Shortly after receiving the invitation, the three arrived at a nearby temporary base.
The base was not large, but it was well hidden and fully equipped. Any one of the three had countless bases like it.
After sitting down inside, Danzo frowned at Orochimaru, waiting for him to speak.
Orochimaru wasted no time and went straight to the point. "Danzo, I hear you've made progress with your Wood Release Experiment. You've eliminated the risks of transplanting Hashirama cells and even mass-produced Wood Release ninja."
Danzo's gaze sharpened, and he stared hard at Orochimaru.
His ability to use Wood Release was no secret to the Akatsuki. Orochimaru bringing it up now could only mean he coveted its power.
With that in mind, Danzo nodded. "There has been some progress, thanks to the test subject who survived back then. He helped us confirm the direction of our research."
At those words, Orochimaru gave Danzo a thoughtful look, which soon turned knowing.
"Danzo, that joke isn't very funny. Yamato was merely an exception back then..."
After a pause, Orochimaru continued, "And as far as I know, Yamato isn't under your command. The Old Man oversees him personally."
Danzo's expression changed. He waved a hand and said, "If you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do."
Orochimaru stared at Danzo, then smiled. "It's because of natural energy, isn't it? The First also mastered senjutsu, and I can sense natural energy on you."
Danzo's expression darkened considerably. "I know nothing about this natural energy."
Seeing his reaction, Orochimaru chuckled. "Relax. I'm not after your Natural Energy Cultivation Method. I have several methods of cultivating natural energy myself."
Danzo instinctively wanted to argue, only to recall that Orochimaru had joined the sacred grounds of Ryūchi Cave.
Jiraiya, a fellow Sannin, had mastered senjutsu. There was