Danzo had maintained close ties with Orochimaru over the transplantation of his arm made from hashirama cells, with Kabuto acting as their intermediary.
Once they agreed to move against Danzo, Kabuto immediately took advantage of his position to put their plan into motion.
The method was simple and brutal: dangle some bait and let Danzo come straight to them!
Konoha, Root headquarters, a dimly candlelit room.
Danzo read the letter Kabuto had sent.
To Lord Danzo: Lord Orochimaru's "Hashirama cell enhancement experiment" has succeeded. Would you care to be its first beneficiary? Not only can it reduce the risk of a backlash from the Hashirama cells, it can even extend the duration of your Izanagi. I imagine you have no reason to refuse. Please come alone to our old meeting place. Respectfully yours, Kabuto Yakushi, Root's loyal Outer Circle member!
After reading it, Danzo rolled up the letter and held it over the candle flame!
The flame danced in his left eye as the paper curled, casting flickering light across his thoughtful face.
"Orochimaru has been acting strangely lately. Not only has he shut down every base, he's dismissed all his external personnel, as though he intends to wash his hands of the whole business."
"But how could Orochimaru possibly retire? He must be plotting something even bigger!"
"Furthermore, the Akatsuki has been unusually active lately. The jinchūriki of Sunagakure and Kumogakure, as well as Kirigakure's Three-Tails, have all fallen into their hands."
"Although it's only a rumor, the Akatsuki's accelerated activity probably has something to do with Orochimaru. I'll have to be on my guard..."
That night, at the agreed meeting place.
Danzo approached with his cane.
Kabuto Yakushi greeted him warmly. "Lord Danzo, it's been a long time."
Danzo's voice was low. "Where is Orochimaru?"
Kabuto Yakushi adjusted