Meanwhile, Danzo was fuming, tempted to leave the hospital right then and there. But he didn't dare. As much as it infuriated him, he couldn't risk leaving without proper care. Only Tsunade could handle his condition, and no one else in the village could help him.
Outside the village, on a secluded path, a small white snake perched on a tree branch, gazing up at the full moon. It was Ophis's time to roam freely.
Xin didn't restrict Ophis's movements, and she often went out to explore the village on her own when there was nothing else to do. While Konoha's patrols and gate guards rarely detected her, Ophis moved silently and unnoticed.
She could easily sneak in and out of the village without anyone being the wiser. If trouble ever came her way, Ophis could simply retreat into Xin's body, avoiding any danger.
As for the village's security barriers, they posed no threat to her.
Tonight, the moon was bright and beautiful, though Ophis found herself wishing Xin was there to enjoy it with her. Sensing that it was about time to return, she prepared to head back when something caught her attention.
Her keen senses picked up a small disturbance in Konoha's barrier. It had been opened slightly, allowing two figures in Anbu uniforms to slip out.
Ophis was familiar with Anbu shinobi. After all, they constantly shadowed Kushina wherever she went, so it was nothing new to her.
But these two didn't feel quite right.
'Are they Root operatives?' Ophis thought to herself.
Being by Xin's side, she knew how much he disliked the Root. Root operatives served Danzo, and in Xin's words, they were nothing but trouble.
In his opinion, anyone who joined Root was bound to turn rotten sooner or later.
Two Root shinobi, moving stealthily, slipped out of Konoha through a secret exit in the barrier instead of using the main gate. Their suspicious behavior made it clear they were up to no good.
Remembering how Root had once targeted Xin, even attempting to assassinate him, along with Danzo's threats, Ophis couldn't help but feel irritated.
In an instant, she vanished into a streak of white light.
The two Root operatives, carrying orders and a letter from Danzo as a sign of goodwill to Orochimaru, headed toward the Land of Rivers battlefield. They were moving quickly when something suddenly slammed into the back of their heads.
The force was immense. Their vision blurred, and before they knew it, both had rolled their eyes back and collapsed.
Not wanting to leave any chances,Ophis quickly dislocated their limbs with her tail to ensure they wouldn't wake up anytime soon.
"Ahhh!!!"
The searing pain made the Root ninjas cry out, but Ophis wasn't in the mood for mercy. Another thump to the back of their heads, and they were out cold once more.