Naruto: Binding Uchiha Sasuke, Hundredfold Return

"Heh, but I don't just want you to watch. I also want you to make a move. What do you think?" Kazuki smiled at Orochimaru, though his expression was more like a smiling tiger—full of threat.

Orochimaru understood Kazuki's intentions, he was being forced to choose sides, to prove his loyalty.

Months ago, he'd feared Kazuki's strength and was coerced into surrender. Outwardly, he promised to share his research with Kazuki, but in reality, he'd withheld every bit of progress from him. During this time, he bled Konoha dry for resources, doing whatever he wanted. Whenever funds ran low, he simply went to Danzo without troubling Kazuki at all. Had Kazuki not approached him today, Orochimaru might have forgotten the original agreement altogether.

"Of course!" Orochimaru replied without hesitation, knowing both Kazuki's and Danzo's capabilities well.

Kazuki was a bit surprised by Orochimaru's swift agreement. He thought Orochimaru and Danzo might have formed an alliance by now, expecting at least some reluctance. But Orochimaru had little sense of loyalty, always willing to do whatever it took to reach his goals. Moreover, there was no real friendship between him and Danzo—only shared interests. With his benefits currently tied to Kazuki, he had no choice but to side with him.

"Good. When this is over, I'll send you an interesting test subject. You might find a path to immortality with him." Kazuki said confidently. "Tonight at midnight, we meet outside the Hokage Building. Sasuke, we're leaving."

Kazuki seemed entirely confident in Orochimaru, turning to leave with Sasuke.

A shadow emerged from the darkness.

"Orochimaru-sama, has he left?"

"Mm, have you hidden those test subjects?"

"Don't worry, Orochimaru-sama. I've already moved them to the underground passage. Without us, no one will ever find them."

"Good." A cunning glint flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.

He'd sensed Kazuki's presence the moment they entered. To prevent him from discovering his latest experiments, he'd instructed Kabuto to hide the subjects while he distracted Kazuki at the door.

"At midnight, transfer those test subjects to the Sound Village."

"But… why, Orochimaru-sama?"

"That man left a Flying Thunder God seal here. Who knows when he'll come to check on things," Orochimaru said, glancing at a corner where the mark was hidden.

Kabuto followed his gaze, feeling an uneasy tension, but quickly voiced his question. "Orochimaru-sama, why are we hiding this from him? Isn't this experiment a joint effort?"

Orochimaru smirked. "Kabuto, our relationship with that man isn't equal. The only reason he hasn't killed us yet is that we're still useful to him! If we ever lose our value, we'll end up like Danzo."

Kabuto understood immediately. They were concealing their findings, not because they didn't want to share, but because they couldn't afford to!

As long as the research was incomplete, they still had value. During this time, they could continue to provide small updates to Kazuki, giving the illusion of progress.

"Alright, let's prepare. Killing Shimura Danzo… I never thought I'd live to see the day," Orochimaru chuckled.

On the other side, after leaving, Sasuke's disdain for Orochimaru grew.

"Kazuki, I don't think Orochimaru is truly loyal to you. I suspect he's hiding something."

"Yes, I see that," Kazuki replied indifferently.

"Then why didn't you just kill him?" Sasuke asked, frowning.

"He's still useful. Let him be, for now," Kazuki responded.

"What value does he have?" Sasuke frowned deeper. During the Chunin Exams, he might have respected Orochimaru's power, but now his strength had surpassed Orochimaru's by far. He didn't see Orochimaru as a threat anymore.

"A scientific genius, with research worth exploiting."

"Research?"

Sasuke didn't understand what Kazuki wanted from Orochimaru's research but knew Orochimaru's nature.

"With Orochimaru's character, I doubt he'd willingly share his findings with you!"

"True, but it doesn't matter. As long as his research is fruitful, I'll find a way to obtain it," Kazuki said confidently.

Seeing Kazuki's certainty, Sasuke decided to drop the subject.

When midnight arrived, Orochimaru appeared near the Hokage Building just as Kazuki and Sasuke arrived.

Gazing at the brightly lit building, Kazuki issued the mission instructions.

"Orochimaru, you'll attack the Hokage Building from the front to draw their attention. Sasuke will enter and assassinate Danzo. Once he exits, you'll cover his retreat, then you can withdraw as well. Understood?"

"And you?"

"I'll be overseeing from the shadows."

"Understood. No problem," Orochimaru agreed, knowing he had no choice.

"Move!"

At Kazuki's command, Orochimaru advanced toward the Hokage Building, simultaneously running and forming hand seals.

"Summoning Technique: Manda!"

"Konoha again, Orochimaru? You're invading Konoha again?"

"The usual deal—one thousand sacrifices!" Orochimaru snapped, uninterested in Manda's complaints, quickly naming his price.

The commotion had already alerted the ANBU stationed in the building. Within moments, a dozen ANBU operatives charged toward Orochimaru and Manda.

"There are too many of them, Orochimaru. You'll need to pay extra!"

"Fine!"

Inside the Hokage Building, Danzo was struggling to figure out how to deal with Konoha's rising chaos. More and more ANBU were leaving, and rumors were spreading fast among the villagers. His usual tough tactics no longer seemed effective.

He planned to head to the Root Division to borrow some men from Sasuke, but with Sasuke absent, he didn't dare to make any unauthorized moves. Just as he was mulling over his options, a disturbance erupted outside, marked by explosions. Danzo realized trouble had arrived.

"What's happening?!"

Danzo sprang to his feet, preparing for evacuation. A few ANBU immediately appeared around him to ensure his safety.

"Danzo-sama, it's Orochimaru! He's controlling a Summoning Beast and attacking the Hokage Building!"

"Orochimaru?" Danzo was baffled.

To him, anyone else might attack the Hokage Building, but Orochimaru was the last person he expected. After all, Orochimaru was not only his former loyal subordinate but also his partner in their recent ventures. Even if he was desperate, attacking outright didn't seem like Orochimaru's style.

"Could it be…"

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg