Chapter 9 – Undercurrents
Konoha Village, Root Headquarters.
"Lord Danzō, why did you let that kid we brought earlier go?"
After Izaya had left, the two Root chūnin who had escorted him reappeared before Danzō. Watching Izaya's departing back and Danzō's silent, brooding figure, the two ninja were filled with confusion. Since joining the Root organization, they had never seen an outsider enter their headquarters and leave safely… especially not a mere civilian.
"Get out!"
But Danzō, clearly in no mood for questions, merely fixed the two subordinates at his feet with his dead-fish eyes, a wave of killing intent washing over them before he vanished into the shadows.
"Yes, Lord Danzō!"
Sensing the killing intent emanating from Danzō, the two Root ninja didn't dare to linger. In an instant, they too disappeared.
A long while later, two figures materialized once more within the Root headquarters. One was Danzō, who had left earlier. The other…
Was Orochimaru.
One of Konoha's Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru!
"Are the experimental materials prepared?" The cold, serpentine voice of Orochimaru broke the silence as he looked at the visibly displeased Danzō beside him. It was his first question. Then, pacing slowly, he continued in a casual, almost bored tone, "The Sharingan transplant shows no issues, but the First Hokage's cell experiments still require a significant amount of test subjects…"
"Don't rush. I will send people when the time is right." A dark shadow seemed to pass over Danzō's face as he murmured, "There was an exceptionally suitable material today, but… he actually refused me."
"Oh? Who?" Hearing this, a flicker of curiosity shone in Orochimaru's amber eyes. He asked in a mocking, playful tone, "I'm curious to know who in Konoha would dare to refuse Lord Danzō…"
"A Konoha civilian. One with exceptionally poor talent." Seeing his temporary ally's interest, Danzō saw no need to hide it. He directly stated Izaya's identity.
Truth be told, Danzō hadn't initially paid much attention to Izaya. While he desperately needed test subjects after commencing his experiments, they weren't impossible to find. Izaya wasn't just talentless; his existence was remarkably inconspicuous. Danzō hadn't even noticed him at first.
It was only two days ago that Danzō received a report from a subordinate. It claimed that this "Izaya" possessed an unusually powerful regenerative ability, potentially making him highly suitable for the experiments involving the First Hokage's cells. That was why Danzō had set his sights on him.
He just never expected Izaya to refuse him outright. To avoid alerting him further, Danzō had simply let him go for now. He would find another opportunity in the future…
"Izaya…" After listening to Danzō, Orochimaru silently repeated the name, his gaze drifting into the distance as a strange light flickered within his greyish-brown eyes. After a long pause, he spoke again to Danzō, "Give me this guy's information. I'll look into him myself."
Although Orochimaru didn't know the exact extent of this so-called "regenerative ability," anyone who could catch Danzō's eye must be interesting. Orochimaru's interest in this "Izaya" was now thoroughly piqued.
"You can have the information, but do not act recklessly within Konoha." Danzō and Orochimaru had known each other for years. He understood exactly what Orochimaru was thinking the moment he spoke. After handing over Izaya's basic file, Danzō couldn't help but issue a warning. While Danzō was a high-ranking Konoha elder, Orochimaru was now a rogue ninja. If he were discovered operating within Konoha by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, even Danzō wouldn't escape unscathed.
"Heheh… Don't worry…" Faced with Danzō's warning, Orochimaru seemed indifferent. With a cold chuckle, he took the lead and departed from the Root headquarters.
An unreadable darkness flashed across Danzō's face. It was unclear whether it was due to Izaya's earlier refusal or… Orochimaru's attitude. Regardless, Danzō didn't remain for long. After Orochimaru left, he too vanished from the spot.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage Building.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat at his desk, staring intently at the crystal ball before him. The image displayed within was none other than the Root headquarters.
"Genma," Hiruzen finally broke the long silence, addressing Shiranui Genma, who stood behind him. "Has there been any unusual activity from Danzō recently?"
"Reporting to the Hokage, Lord Danzō has shown no significant unusual activity. However, he did summon a civilian named Izaya earlier today." Shiranui Genma, a special jōnin of Konoha and former guard of the Fourth Hokage, now served Hiruzen, primarily responsible for relaying information and conveying the Hokage's orders.
After informing the Third Hokage of the events at the Root headquarters, Genma slowly retrieved a file from the pouch at his waist. Handing it to Hiruzen, he said, "Lord Hokage, this is Izaya's detailed information."
"Izaya…" After scanning the document, the Third Hokage repeated the name softly. It was clear that the name "Izaya" had left some impression on him. The student who had spent the longest time in the Ninja School without graduating—Hiruzen was very curious why Danzō would summon such a dead-last.
After some thought, he couldn't arrive at a reasonable explanation. Therefore, the Third Hokage spoke directly, "Genma, keep an eye on this child named Izaya for the time being. Report any abnormalities to me immediately."
"Yes, sir!" Upon receiving the order, Shiranui Genma didn't linger. He leaped out through the window and was gone.
The Third Hokage slowly stood up, gazing out at the setting sun that had just begun to dip below the horizon, his thoughts inscrutable.
At that moment, Izaya had no idea that he had attracted the attention of so many powerful figures within Konoha. He was still leisurely preparing his dinner.
Bang, bang, bang!
Just as Izaya had finished preparing his meal, a violent knocking sound erupted at his door, shattering the brief peace he had just found.
"Who is it? I'm coming!" Hearing the knock, a clear look of impatience flashed across Izaya's face. It was rare to have a moment of quiet, only to be disturbed again.
But the moment he opened the door…
Izaya could no longer remain calm.
He never expected the person standing at his doorstep to be…