"That's right."
Orochimaru nodded slowly, a faint, calculating smile curling at the corner of his lips.
"Minato Namikaze is simply too outstanding… so outstanding that he may one day become our greatest obstacle."
His golden eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.
"But the strongest fortresses are always destroyed from within."
He turned slightly, voice lowering.
"If we can place Ren as our 'eyes' within Team Minato—even if he only provides information at a few critical moments—the situation will tilt heavily in our favor."
A pause.
Then, casually:
"As for Root's need for recruits… I can help you keep watch, Lord Danzo. After all, the ninja world has been in chaos recently. There are many children who have lost their parents to war—orphans with nowhere to go."
His smile deepened.
"They need… a place to belong, don't they?"
Silence followed.
Danzo Shimura said nothing.
He stood there for a long moment, his face shadowed, his thoughts unreadable.
Then—
Tap.
His cane struck the metal floor sharply.
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
That silence…
Was answer enough.
---
Danzo's Decision
At this stage, Danzo was indeed obsessed with the Hokage position—
But not yet to the point of desperation.
To him, the ideal plan was clear:
Push Orochimaru—the direct disciple of Hiruzen Sarutobi—into the Hokage seat…
While he himself remained in the shadows.
As the "advisor."
As the one who truly held power.
And through that position—
Gradually expand Root's influence until it controlled the very foundation of Konoha.
To achieve that?
He could tolerate Orochimaru's occasional defiance.
Besides…
Orochimaru had just handed him a perfect excuse to step back gracefully.
---
At the Entrance of the Research Institute
Just as Danzo stepped outside—
He suddenly stopped.
His sharp, murky gaze turned.
Not far away stood a white-haired youth.
Ren.
Their eyes met for a brief moment.
Cold.
Heavy.
Oppressive.
Then—
"Hmph."
Danzo snorted and continued walking, his figure disappearing into the distance.
---
Ren's Reaction
Only after Danzo vanished did Ren finally release the breath he'd been holding.
"…That was close."
His entire body relaxed slightly.
To him, Danzo's title—
"The Darkness of the Shinobi World"
—was not just a name.
Even without the later enhancements, even without the infamous collection of forbidden abilities…
The current Danzo was still Konoha's second-in-command.
A quasi-Kage-level monster.
The pressure he exuded?
Even greater than Orochimaru's.
---
Orochimaru Appears
Right then—
"Ah… Mr. Ren."
Orochimaru's voice echoed from within the institute as his figure emerged like a ghost.
"You've arrived at the perfect time."
He smiled faintly.
"Please, come in. I've been waiting for you."
---
Inside the Laboratory
Ren took a deep breath.
Suppressing the unease in his chest—
He followed Orochimaru inside.
The deeper they went, the stronger the smell became.
A sharp, chemical scent.
Formalin.
The underground laboratory was filled with strange instruments, preserved specimens, and dim lighting that cast long, distorted shadows.
For a moment—
Neither of them spoke.
Finally, Orochimaru broke the silence.
"You saw that old man just now, didn't you?"
He didn't wait for an answer.
"His name is Danzo Shimura. The leader of Root."
He chuckled softly.
"Ah… you might not know what Root is."
"It's an organization that 'protects' Konoha from the shadows."
A pause.
Then, calmly:
"But their methods… are naturally not meant to be seen."
Ren remained silent, listening.
"They take great interest in talented young ninjas," Orochimaru continued, voice smooth and measured. "They 'prune' them, reshape them… and turn them into tools."
His gaze locked onto Ren.
"And you… were just about to be taken in."
A faint smile.
"Fortunately… I helped you send him away."
---
Ren's Thoughts
…Seriously?
Ren almost laughed internally.
If he didn't already know the truth—
That Orochimaru and Danzo had deep ties and countless secret dealings—
He might have actually believed this story.
By that logic…
Should he thank Orochimaru?
---
Orochimaru's Real Intent
"There's no need to thank me."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed, as if he had read every thought in Ren's mind.
"You're a smart person."
"So I'll speak plainly."
His tone shifted—no longer playful.
"I have a purpose for helping you."
Ren's expression grew serious.
"I admire your talent in medical ninjutsu… and your sensitivity when facing the unknown."
Orochimaru took a step closer.
"Rather than letting that potential be crushed in a place like Root…"
His voice lowered.
"Why not come to me… and explore the mysteries of life?"
A faint pause.
"Like Tsunade, I am also a disciple of the Third Hokage."
"You could even call me your senior."
"And more importantly—"
"I am Konoha's leading researcher."
He spread his hands slightly.
"I can give you everything."
"Ninjutsu scrolls."
"High-quality tools."
"Advanced research data."
"Even… a tailored treatment plan for your father."
Then—
The offer was laid bare.
"The price?"
"Simply assist me with some tasks… within your ability."
"Just like you already do under Tsunade at the hospital."
---
The Offer
"What do you think?"
"Any thoughts?"
Silence.
Ren didn't answer immediately.
It sounded genuine.
It sounded… tempting.
Too tempting.
But why me?
He had only met Orochimaru once.
Answered a few questions.
Was that enough to catch his interest?
Or—
Was there something deeper?
---
Ren Tests the Waters
After a moment, Ren spoke carefully:
"Lord Orochimaru… you should know that I am a disciple of Minato Namikaze."
"I frequently leave the village on missions."
"And I am also studying under Lady Tsunade."
He hesitated slightly.
"So perhaps—"
"Don't worry."
Orochimaru interrupted smoothly.
"My requirements are simple."
"Come to the institute two or three times a week."
"Timing is flexible. On average, no more than half a day."
"It won't interfere with your missions or training."
Ren narrowed his eyes slightly.
"What about the work?"
"Simple as well."
Orochimaru replied casually:
"In the short term—organize data, record experimental results, operate basic instruments."
"With your learning ability… you'll pick it up quickly."
Ren didn't relax.
"And in the long term?"
Orochimaru smiled.
"That depends on you."
"I reward based on value."
"Show me your worth… and I'll pay you accordingly."
---
Ren's Decision
Ren looked at him steadily.
Then—
He spoke.
"That's not enough."
A pause.
Then clearly:
"I want it in writing."
---
The Condition
"In writing?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
"Yes."
Ren's voice was calm—but firm.
"I want a formal contract."
"Working hours."
"Job responsibilities."
"Salary and benefits."
"And—"
His eyes sharpened.
"Personal safety clauses."
Silence filled the lab.
Ren continued:
"It must clearly state under what conditions I may participate in dangerous experiments."
"And all such participation must be voluntary."
"The contract will be made in duplicate."
"Signed. Sealed."
He didn't look away.
"If you violate the core terms—"
"For example, forcing me into dangerous experiments without consent—"
"I will hand the contract to Lady Tsunade."
"And ask her to uphold justice."
A brief pause.
Then, evenly:
"Likewise… if I violate the agreement, I will pay sufficient compensation."
"How about it?"
---
Orochimaru's Reaction
Silence.
Long.
Heavy silence.
The smile on Orochimaru's face disappeared.
In its place—
A sharp, probing gaze.
As if he were seeing Ren for the very first time.
Then—
Slowly…
A grin returned.
"Interesting…"
"Truly… fascinating."
His eyes gleamed.
"Mr. Ren… you are far more intriguing than I expected."
A pause.
Then—
"Very well."
"We will do as you say."
"We'll sign a contract."
---
Half an Hour Later
Ren sat on a single sofa in the corner of the lab.
A document lay in his hands.
Every word—
Carefully written.
Carefully structured.
He read through it line by line.
Again.
And again.
Checking for hidden traps.
Ambiguous wording.
Anything suspicious.
Then—
He quietly circulated his chakra.
Scanning himself.
Ensuring there was no genjutsu.
No interference.
Only after confirming everything—
Did he pick up the pen.
And—
Sign his name.
A contract had been formed.
A dangerous alliance… officially began.
--------------------------------------------------
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