"Yes, Lord Danzo. This was originally what Lord Orochimaru intended to come and discuss with you in person. But Sasuke Uchiha's sudden attack caught Lord Orochimaru completely off guard. All the subordinates left at the base were killed. I was the only one who happened to be outside carrying out Lord Orochimaru's orders, so I escaped. According to the intelligence, Sasuke Uchiha must have had outside help. Otherwise, he couldn't have completely subdued the subordinates at the base in an instant. And judging by the situation, that outside help was probably..."
Yakushi Kabuto bowed slightly. Beneath his thick black-rimmed glasses, his expression was grave, with a hint of concern.
"The Snow Ninja Village. Namikaze Naruto?"
Danzo gave a faint snort and said the name without hesitation.
"Yes, Lord Danzo. If nothing unexpected happened, it must have been the First Snow Shadow who sent someone—or even came personally—to help Sasuke Uchiha!"
Kabuto still wore a deeply respectful expression.
"He couldn't have come in person. The Six Kage Summit was held just yesterday. Unless Namikaze Naruto can evade the notice of all Five Kage, that's impossible. But the Snow Ninja Village could easily send a force to assist Sasuke Uchiha. Hmph. Now that Orochimaru is dead, the deal is over!"
"Please wait, Lord Danzo! Although Lord Orochimaru is dead, I believe we can still go through with the deal!"
Danzo had spoken with a trace of disdain and was about to turn away.
A faint urgency seemed to flicker in Kabuto's eyes. He hurriedly raised his voice.
Danzo paused, then turned back to face him, wearing an inscrutable smile.
"The deal? With you, Yakushi Kabuto?"
A hint of amusement and coldness showed in his single eye.
Kabuto took a deep breath and replied solemnly.
"Yes, with me, Lord Danzo. As Lord Orochimaru's