Chapter 130

Aburame Ryoma, a member of the Aburame clan who had been integrated into Root, stood facing Orochimaru. He was four or five years younger than Orochimaru, roughly the same age as Uchiha Fugaku. Having grown up within Root, Ryoma had long admired the legends surrounding Orochimaru.

As a genius of the Aburame clan himself, Ryoma had always wanted to challenge Orochimaru once he completed his training.

But now…

He watched in disbelief as the Orochimaru he'd just attacked turned into a puddle of mud. The real Orochimaru emerged from the shadows nearby, unscathed. Ryoma couldn't help but frown.

"As expected of Lord Orochimaru. You knew I was going to ambush you, didn't you?"

Orochimaru's expression remained indifferent. "No, I didn't know. But it's always best to be cautious."

"Is that so?" Ryoma replied coolly. "But the challenge isn't over yet."

"No, it is," Orochimaru said confidently.

"Nani?!" Ryoma's eyes widened as he tried to move, only to find his body frozen in place. "A binding technique?" When did this happen?

"You've been in Root for so long and you still don't know about Yamata?" Orochimaru asked, his tone almost mocking.

Ryoma's face tightened in frustration. "I know of Yamata, but how did it get to me without me noticing?"

Due to the technique, Ryoma could still speak, though he found it hard to believe what had just happened.

How could I, someone known for my awareness, be attacked by Orochimaru's black snake without even noticing?

It seemed absurd.

The black snake in question slithered up Ryoma's immobilized body, its small form curling around him. "Master gave me the ability to administer a quick-acting anesthetic. It works fast—so fast that if you're not paying attention, you won't even feel my bite."

"Anesthetic?" Ryoma muttered, stunned. "It must have been when I was distracted by your clone… but how did you get so close?"

The snake hissed, its voice almost playful. "That's a secret..."

"Enough." Danzo's voice echoed from inside the thatched hut nearby. "Orochimaru, recall your snake. Ryoma, step back. You're not a match for Orochimaru right now."

Ryoma's posture straightened immediately upon hearing his superior's voice. "Yes, Lord Danzo."

Orochimaru smirked, walking closer to Ryoma. He raised his hand, and the black snake obediently slithered off Ryoma, coiling itself around Orochimaru's arm. The snake's head rested on his shoulder, looking oddly content, as if seeking approval.

Without another word, Orochimaru entered the hut where Danzo was waiting. A masked member of Root stood silently beside him.

"Orochimaru," Danzo began, his voice low, "I've figured out how to acquire the Sharingan."

Orochimaru was unsurprised by Danzo's appearance. However, the fact that Danzo had come to him this late at night piqued his curiosity. Although Danzo was used to operating from the shadows, they were in Konoha's military base. There was no need for such secrecy, unless…

As they began to talk, Orochimaru realized that Danzo's reasons for meeting here were twofold. First, to introduce Aburame Ryoma to Orochimaru, and second, to discuss how to obtain the Sharingan.

This second part needed to remain confidential. Not even the presence of Danzo in this area could be known.

"A Uchiha who died on the battlefield?" Orochimaru asked, his interest mildly piqued.

"Exactly," Danzo nodded. "At the moment, this is the best method."

"You just need me to provide the Uchiha clan's mission routes before they head into battle?"

Orochimaru shrugged. "Fine. I don't have any issue with that."

"Then it's settled," Danzo replied.

The Uchiha clan was one of the largest in Konoha, arguably even surpassing the Hyuga clan during this period. There were far more Uchihas who had activated the Sharingan than people realized—certainly more than the handful typically seen.

With so many Uchihas heading to the battlefield, it was inevitable that some of them would be killed.

Although Konoha would do everything in its power to recover the bodies of fallen Uchiha, the chaos of war made it easy for accidents to happen.

Danzo had clearly concluded that the battlefield was the perfect place to acquire the coveted Sharingan.

Of course, the details of how the eyes would be removed or preserved were none of Orochimaru's concern. His role was simply to provide the mission details of the Uchiha before they went to war.

After all, it wasn't as if they were taking the eyes from the living. There was no reason for Orochimaru to feel guilty about it.

---

By the time Orochimaru returned to camp, the sky was beginning to lighten with the approach of dawn.

As soon as he arrived, he received word of an invasion, an attack by Iwa forces.

Without resting, he, Tsunade, and Jiraiya immediately set out for the battlefield.

For someone like Orochimaru, going without sleep for a few days was hardly an issue. His body and mind were conditioned for such stress.

---

Several days later, in the Land of Earth.

Most of the country was composed of desolate rock walls and cliffs, forming natural barriers that isolated the Land of Earth from its neighboring countries. The winds that blew from the north often swept small rocks from the mountainous terrain, scattering them into other lands. This phenomenon, known as "rock rain," was a famous natural event.

At this moment, within Iwagakure, the Hidden Stone Village, the Tsuchikage, Onoki, was deep in thought. Though most people knew Onoki as an old man in later years, he was currently in his prime at the age of forty-six, with a strong, commanding presence.

Staring at the battle reports on his desk, Onoki frowned.

Not long ago, the Sand Ninja had suddenly retreated from the frontlines. To most, this was a puzzling move, but they didn't question it further.

However, as the Tsuchikage, Onoki was responsible for the survival of Iwagakure and its people. He couldn't afford to overlook even the smallest potential threat.

He knew the Sand Ninja well. They would never retreat without good reason. Something must have caused their sudden withdrawal.

But what?

Onoki rubbed his temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache.

"Report!"

A sharp voice cut through his thoughts as a Stone ninja burst through the door without waiting for permission.

"Tsuchikage-sama! Urgent news from Sunagakure!"

Onoki's gaze sharpened, his eyes locking onto the red-sealed scroll in the Stone ninja's hands.

"Urgent news from the Sand Village? What could this be about?"

"Bring it here!"