Chapter 31
Bang, bang, bang!
As the last Kumo ninja hit the ground, the four summoned beasts disappeared in clouds of white smoke, leaving the battlefield eerily silent once again. The once tranquil forest was now a chaotic mess, the earth torn and scarred, trees uprooted, and the ground littered with debris an all-too-familiar scene in the aftermath of a battle.
The Konoha ANBU quickly moved in to assess the battlefield, checking for any signs of lingering danger.
"You kids did an amazing job!" one of the ANBU members approached the trio, his voice filled with admiration.
To think that these were just children, children who had shown such combat proficiency and teamwork on their first real battlefield experience. It was simply unbelievable.
"Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Tsunade you really are something special."
"W-where... no way!!" Jiraiya stammered awkwardly, his face flushed with embarrassment. Tsunade and Orochimaru handled the compliment calmly, but Jiraiya couldn't help feeling ashamed. He had panicked the most during the battle. If Orochimaru hadn't been there to pull him out of danger, he likely would have been seriously injured or worse.
Still, Jiraiya was no coward. He had managed to hold his ground after that initial panic, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was still lagging behind his teammates.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru ignored the praise and the small talk. His gaze shifted to the Kumo ninjas who had been incapacitated but were still alive, groaning on the ground. A strange, inexplicable feeling surged within him.
He gripped his kunai tightly and began walking toward the injured Kumo ninjas.
"Hey, Orochimaru! What are you doing?" Jiraiya shouted, his voice laced with concern.
Thud!
Without answering, Orochimaru slashed one of the downed Kumo ninjas across the neck, blood spilling out as the enemy ninja's life quickly faded away. Jiraiya's eyes widened in shock.
Tsunade also flinched, a trace of unease flickering across her face.
This... this was different.
Although they were enemies, these Kumo ninjas had already lost the ability to fight. Was there really a need to kill them in cold blood?
Hiruzen, watching from a distance, noticed Orochimaru's actions. He raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised, but quickly returned to his usual expression. This was war, after all. Such actions weren't uncommon.
Only the ANBU captain, Eagle, showed a more pronounced reaction. Behind his mask, a cold smirk formed. This kid... he's perfect for ANBU.
Shaking his head, Eagle called over one of his uninjured subordinates. Together, they moved across the battlefield, mercilessly finishing off the rest of the incapacitated Kumo ninjas. It was ANBU's job to clean up loose ends, and this was no different.
Hiruzen didn't stop them. He wasn't soft-hearted as the future might suggest. During his prime, Hiruzen was an elite jōnin, having killed countless enemies. Sparing incapacitated foes? That was simply not an option in war. They couldn't afford to let any enemies escape or report back.
However, for Tsunade and Jiraiya, witnessing ANBU's clinical efficiency and cold execution was a sobering moment. It was as if the reality of what it truly meant to be a ninja had finally sunk in.
"So... this is what it means to be a real ninja...," Jiraiya muttered to himself.
--
Once the battlefield was cleared, Eagle approached Hiruzen to report, "What are the casualties?"
"One seriously injured, two slightly injured," Eagle replied crisply. "No deaths."
Hiruzen frowned slightly. "A serious injury? Tsunade!"
"Yes, sensei!" Tsunade immediately stepped forward, understanding what Sarutobi wanted without needing further instruction.
"Check the injured!" Hiruzen ordered.
"Understood!" Tsunade nodded before quickly moving to where the seriously injured ANBU member, Fox, lay.
--
The last two and a half years had been a period of intense growth for the three young ninjas. After graduating, they spent the first half of that time mastering fundamental skills, but the next two years had been different. Each of them had begun developing specialized talents: Orochimaru delved deep into scientific research and experiments, Jiraiya trained in senjutsu, and Tsunade honed her skills in medical ninjutsu.
Success wasn't just about talent it was about hard work and dedication. And the three of them embodied this perfectly. That's why they had already begun to rise above their peers.
--
Fox's injury was severe his chest had been slashed by a Kumo ninja, and the cut was so deep that his ribs were visible. Blood poured from the wound, and it was clear that his condition was critical.
Eagle watched Tsunade work with efficient precision, his admiration for the young kunoichi growing with every passing moment. "She... she's a medical ninja?"
"And she's also this strong in combat?" another ANBU murmured in disbelief. It was incredibly rare, almost unheard of, for a medical ninja to be so proficient in battle. Medical ninjutsu was still a relatively underdeveloped field in most villages, and Tsunade was clearly breaking new ground with her skillset.
Tsunade ignored their comments, focusing entirely on her task. She quickly assessed Fox's condition and frowned. "His wound is extremely deep. He needs surgery right away."
"Surgery? Can you do it here?" Eagle asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"It's difficult, but I'll do my best," Tsunade replied, her voice steady.
"Then hurry! We don't have much time!" Hiruzen urged.
As Tsunade readied her tools for surgery, Hiruzen ordered the uninjured ANBU to spread out and secure the area. Now, in the middle of the forest clearing, it was just Tsunade, the wounded, and Orochimaru.
Jiraiya, standing nearby, watched Orochimaru's calm demeanor and Tsunade's skillful movements. He couldn't help but feel out of place. Both of them had such defined skills Orochimaru with his cunning intellect and experiments, and Tsunade with her medical expertise.
--
As Tsunade adjusted her breathing and prepared for surgery, she suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Tsunade, give him this it'll make the operation easier," Orochimaru said, holding a small vial of clear liquid.
"... Orochimaru? What is this?" Tsunade asked, momentarily startled.
"It's a formula that accelerates wound recovery," Orochimaru replied casually, handing her the vial.
Tsunade looked at the liquid, unsure for a moment. She trusted Orochimaru, but this wasn't a normal medical item. Still, there was no time to hesitate the wounded ANBU's life was on the line.
"Alright," Tsunade said, handing the vial to Fox. "Drink this. It should help."
Trusting Orochimaru was second nature to her, just as trusting Hiruzen was. And she had faith that this would work.
"Bear with it!" she warned Fox as he drank the liquid, her hands immediately returning to her surgical tools, pulling out disinfectants, gauze, and sutures to begin the procedure.
--
While Tsunade worked, Orochimaru observed Fox's wound with keen interest. The gene repair fluid he had given the ANBU member was a product of his experiments, designed to rapidly heal or regenerate damaged cells. It wasn't an expensive concoction at least, not for Orochimaru. He could even purchase the raw materials separately from his system, depending on the points he accumulated from his research.
The fluid wasn't something Orochimaru used often, but this was the perfect chance to test its effects on a seriously injured human subject.
Chapter 32
"How is this possible…?" Tsunade stared in shock at the slowly healing wound before her eyes.
All she had done was disinfect the area and clean the wound, but now it was visibly healing on its own.
At first, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. But no it was really happening.
The vial given by Orochimaru worked wonders!
Fox's wound was recovering slowly but surely, and although it wasn't quite as fast as the healing abilities of someone with an immortal body, it was eerily similar to the effect of biting Karin in the original series.
Others, hearing Tsunade's exclamation, quickly gathered around.
"What's wrong, Tsunade?"
"His wound... it's healing on its own…"
As everyone heard the news and looked closer, they saw it too the wound was closing up slowly, mending itself.
"How is this happening?"
"Incredible!"
The most astonished among them was Hiruzen. His jaw dropped, and he was momentarily speechless.
He had only ever witnessed such automatic healing in one other person the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama!
While Fox's healing was slower than Hashirama's, it was still occurring without any external intervention. No surgery, no medical ninjutsu just the fox's body healing itself.
At this rate, the wound won't even need surgery… Hiruzen thought, unable to hide his amazement.
He composed himself and, after understanding the situation, called Orochimaru aside, his voice measured and serious.
"Orochimaru, did you really make this?"
Hiruzen's tone was unusually careful, as though he was treading on new, unknown ground. His young disciple had consistently impressed him, from graduation until now. Orochimaru's talent in combat, battlefield adaptability, and now, his scientific research abilities each one was extraordinary.
But this? A Fluid that could induce healing similar to the First Hokage's fabled regeneration? This was beyond impressive.
The First Hokage's power… Hiruzen thought, his mind reeling. Hashirama was called the "God of Shinobi" for a reason. His ability to heal without hand seals, without medical ninjutsu, was a power that no one else had ever been able to replicate. Until now.
Could Orochimaru have, at only eight years old, achieved something even Tobirama, the Second Hokage, had never been able to accomplish?
"Yes, Sensei," Orochimaru replied calmly, his voice betraying none of the emotions he felt inside.
While Orochimaru had planned to use his research to gain access to Konoha's experimental labs, this situation presented an unexpected but still favorable outcome. Now that his work had caught the attention of his teacher, Hiruzen, Orochimaru could proceed with his plan without needing to hide anything.
"Unbelievable," Hiruzen muttered, his eyes wide with awe. He could hardly believe what he was hearing.
It was one thing to be a talented ninja, but Orochimaru's level of excellence bordered on the unnatural. As one of the key leaders of Konoha, he knew that there was a limit to an individual's strength. Even the most powerful ninja had boundaries. But Orochimaru's potential in scientific research could change that he could drastically alter the balance of power not just in Konoha, but throughout the entire ninja world.
If word of Orochimaru's talent in this area reached an enemy nation, or worse, if Orochimaru decided to turn against Konoha, it could lead to disaster.
Hiruzen was a wise leader. At this moment, he was already thinking far ahead, weighing the potential risks and benefits of having such a genius in their village.
--
"Eagle, take the three of them back to the village," Hiruzen commanded.
Having witnessed the healing with his own eyes, Hiruzen's priorities shifted. Originally, he had intended to keep Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade on the battlefield to familiarize them with real combat situations. But after what Orochimaru had demonstrated, he couldn't take the risk of leaving him exposed in a dangerous situation.
If Orochimaru truly has mastered this kind of healing technology, then his life becomes incredibly important to the village.
"Understood, Lord Hiruzen," Eagle, one of Sarutobi's trusted ANBU, nodded without hesitation. He too had seen the healing and understood why Sarutobi was suddenly being cautious.
With that, Eagle led Orochimaru and his teammates, Jiraiya and Tsunade, back to Konoha.
Jiraiya and Tsunade seemed to realize that something unusual was happening, but they remained silent for the entire trip. Even the battle-hardened coldness Orochimaru had displayed earlier seemed to fade from their minds, replaced by a newfound respect for his abilities.
--
Three days later, the group arrived back in Konoha.
As soon as they returned, Eagle turned around and headed straight back to the front lines, leaving the three young ninjas with some unexpected downtime.
Orochimaru, for his part, took the opportunity to rest. After all, he had plans to push forward as soon as Konoha's higher-ups returned from the battlefield.
The next morning, he found himself reclining on a large tree branch, staring up at the sunlight filtering through the leaves. The peace of Konoha was a stark contrast to the battlefield they had just left, and for a moment, Orochimaru allowed himself to relax.
Next to him, a massive python coiled lazily on the branch. Orochimaru didn't even glance at it; the snake had been raised by his parents, so its presence didn't bother him in the slightest.
If I can gain access to Konoha's high-level experimental labs, I should have a chance to come into contact with the First Hokage's cells… Orochimaru mused.
According to his memories, he would eventually have access to those cells, but that would take years if he followed the normal course of events. He needed to accelerate his timeline if he wanted to start experimenting on Senju Hashirama's cells sooner.
This was precisely why he had revealed his research results to Hiruzen. It was a calculated move to earn the trust and interest of Konoha's top brass.
--
"Orochimaru…"
A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
Turning his head, Orochimaru saw Tsunade standing beneath the tree, blinking up at him.
"What's up?" he asked, his tone neutral.
"Um… it's nothing, really. I just heard there's a new barbecue restaurant at the end of the village. Do you want to check it out?"
Tsunade was still clearly in awe of the gene repair fluid, even though her expertise in medical ninjutsu was different from Orochimaru's scientific research. She understood just how significant that fluid was.
Although she had come to discuss its implications further, she decided to soften her approach by suggesting a casual meal first.
Orochimaru smirked and jumped down from the tree. "Sure, why not?"
"Wait for me!" Tsunade hurried to catch up with him.
As the two walked away, the massive flower patterned python that had been lounging on the tree branch vanished into a puff of white smoke, disappearing from sight.
Chapter 33
Orochimaru's straightforward demeanor made Tsunade feel a bit uneasy, but she quickly brushed it off and caught up with him.
At the new barbecue restaurant, the food was mouth-wateringly delicious. The tender, juicy meat was a welcome change from the battlefield rations they had eaten over the past ten days.
Even Orochimaru, usually composed and reserved, found himself indulging, his appetite larger than usual. After all, they had been out in the field for quite some time, moving between the battlefield and the search party. Good food like this was a rarity when you were fighting for your life.
"This is so good!" Tsunade said between bites, clearly enjoying herself. "I wonder where Jiraiya's run off to… If he were here, we could all enjoy this together!"
Orochimaru smiled for the first time in a while, a rare sight.
Noticing his smile, Tsunade paused and blinked at him, feeling a bit flustered. "You… why are you smiling?"
Orochimaru didn't respond immediately, and when he did, his tone was casual. "Nothing."
Orochimaru's smile was a rare occurrence. In the two years they had known each other, Tsunade could count the number of times she had seen him smile on one hand.
"For some reason," Orochimaru continued, "seeing you eat like this brings a sense of calm to me."
Tsunade was taken aback by his words, her cheeks reddening slightly. "Why are you so weird?" she muttered, feeling awkward. But she quickly shrugged it off and resumed devouring her food with gusto.
--
Though Orochimaru enjoyed the peaceful moment, he had larger plans in motion. He needed to get Konoha's attention, specifically the attention of its higher-ups, so he could gain access to the village's research facilities and resources. If he could position himself as an invaluable asset in scientific research, they would have no choice but to grant him access to the materials he needed. And from there, everything he wanted would be within his grasp.
However, for the moment, the village's leaders including the Second Hokage were still out on the front lines. Orochimaru would have to be patient and wait for their return before he could make his move.
But to his surprise, that wait turned into a month.
--
One morning, while conducting a new experiment in his makeshift lab at home, Orochimaru was deep in concentration. Tsunade, fascinated by his work, sat nearby, watching closely. Ever since she had learned about Orochimaru's ability to create what she and Jiraiya had started calling the "super recovery potion," her respect for him had grown immensely.
Even Jiraiya, who loved to argue and bicker, had been awestruck by Orochimaru's scientific prowess. Though Jiraiya lacked any talent or interest in medical research, he had come to admire Orochimaru's abilities. That said, his fascination with Orochimaru's research hadn't distracted him from his training. Jiraiya spent most of his time training or traveling back and forth between Konoha and Mount Myoboku, the land of the toads.
Tsunade, on the other hand, was different. She had a natural affinity for medicine and healing. It was clear that she was destined to become Konoha's greatest medical-nin, though at this stage, she was still just a curious student. She was utterly captivated by Orochimaru's research, particularly his gene-enhancement and healing experiments.
"Orochimaru, do you think this herb could be substituted with a different one?" Tsunade asked, crouching down and pointing to some green leaves simmering quietly in a beaker.
"Of course," Orochimaru replied, nodding slightly. "While the potency might be a little weaker, the overall effect would remain the same."
Tsunade's eyes widened in admiration. "Wow, you're so knowledgeable! Even better than the director at the hospital!"
Orochimaru couldn't help but smile wryly. "It's just different fields of expertise, Tsunade."
"Well, I still think you're amazing!" Tsunade said, eyes gleaming with genuine admiration.
Before Orochimaru could respond, the sound of commotion from outside interrupted them.
"What's going on?" Orochimaru muttered.
Tsunade, equally curious, jumped to her feet and dashed outside to investigate. It didn't take long for her to piece together what had happened.
The war had ended, and Konoha had emerged victorious. The village's ninja forces were returning, and the villagers had organized a large-scale welcoming ceremony for them. Konoha's streets were now filled with returning shinobi, greeted by their emotional families.
Many families embraced their loved ones, their tears falling freely, overwhelmed with joy and relief. But not everyone was so lucky. For some, their family members had returned in body bags, leading to a different kind of tear-filled reunion one filled with sorrow and heartbreak.
Even though Konoha had won the battle, war was always accompanied by pain and loss. Tsunade watched the scene, a complicated expression on her face.
"It's strange…" she murmured. "Even after a victory, it still feels so sad."
Orochimaru, who had followed her outside, stood next to her. "This kind of war will go on for many years. You'll get used to it."
Tsunade looked up at him, her brow furrowed. "Will it really last for many more years?"
Orochimaru nodded without hesitation. "Of course. You didn't think that the end of this war would suddenly bring peace to the world, did you?"
He spoke with such calm certainty, but the truth in his words weighed heavily on Tsunade.
In his mind, Orochimaru could already picture the endless conflicts to come the Second Great Ninja War, the Third, and even the Fourth. Corpses would continue to pile up in every war, and peace would always remain elusive.
Tsunade remained silent, still processing his words when Orochimaru suddenly spoke again, his voice low.
"Strange... Why hasn't the Second Hokage returned yet?"
Tsunade snapped out of her thoughts, blinking in confusion. "That's true. Not only hasn't my granduncle returned, but Hiruzen-sensei is missing too!"
Her concern rising, she ran up to a nearby ninja who had just returned. "Sayama-senpai!"
The man turned at the sound of her voice, his expression brightening. "Ah, little Tsunade! What can I do for you?"
"Do you know where Lord Hokage is? Didn't he come back with the rest of the troops?"
"Oh, the Second Hokage?" Sayama paused, then smiled. "Lord Hokage and several other higher-ups went to the border to sign an alliance agreement with the Land of Lightning. They'll be back in two days."
"Oh, I see! Thank you, Sayama-senpai!" Tsunade replied cheerfully, her initial worry fading.
But while Tsunade seemed reassured, Orochimaru's mind was spinning.
The Second Hokage went to sign an alliance agreement with the Land of Lightning? He thought, frowning. Why does that sound so familiar...?
Then, in a sudden moment of clarity, it hit him.
The Kinkaku Force Coup! The Gold and Silver Brothers!
The Second Hokage was about to walk straight into a deadly trap.
The Second Hokage is going to die.
Chapter 34
To be honest, Orochimaru wasn't particularly impressed by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
During his time in Konoha, Orochimaru had rarely seen the Second Hokage in person. The only time was when he accompanied Sarutobi to the front lines. The day-to-day tasks of their squad were mostly delegated to Hiruzen, their direct instructor.
As for Orochimaru, other than seeing the Second Hokage give the occasional large lecture from a distance, he had no direct interactions with him. The demands of the war kept the Second Hokage busy, and it was rare for Genin like Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade to even get close to the Hokage, unless it was a matter of utmost importance.
Because of this, Orochimaru didn't feel particularly connected to the Second Hokage. So, when he pieced together that Tobirama was about to meet his tragic end at the hands of the Gold and Silver Brothers, he could only offer a silent apology in his heart.
Would Orochimaru try to prevent the Second Hokage's death? Not likely. He would have liked to alter the course of history, sure, but certain things were beyond his control. Some events were meant to happen, and others weren't worth the risk of changing.
Even though Orochimaru had grown stronger far beyond the average Genin he was still only nine years old. No one would take a child seriously if he suddenly ran up to them, declaring that the Second Hokage would be killed in a coup orchestrated by the Gold and Silver Brothers.
They'd look at him like he was crazy, and he might even end up locked away in a cell or worse, subjected to interrogation and experimentation for how he possessed such knowledge. Even if Hiruzen backed him up, the higher-ups might still view him with suspicion. After all, how would a boy know something like that?
Besides, if he were completely honest with himself, what did Senju Tobirama's life or death have to do with him? Orochimaru wasn't the person he used to be not after everything he'd gone through.
The hard lessons from his previous life had taught him that good people often meet unfortunate ends, while those who are ruthless survive. Orochimaru had no interest in playing the hero or meddling with fate. He had no personal attachment to the Second Hokage, and getting involved would only endanger his own future.
Sure enough, Orochimaru's predictions came true. Seven days after the ninja had returned to the village, Hiruzen and the other higher-ups returned as well. But with them, they brought Uchiha Kagami's body.
Then, just three days later, Konoha received the Second Hokage's body, transported back from the Land of Lightning.
With that, the winds of change swept through Konoha Village.
--
First, there was the grand funeral for the Second Hokage. Every Konoha ninja, Orochimaru included, was present. The atmosphere was somber, with an overwhelming sense of disbelief hanging in the air.
Many of the villagers couldn't wrap their heads around what had happened. How could the Second Hokage have died in battle when they had won the war? Hadn't the Land of Lightning already surrendered?
What most didn't know was that the Land of Lightning was also a victim of treachery. Their Second Raikage had also perished during the negotiations, a result of the coup led by the Gold and Silver Brothers.
Next came the official appointment of Hiruzen as the Third Hokage. The Second Hokage had named him his successor in the final moments of his life, making it clear who would carry on the mantle of leadership in Konoha.
However, despite the Second Hokage's dying wish, Hiruzen's ascension to the position of Hokage was not without opposition. Within Konoha, power struggles simmered beneath the surface. Many were dissatisfied with Hiruzen becoming the next Hokage. Among those who harbored resentment was none other than Shimura Danzo, Hiruzen's long-time friend and rival.
Danzo had always dreamed of becoming Hokage himself. Ever since their days as students, he and Hiruzen had been locked in fierce competition. But now, due to a single order given by the Second Hokage before his death, Danzo's hopes were crushed. He had no chance of claiming the title of Hokage as long as Hiruzen was alive.
And it wasn't just Danzo who was disgruntled. The Uchiha clan, one of the founding clans of Konoha, was also deeply dissatisfied. The village had been built through the combined efforts of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, yet not a single Uchiha had ever been named Hokage.
They could understand the First Hokage being a Senju, since Hashirama and Madara had fought side by side to create the village. The Second Hokage's position was also accepted, given his bloodline as the younger brother of Hashirama.
But Hiruzen? He had no such lineage. He wasn't a Senju or an Uchiha. So why should he be named Hokage?
Unfortunately for the Uchiha, their discontent was muted. After years of harsh treatment under the Second Hokage's rule, the clan had grown quiet, unwilling to voice their grievances too openly. Fear of further persecution kept them in check.
--
With the funeral behind them, it was time for Hiruzen to solidify his position as Hokage.
--
One morning, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen sat wearing the Hokage robe for the first time, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders. Behind him stood Danzo, his closest confidant, though the tension between them was palpable.
"Danzo," he said, his tone soft yet apologetic, "I'm truly sorry about what happened. The Second Hokage appointed me, and I had no choice but to accept the position. I know this is something you've always wanted…"
Danzo's face twisted in anger, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. "Don't apologize, Hiruzen. It's meaningless now. Our teacher made his decision, and I will respect it. But tell me this: how do you plan to keep your position as Hokage?"
Hiruzen frowned, sensing an underlying hostility in Danzo's words. "What do you mean by that, Danzo?"
Danzo sneered. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed the voices of dissent in the village? Do you think everyone is going to sit back quietly while you take the title of Hokage?"
Hiruzen chuckled confidently, waving off Danzo's concerns. "I believe that with time and effort, I can earn the trust of everyone in Konoha. I'll show them that I'm worthy of this position."
But Danzo's patience snapped. He slammed his fist on the table, glaring at him. "Stop being naive, Hiruzen! Konoha was founded by the Senju and the Uchiha. Your last name is neither! If you don't quell this opposition, you won't last long as Hokage."
Sarutobi's expression darkened. "And what exactly are you suggesting, Danzo?"
"Give me control of ANBU," Danzo said coldly. "I'll make sure to silence anyone who dares to oppose you."
Hiruzen looked at him with a mix of disbelief and anger. He knew Danzo was ruthless, but was this really the solution?
Chapter 35
Danzo truly was ruthless in his approach, always favoring the most extreme measures to solidify his influence.
As soon as Hiruzen assumed the mantle of Hokage, Danzo's thoughts immediately turned to eliminating dissenters.
"No, you can't do that!" Hiruzen said firmly, understanding the implication of Danzo's suggestion right away. His tone left no room for compromise.
Danzo's plan was simple and brutal: send the opposition on dangerous missions where the likelihood of survival was slim. They'd either die at the hands of enemies or through "unfortunate accidents" arranged by their own comrades. It would be clean and efficient—just as Danzo liked it.
Hiruzen, however, was the inheritor of the First Hokage's ideals. While he could be ruthless to enemies of the village, he found it difficult to condone the unnecessary deaths of his own people, especially over political disagreements.
"We are all ninjas of Konoha," Hiruzen said, his voice strained with frustration. "We must not turn on our own like this."
Danzo, unfazed by Hiruzen's moral objections, calmly replied, "Hiruzen, you are not suited for this position." His voice was steady, his gaze cold. "A village cannot survive on light alone. It must also have its darkness. You are too naïve to see that."
The two men long-time friends but now divided by ideals stood at an impasse once again. Hiruzen believed in a future for Konoha built on trust and cooperation, while Danzo saw only the need for control and fear to ensure the village's security.
Danzo, as always, was prepared to do whatever it took to maintain stability, even if that meant resorting to covert killings. In his mind, the ends justified the means. He had no qualms about creating a shadowy underbelly for the village if it ensured its survival.
But with Hiruzen now in charge, Danzo had no choice but to relent, at least for now. He couldn't openly disobey the new Hokage. Grudgingly, he agreed to Hiruzen's insistence on taking a less aggressive approach for the time being.
However, Danzo had another idea in mind.
"If not that, then at least let me establish an independent ANBU training unit," Danzo suggested, his voice devoid of emotion. "I'll take charge of training them, leaving you free to focus on the larger issues of governance. It will take the burden off your shoulders."
Hiruzen was taken aback by this. "ANBU training class?" he repeated, as if he hadn't heard correctly. Danzo's proposition felt like a bid for more power, something that would allow him to operate freely and without much oversight.
Danzo nodded. "Yes. You're Hokage now. You'll have a lot on your plate too much for you to handle alone. Leave the more... delicate matters to me."
Hiruzen closed his eyes, wrestling with the decision. He knew what Danzo was truly after: autonomy, a way to build his own faction within Konoha. He had always wanted to be Hokage, and while that dream had been snatched from him, this was Danzo's way of gaining influence in the village through other means.
An independent ANBU unit? A power separate from the Hokage's direct control had never existed in Konoha since its founding. It would set a dangerous precedent.
Hiruzen hesitated. He didn't want to create a political rival right under his nose, but at the same time, he understood Danzo well. If he rejected this outright, Danzo might resort to something even more drastic, something irreparable.
After much internal deliberation, Hiruzen finally agreed. "Alright, but we need to discuss this with Koharu and Homura first."
Danzo's expression barely changed, but inside, he was pleased. "Of course," he said. He knew the two elder advisors wouldn't oppose his plan. Koharu and Homura had no family backgrounds of note, and they owed much of their positions to the Second Hokage. They would side with Sarutobi, and they wouldn't challenge Danzo's ambitions, not as long as it didn't threaten their own positions.
Thus, "Root," an ANBU unit independent of the Hokage's regime, was formed under Danzo's command. Its purpose would remain secret, known only to a select few.
--
Meanwhile, in front of Orochimaru's house...
"Orochimaru…" Tsunade's voice broke the silence.
"What is it?" Orochimaru responded, his tone indifferent.
"Will you take a walk with me?"
Orochimaru paused for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
The two of them strolled down the streets of Konoha, the midday sun casting long shadows behind them. Orochimaru wore his usual white robe adorned with magatama symbols, while Tsunade was dressed in green, with short sleeves and shorts, her waist tied with a blue sash.
After a moment of silence, Tsunade spoke again, her voice filled with a strange melancholy. "When do you think this war will end?"
Her question was out of the blue, catching Orochimaru off guard. But as he glanced at her, he saw the sadness in her eyes. She had seen so much loss on the battlefield, and it had clearly weighed on her mind.
"I don't know," Orochimaru replied honestly. "But I do know one way to end all wars."
Tsunade looked at him in surprise. She hadn't expected a real answer, much less from someone as young as Orochimaru. "Oh? What's that?"
Without missing a beat, Orochimaru's reply was cold and direct. "Unification."
"Unification?" Tsunade repeated, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"Only through unifying the five great ninja villages can true peace be achieved," Orochimaru said, his tone devoid of any humor or jest.
Tsunade blinked, stunned by the seriousness in his voice. "You're joking, right? The five great villages have been at each other's throats for years. You think unifying them is possible?"
Orochimaru shrugged. "It's not easy. But it's not impossible."
Tsunade shook her head in disbelief. "You sound like a madman."
Orochimaru didn't respond. Instead, he changed the subject, his tone casual. "Forget it. Let's go get some roasted chicken. I'll treat you."
The abrupt shift in conversation threw Tsunade off. "Huh? How did you know I like roasted chicken?"
"I've seen you sneaking off to buy it by yourself more than a few times," Orochimaru said, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
Tsunade flushed, embarrassed. "I didn't think you noticed…"
"It's hard not to."
Tsunade laughed, the somber mood lightening. "I didn't think you paid attention to other people, Orochimaru."
Orochimaru shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing special. And if I remember correctly, Jiraiya's asked you to eat with him plenty of times…"
"Ugh, I'd never go with that big pervert!" Tsunade exclaimed with a scoff. "He doesn't know how to behave. Besides, someone like you is far more... tolerable."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
Tsunade smirked playfully. "Of course. If I had to pick between you and him... well, let's just say you'd make a better boyfriend."
"Hmm," Orochimaru muttered, seemingly uninterested.
Tsunade blushed again, though she tried to hide it. "I'm just saying… when we grow up, maybe…"
"Maybe," Orochimaru replied vaguely. "But let's see what the future holds."
Tsunade's face brightened, but she quickly tried to play it off. "So you agree, huh?"
Orochimaru simply gave her a small, mysterious smile and continued walking, leaving her to wonder what exactly he meant by that.
...
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