With Orochimaru leading the way, they slipped into Konoha without expending the slightest effort. Looking at the familiar streets, Aoyama took in a deep breath of fresh air, then asked curiously:
"So… what exactly is our mission? Don't tell me we came back to Konoha just to take a vacation for a few days."
Orochimaru, disguised as a farmer, gave a low chuckle.
"Ku ku ku ku… of course not. Pain's orders are simple: we're to uncover Konoha's current state—particularly who took over as the new Root leader after Shimura Danzō's death. And we're to investigate the status of the Uchiha clan."
While saying this, Orochimaru, still in his farmer guise, politely stepped aside to make way for a swaggering samurai.
Despite being in the ninja world, samurai were far from extinct. In fact, nobles from the great nations often preferred to keep samurai in their service. For ordinary civilians, samurai commanded as much respect as ninja.
The burly warrior, face rough and full of arrogance, strode past without giving the "farmer" Orochimaru a second glance.
Orochimaru's disguise was flawless—none of his usual sinister aura showed. If Aoyama didn't already know, he might have thought the man before him truly was a humble farmer.
But as they walked, the road grew increasingly remote. Aoyama hesitated before asking:
"Gathering intel, I get it… But why are we heading toward the Uchiha compound? Shouldn't we check Root first?"
As they approached the Uchiha territory, Aoyama could sense several hidden gazes watching from the shadows.
Orochimaru sneered.
"Ku ku ku ku… You really think Danzō is dead? That man fears death more than anyone. Going near Root would be a waste of time. Better to snatch a Uchiha and conduct some research."
Orochimaru's greed for the Sharingan was well-known, though at this stage, he had yet to fully grasp its true power.
Not long after, a patrolling Uchiha was struck by a poisonous snake bite on the leg. His consciousness blurred, and he collapsed instantly.
Orochimaru dragged the unconscious Uchiha over and kicked him at Aoyama's feet.
"Take him. We're leaving Konoha."
Since Orochimaru was still his "teacher," Aoyama had no choice but to comply. But the moment he hoisted the Uchiha onto his shoulder, several masked figures appeared, surrounding Orochimaru in an instant.
They wore the armor and masks of ANBU, their killing intent subtle but palpable—clearly elites.
Aoyama, balancing the unconscious Uchiha, calmly drew his Zanpakutō, eyes narrowing as he studied the figures.
Orochimaru smirked.
"Just as I thought… aren't you going to show yourself, Elder Shimura Danzō?"
The name sent a ripple of shock through the air. Danzō was supposed to be dead, yet here was Orochimaru speaking his name so casually.
A bent, aged figure stepped forward—it was indeed Shimura Danzō. Though frail in body, the oppressive darkness he exuded made one's skin crawl.
So the masked ninja weren't ANBU after all, but Root operatives—Danzō's most loyal enforcers.
Danzō waved a hand, dismissing his men. They melted back into the shadows, but Aoyama could still feel their watchful eyes.
"Orochimaru," Danzō said coldly, "release the Uchiha, and I will let you walk away alive."
But Orochimaru only shook his head, chuckling.
"That won't do. I didn't come all this way just to leave empty-handed. Besides… you're not quite yourself, are you? This form—you've been revived through Edo Tensei, haven't you? Perhaps by Ryoma's hand?"
The pieces fell into place. The oppressive aura wasn't just Danzō's malice—it was the chill of the grave. He had returned as one of the undead, bound by Edo Tensei.
Of course, Aoyama knew exactly what Edo Tensei was, but he was surprised that in this version of events, Danzō had been resurrected. In the original timeline, that never happened. Still, it made sense. With his ties to Orochimaru and access to the Forbidden Scroll, Danzō's learning Edo Tensei wasn't impossible.
Danzō nodded calmly.
"Correct. I am in the state of Edo Tensei. And I am more than satisfied. I no longer age, nor can I die. My chakra is limitless. Even against Hiruzen, I am confident of victory."
Orochimaru chuckled again, eyes glittering.
"Ku ku ku ku… yet Edo Tensei also strips you of your chance to ever become Hokage. So, you hid yourself away in Root, waiting for me. How amusing."
"Orochimaru," Danzō said firmly, "you have perfected Edo Tensei. You must also know of a way to make it permanent—to truly restore life. Tell me how, and I will allow you to leave with that Uchiha."
Orochimaru threw back his head and laughed long and loud.
"Ku ku ku ku… Danzō, you really are a dreamer. Even if such a method exists, why do you assume I would give it to you?"
Danzō's face darkened, his voice rising.
"Orochimaru! Do not forget—your research, your funding, your materials—they all came from me. The results of your work belong to me as well!"
Orochimaru only nodded, smiling.
"Yes, of course. That's why I already gave you the Wood Release cell research, the perfected Edo Tensei, and even the Sharingan implantation techniques. Our cooperation ended long ago. I have given you more than enough."
He leaned closer, eyes narrowing.
"But now you demand even more? That doesn't suit our current… relationship, wouldn't you say?"
Aoyama glanced sideways. Danzō's tone was angry, but his eyes remained as cold and calm as ever—calculating.
Finally, Danzō grunted.
"Even if you don't have it now, I know you can develop it. I will continue supplying you with funding and resources. All I ask is that you find a way to make Edo Tensei vessels truly live again."
"Hiruzen believes I am already dead. This suits me. From the shadows, I shall continue guarding Konoha in my own way. Whatever you want, I will provide. In return, you will perfect true resurrection."
Danzō's gaze sharpened, his voice chilling.
It is all… for Konoha. Orochimaru—you must help me live again!