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Extra Chapter: On Every 50 powerstones
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"Regarding the equipment, I'll write you a list. You'll need to procure and install these items in a concealed location. Additionally, I'll require test subjects for the experiments." After roughly five or six minutes of contemplation, Orochimaru finally stated his demands.
Midorima frowned.
If Danzō's current arm had indeed been created by Orochimaru himself, crafting another one shouldn't be difficult. At most, the process would be more refined, the quality improved, and the implantation of the First Hokage's cells more stable.
The claim that it would take several months was nothing more than a bargaining tactic.
Ultimately, this was still a negotiation.
Orochimaru listed the required equipment on a sheet of paper. Midorima glanced at it—test tubes, culture dishes, and other essentials were all there. Notably, the culture dishes were oversized, likely large enough to fit a person inside.
When Danzō saw the list, he scratched his head.
Procuring the equipment wasn't the issue, but doing so without drawing attention would be troublesome.
However, this minor obstacle was nothing for Danzō. Unlike others, he still commanded "Root," an organization that answered only to him.
"As for the Uchiha clansman, I'll arrange one for you once the eye transplantation is complete." Danzō folded the list and stood up from his seat. "Where would you two prefer to rest for now?"
"No rush." Orochimaru waved his hand. "I'll personally select the Uchiha clansman."
Danzō's brow furrowed. "That… complicates things."
"Oh?"
"Some of these shinobi may appear young, but their strength is no laughing matter." Danzō recalled Itachi and felt a headache coming on.
Even though he had ordered Root to ambush Shisui from the shadows, the latter had still managed to unleash the Susano'o.
If Orochimaru happened to pick a particularly skilled Uchiha, capturing them would be no easy feat.
"Don't worry. If you can't handle it, I'll assist you." Orochimaru's voice was soft, but the smile on his face grew increasingly eerie.
The game between the two had already begun.
Danzō fell into deep thought before finally nodding. "The Uchiha clan's status and power within Konoha need no explanation. I trust you're aware. Even if you identify a target, do not provoke them recklessly."
"I know. I'm merely observing." Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
That night, Midorima and Orochimaru stayed at Danzō's residence. Meanwhile, Danzō summoned members of Root and tasked them with gathering the listed equipment and reagents, as well as locating a talented youth to serve as a test subject.
Early the next morning, Orochimaru took Midorima out into the village, much to the latter's surprise. Still, Midorima wasn't opposed to exploring Konoha.
Despite the strained relations between Konoha and Kirigakure, it would be a shame not to visit the village after transmigrating into this world.
Especially since, every time he read about Naruto eating Ichiraku Ramen in the manga, he couldn't help but wonder how it tasted.
However, Orochimaru clearly had a different agenda. He lingered outside Konoha's ninja academy for a long time, scrutinizing every child that passed by.
Midorima felt the pressure mounting, afraid they'd be labeled as suspicious figures.
"Orochimaru…"
"Hmm?"
"Could you be a little less obvious? I'd rather not get arrested." Midorima forced out the words.
Even if they were mistaken for criminals, escaping wouldn't be an issue. But if Orochimaru was the one observing children while Midorima got blamed, it would be beyond unfair.
"Soon."
Though Orochimaru claimed it would only take a moment, he continued scanning for over half an hour without finding a suitable candidate. Only when the Konoha Military Police Force patrol arrived did he finally drag Midorima away.
"I thought you weren't scared?" Midorima teased.
"Who said I was? I simply prefer not to deal with them directly," Orochimaru retorted coldly.
"Why?"
"Why do you talk so much?" Orochimaru shot back.
"Should we split up?" Midorima suggested.
Orochimaru shook his head. "Why aren't you afraid of me?"
"Would you let me go if I were?"
"No… But if I did, would you fear me then?"
"If you let me go, why would I need to?"
"…"
Orochimaru stared at Midorima, realizing that in a battle of words, he would never come out on top.
After escaping the vicinity of the academy, Midorima finally relaxed.
For a moment, he had feared Orochimaru might stumble upon Sasuke, impulsively decide to kidnap him, and drag them both into chaos.
It wasn't that he cared about preserving the timeline—just that Orochimaru stood no chance against Itachi. And if they provoked Fugaku's wrath, leading to an Uchiha siege, their luck would truly run out.
As he looked up, Midorima spotted Ichiraku Ramen and grinned, striding toward it.
At last, he could finally taste the legendary ramen.
But just as he was about to enter, Orochimaru yanked him back by the collar.
"What now?" Midorima glared at him in annoyance.
"Do you know that girl?" Orochimaru pointed at a young woman who had just passed them.
"Who?" Midorima reflexively asked, but the moment he recognized her, cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Shizune—Tsunade's apprentice and the niece of the late Dan Katō.
If Shizune had been walking normally, she might not have caught Orochimaru's attention. But at this moment, she was acting suspiciously, as if tailing someone.
Shizune seemed oblivious to how obvious her behavior was—perhaps even convinced no one would notice. But even Midorima, with his ample counter-surveillance experience, could tell, let alone a seasoned veteran like Orochimaru.
"Let's go!"
Without waiting for Midorima's consent, Orochimaru pulled him along in pursuit of Shizune.
Midorima could only watch helplessly as Ichiraku Ramen slipped away, replaced by growing frustration.
Missing out on the ramen was a minor issue. The real problem was figuring out what Shizune was up to—because once Orochimaru took an interest, few escaped unscathed.
Thanks to the cursed seal, Midorima had no power to stop Orochimaru's actions.
He could only hope Shizune's business wouldn't pique Orochimaru's curiosity. Otherwise, things would take a dark turn.
Perhaps overconfident, Shizune remained unaware of being followed, her pace quickening as she pursued her target. Orochimaru and Midorima kept close, gradually discerning her objective.
Shizune was indeed tracking a shinobi, though only his back was visible.
When the man turned a corner, Midorima caught a glimpse of his face and immediately tensed.
Itachi Uchiha…
Why was Shizune following Itachi? Was this her own doing, or had Tsunade ordered it?
Midorima couldn't recall any prior connection between Shizune and Itachi.
Had his presence altered the course of events?
Lost in thought, Midorima continued trailing Shizune alongside Orochimaru.
*****
T/N: I Change the title from "Naruto: Starting as Defector in The HIdden Mist Village" to "Naruto: Planning My Defection From The Hidden Mist Village". Because a lot of people complaint that since the mc defection is take too long, the original title is wrong.