"Danzo-sama, Orochimaru has returned! However, he appears to be severely injured!" Within the Root base, Yamanaka Fū, one of Danzo's most trusted subordinates, immediately reported the newly arrived information.
"What? Orochimaru is injured?!" Danzo was utterly speechless with shock.
Orochimaru was one of Konoha's Sannin, a legendary figure renowned throughout the ninja world. Even Orochimaru's teacher, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, might not be a match for him. Orochimaru was undoubtedly one of the world's most powerful shinobi.
Could even such a formidable individual have been injured by Kouki? Was Kouki truly that terrifyingly strong?
"Perhaps… Orochimaru didn't clash with Kouki. Some other incident, another attacker, perhaps?"
"That would explain why Kouki returned to Konoha unharmed," Danzo mused, attempting to find a logical explanation.
"Danzo-sama, Orochimaru seemed extremely enraged. He repeatedly claimed that you, sir, had ruined him!" Yamanaka Fū relayed the details of the scene, Orochimaru's emotional state, and his accusations.
Danzo's brow furrowed deeply, his expression as grim as a withered chrysanthemum in autumn. Orochimaru's reaction strongly suggested that whatever had transpired was directly related to the mission to capture Kouki.
"Let's go. I'll find out what happened myself!" Danzo, unable to contain his anxiety and mounting unease, set off for the back mountain with several trusted bodyguards.
"Orochimaru, what happened? How did this come to pass?" Danzo, observing Orochimaru's disheveled and clearly injured appearance, demanded an explanation.
"A dying man doesn't need to know so much," Kouki replied with a chilling laugh, instantly revealing his true identity.
Danzo immediately sensed the deception. Instinctively, he took two steps back, seeking cover behind his bodyguards. Yamanaka Fū and the other Root members formed a protective circle around Danzo, their expressions grim and alert, prepared for immediate combat.
"You're not Orochimaru. Who are you?" Danzo, his single remaining eye blazing with fury and disbelief, demanded an answer.
"Very well, I'll let you die knowing the truth," Kouki stated, dissolving the Transformation Jutsu, revealing his true form.
"Kouki!? It's you?!" Danzo's voice was a mixture of shock and outrage.
Kouki, disguised as Orochimaru, had lured Danzo into a trap! This revelation was far more devastating than Orochimaru's apparent defeat. It exposed Danzo and Orochimaru's conspiracy completely. This was far more damaging than simply killing Orochimaru.
"How did you get here? Where's Orochimaru? Did you kill him?" Danzo, his mind reeling from this unexpected betrayal, bombarded Kouki with frantic questions.
"Hmph, too much chatter. Die!" Kouki coldly snorted, his Sharingan activating, transforming into his Mangekyo Sharingan. He prepared to unleash Amaterasu.
However, Danzo, having previously experienced the terrifying power of Amaterasu, was far more cautious this time.
Upon hearing Kouki's menacing words, regardless of whether Kouki had actually begun his attack, Danzo instantly activated Body Flicker Technique, attempting a desperate escape.
Whoosh! In the blink of an eye, Danzo vanished, leaving Kouki's Amaterasu unleashed but ultimately ineffective.
"Pathetic. Such a cowardly fool dares to aspire to Hokage? How laughable," Kouki scoffed, his expression filled with utter contempt.
"Kill him! Protect Danzo-sama!" Yamanaka Fū rallied the Root members, charging towards Kouki. Simultaneously, Yamanaka Fū began the hand seals for the Yamanaka clan's Mind Body Switch Technique.
"That hand sign? Mind Body Switch?" Kouki, intimately familiar with this jutsu from his knowledge of the Naruto world, ignored the other attackers and focused his attention on Yamanaka Fū. He extended a hand, preparing a counterattack.
"Almighty Push!" A powerful repulsive force slammed into Yamanaka Fū, sending him flying and completely disrupting the jutsu.
Almost simultaneously, an Aburame clan member summoned a swarm of insects, launching them towards Kouki.
"I'll deal with you after I've dealt with that old fool," Kouki coldly stated, his focus unwavering.
Flying Thunder God Technique!
Whoosh! Kouki vanished instantly, leaving no trace.
Whoosh whoosh! Utilizing pre-placed Flying Thunder God kunai and seals strategically positioned throughout the village, Kouki effortlessly tracked down Danzo.
He appeared from above, descending swiftly and silently, blocking Danzo's escape route.
"If you hadn't provoked me, I wouldn't have bothered with you. But since you've crossed me, you've sealed your own fate," Kouki stated, his face grim and unforgiving.
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