NABC Chapter 200 Operation Begins
Chapter 200 Operation Begins
After Tsunade learned of Orochimaru's transformation from Boruto and Jiraiya, she was incredulous, but she still seriously considered the plan proposed by Boruto.
Boruto left a communication frog with Orochimaru to facilitate communication between them, which is one of the reasons why he was able to find Orochimaru.
When Boruto mentions that he plans to go to Orochimaru's base soon and use this mission to investigate Danzo's true purpose in placing Sai in their team.
After careful consideration, Tsunade finally agreed to Boruto's proposal and also subtly spread the news of Orochimaru's hideout to Danzo.
Seeing that they had already gotten to know each other, Boruto said, "Now, let me explain our next move. According to intelligence, Orochimaru has several secret bases, and in order to avoid being discovered, he moves to other bases every week."
"It's not just Otogakure; there are others in other countries as well. These were all arranged by Orochimaru's spies who infiltrated the area. However, the methods of transferring between the bases are different, so finding them won't be easy. Right now, they're hiding on a small island in the northern lake."
Boruto continued, "Therefore, we must act quickly, use the intelligence we have to pinpoint Orochimaru's latest hiding place, and launch a surprise attack before they can move."
Naruto frowned upon hearing Boruto's words, but upon seeing Sai standing to the side, he did not refute Boruto's statement.
Boruto then gave clear instructions: "From now on, everyone prepare yourselves and make sure you can assemble in front of the main gate of Konoha Village on time in three hours. Please check and organize your ninja tools."
Everyone present accepted Boruto's arrangement, and no one raised any objections.
Sakura felt an overwhelming surge of excitement as she imagined the moment she would reunite with Sasuke, her heart filled with anticipation.
She was curious about what changes Sasuke had undergone during their separation, and whether he still retained the image from their shared memories.
......
As Naruto walked, he put his hands behind his head, his face showing obvious displeasure. He muttered in dissatisfaction, "That guy named Sai, his tone of voice is unbearable. I really don't understand why he had to replace Sasuke. In Kakashi's team, just the few of us are enough."
Naruto's voice revealed obvious dissatisfaction, and he was unhappy about Sai's addition. Their Kakashi team already had enough chemistry and strength, and did not need outsiders to interfere.
Sakura said softly, "Indeed, Sai's words were very harsh, but don't you think he and Sasuke are somewhat similar in some ways? For example, their appearance, their voices, and even some of their expressions are a bit like Sasuke's. It's just that what he said makes people grit their teeth."
Naruto scoffed, clearly unconvinced by Sakura's comparison, and stubbornly insisted, "Hmph, not at all! Sasuke, well, he's definitely more handsome. No! I should say, Sasuke is much better than him, and not just in appearance..."
Naruto believes that although Sai may resemble Sasuke in appearance, the two are worlds apart in personality and behavior, and Sai cannot replace Sasuke in his heart.
Sakura nodded in agreement, saying, "Compared to Sai, Sasuke is still more handsome."
Naruto turned to Sakura and emphasized, "It's not just a little better. Sasuke is much better than him in every aspect. He's countless times better."
Hearing Naruto's high praise for Sasuke, Boruto couldn't help but tease him, "I remember you didn't praise him like this before. Back then, you always called him 'idiot Sasuke' and 'arrogant Sasuke.' Why the sudden change? Is this the legendary power of friendship filters?"
Naruto's expression immediately turned somewhat awkward after Boruto said that. He scratched his head to hide his discomfort: "That...that's because although Sasuke appears cold on the outside, he is definitely a person who values loyalty and righteousness on the inside."
While recalling his unpleasant exchange with Sai, Naruto turned to Boruto and asked, "Speaking of which, Boruto, why did you insist on forcing that guy into our group?"
Boruto explained to Naruto in a deep voice, "Sai joined our team because of Danzo, the head of Konoha's Root organization."
Naruto frowned, unfamiliar with the name, so he pressed on, "Danzo? Who's that? This person...?"
When Sakura heard Naruto's question, she interjected and explained, "Oh, you mean that uncle who always gives off a gloomy vibe? I learned when I was helping Tsunade organize her information that he used to be an assistant to the Third Hokage."
Boruto said, "Danzo is an opposition figure who was once at odds with the Third Hokage. He is now Sai's direct superior. Danzo may be using Sai because he wants to carry out a highly confidential mission."
Naruto: "That guy really did have bad intentions, so those missions were specifically given to him?"
Boruto then asked them not to reveal their relationship with Orochimaru until they knew Sai's motives.
......
Three hours after the appointed time, Boruto and his three companions had gathered outside the gates of Konoha. After a brief conversation, they headed towards the location where Orochimaru was gathered to begin their operation.
Despite some unpleasant friction between Sai and Orochimaru on their way to Orochimaru's base, they still followed their original plan and arrived at the location of Orochimaru's secret base.
Boruto and his companions were atop a rocky hill. Boruto pointed to a huge rock in the distance and explained, "Looking from here, Orochimaru's base should be behind that giant rock."
"Moreover, it seems that the surrounding area is surrounded by a barrier of detection talismans. Any intruder who steps into the barrier's range or tries to damage these talismans will be detected immediately."
Before long, two blurry figures appeared in the distance. They slowly moved towards the giant rock that Boruto had pointed out. Boruto and the others concealed themselves. As the distance gradually shortened, the figures became clearer and clearer, and finally stopped in front of the giant rock.
Sai stared at the figure: Is this Orochimaru? It seems their information was indeed accurate; the entrance is below that rock wall.
In Sai's line of sight, besides Orochimaru's figure, there was another person he didn't recognize.
It was a burly man with orange hair. His physical features left no trace in Sai's memory, but this unfamiliar man appeared with Orochimaru.
At that moment, Orochimaru glanced silently toward the hilltop where they were, and then disappeared from Boruto and the others' sight.
When Boruto assigned the next action, he placed Sai in the position closest to the rock wall, creating an opportunity for him to have a one-on-one encounter with Orochimaru.
......
Under the cover of night, Sai acted according to his plan. He left a black clone behind as cover, and then quietly arrived alone outside the cave where Orochimaru's stronghold, which he had observed during the day.
Just as he was about to take the next step, he suddenly felt an unusual sensation on his foot. Looking down, he saw a snake silently crawling out of the ground and slowly coiling around his ankle.
As the snake coiled around, a sinister voice echoed in the darkness, laced with sarcasm: "You were the one spying there during the day, weren't you? You really have the guts to come here alone."
Faced with the sudden questioning, Sai remained calm. He did not show any panic, but responded in a calm tone: "I am Danzo's subordinate, not your enemy. I am here with important information that I need to speak with Lord Orochimaru in person."
Upon hearing Sai's words, Orochimaru and Kabuto slowly emerged from the shadows above the rock wall. They looked down at Sai from their elevated position, Orochimaru's voice laced with sarcasm: "Danzo? That old codger is still alive, huh? So what do you have to say to me?"
Sai continued, indicating that this meeting was not accidental: "Lord Danzo entrusted me to convey a message to Lord Orochimaru. In fact, ever since the Konoha attack, Lord Danzo has been hoping for an opportunity to contact Lord Orochimaru."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a playful smile. He licked his lips and stared sharply at Sai: "That's certainly an interesting statement, but what makes you think I'll believe everything you say is true?"
Sai took a sealed envelope from his backpack and handed it to him: "Please take a look at what's inside. It's from Lord Danzo."
Orochimaru gestured to Kabuto Yakushi standing beside him with his eyes. Kabuto understood Orochimaru's intention, jumped down from the rock, and reached out to take the envelope that Sai handed him.
Sai stared intently at Kabuto Yakushi. He noticed that Kabuto's aura was exceptionally powerful, even giving him a sense of oppression no less than Orochimaru's. Sai frowned slightly, a sense of doubt rising in his heart. He began to suspect that the person in front of him might have been controlled by Orochimaru through some means. After all, it was hard for Sai to imagine why someone with such strength would be willing to be subservient to Orochimaru for so long.
Kabuto immediately tore open the envelope, quickly scanned the contents of the letter, then closed it and returned to Orochimaru's side. He lowered his voice and reported to Orochimaru, "Lord Orochimaru, this is a photocopy of the list of members of the Anbu, the Hokage's direct subordinate unit."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a mocking smile. He sneered, "It seems that Danzo plans to rebuild Konoha according to his own ideals after the collapse of the Konoha system, and then take the Hokage position himself and stand in the spotlight again. What an old fox."
After Orochimaru finished speaking, he released the snake he had used to bind Sai. However, the snake did not return to Orochimaru's side, but instead quickly crawled away in a distant direction.
Sai responded calmly to Orochimaru's sneer, "Lord Danzo has already seen through the future of Konoha. He believes this is a necessary action. All I have done is carry out Lord Danzo's wishes."
Suddenly, a tremendous roar resounded, and the mountain beneath Orochimaru's feet began to tremble violently. A huge crack then appeared, which quickly widened to form a spacious passage, large enough for several people to walk side by side. A staircase made of rock and soil emerged from the crack, winding downwards and leading to a dark cave.
Orochimaru said simply, "Let's go." Then he and Kabuto Yakushi walked into the passage and stepped into the darkness.
Sai looked solemnly at the passage before him, and then followed Orochimaru and the others into it without hesitation.
The snake that Orochimaru had previously released followed the special mark Boruto had left behind, traversing the night and eventually successfully locating Boruto's current position.
......