Chapter 81 : Kato Dan

Orochimaru gazed at the six individuals before him, a playful glint in his eyes as his spiritual energy subtly penetrated through their mask.

Having spent an extended period of time in Konoha, Orochimaru had become adept at discerning where his presence could be detected and where he remained elusive to others senses.

Konoha boasted over ten thousand ninja, and Orochimaru could vaguely sense the majority of them. Some felt very familiar, their auras seeping into his consciousness despite never having met them in person. These were individuals whose soul signatures remained consistent.

Despite the hooded figures donning black attire, five of them emitted a faint sense of recognition, hinting that they were likely from Konoha.

However, this was not the main concern. Orochimaru encountered various passersby during his outings, yet what intrigued him was the one among them who posed a genuine challenge.

Disguised as though engrossed in perusing missions on the nearby table, Orochimaru discreetly observed the group's reflections in his wine glass.

"White-blue hair, could that be Kato Dan?!"

A mischievous smile played upon Orochimaru's lips. The lead ninja exuded an air of gloom and fierceness. Delving into his memories, Orochimaru deduced that this individual hailed from the Shimura clan.

"Did Tobirama send them, or have they arrived of their own accord?"

Orochimaru's brow furrowed. If it were Tobirama's doing, would his true identity be exposed?

Confident in his ability to escape if the need arose, Orochimaru was at ease as long as he didn't face a Kage-level powerhouse. His unique talents bolstered this assurance.

However, the identity of a Kage-level ninja didn't align with involvement in mundane mercenary work, except for someone who treasured wealth above all else. Yet, that individual might not have attained Kage-level status yet.

The predicament lay in the potential exposure of his identity, complicating future missions or trade ventures.

"This repugnant Kato Dan... hmm?"

A sudden realization dawned upon Orochimaru, "I'm being too tense. If it's Tobirama's mission, what role does Kato Dan play?!"

Pouring a glass of wine, Orochimaru retreated to a secluded corner and sipped it quietly while surreptitiously observing the newcomers.

"Too lavish a choice of wine, and with additional ingredients! It's too expensive."

Orochimaru grumbled, spilling the wine in annoyance. The Shimura clan ninjas exhibited an apparent hierarchy, with the formidable Jonin leading, yet it was evident others consciously or unconsciously shielded Kato Dan.

Kato Dan, garbed in a hood and mask, revealed only his mouth and a hint of white-blue hair, as if he were diligently "studying."

"Quite cunning. I doubt this fellow is as pure-hearted as he appears on the surface."

Orochimaru found Kato Dan's demeanour suspicious. Among those who spoke with honeyed words, Kato Dan was especially disingenuous. Protected and regarded as a cautious adviser, he held an air of a circumspect counsellor. Yet who cared for him, a mere chunin civilian ninja?

Engrossed in checking tasks and making purchases, the group engaged in minor transactions within the hall.

The Shimura leader nonchalantly emitted the aura of a Jonin, warning away outsiders.

"A group this size loitering in the hall, a truly convincing act!"

Orochimaru sneered at the group, speculating that Danzo might be behind Kato Dan's presence.

Given Hatake Sakumo's staunch loyalty to Konoha despite his fearsome reputation, he remained out of control, a sword capable of injuring only himself.

While Hiruko had grown under Orochimaru's tutelage, he remained subpar. His impending disillusionment seemed inevitable, as Danzo was unlikely to invest effort akin to Sarutobi's care.

Thus, the sole remaining disciple, a pawn to rival the future Sannin, remained Kato Dan, the same brilliant individual Orochimaru had noted.

"Humph! Kato Dan, ponder carefully why you've become a target!"

Leaning back, Orochimaru's calculated gaze sought after Danzo's motives. Beyond the wooden facade, Sai was the only other skilled hypocrite except Danzo.

Danzo's motives were unclear, his presence in the black market disproportionate to a mere interest in trivial things.

Orochimaru sat up straight, scrutinizing the situation. Why were they here?

Individuals frequenting the black market, save those on clandestine missions, often concealed their true intentions. Tobirama's involvement appeared unlikely, prompting Orochimaru to ponder further. If Kato Dan dabbled in illicit matters, was Danzo dragging him into the quagmire, or was it Kato Dan's voluntary decision?

Endless speculation yielded no concrete answers. Perhaps Tobirama genuinely favoured Kato Dan and sought to groom him.

There was only one way to know for sure—take action.

Orochimaru cleared his throat, his voice adopting a hoarser tone as his demeanour shifted. His posture slouched, and he approached the counter with an air of vulnerability, ordering another glass of wine.

The Shimura group conversed, while Orochimaru, feigning clumsiness, grazed a Shimura ninja. Wine splashed onto his mark.

"Fool! Watch where you're going!"

The ninja shoved Orochimaru, who, appearing defenseless, barely maintained his balance. He met the ninja's gaze, his crimson eyes blazing under furrowed brows as a powerful mental thread surged into the ninja's mind.

"You...!" The Shimura chunin, defenseless, experienced his pupils warp into blood-red vertical slits before vanishing in an instant.

"Step aside!" The ninja's shove was sharper, prompting Orochimaru to head to the counter where he initiated a task.

The Jonin leader who traded with Orochimaru observed them with suspicion, while Dan Kato's eyes betrayed a hint of doubt. The black market's intrigue hadn't eluded the Anbu.

Confounded, the Jonin whispered to his subordinates, "These newcomers, likely from a prominent Konoha clan."

Orochimaru's actions hadn't gone unnoticed, yet the black market maintained its silence.

Orochimaru smirked, his plan unfolding.

Recognizing that his actions would arouse suspicion, Orochimaru remained unperturbed. If necessary, he'd flee and reappear with a new identity.

Securing Danzo's weakness would provide a valuable bargaining chip, a prudent strategy for the future.

With unwavering focus, Orochimaru orchestrated tasks, mainly related to gathering medicinal ingredients.

Inheritances interrupted by chakra's emergence left native ninja world inhabitants ignorant. Orochimaru withheld the ingredients' names, leaving only descriptions, a game of chance.

During the era of samurai, formidable individuals had surely existed. They might possess insights into Orochimaru's inquiries, but Kaguya Otsutsuki's onslaught likely eradicated any such survivors.

Tasks required a deposit, yet Orochimaru dismissed the expense. His earnestness piqued the Jonin's curiosity...

"May I have your name?" the counter attendant inquired, a smile adorning her features.

"Simply call me Dragon." Orochimaru's tone remained unchanged.

The lead ninja neared the culmination of his dealings, communicating discreetly with the black market's Jonin. A startled reaction prompted him to enter a room with his five associates.

Orochimaru, observing from a distance through his mental prowess, revelled in the revelation.

Indeed, treachery brewed, and Danzo's fate hung in the balance.

With tasks assigned, Orochimaru advanced.

"Send someone to tail the boy."

A black market ninja concurred, "Keep a discreet distance, and don't send too many."

Intent on testing Orochimaru, the black market aimed to unmask his intentions. Yet with his might on display, Orochimaru remained elusive.

In the concealed chamber, Shimura Jonin and black market operatives conspired.

Elation swept over the black market ninja as he scrutinized a scroll, reaping a bounteous supply.

Danzo's emissaries remained impassive, meticulously inspecting each item before acceptance.

Kato Dan's concealed expression wavered, but the promise he'd extracted from Danzo reinforced his resolve. His countenance swiftly reverted to tranquillity.

Sensei, you've orchestrated my path, seemingly leaving no alternatives. Will I regret this?

Kato Dan's eyes betrayed no emotion, as though he were detached from the unfolding events.

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