Amidst the desolate landscape of the Land of Wind, a bustling town stood in stark contrast to its surroundings. The streets teemed with merchants and civilians, exuding an air of peace and prosperity—far from the bloodshed, famine, and chaos often rumored by outsiders.
"Orochimaru-sama, I never expected this place to be so lively. It's almost as vibrant as the Land of Fire..."
"Guren, we'll be staying here for the night. How interesting..." Orochimaru remarked, casting a fleeting glance at the sky before heading toward a nearby inn.
"Understood, Orochimaru-sama." Guren followed with excitement. Having spent most of her time in the base, she rarely saw such a lively scene.
...
As night fell, Orochimaru remained awake, seated at a small table with a cup of sake in hand. His demeanor suggested he was waiting for something—or someone.
"I didn't expect to find you here." The door slid open, and Danzo stepped inside. He cast a glance at Guren, who had instinctively moved to attack. "No need to be so tense, young lady."
"I wasn't expecting this to be Root's territory either. But then again, Danzo-sama, you never fail to surprise me." Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with a sinister curiosity as he scrutinized Danzo, who stood there without a hint of chakra fluctuation—like a priceless artifact waiting to be examined.
Danzo found Orochimaru's unreserved gaze unsettling. If given the chance, the man would likely drag him to a laboratory for dissection without hesitation.
"Enough, Orochimaru. Spare me the theatrics. Tell me, what brings you to the Land of Wind? Last I heard, you had joined the Akatsuki."
The irritation in Danzo's voice made Orochimaru withdraw slightly.
"As sharp as ever, Danzo-sama. I came to participate in Konoha's Chunin Exams, though I lack a proper identity to do so. It seems that plan is now out of the question."
"The Chunin Exams?" Danzo frowned. This was likely something Nono Yakushi had reported, but he hadn't considered it important.
"My dear teacher has invited both Sunagakure and Iwagakure. It will be quite the spectacle..." Orochimaru licked his lips, his eyes gleaming with a sick anticipation.
Danzo's gaze darkened. "So, you intend to eliminate the Kazekage, assume his identity, and use the grand event to bury Hiruzen?"
Orochimaru didn't answer. Instead, he licked his lips again, his eager expression speaking volumes.
Guren, standing to the side, watched curiously. Who was this man? Orochimaru-sama seemed particularly excited about meeting him.
Ignoring Orochimaru's twisted enthusiasm, Danzo suddenly spoke in a more intrigued tone.
"Instead of the Kazekage, I have an even more suitable identity for you. How do you feel about becoming the Daimyo of the Land of Fire?"
Orochimaru's eyes lit up instantly.
...
The upcoming joint Chunin Exams, hosted by three of the Great Shinobi Villages, had attracted participation from several smaller villages. The allure wasn't just the rewards—it was the prestige such an event could bring to their homeland.
However, to the truly powerful figures of the shinobi world, this was nothing more than a performance by Konoha. A calculated display of strength meant to reassert its dominance after the internal strife with the Uchiha.
But anyone with keen insight could see the truth—Konoha had long since lost the overwhelming supremacy it held during the Fourth Hokage's era.
...
In a hidden Root base within the Land of Rivers, Nono Yakushi—usually composed and gentle—furrowed her brows as she faced Danzo.
"Danzo-sama, the Water Country operation has only just begun to stabilize. If we launch the Fire Country plan now, it will put immense pressure on Root."
"No matter. We can afford to be more aggressive here. Eliminating a few nobles won't make a difference..."
"Danzo-sama..." Nono hesitated. This went against the original strategy.
"Don't worry. There's someone else to take the blame." Danzo smirked. "By the way, how is Kirigakure responding?"
"They've already exchanged all available A-rank jutsu and secret techniques. As for forbidden jutsu, the Mizukage is still considering... but they've agreed to trade us the chakra of the Six-Tails."
Hearing her report, Danzo's expression remained unsurprised. He had anticipated this outcome.
Given Kirigakure's dire economic situation, they were even worse off than Sunagakure. Even the previous Kazekage, Rasa, had resorted to desperate measures for the village's survival—Danzo's demands were hardly excessive in comparison.
When a Root trade request landed on Mei Terumi's desk, the newly appointed Mizukage, burdened with the wreckage of her village, felt as if she had stumbled upon an oasis in a desert.
From initial reluctance, to trading A-rank jutsu, to secret techniques, and even forbidden jutsu—Kirigakure had ultimately accepted more and more of Root's offers.
What had once been a reluctant partnership was now an undeniable necessity.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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