Konoha, deep in the darkness.
Lights dotted the darkness, and beneath their faint glow...
Two figures stood facing each other, their gazes equally steady, without the slightest impatience.
"That guy is still around? Old man Danzo, don't tell me you're thinking of abandoning our cooperation,
or questioning my techniques."
The dim light illuminated half of Orochimaru's face, along with his gaze, which regarded everything with keen interest.
Danzo glanced at his tightly wrapped arm. "Don't rush. This joint exam is taking longer than B's previous ones. He'll leave at the right time."
Orochimaru's techniques were even more outstanding than B had imagined.
It seemed he had not given up researching Hashirama Cells all these years.
Just a gesture of goodwill in the form of technical support had made suppressing the Sharingan much easier.
Even so, he still needed to keep Orochimaru in check.
Otherwise, Orochimaru might think that without his technical support, Danzo could accomplish nothing.
"Heh... heh... heh... hahaha. I hope so.
After all, there are some things I may or may not do.
I think you understand my purpose."
Orochimaru sneered, completely unconcerned with Danzo's little schemes.
His goal this time was Sasuke. Destroying Konoha was merely a way for him to display his strength.
"You wish to apply to learn the Spirit Transformation Technique...?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Tobitake Tonbo's application, feeling a headache coming on.
That was a forbidden technique!
"Yes. I am developing a ninjutsu and need techniques related to the soul for reference."
Tobitake Tonbo did not conceal anything.
I'm developing ninjutsu. Just tell me whether you'll approve it or not.
"Tobitake Tonbo, this is a forbidden technique. It is not on the same level as the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique you applied for previously.
This is even more dangerous than B's. We will not