Naruto: Swarm System

Following the root member, Shishou quickly arrived at the base he had discovered earlier.

The root member approached a hidden tree root, fiddled with it, and revealed an electronic keypad.

Seeing the root member inputting the code, Shishou quietly activated his Sharingan, copying the movements entirely.

As the root member entered the code and disappeared inside, Shishou was about to reveal himself when another figure appeared at the keypad. Mimicking the root member's actions, they entered the code and slipped inside.

"Is that an ANBU member?"

Seeing the distinctive ANBU mask, Shishou was taken aback.

Why would the Third Hokage's ANBU be investigating Danzo's Root?

Could there be a major secret hidden here?

Approaching the keypad, Shishou placed his finger on the seam of the door.

Phosphorescent Worms were released from his fingertip, quickly burrowing inside and forming into the shape of Orochimaru on the other side.

Given that the subjects involved were Danzo and the Third Hokage, Shishou unhesitatingly chose to disguise himself as Orochimaru.

After all, with Orochimaru's persona,

His presence anywhere wouldn't seem strange.

And whatever he planned to do wouldn't be surprising either.

Isn't that peculiar?

After releasing the Phosphorescent Worms, Shishou returned to the forest to conceal himself, starting to control the Phosphorescent Worms, which had taken the form of Orochimaru, and made them walk into the passage.

Thanks to the system, Shishou could control and share the vision of the Phosphorescent Worm clones within a kilometer.

Although they couldn't act independently like regular clones, being able to control and share vision made them a very useful skill for Shishou.

Controlling the 'Orochimaru,' Shishou heard the sounds of a fight ahead after a few steps.

Then, Danzo's voice echoed.

"Yugao, admit it, were you sent by Hiruzen?"

Uzuki Yugao, kneeling on the ground and clutching her injured left hand, gritted her teeth as she looked at Danzo and said,

"No, I just noticed many giant animals disappearing in the Forest of Death and came to investigate. I followed a Root member when I saw him."

The Forest of Death was Konoha's training ground for ninja, and the giant beasts inside were precious training tools.

With the Chunin Exams approaching, and being one of the proctors appointed by the Third Hokage, Yugao naturally paid close attention to the situation in the Forest of Death.

Noticing the discrepancy in animal numbers, she immediately came to investigate, only to find herself caught by Danzo.

"You silly girl!"

Why are you so foolish?

If you had mentioned the Third Hokage as your backing, Danzo might have had some reservations and spared your life.

But now...

Tsk, tsk, tsk, there's no saving you.

Outside the base, Shishou, listening to Yugao's response through the Phosphorescent Worms, sighed helplessly.

However, given that Yugao had just been promoted to Chunin and was only thirteen or fourteen, it was understandable that she was a bit naive.

As expected, as soon as Yugao finished speaking,

Danzo turned to leave, instructing his subordinates,

"Take care of her."

The secrets in this laboratory couldn't be allowed to be known by outsiders.

Whoosh!

Hearing Danzo's order, Yugao's face turned pale, and she immediately used the Body Flicker Technique to escape down the passage behind her.

Three Root members simultaneously used the Body Flicker Technique, chasing after Yugao and disappearing together.

Bang, bang, bang!

Three thudding sounds echoed in the dark passage.

The next moment,

Shishou, carrying the injured Uzuki Yugao, walked out of the passage and stood before Danzo.

Since it was his fault for causing the situation by transforming animals, he couldn't just stand by and watch her get killed.

So he used the Flying Thunder God seal left by the Phosphorescent Worm clone to enter the base and save her.

Of course, he appeared disguised as Orochimaru, using the Phosphorescent Worms, to avoid causing trouble for himself.

"Orochimaru?"

Danzo's pupils contracted as he looked at the figure.

If there was anyone in this base Danzo least wanted to see, it would be the Third Hokage, followed by Orochimaru.

This base was built for the Wood Release human experiments to replicate Yamato's abilities.

It involved human experimentation, so he didn't want the Third Hokage to know.

It also involved Yamato, so he didn't want Orochimaru to know either.

Because Yamato was someone he had hidden away from Orochimaru, leading Orochimaru to believe the Wood Release experiments had failed, abandoning the research on Hashirama's cells.

If Orochimaru found out now, it would lead to a relentless pursuit.

"Orochimaru!"

Uzuki Yugao, upon hearing that it was Orochimaru who saved her, was shocked. She tried to struggle out of Orochimaru's grasp.

She had heard many horrifying stories about Orochimaru's inhumane experiments and would rather die than fall into his hands.

However, her hand was injured, and with Shishou holding her legs while she lay over his shoulder, she couldn't muster any strength and could only twist and turn.

"Stay still!"

Seeing Yugao wriggling, Shishou frowned and gave her a pat on the backside.

Hmm, this hind leg meat is really nice!

"Ugh..."

The sudden attack on her sensitive area made Yugao blush with anger and fear, causing her to pass out from the shock.

"Hehehehe, Danzo-sama, long time no see."

Ignoring the fainted Yugao, Shishou imitated Orochimaru's voice, addressing Danzo.

"Why has your voice changed like this?"

"Tell me, why have you come to see me?" Danzo, recovering from his initial shock, remained wary.

What?

Did I imitate it wrong?

Isn't this how Orochimaru laughs?

Shishou internally complained and, recalling Orochimaru's persona, carefully spoke.

"I heard the Uchiha clan was wiped out and came to ask Danzo-sama for a few corpses for my research."

Asking for Uchiha corpses was indeed something Orochimaru might do.

"I see."

Danzo immediately accepted the explanation, as it was something Orochimaru would indeed do.

"Ryoma," Danzo called out to Aburame Ryoma behind him.

"Yes."

Aburame Ryoma handed a scroll to Shishou.

There really are some!

Danzo, you old dog, you don't even spare the dead Uchiha.

"In that case, I shall take my leave."

Shishou took the scroll and began to retreat.

For him, rescuing Uzuki Yugao was the primary objective, and he seized the opportunity to leave.

He didn't want to clash with Danzo, who possessed Uchiha Shisui's right eye, just yet.

"Leave Uzuki Yugao behind!"

Glancing at Yugao on 'Orochimaru's' shoulder, Danzo demanded.

Although Yugao hadn't seen the inside of the lab, Danzo didn't feel safe.

"Don't worry, she'll never appear in Konoha again."

Shishou merged into the passage, leaving with these words.

"Ryoma, relocate the entire lab immediately!"

Watching 'Orochimaru' leave, Danzo turned and entered the lab, instructing Aburame Ryoma.

"Yes."

...

Meanwhile,

Shishou returned to the Forest of Death, killed the bugs sent by Aburame Ryoma to track him, and quickly left with Uzuki Yugao.

Soon, he used the Flying Thunder God technique to return to the lab, hiding in the shadows and using the Phosphorescent Worm clone to explore the entire lab.

"So, it's a Wood Release human experiment lab!"

After understanding the situation, Shishou's eyes narrowed as he disappeared.