Mingye hesitated at this point, then turned and left. After he had gone some three hundred feet, three words drifted back lazily.
"I was wrong!"
"The current Root can no longer fit within Konoha! It isn't just Wu's problem—it's Sarutobi Hiruzen's as well. You didn't expect it, did you? A decent man's counterattack!"
A trace of reluctance flickered in Orochimaru's eyes, but it lasted only an instant before they turned cold once more. Smiling at Shimura Danzō, he spoke. Shimura Danzō remained silent, tossing the letter in his palm into the ravine before turning to leave.
"I'm not lying. Your abilities aren't enough, but I have a new plan now!"
"What?!"
Orochimaru's words stopped Shimura Danzō in his tracks. Orochimaru let out a sinister chuckle. "Transplant the First Hokage's cells and let your strength soar once more. What do you think?"
Shimura Danzō's brow twitched. He turned toward Orochimaru and asked in a low voice for confirmation.
"The First Hokage's cells?"
Orochimaru nodded, spreading his hands as he explained.
"That is what I'm researching now, and I'll succeed very soon!"
Shimura Danzō did not quite trust Orochimaru. At times, the man's coldness was even more frightening than his own, so he had to remain wary. "I don't want you treating me like a lab rat!"
Orochimaru grinned and once again put on an innocent smile. "How could I? I'm such a good person!"
Shimura Danzō clenched his fists and issued a warning. "I hope so!"
Standing atop Kage Rock, Mingye quietly gazed over Konoha as he waited.
"My lord!"
Two black-clad ninjas knelt behind Mingye and greeted him. Mingye raised one hand in a pressing gesture.
"How are things with them now?"
After Mingye spoke, the ninja kneeling on the left replied, "Orochimaru is plotting to steal the First Hokage's