That old bastard had long since lost count of how much blood he had on his hands.
Even now, villagers still kept disappearing from Konoha in secret.
They were said to be missing, but in truth, they had all been taken away and used as experimental subjects.
"Hokage Torifu, good to see you."
Utatane Koharu greeted Torifu, who nodded in response.
Homura, however, wasn't nearly as enthusiastic.
He exchanged a few brief pleasantries with Torifu.
He seemed to harbor a natural suspicion of Torifu. After all, Torifu was just too suspicious.
But Hiruzen had already gone to the Otherworld. Homura wondered when he might get to go himself and see if he could gain anything from it.
Danzō, though, was still very enthusiastic. "Hokage Torifu, you're truly a promising young man.
"I wonder if I could visit your Shinobi World and take a look around."
Torifu was clearly a little surprised. He hadn't expected Danzō, who was so devious, to be so direct.
Torifu nodded. "Of course. You just need to be prepared."
Danzō laughed. "I'm already prepared. After Hiruzen came back, he told me all about the wonders of your world. I'm truly eager to see it for myself."
If Tsunade Senju had been there, she would have punched Danzō.
But she wasn't.
Torifu waved a hand. "Haha, Hokage Sarutobi was exaggerating. My village is only a little more advanced than this one."
Danzō nodded and said no more.
Everyone understood, though no one said it outright: word had spread among the upper ranks that Otherworld Konoha was far ahead in technology, with all kinds of buildings and walls.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Shimura Danzō, he was furious.
"Danzō, I already told you to stop those impractical experiments of yours. Just focus on doing honest work for the village!"