Chapter 84 : Back to Village

Orochimaru, riding on Shiromari's back at high speed, swiftly distanced himself from Shimura and the individuals in the black market. Once he was certain he had completely shaken off Shimura and the pursuers, he released the summoning jutsu.

Employing his transformation jutsu once more, Orochimaru strolled leisurely along the road and entered a quaint village to find respite.

"Faking my identity and slipping away, it's rather exhilarating!"

Orochimaru, disguised as an ordinary villager, sipped his tea, gazed at the scroll in his hand, and smirked knowingly.

"Danzo, Danzo, I underestimated your despicable nature!"

Orochimaru composedly cast an illusion, causing the surrounding villagers to perceive nothing out of the ordinary. In truth, they were subconsciously ignoring Orochimaru.

As per Shimura Chunin's intel, Danzo had visited the black market to trade ninjutsu, engaging with other major ninja villages in these dealings.

Of particular note were the Konoha ninjutsu among the trades, with the most significant being Tobirama's creation—the Shadow Clone Technique.

Initially exclusive to Konoha's ninjas, the shadow clone had yet to be widespread within Konoha itself. Nevertheless, it wielded immense potential, and other ninja villages worked tirelessly, quickly developing variations like water clones and earth clones.

In under a year, Konoha's advantage in holding the "core technology" dwindled.

Danzo would likely argue, "Even if I don't trade resources, other countries will inevitably decipher this strategic ninjutsu sooner or later."

Orochimaru perused the scroll's transaction list, envisioning Danzo's contemptuous expression. Unforeseen circumstances, however, had placed Shimura ninjas within Orochimaru's grasp, making the latter brimming with confidence to pursue him.

Orochimaru wore a pleased smile, studying the "spoils" before him. Among them lay twenty million ryō in currency, along with various consumables such as cutting tools, detonation charms, and military ration pills—initially meant to nourish Shimura's clan resources. Now, they became Orochimaru's "research and development funding"!

"Well, without realizing it, I've amassed one hundred million ryō. I've achieved a minor objective, it seems!"

Content, Orochimaru mused aloud. Danzo, it appeared, wasn't entirely devoid of advantages.

Orochimaru discerned that the trade involved several parties, yet one stood out—the Land of Earth, one of the five great nations. They seemed to collaborate frequently with someone referred to as "Darkness."

With this considerable leverage over Danzo, Orochimaru possessed the means to tip the balance. Even Tobirama, with his stern resolve, would need to take drastic action against Danzo should this treachery come to light.

Who dared betray Tobirama's trust without expecting his retribution? Throughout history, even clan traitors were seldom spared. Tobirama, a dedicated protector of Konoha, would assuredly show no mercy, relegating Danzo to the shadows.

Yet Orochimaru's course of action remained uncertain.

Orochimaru sneered, pondering over the complexities. He wasn't a paragon of virtue nor a vigilante. Although Danzo was repugnant, his support for human experiments aligned with Orochimaru's present resources. However, an eight-year-old chunin like him couldn't scavenge corpses within Konoha for taboo research.

Tobirama might turn a blind eye—after all, he pioneered Konoha's study of forbidden techniques. Tobirama might be amenable to leveraging more potent forces, given that Konoha's technological advancement heavily depended on cellular research.

But Tobirama's remaining time was likely limited, right? Orochimaru secretly hoped for Tobirama's demise, facilitating his teacher's ascendancy to the Hokage position.

Then, Orochimaru, endowed with the Hokage's apprenticeship, could not only act freely but also wield his authority to showcase his talents. Much awaited him in the future.

However, while the Third Hokage was honourable and just, he possessed unwavering principles. Orochimaru required a powerful protector.

Danzo, a close confidant of Sarutobi, proved instrumental in influencing the Third's decisions. Thus, Danzo could not be immediately disposed—at least not within the coming decade!

Armed with this significant leverage, Orochimaru anticipated its utility during the Third's reign and possibly even the reign of his successors.

"Indeed, interests reign supreme. Perhaps someday, I'll resemble Danzo, collaborating for personal gain despite hating his methods!"

Orochimaru sighed, reflecting on the irony. Most individuals who watched Naruto loathed Danzo, yet Orochimaru contemplated cooperation for his own advantage.

"At this point, I'm far from severing ties with Konoha, not yet free from attachment but aspiring for independence within the ninja world. I must continue leeching off this colossal tree like a repulsive parasite until I mature enough to dislodge it—exposing its corruption!"

Orochimaru chuckled at his cynicism. Despite his exposure to emotions, bloodshed, and prolonged interactions, his core desire remained power—control over all or the elusive truth.

A crimson radiance began emanating from Orochimaru's form, faint yet undeniably pulsating, verging on a hue of purple.

"What the hell!"

In the end, Orochimaru slammed his wooden teacup onto the table, rising abruptly, his dark golden serpent-like eyes piercing the overcast sky.

"This so-called Will of Fire is a sham and deception! This world is governed solely by the law of the strong! You think you can sway adversaries with words?!"

Orochimaru snarled, "Those protagonist types are the most infuriating! I'm not some fated child; regardless of Konoha's warmth, it isn't truly my home. I'm a villain who'll employ any means to reach my goals!"

"...No!"

Orochimaru's dark golden gaze suddenly ignited with purple light.

"I am myself, a transmigrant—not even Orochimaru. My actions are dictated only by my own will!!"

A streak of purple akin to lightning tore through the void as Orochimaru clenched his fist tightly.

From now on, it didn't matter whether Orochimaru's targets were virtuous or wicked, or if his actions were just or unjust. He would follow his heart's desires.

The past's influence waned; the world had changed irrevocably. Even if it continued to transform beyond recognition, Orochimaru would eventually ascend to the top.

Exhaling a heavy breath, Orochimaru sensed newfound liberation. With the scroll slung over his shoulder, he exited the village.

"I wonder about Konoha's situation. I'll soon embark on Anbu training, uncertain if I'll partake in the First Great Ninja War."

Time was limited, so Orochimaru located a secluded area and once more seized the summoned Kusanagi Sword. A streak of light, he hurtled toward Konoha.

........

"Imbeciles! At such a critical juncture, you've bungled everything

!!"

Within a dim chamber, Danzo, typically composed, wore a fierce expression. Fuming, he knocked over several tables in succession but soon regained his composure.

The three Shimura clan ninjas knelt before him, their expressions blank, undeterred by Danzo's anger. Dan Kato stood silently behind, absorbed in contemplating Orochimaru's actions.

"Instruct our Anbu operatives to investigate. Identify those engaged in recent external assignments and provide a plausible reason to monitor the Uchiha clan. If necessary, maintain surveillance over the Hokage Tower... I will handle Uchiha personally. Find a suitable approach."

Danzo swiftly regained his resolute demeanour. The incident had unfolded, and despite the absence of news thus far, he remained committed to resolving the issue before him.

Unswayed by emotions, he addressed problems with calculated rationality, a trait that set him apart.

"Dan Kato, this mission has been an utter disaster. However, I do not hold you solely accountable. The terms I offered you remain in place. I expect you to rise to the occasion and become one of Konoha's pillars."

Danzo's words lacked warmth as he regarded Kato, who responded almost mechanically, ignorant of the true significance.

Kato sensed something amiss with "Uchiha," an inexplicable unease. Although equipped with the "Sharingan," he intuited that matters weren't so simple.

"Do not disappoint me. After all, you are the only one who can truly fulfill my role as a mentor."

Danzo's gaze pierced Kato Dan, who remained speechless. His mind questioned the enigmatic nature of "Uchiha," although he struggled to discern the exact issue.

"Ensure the leaders of the black market face consequences if they dare meddle with my affairs again. They need not retain their current positions."

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