"Orochimaru grows bolder by the day; he seems to have forgotten who's been supporting his research from the shadows. Without Root's help, his research couldn't have been completed."
Aburame Ryuma snorted discontentedly.
"Don't say that. At least his intellect is commendable. As long as he continues researching for us, a few conflicts are not a big deal."
"Then about Uchiha Itachi..."
"We'll keep watching for a while; now is not the best time to approach him."
Danzo shook his head, said only that, and then turned and left.
◎
Land of Rainbow, inside an abandoned cabin in the mountain woods, surrounded by dense trees covered in white snow.
A woman with long red hair stood on a snow-laden branch, seemingly on guard, surveying the surroundings for any anomalies.
Ninjas were also hidden among some of the trees beside her.
Their presence was concealed superbly, evidently well-trained in such matters.
They communicated using the Land of Demons' latest wireless models, making information exchange convenient.
As time passed, snow fell heavier, covering the view in an overwhelming whiteness.
Despite the dreadful conditions, no one complained; they kept vigil in their designated positions, eyes scanning unblinkingly.
The red-haired woman, evidently the leader, sensed something and pressed a button, activating the radio at her lips.
She quietly communicated with her team members:
"Attention, there are intruders within the perimeter. Three at two-hundred-fifty meters, three o'clock direction; six at three-hundred-ten meters, eleven o'clock direction; four at two-hundred-sixty meters, seven o'clock direction. Neutralize them swiftly; don't let any escape!"
Following her command, three figures dispersed from three trees, heading towards the directions she indicated.
The assailants were unaware that their position had been exposed.
Using the wind and snow to mask their presence, they cautiously advanced through the snow.
"The target is ahead; are you all ready?"
The leading ninja of one team asked softly, looking back.
"Yes."
"Alright, follow my orders later; full-speed assault. The target is the Fourth Mizukage Karatachi Yagura's head!"
The leading ninja drew a ninja blade from his back, bloodlust gleaming in his eyes.
His subordinates were also prepared, poised for attack.
"Now!"
Seeing everything ready, the leader charged forward, followed closely by his three subordinates.
At that moment, a silhouette appeared silently on the snow-covered path, blocking their way.
"Anbu? Stay out of this!"
The leading ninja's eyes sharpened as his blade sliced the air in a crescent arc, slashing through the silhouette.
"Wha-what!?"
No physical sensation of a body being hit, as if slicing through unobstructed air.
"What's happening? I clearly hit, why isn't there any feeling..."
Unsure of what transpired, the lead ninja thought it was surely a lethal strike, yet felt no contact with flesh.
This eerie feeling was unlike anything experienced before.
Illusion Technique? The leader considered briefly but dismissed the notion.
The figure blocking the road was merely a teenage boy with spiky hair—his clothing adorned with a distinctly emblematic fan crest.
"Uchiha... Why are Konoha Ninjas appearing here?"
Seeing this, the leader was utterly confused.
Their target was clearly the Fourth Mizukage Karatachi Yagura, so why were Konoha Ninjas here?
Could their intelligence have been wrong?
The spiky-haired youth did not care about their internal concerns, making hand seals where he stood, promptly spewing a fireball at one of the enemies.
That individual leaped to evade, dodging the fireball.
"Careful, he's behind you!"
Attempts to support were too late; only warnings could be shouted.
"What?"
The man turned back in shock to see the spiky-haired boy, who was originally on the snow, somehow now behind him.
His right eye emitted a red glow, with strange black patterns appearing in it.
Wherever the red eye focused, the air twisted into a vortex.
One assailant, like a conjured illusion, vanished mysteriously from mid-air.
The other three assailants, including the leader, watched in wide-eyed disbelief, not understanding what had transpired.
The spiky-haired boy fixed his red eye on the remaining three and addressed them:
"One down, now it's your turn."