Chapter 92: Exploitation

Root, located in the most secluded corner of Konoha, stood isolated by a thick stone door. From the outside, the place had a dark, ominous feel. Inside, it stretched like a deep well, plunging into the underground labyrinth beneath the village.

As Danzo often said, this was the "root" of Konoha, where the Root ninjas lived, hidden from the surface.

"Danzo… heh…"

Orochimaru glanced at the massive stone door, a small smile playing on his lips. Without a second thought, he operated the mechanism, causing the door to slowly grind open, revealing the deep abyss within.

Once inside, he leaped down the well-like entrance, descending several times before the stone door sealed shut behind him. The darkness here was almost suffocating, with barely enough light to make out the shapes around him.

"Stop!"

"Who dares to enter Root without permission?"

"Any unauthorized intruder will be killed on sight!"

As soon as Orochimaru landed, four masked ninjas from Root surrounded him. Their masks were more vibrant and sinister-looking than the standard Anbu, giving them an even more menacing appearance.

The four of them held weapons at the ready, their eyes cold and ruthless, prepared to strike at a moment's notice.

Orochimaru's brow furrowed slightly, and he was just about to counter when Danzo's voice rang out from the shadows.

"Stand down. I summoned him."

Danzo stepped forward from the dark recesses of the underground.

"Leave us."

"Yes, sir!"

With that, the four Root members sheathed their weapons and retreated without another word.

Danzo smiled faintly as he looked at Orochimaru. "I'm glad you came."

"I just want to know the full story… and why you've chosen me," Orochimaru replied, his voice calm but lacking the deference one might expect from a subordinate. This casual tone didn't sit well with the nearby Root ninjas, though Danzo himself didn't seem to mind.

Danzo smirked. "I knew you'd ask that. Let's talk while we walk."

Orochimaru nodded, and they began moving deeper into the Root base.

As they walked, Danzo once again explained his previous story, how the Third Hokage's mercy had led to Orochimaru's parents' deaths. He laid the blame squarely on Hiruzen, painting him as the cause of their untimely end.

Orochimaru, for his part, listened carefully. He knew there was some truth to Danzo's words. Whether Danzo exaggerated or not, Hiruzen's actions in the past aligned with what he was saying.

"Orochimaru, earlier you asked why I chose you specifically," Danzo said as they continued walking through the dimly lit underground corridors.

"Mm."

"Before I answer that, let me ask you something first."

"Go ahead, Danzo-sama," Orochimaru replied smoothly.

"You're familiar with your teammate, the girl Tsunade, right?" Danzo asked.

"Of course," Orochimaru answered without hesitation. He knew Tsunade well, and more importantly, he had a good idea of where this conversation was headed.

"And you know who her grandfather was?"

"I've heard the stories."

Danzo nodded slightly. "Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, the man known as the God of Shinobi. He was the legendary wielder of the Wood Release and even tamed the Nine-Tails with it."

"But after him, no one could inherit his Wood Release abilities."

"To control a tailed beast like the Nine-Tails, one would need either multiple Sharingan or Wood Release. In Konoha, we've tried resurrecting Wood Release through experiments. However, all tests, which were performed on willing adults, failed. All of the transplant experiments were unsuccessful."

"Eventually, the experiment was deemed too dangerous and labeled a forbidden technique, sealed away."

"I had almost given up on it… until I met you."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "You want me to research this forbidden technique?"

Danzo nodded, a gleam in his eye. "You're as sharp as ever."

"I once suggested to Hiruzen that we continue these experiments, but of course, he refused."

"Then… are you suggesting we go behind the Third Hokage's back…?" Orochimaru trailed off, his voice purposefully cautious.

"Orochimaru, don't you understand by now?" Danzo pressed. "The Third Hokage is responsible for your parents' deaths. You owe him nothing. There's no reason for guilt."

Danzo leaned in slightly, his voice taking on a more conspiratorial tone. "More importantly, if we succeed in this technique… you might even be able to bring your parents back."

"Resurrect… my parents?" Orochimaru echoed, feigning surprise.

"Yes," Danzo said confidently. "This world is full of mysteries. Even resurrection is within reach. I believe that with your genius, you can achieve something great, whether for the village, or for yourself."

Danzo stopped walking and turned to face Orochimaru, his gaze intense. The weak candlelight flickered around them, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

"So, Orochimaru… what do you say?"

Orochimaru pretended to mull it over, his head lowered in thought. "If you can guarantee that Hiruzen-sensei won't find out…"

"You don't need to worry about that," Danzo cut in quickly, eager to seal the deal. "When the time comes, I'll have you officially transferred under me. You'll be able to work for me openly."

Danzo was skilled at manipulating others, always ready to exploit the darkness in someone's heart. If Orochimaru had been the same as he was in the original timeline, perhaps Danzo's words would have led him down a darker path.

But things were different now.

Orochimaru smiled inwardly. This was all part of the game. He needed resources, and Danzo needed someone with his talents. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Outwardly, Orochimaru feigned deep thought, then replied with a touch of respect in his voice, "Since Danzo-sama has put it this way, I'll humbly accept your offer."

Danzo smiled, clearly pleased. "You're as sensible as I thought, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru didn't respond, but inside, he couldn't help but chuckle. This was all a dance of mutual exploitation. Each party would get what they wanted, at least for now.

As for who would ultimately gain more from this partnership?

Only time would tell.