Chapter 189:
Had it been that long since Orochimaru last exchanged something from the system's store? The last time was years ago, when he'd given the Uchiha clan wireless communication devices. Pushing aside the nostalgia, he refocused on finding a tool that could be of practical use. The system's store was filled with auxiliary gadgets that could be exchanged for use but not reproduced on a mass scale. For any kind of large-scale production, significant research into basic daily technologies was necessary.
But during wartime, Orochimaru had little time for such extensive studies.
Surveillance cameras were simple, low-tier technology that required minimal tech points, even less than the raw materials for genetic repair fluid. The cost was trivial, 1–3 points per camera, and each was more advanced than anything Konoha could deploy for surveillance.
As for installation? For Orochimaru, it was child's play.
All he needed to do was find a way around Konoha's existing surveillance network, wait for a moment when Kushina wasn't home, and slip in. ANBU's watch over the Jinchuriki wasn't relentless. They had their blind spots.
A week later, inside a secure guest room in Orochimaru's residence, six screens glowed with different camera feeds. He watched them with satisfaction. Six views in total: one in the bedroom, one in the living room, one in the hallway, and three covering the front and back streets leading to the property.
The coverage was comprehensive. Orochimaru's goal was clear—observe Kushina's habits, waiting for the right moment to make his move. Her house, though modestly sized, was in a less favorable part of Konoha, much like Danzo's residence near the village's edge.
Orochimaru kept watch on Kushina with the goal of the Nine-Tails in mind. Konoha's surveillance, however, was meant to safeguard their Jinchuriki. But now, they were not only monitoring her, they had their eyes on Orochimaru too. It was an unspoken reality.
The ANBU tasked with monitoring Danzo's movements had been instructed to keep tabs on Orochimaru's activities, though their efforts were subtle. With Orochimaru's high vigilance, tailing him directly was impossible. He knew Hiruzen was wary, but it didn't matter. Being involved with Danzo had pulled him into Konoha's political undercurrent. There was no going back.