Warning

"What?!" Orochimaru's shock was palpable upon hearing Aizen's request. Even someone as calculating as Orochimaru couldn't immediately grasp why Aizen would make such a move.

"This matter is easily resolved. The spy who previously sent information to the old man has already been silenced by Mitarashi Zashi," Orochimaru said with a slight smirk. "Lord Hiruzen is worried that Zashi can't be kept under control. If you take over this mission, Aizen, he might actually be relieved."

Aizen chuckled, clearly amused. "Good."

"But... Aizen, why are you doing this?" Orochimaru couldn't contain his curiosity.

"Orochimaru," Aizen said, leaning in slightly with that ever-calculating tone, "who do you think Mitarashi Zashi is most nervous about right now?"

Orochimaru didn't hesitate, "Of course, the Hokage faction. We've been openly opposed for some time."

"Exactly. So, when he realizes we're watching him closely, what do you think he'll do?" Aizen asked, a subtle smile forming.

"Mitarashi Zashi will undoubtedly put all his resources into countering us," Orochimaru responded instinctively. Then his expression froze, as if realizing something critical.

"Aizen... you're planning to force Zashi to allocate all his resources toward this mission in the Land of Lightning, aren't you?" Orochimaru's disbelief grew as he spoke.

"Correct." Aizen adjusted his glasses, confirming Orochimaru's suspicion. "When the spy infiltrates the highest levels of Cloud Shinobi and acquires their secrets, returning that information will be the most dangerous part. Zashi will have to prepare for every eventuality: Cloud Shinobi's pursuit and the possibility that we might intercept him. Once he realizes we're watching, he'll bring every elite he has with him. That's when we'll strike."

Orochimaru licked his lips, a devious smile creeping onto his face. "Do I have a part in this?" he asked, his tone laced with greed.

The meaning was clear: if Orochimaru was going to be dragged into this, he expected to be compensated well.

Aizen glanced at Orochimaru with a knowing look, then tossed him a small test tube.

Orochimaru caught it, looking puzzled. He examined the contents carefully before asking, "What is this?"

"It's blood containing a portion of the First Hokage's DNA, extracted from Senju Ryuken," Aizen replied indifferently.

For Aizen, who now possessed the Sage Body, this was of little use. Even his teacher, Tsunade, had been removed from his list of potential assets.

Orochimaru's eyes widened in shock. "Senju Ryuken?! You got this from him?" Orochimaru couldn't believe it.

Meeting Aizen today had been nothing but shock after shock for Orochimaru, as if all the surprises of the past years had been concentrated into this single conversation.

"So, that's it. Senju Ryuken met his end at your hands, Aizen," Orochimaru finally muttered after piecing things together.

He had, of course, heard about the conflict between Aizen and Senju Ryuken. But realizing that Aizen, at only twelve years old, had managed to secretly kill someone as powerful as Ryuken—and then kept it hidden from everyone—was beyond astonishing.

At the time, no one had suspected Aizen. Even for someone like Orochimaru, the realization was enough to send a shiver down his spine.

Orochimaru was once again shocked by Aizen's terrifying talent and cunning.

However, after being hit with so many revelations from Aizen, his sense of shock had almost become numb. He quickly composed himself and adjusted his mindset.

"This is quite impressive, Aizen. Thank you," Orochimaru said with a smile, signaling his willingness to cooperate in Aizen's plan.

Aizen wasn't surprised by Orochimaru's acceptance. The blood of the Senju clan, especially one infused with the First Hokage's genes, was far too valuable for Orochimaru to refuse.

"However," Orochimaru added, "if you do this, Aizen, while you may achieve your goal, you'll undoubtedly expose yourself to Mitarashi Zashi. Once he's aware of your actions, it will be much harder to act in secret."

Perhaps satisfied with the "payment" Aizen had offered, Orochimaru kindly offered this warning.

"You don't need to worry about that," Aizen replied, smiling lightly.

Seeing that Aizen had no desire to elaborate, Orochimaru sensibly dropped the subject.

"Well then, this is just the beginning. When the plan progresses as expected, I'll return and inform you of the next steps." Leaving those words, Aizen turned to leave.

"Aizen, or... let me escort you out directly," Orochimaru suggested, gritting his teeth slightly. He wasn't sure how Aizen had gotten in, but considering Aizen's capabilities, it was likely some of the sentry ninjas had been eliminated. Those people were valuable assets to Orochimaru, and he wanted to minimize further losses.

Aizen glanced at Orochimaru, a playful light flickering in his eyes. He immediately saw through Orochimaru's intentions but didn't refuse. "Alright," Aizen agreed without hesitation.

As Orochimaru led Aizen out, he braced himself for the grim sight of slain guards. Yet, to his surprise and growing unease, the guards were still standing, alert and alive, just as they were before. They greeted Orochimaru respectfully.

"Lord Orochimaru!" they called, but none of them seemed to acknowledge Aizen's presence beside him, as if Aizen were invisible.

Orochimaru felt a chill run down his spine, his scalp tingling. His mouth opened instinctively, as if to ask something, but when he saw Aizen's half-smile, he quickly swallowed his words.

All the way to the exit of the root, every member they passed seemed utterly oblivious to Aizen's presence. Orochimaru's fear of Aizen's strange abilities grew stronger, though he forced himself to keep his composure. When he finally watched Aizen walk off into the distance, Orochimaru's mind was filled with thoughts and speculations.

As planned, everything proceeded smoothly. With Orochimaru's advice and Aizen's suggestion, Sarutobi Hiruzen assigned Aizen to monitor Mitarashi Zashi.

Just a few days later, while Mitarashi Zashi was relaxing after work, having a drink in the small courtyard of Moonlight Night's residence, his demeanor suddenly changed. He became displeased, as if sensing something amiss.

He stood up and approached a large tree in the yard. With a swift motion, his hand shaped like a claw, he pressed it into the air before him. Then, as if pulling aside an invisible curtain, he slowly dragged the air apart.

A strange scene unfolded.

The air truly parted, like a fabric being lifted, revealing a familiar figure hidden within.

The atmosphere around Zashi turned tense as the veil of secrecy was torn away, and his sharp eyes fixated on the figure that had been spying on him all along.

...

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