Orochimaru’s Magic Lamp

Danzo stared into the chief researcher's eyes and asked calmly,

"How long will it take to recover?"

The researcher hesitated for a moment before answering,

"Your body has been enhanced with First Hokage cells—it's undergone major changes. We can't evaluate it by normal standards anymore."

He responded quickly, offering a logical explanation.

Danzo looked away and said slowly,

"You're good at making excuses."

He wasn't angry. In truth, he had no wife, no children, and no concern for his appearance. Trading his outward form for real power? That was a bargain.

Still, he had to consider the consequences for Konoha. Yes, he could gain public sympathy by appearing as a victim and shifting all blame onto himself. But if Orochimaru caught wind of the truth and accused him of conducting illegal First Hokage cell experiments, that would be a real problem.

Hearing the skepticism in Danzo's voice, the chief researcher spoke more urgently,

"My lord, I really am telling the truth this time."

He had practically sacrificed everything—even his family—for the success of this procedure. Failure wouldn't have surprised him, but now that it worked, he had new concerns.

Danzo's research funding couldn't just continue—it needed to increase.

The chief researcher didn't care whether Danzo was really listening. Now that things were going well, he felt safe enough to vent.

"...Danzo-sama, before the operation, your body was old, and your chakra reserves were weak. I had to use... well, anyway... the reason your body changed so dramatically is that we achieved perfect cellular fusion. A breakthrough even Orochimaru couldn't manage..."

"Enough."

Danzo cut him off.

"If it worked, then schedule the training."

"But, my lord..." The researcher bowed slightly, looking humble.

"The lab is running out of supplies and funding. We used too many rare materials for your post-op recovery..."

"You don't need to worry about the money."

Danzo had the air of a man with deep pockets.

Even though Root was destroyed, his financial network remained intact. In fact, this situation gave him the perfect excuse to pressure the Third Hokage for more funding.

"Thank you, Danzo-sama." The researcher bowed with a small, satisfied smile.

Morning broke. The sun rose bright red over the horizon.

After days of travel, Orochimaru and his team returned to Konoha from peace talks with Kumogakure.

As the village gates came into view, smiles broke out across the group. The mission had gone smoothly, and they'd completed an S-rank task with no casualties—a perfect combination of prestige and reward.

Shua shua shua...

The wind sliced past as Orochimaru led the squad to a smooth landing just outside the Konoha gates.

As usual, Orochimaru handed off the task reports and administrative work to his aides and immediately headed toward the laboratory.

But he hadn't gotten far before someone stepped in his way.

Perched on a nearby treetop, Orochimaru smiled.

"Jiraiya, not at the gate? Waiting for me here specifically? What's going on?"

Jiraiya's expression was serious, eyes sharp.

"Several days ago, Kabuto defected. Do you know anything about that?"

"I do." Orochimaru's eyes flickered strangely. He nodded.

"I'll handle it."

"This isn't just your problem anymore," Jiraiya said grimly.

"Kabuto attacked Root before defecting. Nearly wiped it out. Danzo already knows your travel schedule. Right now he's in the Hokage's office, pushing the old man to make a ruling against you."

"You need to think carefully about how you're going to answer him."

Jiraiya wasn't sure if Orochimaru had ordered the attack on Root. But whether he had or not, he couldn't just stand by and let Danzo drag him down—especially if it pushed Orochimaru to turn against the village.

"You came just to warn me?" Orochimaru said with a sly smile.

"Don't worry. I've already planned my response."

Seeing Orochimaru so composed, Jiraiya let out a quiet sigh of relief.

"Then come with me."

In addition to the warning, Jiraiya had been tasked with escorting Orochimaru to the Hokage's office. Few could pull that off—Orochimaru wasn't one to follow orders easily.

As they ran, Jiraiya couldn't help but ask,

"You didn't tell Kabuto to do this, right?"

Orochimaru gave him a side glance.

"Why would I? Just to destroy Root?"

Jiraiya paused, unable to reply.

He and the Third Hokage had debated that very question for days. If Orochimaru had a grudge against Root, he had other options—smarter, cleaner ones. Cooperating with the Hokage, for example.

Why resort to a tactic that hurt both sides? It didn't make sense. It benefited no one—especially not Orochimaru.

And yet, they couldn't ignore the possibility. Kabuto's actions had been too aligned, too precise. Even if Orochimaru hadn't known, it was hard to believe he wasn't at least complicit.

With doubts swirling, Jiraiya followed Orochimaru to the Hokage Building in the heart of the village.

Inside the Hokage's office, tension thickened the air.

Present were the Third Hokage, his three senior advisors, Nara Shikaku of the Intelligence Division, several clan heads—nearly the entire high council.

Orochimaru scanned the room and smirked inwardly.

Quite the audience.

He doubted this was Sarutobi's doing. The Third would've preferred to keep things quiet and resolve the matter behind closed doors.

But with Root half-destroyed and Konoha's stability at risk, Danzo had forced the issue into public view. He wanted a decisive blow—at the very least, to ruin Orochimaru's reputation and push him to the village's margins.

That was fine. Orochimaru had a plan of his own.

He glanced at Danzo, sensing a change in the man's aura, and a flicker of amusement passed through his eyes.

Once the final attendees took their seats, the meeting began.

But it wasn't Danzo who spoke first—it was Homura Mitokado, one of the senior advisors. His expression was stern.

"Orochimaru, your subordinate Kabuto recently betrayed the village and attacked Root. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Given the gravity of the situation, even Homura tempered his tone.

Orochimaru responded coolly,

"He defected. Send someone to hunt him down. What else is there to say?"

_____________________

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