The Yakuza's Heir

Part 16

The abandoned warehouse loomed before them, its rusted metal walls a silent sentinel in the fading twilight. Anko stood at the entrance, her heart pounding beneath her composed exterior. She glanced at her watch – 8:55 PM. Five minutes until Orochimaru was due to arrive.

Hidden in strategic positions around the warehouse, Itachi, Kizashi, Tsunade, and their team waited with bated breath. They had chosen this location carefully – isolated enough to avoid unwanted attention, but with multiple exit points should things go south.

Anko's earpiece crackled to life. "Remember," Itachi's voice came through, low and steady, "stick to the plan. Get him talking, then give the signal."

Anko nodded, though she knew they couldn't see her. The weight of her role in this dangerous charade pressed down on her. She had played many parts in her life, but never had the stakes been so high.

The sound of tires on gravel broke the silence. A sleek black car pulled up, its engine purring to a stop. Anko straightened, schooling her features into a mask of cool professionalism.

Orochimaru emerged from the car, his pale face nearly ghostly in the dim light. His eyes, sharp and calculating, fixed on Anko. "This had better be worth my time," he said, his voice carrying a hint of threat.

Anko bowed her head slightly. "I assure you, Lord Orochimaru, the information I have is crucial to our plans."

She led him inside the warehouse, where a small table and two chairs had been set up. The vast, empty space around them seemed to swallow their footsteps.

As they sat, Orochimaru leaned back, his gaze never leaving Anko. "Well? What's this urgent information?"

Anko took a deep breath, her rehearsed lines flowing smoothly. "I've uncovered some details about Sasuke and Sakura's movements in Italy. It seems they're not just there for a romantic getaway."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "Go on."

"They've been meeting with representatives from other prominent families. I believe they're trying to form alliances, possibly to strengthen their position against us."

A flicker of interest crossed Orochimaru's face. "Interesting. The young Uchiha is more ambitious than I gave him credit for. What families?"

Anko hesitated, as if reluctant to reveal too much. "The Nara and Akimichi families, for certain. There are whispers of the Hyuga as well, but I couldn't confirm it."

Orochimaru drummed his fingers on the table, his mind clearly racing with the implications. "This could complicate things. We may need to accelerate our plans."

Anko nodded, then carefully steered the conversation. "Speaking of our plans, I wanted to confirm something. It's just Yoroi Akadō and Funari Kamizuru at the casino right now, correct?"

A shadow of suspicion crossed Orochimaru's face. "Why do you ask?"

Anko kept her voice level, fighting to maintain her composure. "I've heard some... rumors. Whispers that our operation might have been compromised. I wanted to make sure our key players were still in place."

Orochimaru's eyes hardened, his posture tensing. "What kind of rumors, Anko? You know I don't appreciate being kept in the dark."

"Nothing concrete," Anko said quickly. "Just underground chatter. I thought it best to bring it directly to you rather than act on unverified information."

Orochimaru stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the concrete floor. "You're hiding something, Anko. I can see it in your eyes."

Anko rose as well, her hand moving subtly to her ear – the signal.