A New Snake In The Shinobi World

Nonō wasn't just a master of intelligence; she was also an expert in medical ninjutsu. Her intelligence and skills ranked among the best in the shinobi world.

She was, in many ways, a precursor to Kabuto.

Orochimaru had long considered recruiting Nonō's talents to assist him. However, the timing, her age, and her experiences hadn't aligned until now. But at this moment, everything seemed to have fallen into place.

The only issue that remained was ensuring Nonō's loyalty. And while the method Orochimaru had in mind was unconventional, he believed it was the safest path forward.

"Orochimaru …"

The voice from the bedroom broke his train of thought.

"Coming," Orochimaru muttered, shaking off his musings. He left his spot and headed back into the bedroom, ready to let the matter rest for the night.

After lying down, Tsunade immediately snuggled up to him, wrapping both her arms and legs around him like an octopus.

"This woman is getting far too comfortable," Orochimaru thought to himself, his expression unreadable.

"What are you mumbling about?" Tsunade asked lazily, her voice muffled by the pillow.

"Nothing worth saying," Orochimaru replied curtly.

…

Nonō still had some matters to settle and would officially leave the village in three days. For now, Orochimaru was in no rush. The following evening, he made his way to the Root headquarters.

Certain details didn't match his memories, and he needed confirmation directly from Danzo.

"Nonō wants to leave the Root?" Orochimaru asked bluntly upon entering Danzo's office.

Danzo, leaning on his cane, had a complex expression as he faced Orochimaru. "Yes. Did she discuss this with you last night?"

"I asked her," Orochimaru said casually, taking a seat. "But what I want to know is why you allowed her to leave so easily. That's not your usual style."

Danzo's one visible eye gleamed coldly as he studied Orochimaru. "Should I take this to mean you have a personal interest in her?"

Nonō was no longer of significant importance to Danzo. His primary concern now was Orochimaru himself, particularly the news that he had killed the Third Kazekage.

Danzo couldn't wrap his head around it. How had Orochimaru, someone he had watched grow up step by step, reached the point where he could defeat and kill a Kage?

That wasn't something just anyone could accomplish.

Danzo considered his own strength and concluded that even with Izanagi, he wouldn't have been able to pull it off. Killing a Kage in the middle of a battlefield? It was absurd.

If Kages were so easily dealt with, Danzo believed he would've united the ninja world long ago.

Unaware of Danzo's internal frustration, Orochimaru replied coolly, "I have no personal connections with her. I've just watched her grow up and would prefer she not meet an unfortunate end over something like this."

Danzo narrowed his eye suspiciously. "You've grown soft, Orochimaru. Is this what you've picked up from that woman, Tsunade?"

"This has nothing to do with Tsunade," Orochimaru countered, his tone light but firm. "It's my own choice. Call it… a more enlightened outlook. I've realized that some problems can't be solved simply by killing people."

"Enlightened, you say?" Danzo raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Well, I suppose it doesn't matter. Let me tell you something, then."

Danzo leaned back slightly, his gaze sharp. "I did consider killing her. Ninjas from the Root hold sensitive knowledge about the village. Letting them walk away is dangerous, and I must ensure those secrets are protected."

"But," he continued, "Nonō performed exceptionally well during her last espionage mission. She brought back critical intelligence on both the Sand and Stone villages. Killing her now would undermine my ability to manage similar operations."

Danzo's voice turned colder. "Besides, her disobedience makes her unsuitable for future missions. Letting her live was the most practical decision. Of course, she'll still be monitored. If she ever shows signs of betrayal…"

He trailed off, but his meaning was clear.

"I see," Orochimaru said, nodding. "The surveillance team is to ensure she stays in line?"

"Of course. If I wanted her dead, she wouldn't have walked out of here alive."

"Fair enough," Orochimaru replied.

He had already noticed the two hidden Root operatives trailing Nonō the previous night, so Danzo's explanation aligned with what he had observed. Knowing Danzo's tendencies, it made perfect sense.

The only thing that caught him off guard was the extent of Nonō's abilities. For her to successfully extract vital intelligence from two major nations? That level of skill was rare. Even Orochimaru had to admit that such an accomplishment was beyond his own area of expertise.

"Well," Danzo said, shifting the topic abruptly, "enough about Nonō. Let's talk about you."

Orochimaru tilted his head slightly, curious but unsurprised.

Danzo sat back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "I want to know how you managed to defeat the Third Kazekage. By all logic, you shouldn't have the strength to take down a Kage."

Danzo's tone was steady, but beneath it was a simmering frustration.

He had watched Orochimaru's development over the years, and this victory signaled something unsettling: Orochimaru had surpassed him.

Danzo, a man who had dedicated his life to power, found it difficult to swallow.

"Well…" Orochimaru's lips curved into a slight smirk. "Do you recall the Scroll of Seals?"

"The Scroll of Seals?" Danzo's frown deepened. "What about it? Are you saying you used a technique from it?"

"The Flying Thunder God Technique," Orochimaru stated matter-of-factly. "I learned it while studying the Reanimation Jutsu. It just so happened to be recorded nearby."

"What?!" Danzo's composure cracked, his disbelief evident. "You're telling me you mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique? That's impossible."

Danzo's mind raced. The Flying Thunder God Technique, created by the Second Hokage, was notoriously difficult to learn. It wasn't just about memorizing the seals, it required an almost unparalleled combination of skill, chakra control, and spatial awareness.

Danzo himself had studied the Sealed Book multiple times. If it were that easy, he would've mastered the technique years ago. But Orochimaru?

"Of course," Orochimaru shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Otherwise, how do you think I killed the Third Kazekage?"

Danzo stared at him, a mixture of shock and jealousy swirling in his mind. Orochimaru's nonchalance only made it worse.

"You… monster," Danzo muttered, though it was more a statement of grudging admiration than an insult.

"Thank you," Orochimaru replied smoothly, his smirk deepening.

Danzo felt a wave of irritation. As he processed Orochimaru's explanation, one particularly infuriating detail came to mind: the Scroll of Seals had been handed to Orochimaru privately. If Hiruzen asked about how Orochimaru had learned such a technique, Danzo would be the one who had to provide an explanation.

The realization left a sour taste in his mouth. Orochimaru had reaped the benefits, while Danzo was left to clean up the mess.

The thought made Danzo's blood boil.

"Damn brat," he thought to himself, watching Orochimaru's smug expression. "He gets everything, and I'm stuck doing damage control."