Hokage's Office
Danzo pushed the door open and walked in.
The very first thing he heard was Drake boldly questioning Hiruzen to his face.
"Beautiful," Danzo thought, practically overjoyed.
If Drake offends Hiruzen, doesn't that just open the door for me?
Seeing Hiruzen's expression darken, Danzo quickly stepped forward to "help" fuel the fire.
"Hiruzen, this one's on you~~"
"Team Nine joined ANBU yesterday, yet here they are today without even proper ANBU uniforms."
Danzo's perfectly-timed interference redirected Hiruzen's focus.
"What do you suggest then, Danzo?" Hiruzen asked flatly.
"Well… let them wear Root uniforms for now," Danzo offered smoothly.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes.
Root uniforms? You might as well just say send them straight to Root.
But then another problem surfaced.
If he reprimanded Drake too harshly, would Team Nine grow dissatisfied with ANBU?
And if Danzo whispered a few sweet lies, would they abandon ANBU and transfer to Root instead?
That would be disastrous.
After a cool breath, Hiruzen calmed himself.
"Drake, you all go prepare first. Your uniforms will be ready shortly."
Team Nine withdrew.
Outside the Hokage Tower
Everyone looked at Drake with newfound admiration.
"Drake… that was insanely bold," Rin said, eyes practically glowing.
She was completely swept away by his commanding presence.
"I thought we were about to get punished…" Yugao muttered, still shaken.
"How did you even dare talk to the Hokage like that?" Anko asked, her eyes never leaving him.
This man… I want to conquer him.
"Drake-senpai is amazing!" Yamato exclaimed, openly worshipful.
Their understanding of his fearlessness deepened yet again.
"Aren't you worried the Hokage might target you later?" Kakashi asked.
"I was in the right. Why should I be afraid?" Drake replied calmly.
Kakashi: …There he goes flexing again.
Half an Hour Later
ANBU uniforms and masks were delivered. Along with them came a scroll.
"Your codenames will be assigned after this mission," the ANBU messenger said, vanishing instantly.
The operation name: 'Serpent Hunt'
The scroll contained intelligence on Orochimaru's recent movements — fragmented, messy, and riddled with decoys.
Clearly, serious filtering was needed.
From the village gate, Team Nine set out.
On the Road
"Three days ago he was seen in the Land of Waves, and two days ago in the Land of Grass?" Kakashi sighed.
"Another report says he appeared in the Land of Rice Fields." Rin added.
"Cloud claims Orochimaru attacked them too," Yugao said.
"And Stone says the same!" Anko scoffed.
After comparing everything, everyone looked dizzy.
If they followed every lead, they'd have to cross half the ninja world.
"Drake-senpai, what's your suggestion?" Yamato asked respectfully.
Drake tilted his head, gazing at the sky.
"My advice? Rest here."
And with that, he leapt casually onto a nearby tree.
Team Nine: "..."
It was barely morning!
But they understood — Drake was communicating with the trees again.
Leaning against the trunk, Drake entered a silent exchange with the forest.
Land of Rice Fields (Future Sound Village)
Deep within a dense forest, Orochimaru emerged from an underground passage and leaned against a tree.
"Haa… building a lab alone really is troublesome."
Regenerating his chakra, he frowned.
A base. Funding. Manpower.
He had none of it.
And who was responsible?
Danzo.
"That damned Danzo…"
"If he kicked me out of Konoha, then I'll make him pay in return."
A dark, twisted smile surfaced.
From his sleeve, he pulled out a scroll.
Hisssss…
A green snake coiled around it and slithered away toward the Land of Grass.
He was about to expose Danzo's crimes.
If Orochimaru fell, Danzo would fall too.
Fair and just.
Meanwhile...
"Hmm?"
Drake stood up atop the tree, faintly surprised.
"That fast?"
He had assumed Orochimaru was holed up in some deep underground hideout — yet here he was.
"Move out! Land of Rice Fields!"
Team Nine instantly followed.
On the Way
"You really found him already?" Kakashi asked.
"Yup. Want to guess what one of the Legendary Sannin is doing right now?" Drake said mysteriously.
"I think he's training," Rin guessed.
"Shouldn't he be fleeing?" Yugao disagreed.
"Orochimaru is too calm for that," Anko added.
"Yamato, what do you think?" Drake turned.
Yamato pondered seriously.
"Maybe… he's using the bathroom?"
Silence.
Drake gently patted his shoulder.
"From now on, speak less."
"So what is he doing then?" Rin asked.
Drake smirked.
"Orochimaru?
He's digging tunnels."
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