Ch-33:Danzo goes crazy-2

Morino Ibiki had seen countless similar situations.

As the head of Konoha's Torture Department, he had interrogated all kinds of individuals—spies, traitors, and hardened criminals—and had witnessed bizarre behaviors more times than he could count. Some wept uncontrollably, others begged for mercy, and a few outright lost their sanity.

It was not unusual for prisoners to succumb to the overwhelming physical and mental strain of interrogation, spiraling into madness. Danzo's current state mirrored those cases perfectly—his wild outbursts, nonsensical declarations, and manic laughter all pointed to a complete mental breakdown.

Standing nearby, Nara Shikaku observed the scene, his face calm but his mind racing. Meanwhile, Yamanaka Inoichi was less reserved, openly sneering at Danzo's apparent insanity. He turned to the ANBU guards flanking the room.

"Take Danzo to the Intelligence Department immediately. We don't have time to waste."

The ANBU hesitated, their faces betraying unease. Before they could move, a firm hand landed on Inoichi's shoulder.

"Haiichi, that's enough."

The voice belonged to Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, who exhaled a long plume of smoke from his pipe.

"Danzo has contributed greatly to Konoha. Despite his mistakes, his sacrifices shouldn't be overlooked. Let's not push him any further."

"Hokage-sama, with all due respect—"

Hiruzen raised a hand, silencing Inoichi.

"I understand your concerns. But Danzo's condition might be genuine. Before we proceed with anything, I want a medical evaluation. If he is feigning insanity, we'll act accordingly. Until then, this discussion is over."

Without waiting for a reply, Hiruzen gestured to the ANBU.

"Escort Danzo to the hospital. He is to be guarded around the clock, and no one is allowed near him without my explicit permission. If anything happens, I will hold you all responsible."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

The ANBU quickly moved to carry out his orders, carefully restraining Danzo, who continued muttering incomprehensibly. Hiruzen turned and exited the room, his expression unreadable.

Once he was gone, Inoichi muttered, "What's going on? Why is Hokage-sama acting so strangely?"

Shikaku sighed, shaking his head.

"There's more to this than we know. Let's wait for the medical results. Until then, it's out of our hands."

---

Land of Sound – Orochimaru's Secret Base

"Tsk, tsk, tsk…"

Orochimaru hummed as he washed the blood off his hands. He had just finished another experiment and was in high spirits. Dressed in his Akatsuki robes adorned with red clouds, he admired his reflection in the mirror, a sly smile stretching across his face.

"Lord Orochimaru, you seem unusually pleased today," a voice called out.

Turning, Orochimaru spotted Kabuto Yakushi entering the room.

"Kabuto," Orochimaru said, surprised. "I didn't summon you. Why aren't you in Konoha gathering intel?"

Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "Something significant has happened in Konoha, my lord."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Significant? What could possibly disrupt such a stagnant village?" He waved dismissively. "Never mind. I'm heading out. Tell me on the way."

"Where are you going, Lord Orochimaru?"

"To retrieve a treasure," Orochimaru replied with a sinister grin. "Itachi Uchiha's eyes will soon be mine."

Kabuto's expression hardened. "Uchiha Itachi? My lord, his strength is immeasurable. You should allow me to accompany you."

Orochimaru chuckled. "Fine, but don't get in my way. Now, what news do you bring from Konoha?"

"Danzo has been arrested, and his Sharingan arm is useless. Additionally, a new user of Susanoo has emerged among the Uchiha."

"Susanoo? Impossible. The Uchiha were wiped out."

"His name is Haruto Uchiha," Kabuto explained.

"Haruto? I've never heard of him," Orochimaru mused, his curiosity piqued.

Kabuto smirked. "That's because he was a nobody. Haruto survived the massacre because he was having an affair in someone else's house that night. Since then, he's done nothing noteworthy—except marry over a thousand women and father countless children. He's a complete womanizer, with no redeeming qualities."

Orochimaru sneered. "How utterly dull. Let's focus on Itachi. Haruto can wait."

---

The Next Morning

Uchiha Itachi descended the long stone steps leading from a remote mountainside. His expression was as stoic as ever, his movements silent and deliberate.

Ahead of him, Orochimaru approached, his predatory grin widening as he drew closer.

The two passed each other, separated by mere inches. Orochimaru couldn't resist.

With a flick of his wrist, a massive serpent shot out from his sleeve, coiling around Itachi in an instant.

"Itachi," Orochimaru hissed, his golden eyes gleaming with greed. "Do you know what true immortality is?"

The serpent tightened its grip, but Itachi remained calm, his dark eyes betraying no emotion.

Orochimaru's voice dropped to a whisper. "Your body is perfect. With it, I will achieve eternity."

Itachi sighed, his voice barely above a murmur. "Orochimaru, unchecked desire leads to ruin. You've already fallen too far."

Before Orochimaru could reply, the world seemed to shift. In the blink of an eye, their positions were reversed—Orochimaru found himself bound, while Itachi stood behind him, unscathed.

"No… impossible!" Orochimaru struggled against the invisible force holding him in place.

Itachi's Sharingan glowed ominously. "This is the difference between us, Orochimaru. Your ambition blinds you."

Despite his predicament, Orochimaru's lips curled into a grin.

"What beautiful eyes you have, Itachi…"

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