After Orochimaru's defection from Akatsuki, this place had been handed over to Black Zetsu. Only Nagato, Konan, and Obito knew of its existence.
Now, the laboratory was active again, restored to its former state.
As they entered, the power came back online, and the electronic screens flickered to life.
Danzo's eyes immediately fixed on what floated inside the nutrient tanks.
White Zetsu, cultivated from Hashirama's cells, slumbered in rows of containers—living vessels, ready to become replacements at any moment.
"This… this is Hashirama's cells!"
Danzo's eyes gleamed with greed. He knew that only by obtaining this power could he hope to stand against Kaede.
"Yes. That's right," Obito replied without hesitation. "These White Zetsu are grown from Hashirama's cells. You can graft them onto your body to gain strength, to awaken Wood Release, and to prevent the cells from devouring you entirely."
He then stepped closer, blocking Danzo's path and cutting off his hungry gaze.
"Now, speak. You wouldn't have come here without a reason."
Danzo reluctantly tore his eyes away from the tanks, though the greed in them remained. Compared to the crude experiments of Orochimaru, this was perfection. Back then, Orochimaru had failed to stabilize the cells in him, leaving Danzo plagued by constant rejection. But this… this could change everything.
"Yes, I came to deliver important news. Kaede's so-called Nation of Gods is preparing to hold a Chunin Exam. Even small villages that submitted to him but remain far from his capital will participate. He cannot possibly control them all.
"This is our chance. We'll slip our forces in, and when the time comes, launch an attack from within. We kill Kaede, and Konoha can be rebuilt!"
Danzo's eyes glimmered feverishly as he spoke. In his mind, once Kaede fell, everything Kaede had conquered would fracture and collapse. Then he would rise from the ruins, the founder of a new order, the first ruler of a new village, a legacy to erase the Uchiha forever.
Obito did not laugh at his foolishness, though he thought it.
The Chunin Exam… if sabotage succeeded, not only could they strike at Kaede, but they might seize the Tailed Beasts as well. For Obito, it wasn't conquest he sought, but the Moon's Eye Plan. With the beasts, his dream of the Infinite Tsukuyomi would draw closer.
"This may indeed be useful," Obito said. "I'll hide operatives among those villages. But Danzo, I want to see your sincerity. Where is Sasuke? Bring him to me."
"That's simple. Once I've undergone the transplant, I'll bring him. Sasuke is the key to this plan. We can't send many of our own in, so he will act as our core player inside the exam. His growth has been remarkable under our training—truly worthy of the Uchiha name."
Danzo forced a smile, though it twisted on his face.
Obito's voice hardened. "Remember our agreement. Do not harm Sasuke."
At this, Itachi stiffened. The only reason he had once agreed to massacre his clan was because Konoha's elders had promised to spare Sasuke. Now Danzo spoke of using him as bait. Itachi's hands trembled.
"Understand, Itachi," Danzo said smoothly. "If Sasuke helps us succeed, he'll be a hero when Konoha is rebuilt. You'll shed the label of traitor and return home. And Sasuke will live a safe life, honored for his part. Who better than him?"
Had this been anywhere else, Danzo would have snapped at Itachi for his insolence.
"Enough," Obito cut in. "This is only a Chunin Exam. Sasuke will face genin, nothing more. There's no real danger. Pain, Itachi, take the others to rest. I'll handle Danzo's procedure."
Pain left unwillingly, Itachi after a long, heavy silence.
Danzo smirked at Obito. "You've trained them well."
Obito's masked face betrayed nothing. "Credit goes to you. Without you, I wouldn't be here."
"Indeed. Who would have thought the little pawn of the Uchiha would come this far? Perhaps I should have brought you into Root myself…"
"You never had the power."
Obito's voice was ice.
Danzo's lips twisted into a sneer. "That's not so certain. And—"
His words cut off in a strangled gasp. His eyes bulged.
"You…"
He looked down in horror at his left arm. Obito had already twisted it until the bone snapped.
(End of Chapter)
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