"Damn Hiruzen…"
After hitting a wall with Sarutobi Hiruzen last time, Danzo had gone to see him several more times, unwilling to give up.
But each time, Hiruzen turned him away.
The more stubborn the Third Hokage became, the more Danzo's curiosity burned.
What exactly was this so-called treasure that could allow Konoha to unify the entire ninja world? Was it so special that Hiruzen refused to utter even a single word about it?
It had to be something extraordinary.
Perhaps a forbidden technique capable of instantly turning the tide of war?
Looking back on all his years—whether collecting the Uchiha clan's Sharingan, stealing Uchiha Shisui's eye, or working with Orochimaru to transplant the First Hokage's cells into his own body—it had always been in pursuit of Uchiha techniques powerful enough to rewrite reality itself.
Izanagi.
And the strongest genjutsu—Kotoamatsukami.
With these two powers, Danzo was confident he could seize control of Konoha.
And now, the "treasure" that Tobirama-sensei had left behind—something that could change the entire ninja world—was right before him…
"Hiruzen, even you can't stop me… No—you can't stop the progress of all Konoha."
With that thought, Danzo summoned all Root operatives.
"I need someone to go undercover in the Anbu."
If Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to bring in fresh blood… then Danzo would flood him with it.
"Wait—Orochimaru!"
After finally locating Orochimaru, Aburame Ryoma hurried forward, but the Sannin didn't even acknowledge him.
"What? I give you a chance to live, and you still want to die?"
Orochimaru's cold, slit-pupiled gaze was devoid of human warmth.
"Or do you think that just because we once worked together under Danzo, I'll go easy on you?"
"Lord Orochimaru, let me kill him," Kabuto Yakushi said at once, producing a kunai.
Orochimaru's recent assassination of the Fourth Kazekage had left him weakened—he couldn't allow Konoha shinobi to sense his current state.
"No, Orochimaru-senpai, it was Hokage-sama… and Danzo-sama who sent me to contact you. They don't intend to harm you."
Even with just a shift of Orochimaru's gaze, the killing intent was enough to make cold sweat bead down Ryoma's back.
"Oh? Danzo… fine, forget him. But why would my mentor think of contacting me?"
Orochimaru gestured for Kabuto to hold back. He wanted to hear this out.
"According to Danzo-sama… Hokage-sama seems to want you to return to Konoha," Ryoma said carefully.
"What a hilarious joke! That old man himself branded me a traitor and threw me out of Konoha. And now he thinks I'll come running back just because he says so? What does he take me for?!"
"Lord Orochimaru…"
Kabuto was uneasy. Danzo might have other operatives nearby, ready to spring a trap. If Orochimaru's injuries were exposed, they'd be in serious trouble.
Especially considering Kabuto's own hidden ties to Danzo.
"Go back and tell your Hokage this—when I, Orochimaru, return to Konoha, that will be the day he dies."
Despite the strain on his body, Orochimaru's presence was as sinister and oppressive as ever.
"Let's go, Kabuto."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
It seemed they would avoid a fight—Kabuto allowed himself a quiet breath of relief.
But before it could fully escape his lips, Orochimaru suddenly lashed out with his Shadow Snake Hand toward Ryoma.
"Orochimaru, you're still as treacherous as ever."
Ryoma froze, pale, only to realize the strike hadn't reached him—blocked instead by a figure whose body bristled with hardened, spiky hair.
"J–Jiraiya-sama!"
Ryoma never imagined that one of the legendary Sannin had been by his side all along. Relief flooded him; without Jiraiya, that Snake Hand would have landed.
"You head back to Konoha. I'll handle things here."
Without looking back, Jiraiya withdrew his hair and addressed Ryoma.
"Yes…"
Knowing he'd be useless in the coming battle, Ryoma obeyed immediately, vanishing into the trees.
"Orochimaru—did you know I was coming?"
Since the moment he appeared, Jiraiya's focus had been solely on his old comrade.
"Your pathetic ninjutsu might fool mediocre shinobi like Aburame Ryoma, but me? Never."
Even Jiraiya? Orochimaru's mind raced.
What was their mentor up to? There was no way he could know about the ambush and assassination of the Fourth Kazekage…
Though his face showed calm nostalgia, inwardly, Orochimaru was already calculating—if it came to it, he'd kill Kabuto here and make his escape.
"Yeah," Jiraiya answered quietly.
Seeing his former friend so far gone, Jiraiya's eyes carried nothing but disappointment.
"You've improved since last time," Orochimaru drawled, "but unfortunately, looking at your face still makes me sleepy." He gave an exaggerated yawn.
Even in this weakened state, Orochimaru's pride wouldn't allow him to show inferiority to Jiraiya—yet he knew fighting now was unwise.
"You're still the same—sharp-tongued as ever," Jiraiya replied, unfazed. He'd been mocked by Orochimaru too many times to take offense. If anything, it was almost nostalgic.
"The teacher truly wants you to return to the village," Jiraiya continued. "I don't know why, but that's his wish."
"Really? Ridiculous. I—"
Hadn't Konoha already made his crimes public? Returning now would mean nothing but condemnation.
And beneath it all, there was the thorn—being denied the Hokage's seat. He wasn't obsessed with the title itself… but to have it given to Jiraiya's own student in front of him was a humiliation he would never forgive.
In his mind, it was Sarutobi Hiruzen who had betrayed him first—not the other way around.
"Don't refuse so quickly, Orochimaru."
Jiraiya cut him off, tossing a scroll over.
"The teacher said that after reading this, you might change your mind."
"A letter?"
Orochimaru didn't think Jiraiya would bother tampering with it, so he unrolled it without hesitation.
A moment later, a flash of shock crossed his face.