Orochimaru and the Sharingan

Byakuya ran into Orochimaru in the underground base of the Root Organization.

His snake-like, vertically slit pupils fixed on Byakuya's mask. He gave a hoarse laugh. "What an interesting mask. Are you new here?"

"Yes."

"Oh? Lord Danzo didn't place a Cursed Seal on you? Even more interesting."

Byakuya stepped up beside Orochimaru and asked, "You're Lord Orochimaru, aren't you?"

"Kid, I don't like your mask."

"Nor do I like the snake-cold aura you give off, my lord."

Orochimaru sniffed, then suddenly chuckled. "There's still a snake's scent on you. Were you attacked by one?"

Byakuya fell silent for a moment, a thought stirring in his mind. Keeping his tone calm, he asked, "I was attacked by an Azure-Black Serpent in the Land of Rivers. Do you know where it came from, Lord Orochimaru?"

"How should I know? Didn't you kill it?"

"That Azure-Black Serpent was very strong. I was no match for it."

Orochimaru's eyes flickered. "Why don't you take me to see it? I'll pay you."

"Let me think about how much you'd have to offer, my lord."

"Heh. You're a sly one. Since Lord Danzo thinks so highly of you, I won't kill you."

Byakuya had intended to try and coax information about Ryūchi Cave out of Orochimaru. But then he reconsidered. He didn't know whether, at this point in time, Orochimaru had begun searching for Ryūchi Cave.

Years later, Yakushi Kabuto would learn Senjutsu in Ryūchi Cave with the help of Orochimaru's intelligence.

This was a rare opportunity. He didn't know when he'd see Orochimaru again.

"Lord Orochimaru, I've heard that many of the world's most powerful snakes come from Ryūchi Cave."

"Ryūchi Cave?" Orochimaru's eyes narrowed abruptly. "Where did you hear that name?"

"I'm afraid that's none of your concern, Lord Orochimaru."

Orochimaru's voice turned low. "My Summoning Beast, Manda, came from Ryūchi Cave. Since you deliberately brought it up, I assume you're interested in Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu."

"I won't hide it from you, Lord Orochimaru. I've always been interested in power."

"Haha. Interesting, interesting. How about we go for a drink?"

Byakuya refused outright. "Sorry, I have things to do. Goodbye."

Orochimaru stared at him with his slit pupils. "Kid, you're really interesting. I've memorized your scent. By the way, take this advice, out of respect for Lord Danzo: unless you're a fool as absurdly lucky as Jiraiya, don't dabble in Senjutsu. It'll get you killed."

Byakuya waved a hand.

Orochimaru remained where he was for a moment, thinking, then pushed aside his doubts and went to Shimura Danzo's room. He knocked.

"It's me, Orochimaru."

"Orochimaru? Come in. Yakushi Nonō is here, too."

He opened the door.

Shimura Danzo pointed to a seat beside him. "Sit. No need to stand."

"There was a kid wearing a Demon King Mask just now..."

"Him." Danzo nodded, then asked, "What did you two talk about?"

Orochimaru recounted their conversation.

"Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu."

Danzo thought to himself, No wonder that kid brought up being attacked by an Azure-Black Serpent in the Land of Rivers. He's set his sights on Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu, and wants to use his future achievements and Root's intelligence network to find its location. Where did Senkaku Byakuya hear all this? Senju Tobirama's Water Release Ninjutsu, Ryūchi Cave...

"Foolish and reckless," Danzo judged. "People from Konoha have gone to study Senjutsu in the Three Great Sage Regions. Aside from Jiraiya, none returned alive. In time, people stopped entertaining the idea."

Orochimaru said, "That kid seems to have earned your trust, Lord Danzo."

"For now, he's simply a useful tool."

"I see."

"Like you, he's a tool we have to cultivate for Konoha's sake."

"Heh. You still don't mince words."

Orochimaru wasn't bothered.

He and Danzo were merely using each other.

"Tell me, why have you returned from the front? As Hiruzen's student, you're highly valued by him."

Orochimaru gave a hoarse laugh. "Teacher Hiruzen sees me no differently than you do. We're both just useful tools to him. Once you know you're a tool, you have to do something outrageous to show what you're capable of."

"Did you come here to show me what you're capable of?" Shimura Danzo asked coolly.

In front of Yakushi Nonō, Orochimaru took a glass container from his robes. Inside, a pair of Three-Tomoe Sharingan floated in liquid.

He said casually, "I took the eyes from a Uchiha who died on the battlefield. If you want to get your hands on more Sharingan, Lord Danzo, you'll have to find a way to do it in the village."

Shimura Danzo picked up the container holding the Sharingan and examined it closely. A moment later, he said coldly, "The Uchiha truly are an evil clan. The chakra radiating from their Sharingan is deeply unpleasant."

"After I took the eyes from that Uchiha, I drew the attention of the clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku, who was on the battlefield as well. I doubt I'll get another opportunity this good."

"Mm. I'll find a way. It's a pity these are only Three-Tomoe Sharingan, not the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan."

"The Mangekyō Sharingan exists only in legends, just like the Demon King Shuten-doji Mask that kid was wearing."

Orochimaru stood up. "All right. You've seen what I'm capable of. So, where's my reward?"

Yakushi Nonō spoke at the right moment. "The secret laboratory you requested is ready, Lord Danzo has built it for you, and all the advanced equipment has been prepared as well."

"Take me to see it."

Excitement flashed across Orochimaru's pale face.

Danzo said, "There's no need to rush. You've just returned from the battlefield. Get some rest."

"But..."

"I said you should get some rest!" Shimura Danzo repeated impatiently.

Orochimaru sat back down. "The research on Hashirama Cells has made great progress, building on the foundation laid by the Second Hokage. I thought you'd be impatient to get started, but you're still able to hold back."

"Orochimaru, I'm very satisfied with what you're capable of."

"Thank you for your support."

"But it's not enough yet." Shimura Danzo glanced at Yakushi Nonō. "Leave."

"Yes, sir."

She quickly left the room, leaving the two of them alone.

Orochimaru's lips slowly curled up, his expression growing more and more excited. "Has the day finally come?"

"The war is complicated, and it's difficult to tell which intelligence is true. You can seize this rare opportunity to establish yourself in the Land of Fields as soon as possible. Every beginning is hard, but once you've secured a foothold, the rest will be easier. We can support each other, and many problems will cease to be problems."

Orochimaru asked, "The Land of Fields is only a small country, with few resources. Will you provide the resources I need?"

"That's why I said what you've shown me isn't enough," Shimura Danzo replied.

"I can do what you told me about before! The arm made with Hashirama Cells really can bear the power of many Sharingan!"

"Go ahead. Don't worry about the Sharingan. We'll have them sooner or later."

"You mean..."

Shimura Danzo sneered. "The evil clan deserves to be wiped out. Don't you agree?"

"But we're at war. Teacher Hiruzen won't allow infighting."

"When did I say we should wipe out the evil clan now?"

Orochimaru chuckled softly. "You're a shrewd politician with endless patience."