Shihouin Naraku wandered around the base without drawing attention, and no one noticed his presence.
Perhaps because the base was located within Konoha Village's training grounds, Shimura Danzō had only stationed guards outside to prevent accidental intrusions.
Inside the base, there were no outsiders, only researchers conducting various experiments.
"Danzo probably thinks external security is enough to prevent information leaks, so there's no need for ninja guards inside. Besides, ordinary ninjas don't understand research, and their presence might interfere with the experiments."
Shihouin Naraku peeked from a corner and looked around. The base was surprisingly large, though many of the facilities were sealed with no signs of recent use.
"Even with Shimura Danzō's resources, how did he manage to build such a complete facility inside a training ground?"
Suddenly, a flash of insight came to Shihouin Naraku, and everything became clear.
"I see, that's how it is!"
Using his Observation Haki for a quick scan and confirming no one had noticed him, Shihouin Naraku searched room by room without hesitation.
Soon, he discovered a secret room storing large amounts of information.
After breaking the simple seal, Shihouin Naraku opened the door and entered.
"Puff~~~"
Shihouin Naraku waved his hand to clear the dust that swirled in his face. Looking around the document-filled room, he realized no one had been here for a long time, as dust covered everything.
He picked up a document and scanned it quickly.
Time passed rapidly as Shihouin Naraku read through numerous files.
Most of the information detailed Wood Style experimental data. The number of failures was staggering, with many people having died during the experiments.
The most shocking part was that many powerful ninjas with exceptional abilities had perished in these experiments!
Even Shimura Danzō couldn't handle this level of casualties on his own!
Soon, Shihouin Naraku found documents bearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's signature!
In other documents, he discovered signatures from Konoha's high-ranking officials like Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu!
There was even experimental data recorded by Orochimaru, containing signatures from several ninja clan leaders of Konoha Village!
This had been a large-scale experiment involving Konoha's leadership, with the purpose of recreating the First Hokage's Wood Style to dominate the ninja world!
"No wonder Danzo isn't concerned about break-ins. This is an open secret among the older generation. Even if someone discovers it, who would dare reveal it to the current villagers of Konoha!"
"No wonder Training Ground No. 0 has been sealed for so many years. The original Wood Style experiments were conducted here!"
"So many people died, yet there's been no news until now, because all of Konoha Village has been suppressing information about these experiments!"
Shihouin Naraku returned the document to its original place, frowning in thought. "Initially, Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered the Wood Style experiments to stop because of the heavy casualties.
But Danzo later took over the base and continued the experiments in secret.
Of course, the scale was much smaller than before, so Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't force Danzo to cease completely.
It wasn't until Tenzo appeared that Hiruzen sent his men to forcibly take away the only successful subject of the Wood Style experiment."
"In that case, although this information is explosive, it might not be useful to share with others."
Shihouin Naraku frowned as he glanced across the data room. These were open secrets known to the village elders, and there was little point in removing them.
"No! It could still be useful!"
After consideration, Shihouin Naraku left the secret room without taking anything. No one came here anyway, so the documents were safe where they were.
He didn't leave the base, however. Instead, he closed the secret room and continued exploring.
Soon, Shihouin Naraku made another discovery.
In a more secluded laboratory, he found several pale arms preserved in experimental vessels filled with special liquid. Shihouin Naraku immediately recognized these pale arms as transplants containing Senju Hashirama's cells.
Shimura Danzō currently had such an arm on his body, covered with Sharingan.
It was created for him by Orochimaru. Because it contained eleven Sharingan, its spiritual energy was overwhelming, so he relied on First Hokage's cells to maintain balance between body and mind.
"This is perfect evidence!"
Shihouin Naraku entered the laboratory, which was kept clean and fully equipped with experimental apparatus.
Approaching closer, he saw that these well-preserved pale arms were embedded with several Sharingan, some with closed eyes, others open.
"It seems Danzo's arm wasn't successful on the first attempt. Many experiments must have been conducted in the early stages."
"I wonder how many Sharingan Danzo collected to withstand such extensive testing."
Without needing to search thoroughly, Shihouin Naraku found detailed experimental records and materials, which he took with him.
These items would suffice for now. Shimura Danzō wouldn't be able to remove everything easily anyway.
Then he quietly left the base and returned to Konoha Village.
He had barely settled at the Anbu base when his subordinates arrived with a report.
"Hmm? Did you find the body of the Kusagakure candidate?"
"Yes, Lord Naraku. The Kusagakure Genin have had their faces removed! Mitarashi Anko has entered the Forest of Death to track the culprit."
"I'm aware of this. You may go."
Shihouin Naraku held the report submitted by Anbu in his left hand and the report from the corpse disposal team in his right, along with intelligence about Sunagakure's One-Tail Jinchūriki that Anbu had been monitoring.
After thinking for a moment, Shihouin Naraku headed to the Hokage building with the reports.
Of course, he kept the experimental records and materials he had found at the base to himself.
Sarutobi Hiruzen read the document silently, then asked, "Naraku, what do you think?"
"Orochimaru has returned!"
Shihouin Naraku answered directly, hiding nothing. "And I suspect Orochimaru and Sunagakure are working together!"
"Yeah..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly smiled, then lit his pipe and placed it in his mouth. "It seems my former student is planning to give me some trouble."
For a moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to see the young Orochimaru standing before him, listening attentively to his teachings and diligently learning ninjutsu.
Unfortunately, the past could never return.
"I won't let you escape this time, Orochimaru!"
Any remaining kindness disappeared from his expression as Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to regain the spirit of the great ninja from his youth.
"Naraku, you've done well. You haven't disappointed me."
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt somewhat relieved that Shihouin Naraku had brought this information to him. "I understand what you want. In that case, I'll leave him to you!"
"The Chūnin Exams must continue, but we must be wary of Orochimaru! I agree with your earlier proposal to place all Sand ninjas under full surveillance within Konoha Village!"
"Also..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Shihouin Naraku and gave orders in a low voice.
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