Chapter 35: The Will of Fire! Great Fireball Jutsu! (1/2)

"Oh?"

Orochimaru had already set off as Wakaho activated his Fire Wall. However, two figures suddenly appeared to block his path.

The two figures were distinct in appearance. One wore a Root-patterned mask, while the other had sunglasses.

"Ryoma-kun, Haruno-kun... I didn't expect to see you two here."

Orochimaru's smile remained warm as he realized what was happening the moment they appeared.

"So, Elder Danzo has tasked you two with stopping me?"

Orochimaru raised two fingers.

Immediately, the two felt an immense pressure!

Standing before them was the Third Hokage's strongest disciple, one of the Legendary Three, and Konoha's Cold Demon—Orochimaru!

"Elder Danzo did not intend to make an enemy of you, Orochimaru-sama!" Yamamoto Chihiro shouted, both he and Oil Girl Ryoma bowing deeply and adopting a highly defensive stance.

"We have no intention of opposing Orochimaru-sama; we are merely conveying a few words from Elder Danzo!"

"Is that so?"

Orochimaru's smile remained unchanged. He glanced at the direction behind them.

The flames illuminated the night sky, accompanied by the constant sounds of explosions from the explosive tags!

"This is truly unexpected news..."

Orochimaru chuckled and lowered his fingers that were forming seals. "So, Elder Danzo, what does he want from me?"

Hearing this, Yamamoto Chihiro and Oil Girl Ryoma breathed a sigh of relief.

Yamamoto Chihiro took out a scroll from his pocket and tossed it to Orochimaru.

"This scroll contains records of all the Wood Style experiments from the Second Hokage's era up to the present. Though, it is only a part of the full records."

"This is Elder Danzo's sincerity... If Orochimaru-sama is willing, Elder Danzo hopes that you will help restart this project!"

"Elder Danzo is willing to provide all support, including for your bid for the Fourth Hokage position!"

"And all Orochimaru-sama needs to do is wait here for a while..."

Orochimaru frowned slightly.

He did not open the scroll, nor did he doubt its authenticity.

Orochimaru also did not question Danzo's promise... Danzo's support for him to succeed as Hokage was indeed a significant aid.

Orochimaru looked up at the sky again.

The firelight illuminated half the sky, showing that his apprentice was indeed in a fierce battle.

Orochimaru knew...

That child was also one of the conditions for Danzo's cooperation with him.

The mission for these two was only to delay him.

Once everything was over, Root could fabricate enough evidence and keep him out of it.

But...

"This cooperation seems somewhat unfair to me, you two."

Orochimaru's smile returned as he walked past them, not even bothering to take back the scroll.

"That child is my apprentice. I've invested a great deal of effort into him, and even the teacher has high hopes for him."

"I am genuinely sincere towards Elder Danzo."

"Unfortunately, it seems Elder Danzo is not very considerate..."

...

Boom!

Boom!