Several months have passed since Tō arrived at Orochimaru's base. Under Tō's watchful eye, Orochimaru had made significant progress in forbidden technique research, though none of his test subjects yet met his exacting standards. Meanwhile, Orochimaru's snake-like persona only grew more intense—his gaze nearly made Tō's heart stop, especially when focused on Tō's Sharingan.
Tō suspected Orochimaru had many secrets still hidden, like the emergence of shinobi he recognized from the original story, such as Sakon and Ukon—rarely seen but powerful, on par with mid-level chūnin. More chilling was his encounter with Kimimaro, who treated Tō like a living weapon and seemed to revel in it. Tō felt confident he could defeat Kimimaro if only he used his Sharingan-enhanced genjutsu—but he dared not test himself yet, not under Orochimaru's watch.
In contrast, Kabuto had become a master of medical ninjutsu—an undeniable genius. During training sparring without Tō's beasts or Sharingan activated, Kabuto held his own. His strategic mind impressed Tō deeply—he could deduce environmental advantages, conceal his moves, and adapt quickly. Tō respected Kabuto's talent.
It became clear Orochimaru was researching Edo Tensei, the Sharingan, and the Senju lineage chakra. While practicing lightning-style jutsu one day, Kabuto appeared, his expression unusually serious. "Tō, Lord Orochimaru requests your presence."
Tō ceased his practice and followed.
"Something's up," he whispered to Kabuto. "Your smile didn't reach your eyes."
Kabuto halted and took a breath. "You know I'm being sent as a spy to Konoha, yes?"
Tō nodded. He recalled Orochimaru arranging Kabuto's identity as part of the bargain with Danzo—trading useful intel for power.
"These past months," Kabuto continued, tone firm, "I've discovered what I truly want... and that is to kill Danzo."
Cold hatred flashed in his eyes—determination and calculated purpose.
Tō paused, surprised—and then resolute. Danzo was indeed tainted; if they had the means, he too would strike him down.
"But we lack the strength for that," Tō noted casually—but his serious gaze revealed he understood.
Kabuto smiled darkly. "Then we borrow strength." He gestured toward Orochimaru's domain. "We plant seeds of mistrust between Orochimaru and Danzo. If their alliance cracks, we exploit the chaos."
Tō admired the cunning. He leaned in, whispering a plan so subtle that both broke into cold laughter before returning to Orochimaru's lab.
Inside, Orochimaru studied a mysterious snake-like specimen in a jar. He looked up as they entered. "Tomorrow, you return to report. Kabuto, your spy identity is ready."
Both bowed, respect evident. Orochimaru handed Tō a sealed scroll. "Take this to Danzo. And remember, if Danzo becomes too difficult, he can come to me," he said with that unsettling smirk.
"The more I research the Sharingan, the more I want its power," Orochimaru continued, voice dripping with ambition. "Ninjutsu demands vast chakra; taijutsu demands a perfect body; and neither lasts forever—unless you combine them with an eye that transcends all jutsu."
He paused, eyes burning. "Too bad you haven't awakened the third tomoe yet. If you had... I would study you first, hehe."
His gaze was unnerving. Tō nodded and accepted the scroll, retreating swiftly so as not to linger.
Watching him go, Orochimaru turned to Kabuto: "He hasn't unlocked the third tomoe?"
Kabuto shook his head. "Danzo confirmed he hasn't—just two tomoe. But no one questions his talent."
"Pity," Orochimaru muttered. "The Uchiha prodigy—but without full tomoe, you can't harvest the full power... yet. Just know, Danzo is using me as much as I use him. He wants my forbidden jutsu, and I want his authority."
Laughing coldly, Orochimaru concluded, "We are mutual tools—each using the other to obtain what we truly desire."
In this web of deceit, envy, and ambition, two young shinobi—Tō and Kabuto—stand as instruments of fate, working together to unravel the power plays between Orochimaru and Danzo.