"Hikari, this is Konoha's Training Ground No. 0, also a restricted hunting area. Many years ago, it stopped being used as a training ground and became a protected area for rare and exotic beasts from all over the world, and also the location of Root's base."
At the entrance of Training Ground No. 0, Orochimaru stopped and said to Uchiha Hikari beside her, "Wait for me here; it won't be too long."
"Okay."
Uchiha Hikari stood obediently in place, watching Orochimaru's figure disappear into the forest with longing eyes.
Root's Base
"Orochimaru, you're here."
Danzo Shimura looked at Orochimaru, who pushed the door open and walked in, a smile on his face. He put down the seal in his hand, a little surprised to see the white snake tail.
Is she training? How diligent!
Danzo Shimura sighed inwardly. Orochimaru was the most suitable candidate to become the Fourth Hokage in his mind.
It was just a pity that she had no desire to be Hokage at all.
This induction lamp... should be replaced, right?
Orochimaru looked at the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen bowing and apologizing desk lamp, which was not only severely peeling but also had its head dented inwards from being smacked.
It was not hard to see how much Danzo Shimura liked to vent his grievances on this lamp in his daily life.
"Lord Danzo, is there something important you needed me for?"
"Orochimaru, are you aware of the Suna envoy's arrival in Konoha?"
Danzo Shimura asked.
"I've heard a little."
Orochimaru understood why Danzo Shimura had come to her.
"The Suna envoy is Chiyo, the puppet master who inherited Monzaemon's Chikamatsu Ten Puppets, with whom you fought. She brought a peace treaty and expressed the Third Kazekage's desire to form an alliance with Konoha."
Danzo Shimura's tone carried a hint of displeasure. If he were Hokage, he would have sent Chiyo back to Sunagakure. He had no faith in forming an alliance.
"Lord Danzo, what about the One-Tail Jinchuriki? Shouldn't Sunagakure be concerned about the important Tailed Beast?"
Orochimaru was a little surprised. She thought the first thing the Suna envoy would discuss was the One-Tail Jinchuriki. It was obvious that Konoha didn't need the One-Tail; Bunbuku could be returned for a good price.
"That's what makes me most angry, Orochimaru. Those poor people in Sunagakure can't afford to redeem the One-Tail Jinchuriki! I think Hiruzen plans to give the Tailed Beast Jinchuriki to Sunagakure for free!"
It was fine not to mention the One-Tail Jinchuriki, but once it was brought up, Danzo Shimura's anger flared up. He waved his hand and slapped the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen bowing and apologizing desk lamp. With a 'crack,' the lamp's head flew off.
Ah! Lord Hiruzen, your head flew off!
Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly, thinking with much internal drama.
One of Danzo Shimura's confidants, accustomed to the situation, walked over and took away the damaged lamp, then quickly returned with a brand new one.
So, you custom-ordered these in bulk!
A hint of surprise flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. She had thought Danzo Shimura only had one lamp, but she never expected him to custom-order a pile of them, replacing a broken one with a new one. Judging by his skilled movements, the number of damaged lamps was certainly not small.
"Lord Danzo, the One-Tail Jinchuriki cannot be given to Sunagakure. If Lord Hiruzen truly wants to form an alliance with Sunagakure, we need something crucial that will make Sunagakure wary and unable to betray us."
Orochimaru crossed her arms. She hoped the Ninja World War would end soon. The Ninja World War not only wasted her time but also affected the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company's profits.
"A so-called alliance agreement is often nothing more than a piece of waste paper with no binding power. If you acknowledge it, it's an alliance agreement; if you don't, it's toilet paper. No, toilet paper is much softer than that."
Danzo Shimura listened to Orochimaru's words and nodded repeatedly, agreeing with her.
Orochimaru's thoughts were perfectly to his liking. Rather than being Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciple, she was more like his, Danzo Shimura's disciple; their thinking was so similar!
"Orochimaru, what you said makes sense. The key is, how can we make Sunagakure wary of Konoha and prevent them from betraying Konoha?"
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