The candlelight flickered gently inside the command tent.
Bullet leaned against a heavy wooden crate, holding an entire roast lamb in both hands as he tore into it.
Grease dripped down his chin.
Orochimaru stood beside the tent flap, his gaze lingering on Bullet's thick arms.
Those bulging muscles were nothing like the physique of an ordinary ninja.
Qian Ye casually tossed Samehada beside the table, then looked up with a smile.
"Teacher Orochimaru, what brings you out into the cold at this hour instead of resting in your tent?"
Qian Ye pointed at the empty stool beside him.
"Three broken ribs are no laughing matter."
"If they leave you with lasting problems, Lord Danzo won't reimburse your medical bills once we return to the village."
Orochimaru walked slowly over, lifted his robes, and sat down.
An odd smile appeared on his pale face.
"Qian Ye, you're as fond of jokes as ever."
Orochimaru's yellow snake eyes slowly turned toward Qian Ye.
"That fellow Danzo probably values you more than his own life now."
Qian Ye poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward Orochimaru.
"We each get what we need."
"Lord Danzo wants political achievements and military merits. I want funding and authorized troop positions. We help each other out."
Orochimaru extended his long fingers and pressed them against the rim of the cup.
"Help each other out?"
Orochimaru's smile faded, his voice hoarse.
"Then what sort of mutual assistance exists between you and our distinguished friend Bullet?"
In the corner of the tent, Bullet stopped chewing and shot Orochimaru a sidelong glance.
Then he snorted and resumed tearing into the lamb leg.
Orochimaru took no offense. He leaned forward and stared into Qian Ye's eyes.
"I saw every detail of today's battle at Blackwater Marsh."
"A's **Lightning