Danzo's Arm

Orochimaru arrived at an open clearing, where several Root ninja had already been waiting. Standing among them was one of Konohagakure's elders, Shimura Danzō, known as the Darkness of the Shinobi.

"I didn't expect you to come in person this time."

Orochimaru looked at the old man surrounded by guards and spoke in a lightly teasing tone.

Indeed, if others learned that an elder of Konoha was secretly meeting with one of Konoha's S-rank rogue ninja, even Danzo would likely face enormous public pressure.

But Danzo did not care in the slightest. Root was entirely under his control, and as its leader, it was perfectly normal for him to occasionally leave to carry out classified missions.

Besides, Root had always enjoyed considerable independence within Konoha. Even Hiruzen would not inquire into his whereabouts, so no one would discover what he had done outside the village.

"There's no need for such pleasantries. Compared to such trivial matters, I care more about whether you completed the task I gave you."

Orochimaru's gaze drifted over Danzo.

That was right. This high-ranking member of Konoha had long maintained all manner of mutual interests with him, an S-rank rogue ninja. Otherwise, Orochimaru would not have had so much funding for his experiments.

Facing Danzo's question, Orochimaru's lips curled slightly. "Of course I completed what you asked. Where is what I want?"

Danzo examined Orochimaru as well before saying in a hoarse voice, "The hundred test subjects I promised you are ready. The quality of this batch is very high. I hope you gain something from them. Otherwise, it will be difficult for me to provide you with so many test subjects in the future."

"You know that Hiruzen has been watching Root very closely lately."

Hearing that long-forgotten name, Orochimaru suddenly gave a mocking laugh.