Naruto: Reborn as Orochimaru

Chapter 223: Hiruzen’s Concern

Tsunade's quiet actions, such as carefully covering Orochimaru with a blanket, were naturally unknown to him.

Having drunk more than usual, Orochimaru was completely defenseless, something uncharacteristic of him. If someone had the intent to assassinate him, this moment would have been their best opportunity.

Unfortunately for any would-be assassins, this was Konoha, one of the safest places in the ninja world. And with Tsunade by his side, the chance of such an attempt was virtually nonexistent.

Despite Konoha's notorious internal political struggles, it remained far safer than the ninja villages of smaller nations, where the risks of betrayal or sudden attacks were significantly higher. Here, under Tsunade's watchful protection, Orochimaru had nothing to fear.

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In truth, Orochimaru's relationships with the other ninjas of Konoha were distant at best.

While his name was known by all, he had always been a solitary figure, more preoccupied with his re

Konoha's schools, medical facilities, research programs, and training systems were all progressing steadily.

Yet, even with these successes, one concern lingered in Hiruzen's mind: Danzo.

Danzo had been a thorn in his side since their youth, but his ongoing collaboration with Orochimaru was what truly worried the Third Hokage.

Orochimaru was his most talented and cherished disciple, someone with limitless potential. But the frequent interactions between Orochimaru and Danzo were a troubling sign.

If their actions strayed too far, the consequences could be dire.

Hiruzen sighed deeply, a shadow of unease clouding his expression. "I can only hope neither of you does anything that can't be undone…"

That night, on the outskirts of Konoha, within a concealed laboratory, Orochimaru stood before a group of seven or eight children, each varying in height and build.

A faint smile crossed his lips. "Have they been prepared properly?"

Danzo, standing nearby, nodded. "As instructed. They've been cleaned, fed, and haven't consumed any water."

"Good," Orochimaru replied, pulling out several pristine syringes filled with a clear, shimmering liquid.

As he began to draw doses from the vial, Danzo's expression darkened slightly.

"Orochimaru, Sarutobi is likely aware of our frequent interactions," Danzo said, his voice low and serious.

"Isn't that to be expected?" Orochimaru replied without looking up, his tone calm.

"Expected, yes. But we must remain cautious. If he discovers the full extent of these experiments, it'll be disastrous for both of us."

"What's your plan?"

"I've ordered my subordinates to construct additional labs elsewhere. If this one is discovered…"

"We'll abandon it," Orochimaru finished for him, nodding slightly. "That aligns with your usual methods."

Danzo nodded as well. "Do you need anything else here?"

"There's one thing," Orochimaru said, injecting the first child with the diluted genetic enhancement serum. He glanced at Danzo. "The First Hokage's cells. We're still lacking."

"How much more do you need?"

Orochimaru paused, his golden eyes gleaming faintly. "Take me to the remains of the First Hokage," he said, his voice steady.

Danzo considered this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Finish your work here first. I'll wait for you outside."

Without another word, Danzo exited the lab.

Orochimaru methodically injected each child, their frightened eyes betraying their terror as the serum entered their veins. Once the procedure was complete, he left the laboratory, following Danzo out.

Danzo gave instructions to his Root operatives to monitor the children and ensure their survival before leading Orochimaru to a hidden location near Konoha.

Deep within a heavily guarded chamber lay a reinforced coffin, bound with thick iron chains and surrounded by intricate seals.

Orochimaru's gaze lingered on the coffin, his expression calm yet calculating.

This must be where the remains of the First Hokage are kept…