In front of Orochimaru, Danzo did not bother to hide his ambitions. He believed, without a shadow of a doubt, that Orochimaru was on his side.
And why wouldn't he? On the surface, this was true. Orochimaru had been associated with Danzo since childhood, providing him with invaluable support and groundbreaking technology over the years. Danzo was confident in his ability to influence and manipulate, certain that Orochimaru had no reason to turn against him.
Orochimaru didn't mind Danzo's assumptions. Let Danzo believe what he wanted; it made no difference to him. Orochimaru's interests lay elsewhere, and any allegiance he projected was simply a means to an end.
The transplant operation was set for three days later, tonight was too soon, and there was still some preparation to be done.
Danzo's desire to become Hokage was no secret. Even the Third Hokage was aware of his aspirations. But given the current state of affairs, Hiruzen didn't see him as a significant threat. He allowed Danzo to play his games, confident that no real upheaval would come of it.
But was that truly the case?
In the past, Danzo's ambitions had been quashed by a single decision from the Second Hokage. Most influential families and clans aligned with Hiruzen, leaving Danzo with little to no support for his dreams of leadership.
However, times had changed.
Orochimaru's current strength was comparable to that of the Third Hokage. Coupled with his significant contributions to the village and his reputation as one of the Sannin, he wielded considerable influence. This shifted the balance of power and introduced new variables that couldn't be ignored.
---
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen sat with his hands pressed against his desk, deep in thought. The report from the ANBU operative still echoed in his mind.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. The information is accurate," the ANBU agent replied with certainty.
"Very well, you are dismissed," Hiruzen said, releasing a long, tired sigh as the ANBU disappeared.
He felt an unfamiliar hollowness settle in his chest. As Hokage, he was aware of nearly everything that happened within Konoha's borders. Few things escaped his notice.
He had known for a long time about the connection between Orochimaru and Danzo. He had suspected their dealings but had always been unsure about the extent of their collaboration.
Now, however, the answer was becoming uncomfortably clear.
And yet, it baffled him. Orochimaru was his prized student, someone he had mentored and nurtured. Why would he align himself with Danzo, of all people? The feeling was akin to having something precious taken away, an unsettling, deeply personal betrayal.
"My most talented disciple… I've never failed you. So why align yourself with Danzo?" Hiruzen muttered, his face lined with exhaustion and sadness.
Though Hiruzen and Danzo had once been comrades, the position of Hokage was not a matter to be taken lightly. He knew Danzo's ambitions well and had no intention of relinquishing the village's leadership to him.
Yet, Orochimaru's motives remained a mystery, one that Hiruzen decided needed closer observation.
---
Orochimaru had anticipated that Hiruzen would eventually take note of his activities. It was inevitable in a place like Konoha, where every corner had eyes and ears. Despite his cautious nature, he knew it was only a matter of time before the Third Hokage's watchful gaze caught up with him.
But he wasn't concerned. He had prepared for this long before choosing his path. Sacrifices and risks were necessary steps toward obtaining power.
However, on the way back from the Root headquarters, Orochimaru's mood soured slightly. As he walked down a busy street, he spotted two familiar figures leaving a nearby izakaya. One of them made his lips twitch with annoyance.
"Tsunade… and Dan?" Orochimaru murmured, his eyes narrowing.
Tsunade turned and froze when she saw him, a flicker of worry crossing her face. She seemed to panic slightly, stepping forward to explain. "Orochimaru, don't misunderstand. Dan and I were just discussing some strategies for the front lines—"
"It's fine. No need to explain," Orochimaru said, raising a hand to stop her. His tone was neutral, but he didn't wait for a response before turning on his heel and walking away. "You two talk. I'm heading home."
Dan watched Orochimaru leave and sighed, guilt touching his expression. "I think Lord Orochimaru might have misunderstood."
But before he could say anything else, Tsunade turned, leaving him behind as she called after Orochimaru. "Wait! Orochimaru, hold on!"
Dan watched them both disappear into the evening, a contemplative look in his eyes, before turning to leave in the opposite direction.
---
"Orochimaru, wait up!" Tsunade caught up to him, looking a bit flustered and somewhat defensive. "Hey, it wasn't what it looked like. We really were just talking about work…"
Orochimaru kept his pace, eyes focused ahead. He wasn't really upset, but a part of him, a deep-seated possessiveness, flared up at seeing them together. He knew Tsunade's loyalty was unshakeable; betrayal wasn't in her nature. But that didn't stop the irritation. It was instinctive—territorial.
Seeing another man with her, especially one like Dan, annoyed him. And asking her out for a drink, knowing she was already with him? That bordered on audacity.
Seeing Orochimaru's silence, Tsunade felt a pang of guilt but also a strange sense of joy. Did this mean he cared more than he let on? His indifference had always been one of the most frustrating things about him.
With a playful smile, she reached out and grabbed his arm. "Come on, Orochimaru. Don't be like this."
Orochimaru paused, feeling her grip. He turned slightly but didn't say anything.
"Look," Tsunade said, a bit more earnestly now. "I know I shouldn't have met him alone, but I couldn't find you, and I needed a distraction. I promise it won't happen again, alright?"
Still, he said nothing, only watching her with that unfathomable expression of his.
She huffed in mock exasperation. "Fine, if that's not enough, then I'll make sure to never meet him alone again, even if it's work-related. Happy now?"
Orochimaru's face remained impassive, but the tension in the air softened slightly.
"Really, I don't want any misunderstandings between us," Tsunade insisted. Then she smiled and added, "And you know what? I'm staying with you tonight. No arguments."