Konoha's Ice Dragon continuation

Chapter 31

UNKNOWN LOCATION

Somewhere, deep beneath Konoha, was a large underground base. It was dark, cold, devoid of any sense of joy or light. It was filled with shinobis, all dressed in identical hooded cloaks, and wearing what seems to be ANBU Masks, but completely blank, just like the life in their eyes, and tone of their voices.

They were all kneeling before a single figure, who was currently sitting on a throne.

The figure appears to be a frail, old man, who is holding a cane in his hand. He had black, shaggy hair, his right eye was bandaged and on his chin is an x-shaped scar. He wore a white shirt, with a black or dark grey robe over the top of it covering from his feet, to just over his right shoulder. The robe conceals his right arm which was bandaged, and covered with three large golden braces.

He had a strong aura of darkness around him.

As he opens his only visible eye, he then addressed the young ANBU shinobi, that was currently kneeling before him.

"Report" The old man ordered with a cold tone.

"Yes Danzo-sama. 'Weapon RD' is almost complete. Our scientist confirmed, that it will be combat-ready before the year ends." The ROOT Agent answered, with a lifeless voice.

"Excellent. What about 'Project Nue?'" The now identified Danzo, asked his loyal subordinate.

"Unfortunately, the progression of Project Nue has been delayed. We require more Hashirama Cells, since we used most of it on Weapon RD." The Agent answered, once more with a lifeless voice.

".....That is unfortunate. Project Nue was supposed to be my grand-equalizer if Konoha should turn on me, and only Orochimaru has access to those cells. Speaking of whom, have you made contact with his spy" Danzo asked with an annoyed tone.

"Yes, Danzo-sama. We have received confirmation that Orochimaru plans to infiltrate the upcoming Chunin Exams." The young ANBU said.

"For what purpose?" Danzo asked.

"According to the spy, Orochimaru plans to attack Konoha, and assassinate the 'False' Hokage." The Agent answered.

"......I see.....anything more?" Danzo asked, surprisingly taking the news of his village about to be attack, without a care in the world.

"Nothing further, my Lord." The Agent answered.

Danzo then used his fingers to stroke his scarred chin.

"Hmmmm this attack.........could be beneficial for my goals. With Hiruzen gone, I'll finally become Hokage like should have been, and make the Kyuubi boy my weapon. But I doubt Orochimaru doesn't have another agenda. I have a feeling; he might go after Sasuke as well." Danzo said, with a sinister smirk.

"What are your orders, Danzo-sama?" The Agent asked.

"For now, we do nothing. But I want to place some eyes and ears in this exam. I don't want to leave anything to chance. Bring me Shin and Sai, and a third young ROOT agent." Danzo ordered.

"My Lord, I'm afraid Shin is still recovering from his last mission. His current health will be a liability to this task. I respectfully volunteer myself." The loyal Agent requested boldly.

But this bold action, made Danzo narrowed his eye at the young Agent.

"......Are questing me, Agent?" Danzo asked, with his narrowed eye, and a threatening tone.

".....No my lord. I simply suggest...."

"You are not supposed 'suggest' anything. In ROOT, you have no identity, no will, no past. The only thing that matters, is the mission. Your purpose; is to serve me, and me alone. And forfeit your lives, if the village demands it.....This is the way." Danzo reminded firmly.