Danzo and Orochimaru

Orochimaru frowned as he saw Anko off.

Kazashiro ultimately granted the other party's wish and assigned this restless companion to a frontline mission.

Orochimaru saw things clearly: Anko's talent was only above average. She could be protected by his side, but letting her fight other ninjas...

"Everyone has their own choices, but you, who are always known as cold-blooded and ruthless, actually feel pity for your disciple?"

A sinister voice sounded behind him, and Orochimaru knew who it was without even turning around.

He knew that voice all too well, so well that he wanted to kill the person himself.

"You, known as the Dark One of Endurance, didn't you also decisively abandon me for the sake of so-called kinship?"

Orochimaru didn't turn around to look at Danzo, but instead went to the experimental table on his own.

Danzo stared at Orochimaru's retreating figure with disgust. After being verbally attacked by Orochimaru, his dislike for him intensified.

Unfortunately, Konoha needs Orochimaru right now.

He was one of the few ninjas in Konoha who noticed that Orochimaru's research could benefit the Konoha. When Orochimaru was unable to conduct his research openly due to ethical reasons, he provided Orochimaru with a stage to showcase his talents.

However, Orochimaru's terrible attitude made Danzo dislike Orochimaru early on. It wasn't until Kazashiro arrived that he could rightfully kick Orochimaru aside and let the Root research department take over his research results.

But as it turns out, Orochimaru is Orochimaru. Even though Danzo 'Danzo were also very talented, the researchers from Root were still somewhat at a loss when faced with the lengthy research results.

It wasn't until the Root was shut down, allowing researchers to legitimately enter the newly established Research Bureau, that they were able to glimpse the secrets of Orochimaru's research.

"Here are the documents you need."

Danzo calmed himself down and waved the hand that wasn't supporting his palm.

At his signal, several of his men entered the laboratory, took out the scrolls that had been prepared beforehand, and placed them on an empty table.

"This is?"

Upon hearing the commotion, Orochimaru's eyes finally showed some interest, and he turned to glance at the scroll's seal.

"The documents you requested, the legend of Kaguya, and..."

A glint flashed in Danzo's narrowed single eye. "The true identity of the Sage of Six Paths."

These words, which were enough to shock everyone in the Shinobi World, did not cause much of a stir in Orochimaru's mind.

Instead, he revealed an expression of "I knew it," and slowly walked to where the scroll was placed.

"As expected, the documents kept in Konoha's archives have all been altered by you."

Orochimaru had recently applied to access the archives, and after receiving a positive response, he only glanced at them before discovering that the records were filled with traces of the Root.

In other words, what's written there is Danzo wanted others to see.

"There is still no evidence to prove the existence of the Ōtsutsuki. Revealing their existence now would demoralize the soldiers."

Danzo had his reasons for pacing slowly in the laboratory.

"Moreover, since the Root was disbanded, I have lost the manpower to explore the Ōtsutsuki Ruins. Fortunately, after the establishment of the Internal Affairs Department, Kazashiro chose to make Ryoma the leader of the Internal Affairs Department, which allowed the ruins exploration plan to be restarted."

Danzo's words allowed Orochimaru to glean a great deal of information.

"So, our Fifth Generation is unaware of the existence of the Ōtsutsuki?"

"The Hokage has a lot to do, and there are many things he can't do everything in detail, so someone needs to take on all of that responsibility."

Danzo continued talking to himself, and although he didn't give a direct answer, he confirmed Orochimaru's guess.

"However, once the exploration of the ruins has made substantial progress, Ryoma will tell him the truth."

For Danzo, the more pressing matter now is Kazashiro's plans for the Land of Fire.

Even if the Ōtsutsuki exists, it is unlikely that they will descend upon the Shinobi World in the short term.

In that case, they should take advantage of this vacuum period to unite the entire Shinobi World and fight against the Ōtsutsuki together.

Orochimaru's investigation led Danzo to find allies, and with their cooperation, Konoha will surely become even stronger.

"I see."

Looking at the detailed contents recorded in the scroll, Orochimaru finally pieced together the last piece of the puzzle.

However, this means that his scientific prosthetic body project will be put on hold for a long time.

The heavy workload did not wear down Orochimaru's patience; on the contrary, it fully ignited his fighting spirit.

For researchers, exploring the unknown is their motivation to survive.

Even if the road ahead is full of thorns, he is confident that he can overcome all obstacles.

Seeing Orochimaru's expression, Danzo knew his mission was complete, and he had once again contributed to the rule of Kazashiro. A barely perceptible smile flashed across his lips as Danzo turned and left.

"Then it's up to you."

As Danzo, a somewhat hoarse voice echoed through the laboratory.

Only after Danzo had gone far away was Hiruko released by the Anbu and able to return to Orochimaru's side.

"Lord Orochimaru..."

Hiruko had no idea what the two were discussing, but she noticed that Orochimaru's expression seemed somewhat distorted.

"Hiruko, put down your research and focus on exploring these extraterrestrial visitors with me."

Orochimaru licked his lips and stuffed one of the scrolls into the other person's arms.

But I...

Hiruko somewhat puzzled. He was almost seeing results from the fusion of Kekkei Genkai, and now asking him to give up was worse than killing him.

But once he saw the contents of the scroll, he completely forgot about things like Kekkei Genkai and fusion.

The mystery of Chakra is more enigmatic than all the research they have conducted so far.

The Research Bureau has begun a new study, and Kazashiro is unaware that the version has already begun to be updated, thanks to Ryoma's deliberate concealment.

At that moment, he was frantically ruffling his hair and tearing at his clothes.

In his mind, his enemies were still Madara Uchiha and Kaguya Otsutsuki.

The solution was simple and brutal: bring Naruto and Sasuke to the brink of death and wait for the Sage of Sage of Six Paths to descend mechanically.

Seeing Kazashiro's actions, Itachi thoughtfully reminded him, "Scratches alone aren't bad enough. Should we smear some blood on your face?"

Shikaku plans to have Kazashiro reveal his miserable state in a speech in Konoha, thereby putting pressure on the Daimyo's Mansion.

"I don't think it's necessary. It would damage my prestige if the village's leader were to be beaten to a bloody pulp."

Kazashiro grabbed a handful of dirt from the ground and smeared it on his face. "How do I look? Don't I look like I've just been beaten up?"