Chapter 57: The Meeting

In the following days, Seimei paid attention to the changes in the camp and indeed noticed some issues. First of all, the number of ninja in the main base was continuously increasing, and many of them looked dusty and travel-worn, clearly indicating they had traveled a long distance. Combined with the group of people he encountered a few days ago, Seimei had reason to suspect that these people had rushed back from the front-line strongholds. Secondly, the communication channels between the main base and the outside world were tightened. Any person or object entering or leaving needed to undergo multiple inspections. Even the training ground was now off-limits. Furthermore, the perception barrier that enveloped the entire camp was activated 24/7. Any slight disturbance could attract the attention of the patrol units. With all these signs, if there wasn't going to be any major action next, Seimei wouldn't believe it even if he were beaten to death. 'Forget it, I won't think about this anymore, let's continue training.' Shaking his head, Seimei cleared his mind and resumed his training. Now that he couldn't go to the training ground, he simply used all his chakra to practice the 'Reflecting Heart Technique'. In this way, he could gain more than thirty proficiency points every day, which translated to six points for the Sharingan's progress. Watching the progress increase bit by bit, Seimei didn't feel any boredom but only felt very grounded. Just like that, another three days passed. ... This afternoon. In the center of the main base. Inside a tent. More than ten Konoha Jonin gathered, sitting on both sides of a long table, in silence. A moment later, a thin man with pale skin lifted the curtain and walked in, sitting directly on the top seat. At the same time, everyone on both sides of the long table stood up and greeted, "Lord Orochimaru!" "Hmm." Orochimaru nodded slightly, signaling everyone to sit down. Then, he directly asked, "Is everyone in place?" Hearing this, a Konoha Jonin immediately stood up and said, "Reporting to you, my lord, as of an hour ago, 90% of the scheduled personnel have arrived, and the rest will return before tonight." "Good." Orochimaru replied indifferently, then looked at another person and said, "How is the information lockdown going?" Seeing Orochimaru looking at him, this Konoha Jonin felt a slight tension in his heart, but still quickly replied, "There are no signs of intelligence leaks so far, but..." "But what?" Orochimaru asked. "Sunagakure and Iwagakure seem to have sensed something. In the past few days, the outer perimeter patrol units have discovered several groups of people trying to infiltrate." The Konoha Jonin replied. "Is that so..." Orochimaru pondered for a moment and said, "That's normal. After all, we've recalled so many people from the front lines. As long as the other side isn't blind, they'll always notice some abnormalities. Just make sure the operation plan hasn't been leaked." Hearing this, the Konoha Jonin immediately assured, "Rest assured, my lord, the intelligence absolutely hasn't been leaked." "Hmm." Orochimaru nodded. He trusted this subordinate's abilities. Since he gave such an assurance, it meant the situation was under control. After a brief thought, he turned his head and looked towards the corner of the tent, asking, "What about you guys?" Everyone followed his gaze and saw a figure cloaked in black robes standing there at some point. This person was none other than a Konoha Anbu, or more accurately, a ninja from Danzo's Root organization. Compared to Anbu ninja, Root ninja were even more cold-blooded and ruthless. To complete their missions, they could sacrifice everything, including but not limited to their own lives. They were veritable tools for missions. Orochimaru had requested these people from Danzo to assist him in carrying out this revenge plan. That's right, it was revenge, revenge against Iwagakure and Sunagakure for the surprise attack they launched over a month ago. The previous all-out offensive was just a prelude to this plan, and the upcoming operation was the key point. However, to face two major ninja villages simultaneously, Konoha's forces on the Rain Country battlefield were clearly somewhat inadequate. Therefore, after careful consideration, Orochimaru ultimately set his target on Iwagakure, which had a higher level of animosity. However, Sunagakure couldn't be ignored either. The two villages had briefly joined forces last time, and no one could guarantee they wouldn't do so again this time. Even if they didn't join forces, once they took action, the main base would inevitably be empty. If Sunagakure were to launch a sneak attack, it would be a big problem. And to prevent Sunagakure from making any moves, they had to create some distractions to divert their attention. Orochimaru had brought in Root ninja precisely for this purpose. At this moment, hearing Orochimaru's question, the black-robed figure immediately replied, "Everything is ready. Once the plan begins, several important figures from Sunagakure in the Land of Rain will be assassinated." That's right, Orochimaru's plan was that simple and brutal. As long as the Root ninja could assassinate one or two important figures, Sunagakure's command system would inevitably be thrown into chaos for a while. By the time they reacted and reorganized their command system, their operation would have long been over, and they wouldn't have to worry about Sunagakure taking advantage of the situation. As for whether the assassinations would be successful? If it were Anbu ninja carrying out the mission, Orochimaru might still be a bit worried, but if it were Root ninja, there was no need to worry. With the Root's operational capabilities, given the knowledge of the target's whereabouts and movements, there was at least a 50-60% success rate, if not a 100% guarantee of assassination. Orochimaru didn't expect the Root to eliminate all the targets, as that was unrealistic. No matter how weak Sunagakure was, it was still one of the Five Great Ninja Villages. Assassinating important figures from such a village wasn't that simple. But as long as they could successfully assassinate a few, it would ensure the smooth execution of his plan. And that was enough. After confirming that everything was ready, Orochimaru didn't hesitate any longer and immediately ordered, "Go and prepare immediately. The operation starts tomorrow at 7 pm sharp." "Yes!" Inside the tent, over ten Konoha Jonin responded in unison. Orochimaru waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave. Soon, the tent became empty. At this time, Orochimaru rubbed his brows forcefully, a rare trace of fatigue showing on his face. To be honest, he didn't enjoy doing these things. Compared to dealing with these 'trivial matters', he preferred researching ninjutsu and exploring the secrets of immortality. But as the Third Hokage's disciple, he had the responsibility and obligation to share the burden for his teacher, just like Jiraiya taking charge of the Land of Wind battlefield. He needed to hold down the fort in the Land of Rain. "If only there were no wars!" Recalling his deceased parents, close friends, and disciples, Orochimaru couldn't help but mutter. For some reason, he felt a surge of irritability in his heart, wanting to abandon everything and focus solely on the work he loved. Unfortunately, he couldn't do that. Closing his eyes and emptying his mind, Orochimaru tried his best to calm himself down. Soon, only his faint breathing could be heard in the tent.