63. Danzo Secretly Contacts Orochimaru
"Then it's settled. I'll go to your Uchiha clan's land, and you have to make sure no one comes to bother me!"
After much consideration, Tsunade finally spoke, her expression unusually serious.
"So, Tsunade-sama accepts my proposal! I look forward to our cooperation."
Yagami extended his right hand, waiting a moment before realizing that this wasn't the custom in the ninja world…
"Ah, my apologies, I forgot something. Tsunade-sama, please sign the contract. Once that's done, you'll officially be our chief medical consultant at the Uchiha clan."
Ignoring the curious glances from Jiraiya and Shizune, Yagami pulled out a scroll from his robe.
"Tch! All these formalities. As Senju Tsunade, I always honour my debts! But after signing, can I get my first month's salary in advance?"
"About that, Tsunade-sama… shouldn't we address the casino compensation first?"
Damn it! This woman's gambling addiction is unreal! She's already thinking of overdrawing her salary before even starting the job. Does she think this is a charity?
Yagami barely managed to keep a straight face, but his polite refusal made Tsunade's face darken. Still, realizing she'd be relying on him for payments in the future, she chose to hold back her irritation.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go to your Uchiha clan's land!"
Frustrated and no longer in the mood to drink, Tsunade grabbed Shizune and headed out of the hotel.
"Oh! I hope the old man doesn't blow a fuse over this…"
Seeing them leave, Jiraiya slapped his forehead helplessly. From the looks of it, Tsunade's return to Konoha was inevitable, even if it wasn't in the way he'd hoped…
* * *
**Konoha, Police Department Cell**
Danzo sat cross-legged in a cramped cell, gripping his bandaged right arm with his left hand. His visible eye was bloodshot, a result of constant torment.
"Damn Uchiha Yagami, with his awakened Mangekyō Sharingan… the power of that genjutsu is extraordinary…"
Enduring constant illusions had become Danzo's new reality. Though physically weakened, he'd developed some mental resilience, now able to withstand the Three Tomoe Sharingan illusions from ordinary Uchiha members.
But the genjutsu Yagami had inflicted far exceeded his expectations, and it hadn't yet subsided. Were it not for the Hashirama cells in his arm counteracting the genjutsu, it might have persisted even longer.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen! Are you really going to leave me here?"
In his resentment toward Yagami, Danzo's thoughts drifted back to the Third Hokage. So much time had passed without a visit or even a message from the Third Hokage.
The neglect left Danzo feeling both resentful and fearful. He was bitter that the Third Generation had abandoned him, and he feared he truly had been forsaken.
"How pitiful! Lord Danzo, I never expected to see you in such a miserable state."
A hoarse voice drifted from within the prison cell, making Danzo's eyes narrow slightly as he glanced toward the corner.
After a moment, a small snow-white snake slithered out from the ground, the source of the voice from earlier.
"Orochimaru! You took your time. Did you come to collect my body?"
Danzo breathed a sigh of relief. After so long, finally, some good news.
"Haha! Lord Danzo, please don't accuse me unjustly. This is the police department, after all. Given the Uchiha's attitude toward you, it took quite a price to get in here."
Orochimaru's playful tone resonated with the snake as if Orochimaru himself were present.
"Enough nonsense. Did you bring the items? I won't be leaving here anytime soon, and there are some things that must remain hidden, or you'll regret it."
Danzo's voice held a low, threatening edge, just as forceful as when he commanded Root from outside.
"Haha! There is no need for reminders on such matters. I'll give you the items now, but I should inform you of something else. Your Root organization has been dismantled by Konoha, and all relevant test data and documents have been dug up. Are you certain nothing compromising was left behind?"
Orochimaru's voice, though calm, carried a subtle weight.
"Don't worry! I'm not so easily defeated. What they found in Root is only what I allowed them to see. As for the rest, hmph…"
"Be cautious, Lord Danzo! The Third Hokage may harbor his own thoughts, especially given 'A's' presence. Since you're confident, I'll say no more. Good luck!"
With that, the small white snake slithered over and bit Danzo on the ankle. Perhaps affected by Danzo's neglected hygiene, the snake twitched briefly before merging into his body.
"Orochimaru has certainly made progress. Now, it's just a matter of waiting for the right time to leave…"
Feeling the Hashirama cells in his arm stabilizing, Danzo exhaled in relief. The Third Hokage hadn't visited, nor had he taken further action, which meant there was still a chance.
If the Third Hokage truly gave up on him, there were certain measures Danzo would have to take…
* * *
"Finally back! Tsunade-sama, you can handle whatever you want—I'm done with the police station."
Seeing the iconic walls of Konoha in the distance, Yagami stretched, saying, "I don't want to think about anything else right now. I just want a hot bath. Travelling isn't physically tiring; it's just uncomfortable."
Noticing no one was paying attention to him, Yagami turned and saw Tsunade staring at Konoha with a complex expression.
"Oh, Tsunade, go see the old man. These years… he's really gotten old…"
Jiraiya, understanding Tsunade's conflicted feelings about the village, spoke up, attempting to redirect her thoughts.
Tsunade spun around and punched Jiraiya in the face, sending a gust of wind and dust flying.
"What are you staring at? I'm here to work for money, not for a family reunion… Uchiha brat, take me to your clan!"
Yagami's brows twitched involuntarily. This woman was as fierce as ever. Did he just bring back an ancestor?
"Sister, use your head a little! Our Uchiha clan hasn't moved since your Second Grandfather settled it. Don't tell me you don't know where it is."
Yagami said irritably. This woman was clearly in a foul mood and wanted to take it out on him. Did she think he was Jiraiya?
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion