Orochimaru had already guessed who had sent him the letter. The sender was certainly outside Konoha, and they had a deep connection to him.
He could think of no one but Danzo. What he hadn't expected was that Danzo had planted a spy in the ANBU, an organization under the Hokage's direct command.
Orochimaru was the Third Hokage's disciple, but he had secrets of his own. He needed to verify the letter's contents before deciding whether to inform the Third Hokage.
He vanished with the Body Flicker Technique and reappeared at home. He opened the letter, but he had barely read the first lines when surprise crossed his face.
The letter said that spies Danzo had planted in major Black Markets had noticed a shipment of Experimental Equipment being smuggled into the Land of Fire.
Danzo asserted that it was Orochimaru's doing. Combined with the earlier disappearance of a ninja from the Archive, it had led Danzo to conclude that Orochimaru intended to research Impure World Reincarnation.
Orochimaru stared at the letter, deep in thought. He and Danzo both knew what kind of man the other was, but it still surprised him that Danzo had guessed his plans.
Then again, it made sense. What Orochimaru still could not put aside was his belief that Danzo's disappearance had something to do with Fugaku.
Judging by the letter, Danzo wanted to work with him. Orochimaru had no objection. For the sake of a technique that granted immortality, he would cooperate with anyone who could help.
What mattered now was producing results. They could discuss how to divide them afterward.
One thing puzzled him. If his earlier guess was right and Fugaku was impersonating Danzo, this letter would never have appeared.
Fugaku was already working with him. He had no reason to seek