large tree, he stood with his arms folded, looking completely at ease.
Swish.
Accompanied by the sound of something slicing through the air, Kabuto Yakushi