At Root Base.
Kabuto Yakushi hurried to the entrance of Orochimaru's laboratory. He gathered his thoughts, then knocked and went inside.
As soon as Kabuto entered, Orochimaru noticed the strange look on his face. "What is it?"
Kabuto said, "Lord Orochimaru, I just got word that Sasuke Uchiha awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan!"
"What?!"
Even Orochimaru was taken aback.
Kabuto continued, "And this evening, Sasuke challenged Kurama Yakumo and was soundly defeated. They say Yakumo's Wood Release even crushed his Mangekyō Sharingan's Susanoo!"
Orochimaru let out a quiet sigh.
After failing to take Itachi Uchiha's body, he had decided to settle for the next best thing and set his sights on Sasuke.
But Sasuke was still young, so Orochimaru had arranged for Kimimaro to attend the Ninja Academy. His purpose was to help keep an eye on Sasuke.
He had never expected Sasuke to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan so early, before even turning ten!
After a moment's thought, Orochimaru asked, "Has Danzo made any moves?"
Kabuto replied, "The Third issued strict orders. Ordinary people can't get anywhere near Sasuke now, so even if Danzo has something in mind, he'll have to keep it in check for the time being, given how sensitive things are."
Orochimaru seemed to have thought of something. His lips curled into a sinister smile.
Konoha Hospital.
Sasuke slowly opened his eyes on the hospital bed, his mind still hazy. "Where am I?"
Kakashi, sitting nearby, closed his copy of Icha Icha Paradise and glanced at Sasuke. "Well, you're awake already?"
"Kakashi?" Sasuke frowned slightly and looked around. "Am I in the hospital?"
Kakashi joked, "Looks like your brain didn't get knocked out!"
Sasuke immediately remembered challenging Yakumo, only for her Wood Release to crush his Susanoo before she sent him flying with a single punch.
"Damn it."