Kitsuchi, Ōnoki's son, was exceptionally skilled in Earth Release.
This time, Ōnoki had seen an opportunity in the chaos in the Land of Water and sent Kitsuchi over to gain experience.
It would also build his credentials and experience for eventually succeeding him as the Fourth Tsuchikage.
Kitsuchi had just seized a shipment of Kirigakure supplies and brought it back to the rendezvous point. He had yet to return to their base on an island in the Land of Water.
Suddenly, he had a very ominous feeling.
Lying in ambush in the distance, Bieshu Feifan noticed Kitsuchi's group suddenly slow their hurried pace and immediately grew alert.
"Danzo, my friend, it seems we've been spotted.
What are you going to do?"
When Danzo heard Bieshu Feifan's question, his first thought wasn't how to solve the problem.
Instead, he smiled.
Although his smile was faint, he had now vaguely become the core of this team.
Danzo almost laughed aloud. He glanced at Kakuzu.
"Chief of Business, what do you think?"
Kakuzu shook his head.
"It's difficult. I can't think of a good solution right now.
That Kitsuchi isn't easy to deal with.
Danzo, my friend, what do you think?
I'll follow your lead too."
That made Danzo even more pleased with himself.
He could no longer control the corners of his mouth, and his grin really did stretch from ear to ear.
He was just short of laughing aloud. He, Shimura Danzō, had seized power without anyone noticing.
After some thought, Danzo didn't consult Bieshu Feifan or Kakuzu.
Instead, he gave an order directly to a Root Shinobi.
"You, take a team and carefully approach that Kitsuchi. Make some noise on purpose.
Try to lure him over here."
After giving Root their assignment, Danzo looked at Bieshu Feifan and Kakuzu again.