Chapter 75: Oroshimaru
# **English Translation:**
A/N: There will be several minor changes. For example, the description of the characters in the original book. Hiruzen, in this fan fiction, is an old hypocrite not so different from Danzo but who still loves Konoha unlike Danzo. There will also be some differences in the relational ties that certain characters maintain. Differences in techniques. I will do everything to make the fan fiction go in a direction that I like and that gives me the desire to write. So, keep reading, guys.
LuxCrusis
***
In a forgotten corner of the Fire Country, hidden beneath a dense forest canopy, lay a sinister underground base, perfectly camouflaged to the naked eye. The wooden floor concealed the entrance to a tunnel, guarded by invisible traps and disguised snake clones hidden in the branches and illusionary seals. Inside, the air became heavy, permeated with a metallic scent of blood and chemicals.
The walls of the base, made of damp stone, were covered with scrolls containing esoteric seals. The place echoed with the sound of water drops falling from stalactites and the distant screams of human test subjects held in experimental cells. Torches mounted on iron stands cast flickering shadows, giving the place a nightmare-like atmosphere.
At the center of the base, in a room illuminated by a greenish light emanating from a massive jar containing an unidentifiable creature in suspension, Orochimaru sat with his eternal mocking smile. His pale complexion appeared even more pallid under the gloomy lighting, and his long, slender fingers tapped gently on a massive wooden table. Danzo Shimura was facing him, his piercing gaze hidden beneath the wrinkles.
Orochimaru broke the silence, licking his lips with an interested air:
"So, Danzo-sama, you say I kidnapped Tsunade's nephew?"
His tone was mocking, but his yellow eyes gleamed with sinister curiosity.
Danzo furrowed his eyebrows, remaining impassive.
"There's no need to play dumb, Orochimaru. All the high-ranking officials know you're involved in this affair."
Orochimaru emitted a guttural laugh.
"Kukuku... Interesting. Someone seems to want to pin the blame on me. But who could be bold enough to try that? Is it you, Danzo-sama?"
Danzo ignored the taunt, crossing his arms, his face as hard as stone.
"You seem to want to play the fool. Look for yourself. Then we can discuss more easily."
At his signal, a member of the Root approached, handing a sealed scroll to Orochimaru. The latter took the parchment with nonchalance and opened it, his eyes quickly scanning the lines of writing.
The mention
[Shikai Nara-Senju / Codename: DarkRai] immediately caught his attention.
Orochimaru widened his eyes slightly, surprised despite himself.
"DarkRai? That death merchant who's been making so much noise? You mean it's... him? Tsunade's nephew?"
He leaned closer to the scroll, noting the details about Shikai.
"Kukuku... Skilled in medical jutsu and fūinjutsu, disciple of the Yondaime and Jiraiya... And he masters the Hiraishin and the Sennin Mode? What a fascinating combination..."
His smile disappeared, replaced by a calculating coldness.
"And above all, dangerous."
Danzo nodded slowly.
"His mastery of the Hiraishin and the Sennin Mode make him a powerful asset for Konoha, but also a threat. And what worries me the most is the hold Hiruzen seems to have on him."
Orochimaru sketched a mischievous smile.
"Still envious of my sensei, Danzo-sama? Kukuku. This Shikai Senju is indeed a valuable weapon for Konoha, especially if the Uchiha attempt a coup d'état. But why hasn't Tsunade opposed his transformation into a notorious assassin?"
Danzo snickered, a rare and disturbing sound.
"She doesn't know yet. According to my sources, she's currently training in the Shikkotsu Forest."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
"The Shikkotsu Forest? Is she trying to learn the Sennin Mode of the slugs?"
Danzo shook his head.
"Impossible. It requires Hashirama's Kekkei Genkai to withstand such a technique. She's probably preparing to hunt you down. She's probably waiting for the moment when you surface to cut your throat. You see, she's quite protective of her nephew."
A carnivorous smile spread across Orochimaru's lips.
"Kukuku... She can try. But let's get back to Shikai. Why not use the Uchiha to neutralize this little Senju? After all, they're easy pawns to manipulate or vice versa."
Danzo shook his head.
"Read the rest of the report. It's written in black and white that he's very close to several Uchiha, notably Shisui, Itachi, and this Izumi. He even seems to have feelings for her."
Orochimaru laughed sarcastically.
"A Senju friend with Uchiha? Since my defection, Konoha has become a real circus."
Danzo resumed, his tone grave.
"Itachi will soon be back from his mission. Follow the plan. When the time comes, I'll make sure Tsunade cries over her nephew's grave."
Orochimaru fixed Danzo with his piercing gaze, a predatory gleam in his eyes.
"Kukuku... Fine. But in exchange, I want my ingredients, Danzo-sama. Don't think for a second that I work for free."
Danzo stood up, adjusting his coat with a firm gesture.
"You know what's at stake, Orochimaru. Don't disappoint me."
As Danzo left the room, Orochimaru remained seated, his fingers crossed under his chin. A sinister smile stretched his lips.
"Shikai Senju... Kukuku... A brilliant mind, a powerful body, immense chakra... Would you be the perfect host?"
In the oppressive silence of the room, Orochimaru pondered his next moves. He knew that a direct confrontation with Shikai would be premature and would unnecessarily alert Hiruzen, Tsunade, and the other jōnin, but he had other ways to test his strength.
"Anko... Kukuku... Maybe it's time to see if she can still be useful."
He stood up, heading towards a desk cluttered with scrolls and jars containing grotesque specimens. His fingers caressed a sealed scroll.
"Those who blindly trust others... are always the easiest to break. Kukuku..."
His cackles echoed in the base, mingling with the distant screams of his test subjects. A new game of chess had begun, and Orochimaru was ready to play.