socalfunplaces Chapter 309 The Three Ninja Alliance VS Danzo's Coercion of High-Ranking Officials for Accounta
Chapter 309 The Three Ninja Alliance VS Danzo's Coercion of High-Ranking Officials for Accounta
Chapter 309 The Alliance of the Three Ninjas VS Danzo's Coercion of High-Ranking Officials into Holding Him Accountable
The initial cooperation agreement was finalized in a subtle atmosphere where both parties felt they had hit the jackpot.
With the deal discussed to this point, both parties understood each other, and the next step was to discuss the demand aspect.
Orochimaru disliked beating around the bush and went straight to the point: "I need some test subjects."
Obito watched him quietly, without urging him.
Orochimaru didn't keep them in suspense any longer and continued, "Young and strong men in good physical condition, without any diseases. As for the number—let's start with ten."
After losing Danzo's support, his supply of materials was stuck at a critical juncture.
This deal is a timely boon for him.
"Okay." Obito said without hesitation, "I'll bring it to you soon."
Ten young men are indeed not a difficult task for the Akatsuki organization.
With the deal finalized, he didn't want to linger here any longer, and the single eye beneath his mask lowered slightly.
The space around Obito began to distort, the light was stretched into strange folds, and a vortex gradually took shape.
As Kamui began to distort space, Obito suddenly said, "Oh, right, there's one more thing."
"Regarding this transaction between us, as well as all subsequent material deliveries and communication, I hope you can keep it a secret and not tell anyone."
If it were any other collaborator, hearing such a commanding confidentiality clause would likely make them feel slighted, or they might simply turn against the collaborator.
However, Orochimaru did not.
Instead of being annoyed, he said with amusement, "Oh? Don't tell anyone? It seems things aren't quite stable within the Akatsuki organization right now?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Orochimaru let out a few tentative, snickering laughs.
Obito responded with only a cold snort, neither admitting nor denying.
"You don't need to worry about the internal affairs of Akatsuki. Just remember our agreement and strictly abide by it. This will benefit both of us. I will personally deliver all the materials and any special items you may need later."
The emphasis on the word "personally" implies a single-line connection.
Obito continued, "If you have any new needs, research progress, or encounter any problems, you can wait for me to arrive and discuss them directly with me. Again, don't let a third person know."
After listening, Orochimaru casually spread his hands and said lazily, "As long as the cooperation is pleasant and my research can proceed smoothly, these details don't matter."
His attitude was clear: he didn't care whether the Akatsuki was united or divided, nor did he care what Obito was plotting behind the scenes.
Orochimaru only cares about whether the resources are available and whether the results can be implemented. As for secrecy, it's just routine for someone like him who works in the shadows all year round. He's even more used to this communication style of being responsible to only one person, so as not to have his rhythm interrupted by irrelevant Tom, Dick, or Harry.
Obito didn't seem to want to get entangled in this matter any further.
"Don't worry, the materials and support I provide will definitely satisfy you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the spatial vortex suddenly accelerated its rotation, and in the next instant, the masked man's figure was completely swallowed up.
The laboratory returned to calm, and Orochimaru remained standing in the same spot, not making any immediate move.
Instead, there is reflection and consideration.
He personally handed over the reins.
Single-line connection.
Strict confidentiality.
"This seems to be more than just treating Uchiha Itachi."
No matter how important Itachi Uchiha was, he was just one of the members.
Why would this masked man with a special identity and strange behavior be so cautious?
They even had to keep it a secret from the other members of Akatsuki?
"I'm afraid the person being treated is more important and more sensitive than Itachi Uchiha's condition."
"Interesting—this is so interesting!"
"The situation within the Akatsuki organization is more chaotic than I imagined."
"7
"This masked man probably has something big on his mind."
"Is the person standing behind him really Madara Uchiha—or is it someone else?"
After thinking for a moment, he smiled indifferently. To him, no matter how complicated the conspiracy or how dangerous the game, it would eventually have to give way to research.
Conspiracy is merely entertainment; truth is what he's willing to spend time dissecting.
The collaboration is finalized, and the materials will arrive soon.
The most important thing right now is to keep the research going.
Orochimaru turned back to the lab bench, opened a drawer, took out a new pair of gloves, and slowly put them on.
The latex stretched taut, making a snapping sound!
"Kabuto, stop spacing out."
As Orochimaru finished speaking, Kabuto seemed to snap out of his daze.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
"Please cut a slice of tissue from tank number three, and make sure it's a complete cross-section."
Dou strode towards culture tank number three and used a special cutting tool to cut a thin slice along the designated area.
When the slice is separated from the main body, a vitality that is not human comes rushing out.
Kabuto placed the tissue into a specially made petri dish, sealed it, turned around and walked towards Orochimaru, respectfully handing it over to him.
Orochimaru took it and examined it carefully for a while.
Dou should have stepped back.
However, he stood still and did not leave.
His gaze flickered behind the microscope as he cautiously watched Orochimaru place a slide on the glass and adjust the microscope's focus. He asked in a low voice, "Lord Orochimaru, won't this secret cooperation with the Akatsuki in this way bring about some unforeseen problems?"
After all, the Akatsuki organization, which gathers S-rank rogue ninjas from various countries, is the most dangerous mercenary organization in the ninja world, and it is also inextricably linked to Madara Uchiha.
Making a deal with one of these unidentified individuals in private is like dancing on a knife's edge.
Moreover, if there is a conflict within the Akatsuki organization, there is a high risk that it will affect external collaborators.
By then, even the most sophisticated laboratory won't be able to stop a group of S-rank rogue ninjas from tearing down the doors.
Orochimaru adjusted the focus of the microscope, his golden vertical pupils staring intently at the cell structure through the lens, as if the world had shrunk to just this slide.
Hearing Dou's question, he chuckled, raised the recorder, and the pen tip slid quickly across the paper, writing down the cell activity data.
"The problem? The Akatsuki organization seems to have recruited a group of skilled and infamous rogue ninjas, but they are just a bunch of naive guys."
He didn't interrupt.
"They rallied under the banner of Akatsuki, seemingly sharing a common goal, but in reality, each had their own agenda. They were a disorganized mess."
"Nothing to worry about."
"For now, the problem of material supply has been temporarily resolved."
"Then let's get started with our planned research."
His gaze returned to the White Zetsu slice, his eyes sparkling with pure curiosity, like a child seeing a new toy and excitedly wanting to play with it immediately.
Dou nodded in agreement, but the worry in his heart had not completely dissipated.
Just then, Orochimaru seemed to realize something, and his next words made Kabuto's back tense up.
"After all, Kimimaro is still waiting."
As soon as he finished speaking, Dou suddenly raised his head, his eyes behind his glasses wide open, his face filled with undisguised astonishment.
Lord Orochimaru—actually brought up Kimimaro on his own initiative.
Dou stood there, motionless, even doubting whether he had misheard.
Last time, he proposed using Leukemia cells to try treating Kimimaro's bloodline disease.
At that time, Lord Orochimaru rejected the idea outright. After all, the vitality of White Zetsu cells was too strong, and rashly injecting them into the human body might not cure the disease, but rather make people "get sick".
Dou understood that consideration, but the image of that loyal white-haired boy would always linger in his mind.
Kimimaro never complained.
Even if the disease is terminal.
Kabuto had thought many times: if Kimimaro hadn't been so ill, would he have been the perfect vessel for Lord Orochimaru?
Could you rise to a higher position and become a truly all-powerful blade?
However, reality is cruel; disease is truly terrifying.
Dou thought this plan would be like many other shelved alternatives.
However, now, Lord Orochimaru not only remembers, but has also included treating Kimimaro in the next phase of the process.
Kabuto took a deep breath, straightened his back, and replied in a more resolute voice than usual, "Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
2
the other side.
The gate to Konoha Village.
Naruto carried a bulging backpack and wore an orange training uniform.
Jiraiya leisurely gazed at the road in the distance and lazily opened his mouth.
"Kid, it's just going out. You're going to cultivate, not move house."
"Training requires thorough preparation! What if we encounter an enemy?"
"You can choke to death even when drinking water."
Not many people came to see him off.
Seeing Naruto's excited expression, Iruka had many things he wanted to tell him.
Don't be reckless on the road, think things through first, and don't act impulsively—but when the words came out, he could only look at Naruto with relief.
Sakura looked at Naruto with a somewhat forlorn expression.
"Sasuke hasn't been gone long."
"Now—even Naruto, you've left Konoha."
Upon hearing this, Naruto immediately turned around and patted his chest forcefully.
"Sakura! Don't worry!"
"Sasuke and I have already made a promise!"
-
"After training with that lecherous sage, I'm definitely going to become even stronger!"
"Strong enough to knock that arrogant guy away with a single punch!"
"Then, I will definitely bring him back, back to Konoha! Back to Team 7!"
Seeing this, Iruka suddenly realized that Naruto was no longer the little brat he used to be in class.
Sakura nodded vigorously, trying to force back the tears welling up in her eyes, and forced a stiff smile onto her face.
"Yes, I believe you, Naruto."
At this moment, Xiang, who had been standing quietly to the side, stepped forward.
She's been going to the medical department a lot these past few days, and the dark circles under her eyes are still visible, but they also make her look more mature.
Xiang's cheeks flushed slightly as she handed the food box to Naruto.
"Naruto, take food with you on the way—don't just focus on training and starve yourself."
After saying that, she awkwardly added, "I learned how to make it from Sister Jingyin, so it should taste alright."
Naruto took the food box, weighed it in his hand, and exclaimed happily, "Wow! Xiang, you can make desserts too? Shizune-nee is amazing!"
Xiang felt even more uncomfortable after being praised by him, and her ears turned a little red.
She paused, then said in a low voice, "This time—I can't go with you. My master needs help, and there's a lot of work to do in the medical department—I also need to stay in the village to cultivate."
His voice was full of reluctance.
The last time Naruto went out of the village to train with Jiraiya, she was able to keep up.
However, things are different now.
She is now Tsunade's official disciple and her capable assistant.
She stayed not because she didn't want to leave, but because she wanted to keep up with Naruto.
Seeing that Kaori looked a little down, Naruto chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "Kaori, don't look like that. You don't need to worry at all!"
Amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, Naruto reached into his ninja tool pouch and rummaged around for a bit.
Soon, he pulled out a uniquely shaped kunai.
The trident's blade gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and the handle was engraved with intricate magical patterns.
Flying Thunder God Kunai.
"Look!" Naruto held it up and twirled it nimbly in his hand, his eyes saying, "I'm so smart!"
Then, he handed the kunai to Xiang.
"Here, take this."
Xiang was stunned, and she subconsciously reached out to take it.
"With this, whenever I want to come back, I can just whiz back in a flash!" Naruto said, gesturing as he spoke. "When I'm tired from training, or when I miss you guys, I can come back for the snacks you make!"
Xiang's throat moved, and finally she silently tightened her grip on the kunai.
Iruka, Sakura, and even Kakashi, who seemed to be half asleep, suddenly remembered at this moment.
Yes.
The blond-haired boy in front of you is the son of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
Sometimes, with space-time ninjutsu at his disposal, returning to Konoha might be as simple as breathing for him. This sudden realization diluted the bitterness of parting.
It makes one marvel once again at Naruto's ridiculously fast growth rate.
"Hey, Naruto."
Jiraiya's voice rang out at the right moment, interrupting everyone's daze.
"It's almost time, we should set off."
"I know, you lecherous immortal!"
Naruto responded loudly, turned to the crowd seeing him off, and waved his arms vigorously.
"Iruka-sensei! Sakura! Kaori! Kakashi-sensei!"
"I'm leaving!"
"Just you wait and see! When I come back, I'll be incredibly strong!"
time flies.
Night fell.
Yinyin Village, underground laboratory.
There is no starlight, nor moonlight here.
Two people stood on either side of the experimental table.
Orochimaru stared at the latest experimental results, while Kabuto Yakushi recorded the constantly changing experimental data beside him.
Until—ring ring ring—
The two of them stopped at the same time, neither of them spoke, and tacitly agreed to leave work on time.
In the early days, if the Will of Sound existed, it might have been to never go off duty.
Now, I've become someone who absolutely refuses to work overtime.
Orochimaru raised his hand, slowly rolled up his glove, and casually tossed it into the disposal box next to him.
He adjusted his glasses, put away his pen, and tidied his desk.
Dou did not experience last night's dream firsthand.
However, there were changes after Orochimaru's return and the establishment of new research directions.
All of this gave him a deeper understanding of the role of dreams.
Dou recalled the scene she had once witnessed: the warm sunshine, the clean courtyard, and the dean's gentle smile.
Will tonight bring any new changes?
Or perhaps, will I have the chance to enter that world again?
"It's almost time."
Orochimaru's voice rang out, interrupting Kabuto's reverie.
"Take a break."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
Dou immediately responded.
He quickly and methodically shut down some of the instruments and tightened the valves.
One by one, the indicator lights went out.
When Orochimaru opened his eyes again.
What catches the eye is the morning light filtering through the gaps in the curtains.
It's obvious they've come in again today.
Orochimaru had already adapted to returning to the new world. After getting up, he skillfully put on the Konoha-style ninja vest.
It was a peaceful morning.
There was no disturbance from Danzo kicking down the door.
There was no rope tree chattering away beside them.
Orochimaru pushed open the door and went out.
The roof tiles gleamed in the morning light, and the wind chimes under the eaves swayed gently.
The ninjas and villagers he encountered along the way all stopped in their tracks when they saw him.
"Good morning, Orochimaru-sama!"
"Lord Orochimaru, you look great today!"
"Lord Orochimaru, you worked hard last night!"
Greetings came from all directions.
If it were yesterday, when he was still accompanied by Nawaki, those gazes would have been more or less directed at the Senju family boy.
But today was different; all eyes were on him alone.
Orochimaru's steps were steady.
With a perfectly measured smile on his face—neither overly enthusiastic nor cold—he was exactly the kind of reliable yet unapproachable person the Konoha leadership liked best.
In this world, he remains one of the three legendary ninja of Konoha, at the core of power, and a figure of real authority in the research department.
Surprisingly, he felt that this was actually not bad.
[Ding! Orochimaru's emotional fluctuations have been detected! Emotional value +300!]
Orochimaru smiled; his goal for today was clear.
Last night, he only had time to get a glimpse of another approach to the Wood Release experiment. He hadn't yet looked closely at many of the deductions, records, or even the diagnostic chain that treated Wood Release as a disease.
More importantly, how far did Orochimaru actually go in this dream?
Why was he able to join the core of Konoha, but didn't choose the path of defection?
What methods did he use to gain everyone's complete trust in him?
These questions are more interesting than the Wood Release experiment itself.
Orochimaru walked towards the laboratory.
Yesterday, he walked this road with Rope Tree and was able to choose the shortest alleyway to go through without asking anyone for directions.
There are stalls selling rice dumplings by the roadside.
Steam rises, and a sweet aroma wafts through the air.
The child was running with a paper bag in his arms and almost bumped into his leg. He quickly stopped, blushed, and bowed to apologize.
"Lord Orochimaru, I'm so sorry!"
Orochimaru glanced down at the child and said gently, "Slow down."
The child paused, as if he hadn't expected a response, then nodded vigorously, hugged the dumpling, and ran away.
Orochimaru continued forward, and the closer he got to the laboratory, the quieter it became, and the more orderly the streets seemed.
After turning the last corner, Orochimaru stopped in his tracks.
Two figures stood at the entrance of the laboratory.
One of them had his arms crossed, long blond hair draped over his shoulders, and was wearing a tea-green jacket.
Her eyebrows twitched slightly, her expression carrying her usual impatience.
The other person had messy long white hair and was wearing a red coat. He paced back and forth, occasionally looking up at the closed laboratory door, or scratching his hair, seemingly muttering something unconsciously.
Without a doubt, it was Jiraiya and Tsunade.
The other two of the three legendary ninjas appeared at the door of his laboratory at the same time.
And judging from their posture, they were clearly waiting for him, or had something important to discuss with him.
Leaving Jiraiya aside, Orochimaru clearly remembered that when Tsunade looked at him in real life, her eyes seemed to want to smash him to pieces.
And look at their current posture in this dream.
Although Tsunade still maintained her "don't mess with me" attitude, her presence here seemed to indicate that the relationship was not hostile.
Why did they come?
Tsunade seemed to sense someone approaching, turned her head slightly, and her gaze swept over, landing on Orochimaru who was steadily walking closer.
Her eyes remained sharp.
It just lacks the coldness and disgust of reality.
More than anything, it was pure impatience, like urging him to hurry up.
Jiraiya heard footsteps and turned around.
Upon recognizing Orochimaru, his expression relaxed, and he stopped in his tracks.
Orochimaru walked up to the two of them.
Jiraiya's gaze lingered on Tsunade's and Jiraiya's faces for a moment.
He didn't rush to ask questions, nor did he adopt any defensive posture; he simply opened the laboratory door calmly.
"Good morning, Tsunade, Jiraiya."
"Judging from your expressions, you want to see me?"
Seeing him open the door so leisurely and calmly, Jiraiya stamped his feet in frustration and said anxiously, "Why are you taking such a long time!"
"Do you even realize you've caused trouble?!"
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru even revealed a slightly amused smile.
court disaster?
In this world, he was thriving and highly respected in Konoha.
What trouble could he possibly cause to make Jiraiya so anxious?
Orochimaru quickly processed everything that had happened yesterday in his mind, and then, a thought struck him, and he asked, "Could it be because of Danzo yesterday?"
"That's right!"
Jiraiya nodded repeatedly, and Tsunade, who was standing next to him, took over the conversation.
She lowered her arms, straightened up, and said disdainfully, "That old bastard Danzo suffered a loss and didn't dare to come to you directly, so he ran to the old man to cry and complain."
She paused, her tone becoming even harsher, as if she were mentioning something disgusting: "And it wasn't just the old man, he also dragged in those two old fogies, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado."
"What do you mean by an emergency council of elders' interim inquiry meeting?"
"You will be held accountable for crimes such as unauthorized interference in the internal affairs of the Root organization and threatening the safety of the village."
Jiraiya added, "The old man is probably under a lot of pressure too."
"You'll probably receive an official summons soon."
As he finished speaking, his eyes were filled with worry when he looked at Orochimaru.
Clearly, in his view, this was not a minor incident, but a real crisis.
Orochimaru's reaction to this warning was surprisingly calm.
He simply nodded and said calmly, "Oh, I see."
As soon as he finished speaking, he took the lead and walked into the open laboratory door, as casually as ever, not taking the elders seriously at all.
Jiraiya nearly choked on his breath at the door.
He opened his mouth, wanting to curse but not knowing where to begin, and finally could only cover his forehead with his hand, his whole demeanor screaming "Why aren't you even a little flustered?"
This wasn't Orochimaru deliberately pretending or being arrogant.
Instead, it is measured by his real-life experiences and state of mind.
The so-called accountability by the elders sounds impressive, but in essence it's nothing more than a routine power struggle within Konoha.
Compared to what he has experienced in real life.
This little trouble is nothing to worry about.
He even found it a little boring.
This level of political struggle is not even a stumbling block on his path to eternal truth and absolute power.
The laboratory is bright and clean.
The researchers have already begun their work.
Someone is mixing medicine.
Someone is recording data.
Someone pushed a cart full of rolls through the corridor.
Upon seeing Orochimaru enter, everyone bowed respectfully: "Lord Orochimaru."
"6
"Good morning, Orochimaru-sama."
Orochimaru nodded slightly, continuing his walk straight to his private office.
Tsunade and Jiraiya followed behind him.
The latter wrung his hands anxiously, lowering his voice to say, "How can you not care at all!"
"That's a formal accountability measure from the elders!"
"You might have your research privileges temporarily suspended, or even be placed in solitary confinement!"
"Danzo is determined to take a bite out of you this time."
"Those two old guys always favor him."
"Tsk."
Jiraiya was interrupted by Tsunade's cold snort before he could finish speaking.
Tsunade glared at him with displeasure and scolded, "Jiraiya, what are you panicking about?"
"Can't you be a little more sensible?"
Jiraiya shrank back when she glared at him.
Tsunade ignored him.
She walked a few steps to Orochimaru's side, and without any hesitation, reached out and patted Orochimaru's shoulder forcefully.
Orochimaru looked up at her.
Tsunade raised her chin slightly and said confidently, "Isn't it just the council of elders? Don't worry, Jiraiya, the Senju clan, and I are all on your side."
"Do you really think nobody knows about the despicable things Danzo did?"
"You rescued them, sent them to an orphanage, and gave them a chance to live. What's wrong with that?"
"Danzo is trying to use this as an excuse to make trouble, but we won't let him have his way."
"That's right." Jiraiya nodded vigorously.
His worries hadn't completely dissipated, but his voice was noticeably more resolute.
"Orochimaru, what you did was right."
"We absolutely cannot stand by and watch you get bullied by those old guys."
"If you're going to hold someone accountable, you should at least ask us if we agree."
Sunlight streamed in through the windows of the office.
Tsunade exudes an imposing aura.
Jiraiya shared the same hatred for the enemy.
Orochimaru, sitting in his office chair, slightly raised his eyes.
The golden vertical pupils calmly gazed at the two people before him.
This scene presents an almost absurd contrast to his real-life memories.
He was used to being alone.
He was used to everyone looking at him with suspicion.
However, now, in this dream...
The two adopted a united front against the elders.
This kind of unreserved support is something that Orochimaru in the real world has long lost.
He should have scoffed at it.
It should have been treated as a dessert deliberately given to him in a dream.
However, it can never be ignored.
[Ding! Orochimaru's emotional fluctuations have been detected! Emotional value +600!]
The alliance of the three ninja.
Orochimaru murmured to himself.
He didn't speak.
He simply watched Tsunade and Jiraiya quietly.
Just then, the communicator on the desk rang urgently.
After Orochimaru pressed the call button, a researcher's worried and anxious voice came through: "Lord Orochimaru, the Hokage's office has sent an order for you to go to the Hokage Building immediately. The Elders are waiting for you."