"What could that old fox Danzo want from me at a time like this?"
After receiving Mizuki's message, Orochimaru pondered Danzo's motives with growing suspicion.
Some time ago, Orochimaru had joined a powerful organization—one composed entirely of S-rank missing-nin. Even the infamous Uchiha Itachi, who had wiped out his entire clan, was among its members.
Two years ago, Orochimaru had attempted to steal the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan by going after Itachi.
He failed.
Not only had he been completely overwhelmed in genjutsu, but he'd also had an arm severed in the encounter.
For a ninjutsu-type shinobi, losing an arm was like losing half his fighting power. Enraged and bitter, Orochimaru had been forced to abandon his original body and, using the forbidden technique Living Corpse Reincarnation, transferred his soul into another host.
He kept that severed arm—as a reminder. And deep in his heart, his desire for the power of the Sharingan only grew stronger.
Don't be mistaken—just because Itachi trounced Orochimaru in genjutsu didn't mean Orochimaru was weak in the art. In fact, genjutsu was one of his strongest skills.
With just bloodlust and killing intent, Orochimaru could induce hallucinations. Both Sasuke during the Chūnin Exams, and the boy Yūmaru, whom Orochimaru later tried to possess, had fallen under such illusions.
According to the Data Book, Orochimaru's stats were:
Ninjutsu: 10
Taijutsu: 7
Genjutsu: 10
Intelligence: 10
Strength: 7
Speed: 9
Stamina: 7
Hand Seals: 10
Total: 70
His taijutsu and strength were his weaker areas, though even those were still far above average. To compensate, he developed Soft Body Modification Jutsu, making himself harder to harm physically.
But his 10 in genjutsu meant Orochimaru was among the absolute top in the ninja world.
And yet—even with all that—he was crushed by Itachi with a basic genjutsu technique.
"When your abilities have reached the absolute peak, and you're defeated effortlessly by something that looks ordinary—how can you not crave that power?"
"How can anyone not be tempted?"
Itachi might've been... unhinged. But his Sharingan was the real deal.
Orochimaru had once looked down on the Sharingan—saw it as no more remarkable than the Byakugan. During the previous ninja wars, several Uchiha had served under him, and he'd thought little of it.
It wasn't until Itachi crushed him that he truly acknowledged the Sharingan's power.
Unfortunately—by then—it was too late. The Uchiha Clan had been annihilated.
---
Recently, Orochimaru had left the organization.
Officially, it was due to a "difference in ideology."
Now, that organization was hunting him down across the world.
"And now of all times… Danzo reaches out again."
Since defecting from the village, Orochimaru and Danzo had stayed in contact, albeit rarely.
Orochimaru's golden, slit-pupiled eyes swirled with thoughts.
"He must know something…"
"Is he trying to extract intel on the Akatsuki? Or is this a warning?"
Yes—the Akatsuki. That was the name of the organization Orochimaru had once belonged to.
The man Naruto had spoken to earlier—Pain (Nagato)—was its leader.
"Well, whatever Danzo's game is, I'll know once I meet him."
---
Three days later, Naruto received Mizuki's reply:
"Three days from now. At night. Konoha's border."
---
That night, the full moon hung in the sky like a polished silver coin. Soft moonlight bathed the earth in a pale glow.
Dressed in standard Root uniform, Naruto arrived at the meeting site along with two Root operatives.
Funny how it always seemed to be a full moon during these secret meetings.
"Such a beautiful moon… If only I could watch it with Hinata," Naruto thought idly.
But the Hyūga were strict. Even though Hinata had been stripped of her heir status, she still wasn't allowed out at night.
---
At a clearing near Konoha's border, Orochimaru had already arrived with his subordinates. He was easy to spot—his flowing white kimono made him stand out starkly in the darkness.
"You're quite bold, Orochimaru. An S-rank criminal like you entering Konoha without a disguise?"
"Aren't you afraid the Third Hokage might find out?"
For someone who'd once grown up in Konoha, the village's barrier systems were like a sieve to Orochimaru. If he wanted, he could stroll through the entire village unnoticed. Forget the outskirts—even the Hokage Monument wouldn't be off-limits.
Whether he made it out afterward… was another matter.
---
"You're late," Orochimaru said, waving off his underlings. His raspy, magnetic voice carried through the air.
"Where's Danzo? I want to speak with him."
Since when do Root dogs have this much to say?
"Lord Danzo has more important matters to attend to," Naruto replied flatly.
"From now on, I will be the one handling contact with you."
A flicker of killing intent flashed through Orochimaru's eyes.
Who did they think they were talking to?
This was Orochimaru—one of the Legendary Sannin, an S-rank missing-nin, and the leader of the Hidden Sound Village.
He had once worked with Root, yes—but always directly with Danzo.
When did flunkies start calling the shots?
"You?" Orochimaru's voice turned icy, and the air around them dropped ten degrees. His killing intent exploded, blanketing the entire forest.
Orochimaru's aura was no joke. Even the strongest shinobi in the Land of Grass paled in comparison. His mere presence could overwhelm entire villages.
"What is Danzo trying to pull?"
---
"You'd best watch your mouth when speaking of Lord Danzo," Naruto replied coldly.
"Even if you are who you are—I won't tolerate disrespect."
Even Orochimaru's own subordinates were shaking in fear beneath the weight of his killing intent.
But Naruto?
He stood as if he couldn't feel a thing.
Instead, he warned Orochimaru:
"Let's not have a repeat performance. And a piece of advice—this is still Konoha territory. If you release your aura this recklessly, the ANBU might show up—and they answer directly to the Third Hokage. They're... not so easy to deal with."
---
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
"Interesting."
He withdrew his killing intent and gave Naruto a long, appraising look.
"This one... Danzo must be grooming him carefully."
"Just like that Aburame Ryoma back in the day."
"Konoha's truly blessed. Talented young shinobi keep popping up."
"And me? I've scoured the Five Great Nations and barely scraped together a handful of promising candidates."
---
"…You pass," Orochimaru finally said.
That burst of killing intent had been a test—a way to gauge Naruto's strength and composure, and maybe even get a read on Danzo's intent.
If Naruto had faltered, Orochimaru would've killed him on the spot, Root affiliation be damned.
And afterward? He'd just tell Danzo the brat was disrespectful.
Few people had the right to speak to Orochimaru as equals.
---
"So then—what does Danzo want?" Orochimaru asked, the tension easing slightly. His golden serpent eyes locked onto Naruto.
Naruto took a step forward.
"Everything I'm about to say…"
"...is by Lord Danzo's will."