"So..."
"This monster's true form is most likely Lord Orochimaru..."
The muttering beside his ear startled Danzo. He looked back and discovered Shikaku Nara and his two companions.
Shikaku was standing on tiptoe, craning his neck as he intently studied the research journal Danzo had opened.
Danzo himself had been so engrossed that he had failed to notice the younger generation of Ino-Shika-Cho had already "snuck" up beside him.
The distant battle rumbled, and the somewhat turbulent air currents sent everyone's clothes flapping. Danzo narrowed his eyes and did not ask Shikaku about the older generation of Ino-Shika-Cho's whereabouts.
He had keenly noticed that, ever since they had finished backing up their bodily tissue, the Empire's ninja had begun treating death far too "lightly."
His close friend's anguished protests surfaced in his mind again;
You're desecrating the dead! I absolutely oppose any further research! No! This Jutsu Formula must be sealed away immediately!
You're too conservative, Sarutobi! Besides, I'm the Head of State!
You'll regret this, Danzo!
Bang!
A deafening crash gradually overlapped with the sound of a slamming door, wrenching Danzo from his memories.
He focused his gaze and saw a massive "energy cannon" slam into the monster Orochimaru had become. Large quantities of an unidentified black liquid scattered, landing on the ground with hissing plumes of white smoke.
"It's corrosive too?"
"This effect... it's even stronger than Six-Tails Saiken's powerful acid."
Shikaku held his chin, frowning as he continued analyzing the information, utterly unaware of the fierce internal struggle Danzo was undergoing.
Could I really have been wrong?
Was it really a good thing for the Empire to unravel life and death?
"Um, Lord Danzo..."
Chōza Akimichi, whose chubby face was framed by red hair and decorated with face paint, spoke timidly, interrupting Danzo's turmoil.
Danzo lifted his