Naruto: Reincarnated with a programmable system core.

Pov: Kisame

Hiroshi and Konan disappearing was suspicious, but who was he to judge? Everyone had their secrets.

Still, the food had been exceptional, and Kisame wasn't about to let Sasori miss out.

The thought of the stoic puppeteer sitting alone in some gloomy inn made him chuckle.

"Bet the guy hasn't eaten anything other than dry rations in weeks," Kisame muttered to himself, adjusting the plates in his hands.

He finally reached the inn, a modest establishment on a quiet street. Kisame pushed open the door with his shoulder, grinning at the innkeeper who barely glanced up from her counter.

"Here to see the quiet guy in the corner room,"

The innkeeper just waved him on, clearly used to the odd characters.

Kisame climbed the creaky stairs, his shark-like grin widening as he reached Sasori's door. Without bothering to knock, he kicked it open with his foot.

"Sasori! You won't believe what I've got for you!"

The room was dimly lit, and Sasori sat cross-legged on the floor, meticulously adjusting a small wooden puppet in his hands. His expression—or lack of one—didn't change as he glanced up at Kisame.

"I assume this is important," Sasori said flatly,

Kisame plopped down on a chair, carefully setting the plates on the table. "Look at this! Fresh food from the party. Thought you might be getting sick of your rations."

"You went out of your way to bring me food," Sasori said, "What do you want?"

Kisame chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Nothing, really. Just figured you might want a break from being a creepy shut-in."

"I'm not a shut-in," Sasori replied, deadpan.

"I'm maintaining cover. Something you clearly don't understand."

"Oh, come on," Kisame said, "I'm great at undercover work. Everyone in the Mist thinks I'm just a simple mercenary. Meanwhile, you? Let's just say your 'disguise' is about as convincing as a fish pretending to be a bird."

Sasori's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he looked at the plates of food Kisame had brought. "You're not going to leave until I eat something, are you?"

Kisame nodded. "Exactly. Can't have you wasting away while we're on a mission. You're already half-wood as it is."

"This isn't a social call, Kisame. I'm here to gather information and maintain our presence in the Mist."

"Sure, sure," Kisame said, waving a hand dismissively. "But you've got to admit, it's nice having someone bring you dinner once in a while."

With that, Kisame stood and walked toward the door. "Don't stay up too late playing with your dolls, yeah?"

"They're puppets," Sasori said in a cold tone.

…

Orochimaru strolled through the village gates of Konoha. Behind him, Uchiha elders closely followed.

His golden eyes scanned the village, sharp and calculating. He had one goal: Itachi Uchiha.

The boy was a prodigy, a genius beyond his years. And more importantly, the key to unlocking the remaining 20 Sharingan stored in jars, waiting to awaken into the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Are you sure this is the best approach?" One of the elders said, "Asking Danzo for help might draw unwanted attention."

Orochimaru chuckled. "Danzo may be paranoid, but his desperation makes him predictable. He wants control, power, and a legacy. And right now, because of Minato, he's a cornered dog. He'll agree."

The elder frowned but didn't argue. Deep down, he knew Orochimaru was right.

As they approached Root's hidden entrance, Orochimaru glanced back at the elders, his smirk widening. "Remember, dear friends, our goal comes first. Let me handle Danzo. His ego is... fragile."

The Uchiha elders exchanged uneasy glances but nodded. The group moved inside root headquarters.

As they arrived at Danzo's private chamber. The door creaked open, revealing the former village elder seated at a simple wooden desk,

"Orochimaru," Danzo said, his voice low and gravelly. "What brings you here? I thought you were busy."

"Danzo," Orochimaru replied, his tone mocking yet cordial. "I see your charm is as intact as ever."

Danzo didn't bother to hide his irritation. "Get to the point."

Orochimaru gestured toward the Uchiha elders. "Your... associates and I have a mutual interest. Itachi Uchiha. You've seen his potential, haven't you? The boy is extraordinary. A weapon in the making."

"And?" Danzo asked.

"And," Orochimaru continued, his smirk widening, "I propose we work together. Itachi can serve both our purposes. I'll awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan in those spare eyes you've been keeping hidden, and in return, you gain leverage over the Uchiha clan."

Danzo leaned back in his chair, considering the proposition.

One of the Uchiha elders stepped forward, his voice trembling slightly. "Danzo, this could secure our clan's future. If Itachi reaches his full potential, we can use him to reclaim our rightful place in Konoha."

Danzo scoffed. "Your 'rightful place'?"

The elder flinched but didn't respond.

Orochimaru seized the moment, stepping closer to Danzo. "Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement," he said smoothly. "You gain Mangekyō Sharingan. And I get to continue my... research."

Danzo's eye shifted between Orochimaru and the Uchiha elders.

"And what do you plan to do with Itachi once he serves his purpose?" Danzo asked, his tone icy.

Orochimaru's smile didn't waver. "Isn't it obvious? He'll become the perfect shinobi. A masterpiece."

"Fine. But if you betray me, I'll make sure you regret it."

Orochimaru chuckled, his laughter echoing through the chamber. "Oh, Danzo. Betrayal is such an ugly word. I prefer... adaptation."

'Well, look like we are cleaning the village before the war; it's good that Orochimaru is gathering all of them in one place.' Danzo—N09 thought.