Son Goku's Disciple Naruto

'What could Danzo want with me, especially now?'

The Mizuki's message had been an unwelcome distraction. Orochimaru paced in the darkness of the forest thinking over Danzo's possible intentions, his thoughts turning inward. He was being hunted by Akatsuki, the very organization he had once joined, whose members were all S-rank missing-nin-including Itachi, the man who had laid his clan to waste.

Two years ago, his ambition had driven him to challenge Itachi for the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan. It was a mistake that cost him an arm, his confidence shattered by a genjutsu that had overwhelmed him completely. 

Losing an arm was crippling for a ninja who relied on hand signs, and in his despair, Orochimaru had been forced to abandon his body, using the forbidden Living Corpse Reincarnation to seize a new vessel. He kept the severed limb as a stark reminder of his failure, a relic that only fueled his obsession with the Sharingan's power.

It would be a mistake to assume Orochimaru's Genjutsu was weak simply because Itachi had overwhelmed him. In fact, Orochimaru considered his Genjutsu one of his most prized abilities. He could make people fall into illusions with just his Killing Intent. 

His current body was largely acquired using genjutsu.

The official Bingo Book listed Orochimaru's capabilities (0-5 with 5 maximum within conventional shinobi stats): Ninjutsu: 5, Taijutsu: 3.5, Genjutsu: 5, Intelligence: 5, Strength: 3.5, Speed: 4.5, Stamina: 3.5, Hand Signs: 5, Total: 35 (out of 40).

While his Strength and Taijutsu stats indicated he wasn't proficient in close combat, he had developed the Soft Physique Modification specifically to counter taijutsu damage. Even a value of 3.5, the lowest on his record, still placed him far above ordinary ninja. His Genjutsu rating of 5, the maximum possible value, signified his ability was top-tier in the ninja world.

To have an ability reach its absolute peak, to stand at the world's summit with no further room for improvement, only to be seemingly casually defeated by another, it was enough to make anyone covet that power, to be utterly tempted.

Although Itachi's thought process was unusual, his Genjutsu was truly powerful. While others reached a Genjutsu 5 because their skill peaked there, Itachi's Genjutsu only registered as a 5, because that is the maximum value that can be used.

'The Sharingan… why didn't I see its value sooner?'

He had commanded Uchiha clan members during the Great Ninja Wars, but in his arrogance, he had dismissed their dojutsu as little more than a novelty, no different from the Byakugan. He only recognized his error after Itachi left him defeated and humbled.

Now, it was too late. The Uchiha were gone.

Not long ago, Orochimaru had cut ties with the organization, citing a clash of ideologies but mainly because they took too much time away from his research and they didn't provide proper funding. 

He also knew they were now hunting him across the world.

'And now, of all times, a message from him.' While he and Danzo had maintained a line of communication since his defection, it was never frequent. Orochimaru's golden, snake-like eyes narrowed as he considered the possibilities. 'It seems that old warhawk knows something. Does he want information on the Akatsuki? Or is this a warning to stay out of Konoha's affairs until he gives approval?'

'Whatever his purpose,' Orochimaru mused, a thin smile touching his lips, 'I suppose I'll find out soon enough.'

Three days later, Naruto received the reply: 'Konoha Border. Tonight.'

--**--**

Night had fallen. A round moon hung low in the sky, its soft light spilling over the forest floor. Dressed in the standard uniform of Root, Naruto arrived at the designated location, flanked by two other operatives. He couldn't help but notice the full moon, a recurring theme for his night missions.

'The moonlight is beautiful,' he thought, a flicker of longing stirring within him. 'I wish I could be sharing it with Hinata.' But the Hyuga clan's rules were strict, she wouldn't be allowed out so late, not even after being stripped of her position as heir.

At the edge of a clearing, Orochimaru was already waiting. Dressed in a simple white kimono, he stood out against the deep shadows of the forest, his presence unmistakable. He had brought his own subordinates.

"Orochimaru-sama," Naruto said, keeping his voice calm and even. "An S-rank missing-nin, walking right up to Konoha's border without so much as a disguise. Aren't you afraid of being discovered by Hokage-sama?"

For Orochimaru, who had lived in Konoha since childhood, Konoha's barrier was no different from a sieve. As long as he wished, he could come and go freely throughout the entire Konoha. Let alone being at the Konoha border, even going to Hokage Rock wouldn't be an issue. Whether he could return in one piece afterward was another matter.

"You're late." Orochimaru waved a hand to silence his own men, his voice a low, distinct husky voice. He ignored the jab. "Where is Danzo? Tell him to come see me."

'Why is this Root ninja talking so much?' Orochimaru wondered, a flicker of annoyance in his gaze. As his eyes roamed around, 'This doesn't seem like a trap and I made sure to only give 1 hour notice, after checking with Kabuto for Root and Anbu movements.'

"Danzo-sama has more important matters to attend to," Naruto replied flatly. "From now on, I will be your point of contact."

A hint of Killing Intent flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. He was one of the Legendary Sannin, the leader of his own hidden village, a man whose name was feared across the nations. He had worked directly with Danzo even from within Root. Who was this boy to speak for him?

"Just you?" Orochimaru's voice instantly turned cold, and the surrounding temperature plummeted. A terrifying Killing Intent instantly permeated the entire forest.

Orochimaru's strength wasn't something a third-rate character from Kusagakure could even fathom. Even Mui, recognized as the strongest in the Land of Grass, was leagues behind Orochimaru. His aura alone was greater than that of an entire village.

"What is that old fool want?" Orochimaru demanded.

"I cannot stand by if you speak disrespectfully to Danz-sama. That applies even to you." Even Orochimaru's subordinates trembled under his Killing Intent, which wasn't even directed at them. Yet, Naruto, facing the Killing Intent directly, wasn't bothered by it. Instead, he even issued a warning: "I hope there won't be a next time."

He paused, letting the silence hang in the air. "And a suggestion, Orochimaru-sama. This is Konoha. It would be wise to restrain yourself. Releasing your killing intent so carelessly might attract the Anbu, and they report directly to the Hokage-sama. That could become... troublesome."

"Interesting." Orochimaru's lips curved into a predatory smile. He withdrew his aura, studying the masked boy with a newfound curiosity. The killing intent had been a test. If the boy had shown the slightest fear, he would be a corpse on the forest floor, and Orochimaru would simply have told Danzo his messenger was disrespectful. Not everyone earned the right to speak to him as an equal.

'Where did Danzo find this one? He must be one of Root's prized prospects, like Torune Aburame once was.' A familiar pang of envy struck him. 'Konoha is truly blessed, with an endless supply of geniuses. I've scoured the Five Great Nations and found only a handful of decent candidates.'

He gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod. "You pass. For now." His golden eyes fixed on Naruto. "Speak. What does Danzo want?"

Naruto's posture remained rigid, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Everything I am about to say is the will of Danzo-sama."

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