"Huh? Danzo?!"
Orochimaru felt a jolt of alarm, but kept his expression impassive.
What was he doing here?
And from the looks of it, had he come specifically to find him?
The Hokage Assistant had come to see him in person, and in a place like this instead of the Hokage's office. This definitely wasn't anything simple.
"May I ask what you want with me, Lord Danzo?"
Orochimaru took a deep breath and asked in a calm voice.
Danzo smiled. There was something unfathomable in his smile that made Orochimaru uncomfortable.
"Heh. The qualification to read the Scroll of Sealing isn't easily obtained. It seems Lord Hokage has high hopes for you...
"Of course, some suggestions from me might have played a part as well."
Danzo's words stirred up a storm in Orochimaru's heart.
What did he mean? Had he suggested to the Third that Orochimaru be allowed to read the book?
"That fellow Sarutobi... He's too indecisive. Some prodigies can't be judged by ordinary standards. They're destined to walk a different path, and need a broader stage and more freedom."
Danzo seemed pleased by Orochimaru's reaction and continued.
He stepped forward out of the shadows and pointed at Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, you're one such prodigy.
"Your talent even surpasses that of the Second, my teacher, Tobirama Senju."
As Orochimaru listened to Danzo heap praise on him, he couldn't help feeling that something was off.
This isn't how this is supposed to go! Shouldn't Danzo be staring at him ominously and making some cryptic threat or testing him? Why was he suddenly praising him?
And was it appropriate to insult his teacher right in front of him?
"Thank you for your praise, Lord Danzo."
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. Tsunade is still waiting for me..."
Orochimaru replied politely, then prepared to leave.
He didn't want to get too involved with Danzo. The man was a textbook villain in the original story, after all...
"Wait."
Danzo called out to him.
Orochimaru stopped and turned to face Danzo.
"Orochimaru, you read the Scroll of Sealing and then went to the Senju Clan... If I'm not mistaken, you're looking for the Second's research materials, aren't you?"
Danzo's smile deepened, as if he had seen through all of Orochimaru's thoughts.
His words struck like a bolt of lightning, shattering the calm Orochimaru had been feigning.
Orochimaru jerked his head up, staring at Danzo in disbelief.
He really was looking for them! He hadn't hidden that from anyone else. What surprised him was why Danzo had sought him out specifically to say this.
The fish had finally taken the bait.
Looking at the rare look of surprise on Orochimaru's face, Danzo felt a surge of satisfaction at having everything under his control.
"My teacher, the Second, Tobirama Senju... He left behind many forbidden techniques.
"But did you know?
"Most of the forbidden techniques recorded in the Scroll of Sealing are only half-finished.
"Teacher Tobirama died too suddenly. There were many studies he hadn't had time to complete..."
Danzo spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of remembrance and regret for the dead.
Wait, was that what happened?
Orochimaru's gaze flickered as he heard this, and he finally understood.
Danzo's words, what Orochimaru had discovered in the archives, and Danzo's achievements in the original story—including his use of Hashirama Cells and the Sharingan—all pointed to one conclusion...
The person who had inherited the Second's unfinished research, his laboratory, and his secret documents... was none other than the Shimura Danzo standing before him!
If that was true... then Danzo's approval for him to read the Scroll of Sealing had been bait.
Orochimaru suppressed his shock and took another look at the man before him.
His ambition, his methods, his craving for power... It all seemed to make sense now.
"Lord Danzo... What do you mean by that?"
Orochimaru took a deep breath, his expression turning grave as he met Danzo's eyes.
He had to admit, Zhuge Qing had been right. Forbidden power always ended up in the hands of people who would stop at nothing.
"Heh."
Seeing Orochimaru's reaction, Danzo's smile finally spread in full, carrying the air of a victor and a hint of appreciation for Orochimaru's talent.
"It's simple."
"Teacher Tobirama's research was profound. What's recorded in the Scroll of Sealing is only the tip of the iceberg.
"As his student, I inherited some of it...
"Konoha needs a prodigy like you to carry on the Second's legacy and truly complete those forbidden techniques!"
Danzo stopped beating around the bush and revealed his ultimate purpose.
As expected...
Hearing this, Orochimaru's heart gave a sudden thump.
Until now, he had only suspected it. Now he was almost certain.
The missing experimental data from the Second's research into forbidden techniques was in Danzo's hands. No wonder Orochimaru had worked with Danzo in the original story despite being the Third's student.
It was an undeniably tempting offer.
But he quickly regained his composure.
"Lord Danzo, you're inviting me so directly..."
Orochimaru furrowed his brow. "Aren't you worried my teacher might object?"
The teacher he meant was naturally the Third, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Hahahaha!"
At that, Danzo suddenly burst into laughter as if he'd heard something utterly ridiculous.
His laughter echoed through the alley, grating on the ears.
"Hiruzen... He cares too much about the light."
Danzo's tone settled, but his gaze remained sharp.
"But perhaps he's forgotten that it's the roots buried deep underground that keep a tree standing.
"Orochimaru, you should understand that some sacrifices and methods are necessary to protect the greater whole.
"Blind kindness has no place in the cruel Ninja World.
"Hiruzen would probably fail to understand your research, and might even try to restrict it.
"But I believe this is the right path for exploring the limits of what a ninja can achieve."
Danzo stared at Orochimaru, his gaze burning.
Hmph. Of Hiruzen's three students, Jiraiya is dull, and Tsunade is impulsive and quick-tempered. Only Orochimaru has a sharp mind and exceptional talent... He might be of use...
The next Hokage must be under my control!
Danzo's plans rattled away in his mind, while his face wore the sincere expression of a man saying, We're kindred spirits.
Orochimaru's gaze flickered uncertainly.
Work with Danzo?
That would be like making a deal with a tiger!
The man was a schemer in the original story. To become Hokage, he'd even been willing to assassinate the Third.
The Second's documents were certainly tempting...
But Orochimaru didn't yet have the means to protect himself.
Root's methods were always brutal. Who knew how many bizarre techniques they had?
If Danzo turned on him like he did in the original story, Orochimaru wouldn't even be able to run.
The risk was too great!
At least for now... No!
He needed enough power to protect himself before he could deal with a cunning old fox like Danzo.
Orochimaru made up his mind.
"I appreciate your offer, Lord Danzo."
"But..."
"My knowledge is still limited. I haven't even mastered a lot of the basics yet."
"I'm afraid... I'm not ready to take on the responsibility you've described. Not yet."
"Perhaps... once I've gained more experience in the future..."
Orochimaru lifted his head and looked at Danzo, speaking with a hint of regret.
He didn't shut the door completely, leaving himself some room to maneuver.
With that, he bowed slightly to Danzo, then turned and headed toward where Tsunade and Jiraiya had disappeared.
Watching Orochimaru walk away, Danzo's smile didn't change. If anything, it deepened.
He understood what Orochimaru meant.
Not now...
But maybe in the future...
The fish had taken the bait...
Before you continue