The secret base where Orochimaru was located.
Shimura Danzo sat on the sofa with a scowl on his face, watching Orochimaru conduct his experiments.
"Orochimaru, how long until the Impure World Reincarnation is perfected?" he demanded.
While analyzing experimental data, Orochimaru replied calmly, "Scientific research cannot be rushed."
"Any small error renders previous efforts meaningless."
"If a single step goes wrong, the entire process must be restarted."
"So if you truly want this technique perfected quickly, stop pestering me."
Danzo let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm not here to pressure you, but time isn't on our side."
"You've been holed up here for so long you don't realize what's happening in the world outside."
"I have to admit, Zenkichi is a genius. He's united the entire ninja world under his rule."
"His strategies worked perfectly—conflicts between shinobi are nearly nonexistent now."
"And somehow, he's introduced technology that's drastically improved daily life for civilians."
"The people are getting richer. His approval is rising. The longer you delay, the more unshakable his power becomes."
Of course, what Danzo said was total hypocrisy. A man like him, who treated Konoha shinobi as disposable tools, never cared for the common people.
In truth, Danzo only craved control. Whether ninja or civilian, he wanted them beneath his feet.
What truly bothered him was the passing of time. He feared that if Orochimaru's research dragged on, he would never live to reap the rewards.
If the Reanimation Jutsu took a lifetime to perfect, would he just die a failure?
Even if the research succeeded after his death, the benefit would go to Orochimaru, not him.
Danzo also knew that, at present, he wasn't confident in defeating Orochimaru.
If he waited a few more years, the gap between them would only grow—eventually, Orochimaru would control everything. Danzo couldn't allow that.
"I have more bad news," said Koharu as she entered, face grim from sleep.
"Zenkichi has issued a global warrant for us."
"He's also formed a special shinobi unit to track us down."
"They're experts in sensory-type ninjutsu. It's only a matter of time before they find this base."
Danzo clenched his fists. "Damn it. We need to relocate—somewhere safe."
Just then, a dark figure emerged from the shadows nearby. It was Black Zetsu, slithering up from the ground.
"I might have a suggestion," he rasped, "if you're interested in finding a new hiding place."
Danzo turned sharply, killing intent flashing in his eyes. "You again? Last time you showed up, I lost some of my best operatives."
Black Zetsu remained calm. "And I lost a Rinnegan. Who do you think paid the greater price?"
"This proves I never intended to betray you. If anything, it's Zenkichi's absurd strength that ruined everything. That's why we need to unite against him."
Danzo growled, "What do you propose?"
"There's a hidden Dragon Vein in the Land of Wind. It holds near-limitless chakra."
Black Zetsu's voice lowered, almost reverent. "Legend says it can even bend space and time. If true, it could be our key to evading Zenkichi."
Orochimaru's golden eyes sparkled. "Time-space travel…?"
"Yes," Black Zetsu confirmed. "Though unverified, it's worth investigating."
"But the Dragon Vein isn't something that can be tapped easily. It requires substantial chakra to awaken. I'll need your assistance."
"Our goals align. Survival. Escape. Regroup."
Orochimaru closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded. "This Dragon Vein intrigues me. Let's go."
Danzo hesitated. "But…"
"There is no 'but'," Orochimaru cut him off. "The resources under Zenkichi's control are already far beyond ours. He will find us eventually."
"Perfecting the Reanimation Jutsu isn't a simple task. Even the Second Hokage abandoned it halfway. It's time-consuming."
"If we can travel to another timeline, we can finish our work there—then return and rewrite everything."
"If we're lucky, we might even travel far enough back to eliminate Zenkichi before he becomes a threat."
Danzo and Koharu said no more. At this point, there was nothing left but to agree.
---
Elsewhere...
"So Danzo and the others have finally been exposed? How unexpected," Arakawa Zenkichi murmured as he scanned the intelligence reports.
Tracing their escape route, his expression turned thoughtful.
"The Land of Wind?"
"Are they using the desert for cover... or do they know about the Dragon Vein?"
Zenkichi stood from his seat and headed outside.
Life as the King of the Ninja World had grown dull.
So if Orochimaru and the others wanted to make things interesting, Zenkichi was more than happy to indulge them.
---
Land of Wind – Desert Region
As Orochimaru and the others traveled across the dunes, they suddenly came to a halt.
A lone figure stood in their path—Zenkichi, smiling gently.
"Well, well... long time no see."
"Run!" Orochimaru barked, his body instantly dispersing into hundreds of slithering snakes.
Danzo, Koharu, and the others turned and fled in a panic, not daring to waste even a second.
"Come now... you're the last remnants of Konoha."
"Is this really how you uphold the Will of Fire?"
Zenkichi sighed as he looked at their retreating figures.
"Hado #99: Goryūtenmetsu – Five Dragons of Destruction!"
A burst of immense spiritual pressure surged from Zenkichi's body. Five dragons formed and roared through the air, their destructive power tearing across the sand.
This was Zenkichi's latest large-scale technique—an indiscriminate annihilation move.
The snakes that had made up Orochimaru's clone were instantly obliterated. Even the surrounding terrain seemed to vanish under the blast.
But Zenkichi's expression darkened.
"That wasn't the real Orochimaru."
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