Chapter 91:
On this particular day, Orochimaru found himself lost in thought, considering where the best location would be to establish his experimental base. As he wandered aimlessly, he unknowingly drifted into the Konoha Village cemetery.
This place held significance for him, as it was due to his parents that he had learned summoning techniques. So, he paused in front of their graves to pay his respects. But to his surprise, it was here that Danzo decided to approach him.
He hadn't expected this meeting.
And now, Danzo was asking him to work directly under him?
Orochimaru's gaze shifted from the empty, silent cemetery to Danzo, whose hand and eye were not yet wrapped in the familiar bandages. After a moment of contemplation, he responded, "Work for you, Danzo-sama?"
"Exactly," Danzo replied, his voice calm and low. "You're not just talented. You're a genius. Someone like you shouldn't be wasting your potential."
Danzo was a master at manipulating people, an expert in playing with their minds. He didn't think Orochimaru would be able to resist his offer.
"But... my teacher is the Third Hokage," Orochimaru said steadily.
He knew that in the ninja world, a student remained under their mentor until something drastic happened, like the mentor dying or becoming incapacitated. Hiruzen had been his guiding figure since his days as a genin. Even if Orochimaru had his own ambitions, agreeing to something like this so easily would be impossible.