Chapter 173: High-Level Fluctuations

After leaving the Sanada Chamber of Commerce, Reiki resumed his purchasing mission, this time focusing on gathering rare medicinal ingredients for his advanced body-strengthening potions. Though he found a few herbs in the local markets, he knew he would need more support from the Sanada Chamber of Commerce to source the rarer ingredients.

But there was more to Reiki's plan than just acquiring ingredients. He saw the Sanada Chamber's rapid growth and potential in the world of commerce as a valuable opportunity. Mr. Sanada, a talented businessman, had grown from a small-time trader to a formidable figure in the Land of Grass through their partnership. Given his skills, Reiki believed that Sanada could be trusted to act as an ally outside of Konoha, serving as his eyes and ears beyond the village's walls.

That evening, Shizune joined him with a detailed list of the medicinal materials they had purchased so far. She handed it over with a sigh, looking slightly dejected.

"Brother Reiki, we've gathered quite a few items, but… teacher's not easy to find. She won't let anyone in without a token. And I'm just…" Shizune trailed off, casting an embarrassed glance down at herself.

Reiki smiled, patting her shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Tsunade-sensei deserves to enjoy some time off. We can track her down tomorrow. Let's enjoy ourselves today."

Shizune brightened at this, and Reiki grinned. "I'll teach you a new ninjutsu tonight. You're nearly ready to handle the basics of the Healing Jutsu."

He led her off to buy supplies for training, knowing she'd need something constructive to focus on while they waited for Tsunade's return.

---

Meanwhile, in Konoha…

"Third Hokage, what does this mean?" Danzo slammed a stack of documents onto Sarutobi Hiruzen's desk, his tone seething with anger. 

Without a word, Hiruzen picked up the papers, his face calm as he reviewed them. He finally looked up, unfazed. "Yes, I ordered these actions. Is there something amiss?"

Danzo's jaw clenched, his frustration barely contained. "You and I agreed that I would recruit and train promising talents from each clan to strengthen the Root organization. But lately, my efforts are being thwarted at every turn—clan members are refusing my requests, and I'm told these orders come from you. Explain yourself, Hiruzen."

Unmoved, Hiruzen looked at Danzo with narrowed eyes. "Yes, I thought it was time to limit certain activities. Some of your actions have gone too far, Danzo."

"You're cutting off the lifeline of the Root!" Danzo's voice shook with restrained fury. "Without fresh talent, the organization can't grow or continue fulfilling its purpose!"

Hiruzen dismissed him with a wave. "Return to your duties, Danzo."

Danzo's fists clenched, but he knew better than to push the Hokage too far. He scowled, turning to leave with a huff of indignation.

As Danzo exited, another figure emerged from the shadows—Mito Homura, one of Hiruzen's advisors, who looked troubled.

"Third Hokage, aren't you worried that restricting Danzo like this could lead to more… complications?" Homura asked cautiously. "He won't just accept this lightly. And this sort of interference may worsen the tension."

Hiruzen exhaled, unperturbed. "I know, Homura, but you needn't worry. Danzo's reached his limits. Let him stew; he'll fall in line."

Homura hesitated, then bowed and exited, leaving Hiruzen deep in thought.

---

Danzo stormed back to his Root headquarters, his mood darkening with each step. As he arrived, he was met by none other than Orochimaru, who stood in the shadows of the corridor, awaiting him.

"Danzo-sama, it seems you've had a difficult day," Orochimaru said, his voice filled with a calm, almost amused detachment.

"Now's not the time for pleasantries, Orochimaru," Danzo replied coldly, though he didn't order him to leave. "The Third is becoming suspicious, and he's placed all the blame for recent events on me."

"Are you referring to the Kato Dan situation?" Orochimaru inquired with a sly smile.

Danzo nodded. "Yes. Initially, I suspected Tsunade was involved. But after Kato Dan's death, she took no action. It's almost as if…" Danzo hesitated.

"Almost as if Hokage-sama orchestrated it all?" Orochimaru suggested, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Yes," Danzo replied bitterly. "Who else could be so deeply calculating?"

Orochimaru placed a reassuring hand on Danzo's shoulder. "Patience, Danzo-sama. I have no ambition for the Hokage title—it's merely a role that limits one's true pursuits. My interests lie elsewhere."

He lowered his voice, making his request clear. "I need more resources for my research. This time, I need more than just supplies. I need people, ninja who can handle… more complex procedures."

Danzo's expression softened as he considered Orochimaru's words. He knew that his own ambitions aligned with Orochimaru's in many ways—while Orochimaru's research operated in the shadows, it also provided him leverage. Sarutobi Hiruzen, for all his ideals, would never condone Orochimaru's work, but Danzo had no such scruples.

"I'll provide what you need," Danzo finally agreed. "But leave the rest of this matter to me. I know how to handle Hiruzen. Just don't get involved in the politics here."

Orochimaru nodded, satisfaction flashing briefly in his eyes before he turned to leave. As he disappeared, Danzo allowed a smirk to creep across his face. 

"Enjoy your victory while you can, Hiruzen," he muttered under his breath. "It won't last much longer."

With renewed determination, he returned to his office, already planning his next moves, both for Orochimaru's research and for his own ambitions.