章節 40: Chapter 40: Transaction
Meanwhile, in the Fire Nation...
In Konoha, inside the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen set down his pipe and retrieved a bounty notice from the drawer of his desk. He pushed the document toward Shimura Danzo and asked seriously, "Danzo, can you explain what's going on here?"
Danzo glanced at the bounty notice and cursed in his heart: *Damn it, the Anbu have finally caught wind of this.*
Previously, Aburame Ryoma had mentioned that Baishi had caused Danzo significant trouble; this bounty was the reason. The Hidden Mist Village had publicly revealed Baishi's existence, and Danzo had expended considerable effort to keep that news from Sarutobi.
However, the truth could not be hidden forever—the Anbu eventually noticed this exceptional individual in the black market. Despite his youth, Baishi's high bounty and the designation of him as a suspected Konoha ninja raised alarm bells. Following some investigation, they confirmed certain abilities associated with Baishi, including the legendary Wood Release, which made Sarutobi's concern grow.
After carefully piecing together the facts, Sarutobi had arrived at some troubling conclusions, leading to today's conversation with Danzo.
When Danzo heard the Hokage's question, his mind raced, yet his expression remained unchanged. He pointed to Baishi's portrait and feigned ignorance. "What do you mean? Who is this?"
Sarutobi fell silent, taking a few puffs of his cigarette before responding slowly, "Danzo, I heard there were numerous cases of missing babies near the village a few years ago. Are you aware of this?"
By mentioning the missing infants, Sarutobi was indirectly signaling that he was aware of Baishi's origins and urging Danzo to come clean. Danzo's previously stoic face showed the slightest shift, but his resolve held firm; he chose not to respond.
The air in the office felt heavy, charged with unspoken truths. Finally, Sarutobi broke the silence, saying, "Danzo, regardless of the past, that child is a legacy of the First Hokage. Konoha needs him. What do you think?"
The words pierced Danzo's heart with pain, yet he gritted his teeth and replied, "I understand, Hiruzen."
The implication was clear: Sarutobi was willing to overlook past actions if Baishi was embraced as an asset for Konoha. Danzo wanted to retain control over Baishi, but the growing pressure left him no choice but to acquiesce. He knew that pushing back could lead to the unearthing of past transgressions tied to he and Orochimaru's actions.
With a heavy heart, he left Sarutobi's office, an unspoken agreement between them cementing their roles.
After exiting the Hokage Building, Danzo did not head back to the Root organization's base. Instead, he sought out Orochimaru.
In a dimly lit basement, Danzo found Orochimaru engrossed in dissecting a corpse. "We shouldn't meet again for a while," Danzo stated in a low voice.
Orochimaru paused momentarily before responding without turning his head, "What happened?"
"Hiruzen has received news regarding Kabuto and has pieced together the child's origins," Danzo replied.
"Oh?" Orochimaru's interest piqued, and he finally turned to face Danzo. "Let me guess: you made a deal."
Danzo's cold snort confirmed Orochimaru's guess without needing further words. Chuckling softly, Orochimaru remarked, "Perhaps Sarutobi-sensei will be disappointed this time."
"What do you mean by that?" Danzo asked, raising an eyebrow.
Before Orochimaru could provide an answer, a Root ninja rushed into the room, handing Danzo a note. "Danzo-sama, we have new information!"
Danzo took the note, read through it, and his expression immediately darkened. A surge of wind chakra erupted from his palm, shredding the note into fragments.
After a moment of seething anger, he turned to Orochimaru, his tone icy, "Did you know about this?"
Orochimaru did not reply directly but instead mused, "I failed after all."
Danzo's expression turned even grimmer. "What do you mean?"
With a hint of reproach, Orochimaru explained, "Subject No. 36 was able to resist the curse distorting his mental will for several years without succumbing. Thus, it was not difficult for him to break free from the 'Tongue Eradication Seal.'
If you had the chance, you likely would have demanded he be captured alive."
Danzo's expression soured further. Orochimaru's insights struck a nerve, but Danzo remained silent, knowing he couldn't let his pride take over.
"The Illusion Sound Technique can only restrict an opponent's time for mere moments," Orochimaru continued. "To control the opponent effectively, you need the Tongue Eradication Seal. Once that's employed, the outcome is clear."
At this, Danzo fell into a contemplative silence. Though he wanted to lash out, he understood it was his mistake—underestimating the limitations of the Seal and the potential for failure.
What mattered now was ensuring that similar slips did not occur again and that his other plans stayed on track.
As for Baishi... *Since Sarutobi Hiruzen wants him, let the Anbu handle him for now.*
With that thought in mind, Danzo quickly exited the basement.
Once he left, Orochimaru mused to himself, "Things are growing increasingly interesting. Sarutobi-sensei, with Danzo's failure, will you succeed?"
He returned to his work, immersing himself in the task of dissecting the body before him, where the true intricacies of life and death intertwined.
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