Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 149 Orochimaru: The Hokage position is now seriously upheld, and he is temporarily stepping away.

"What did you say?"

Orochimaru's snake-like eyes narrowed, his expression turning sinister, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue.

Danzo's two sentences truly struck a chord with him—

The title "Sannin" was considered a compliment by the other ninjas, because they were able to fight Hanzo to a draw.

But as a genius, Orochimaru felt ashamed deep down!

Danzo's accusation that Orochimaru hadn't figured out Hashirama's cells after ten years infuriated Orochimaru!

Do you know what interstitial cells are or what a long research and development cycle is?

This is like someone questioning why ninjutsu uses chakra or why rockets don't burn firewood—

Orochimaru would just laugh it off if most people said that, since it wouldn't affect him much.

But Danzo was his former benefactor and now his rival for the Hokage position!

Orochimaru opened his mouth, his words usually sharp, but this time he was speechless.

Because he is now essentially acting as Hokage, he can no longer freely recount his dark past to retaliate against Danzo as he did offstage.

"Sitting in this position, procedures and rules are my weapons."

"Is this what it feels like to step out of the shadows and into the light?" Orochimaru pondered this feeling, and as he watched Danzo throw a tantrum, the anger in his heart slowly dissipated—

A glimmer of understanding dawned on me.

"Danzo is not fit to be Hokage. He doesn't know how to unite people's hearts through systems, and with his abilities, he can't balance the various forces. He will only ever do things by any means necessary."

"Look at the expressions on those committee members' faces—how many of them truly support him? They can't even distinguish friend from foe; they seize any opportunity and launch a frenzied attack. Does he think he's dealing with enemies from another village?"

"Who would want to work with someone like that? He challenges the rules at the slightest opportunity; he's utterly untrustworthy!"

Orochimaru's gaze was no longer sinister, but rather fixed on Danzo with a half-smile, as if he were looking at a pitiful person.

Danzo, who was feigning madness, also became aware of this change.

Danzo appeared hysterical on the surface, but was actually quite calm inside.

The real reason he yelled at Orochimaru this time was to take this opportunity to point out Orochimaru's lack of experience.

Tell everyone that even though the research department has achieved some results now, it has also wasted a huge amount of resources in the past!

However, Danzo misunderstood Orochimaru's expression.

"Speechless and backing down? Only able to hold on with your eyes? You think you can scare me?"

Danzo smiled coldly to himself, untied the bandage that had been wrapped around his head, and threw it hard to the ground.

He revealed a scar running through his right eye: "You removed my seat? You just want to denounce me, don't you!"

"Let me tell you, my life has been with Hiruzen for the village, and I've died several times already!"

"I'm not afraid to tell you, I've already installed the 'Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique' within my body. From the moment I received Lord Tobirama's kindness, I've been ready to sacrifice myself for the village!"

Upon hearing this, the knowledgeable members of the Konoha committee all showed expressions of surprise.

"The Hidden Four Symbols Sealing Technique" is a technique where, when the caster is near death, they release all their blood, using the reverse power of the four symbols to seal everything around them into an unknown space.

Not only does it require the bearer to have a large amount of chakra, but the process of inscribing the mark also involves enduring immense pain, akin to repeatedly stimulating the flesh with a branding iron for an extended period of time.

During the Warring States period, only members of the Uzumaki clan, known for their extreme and powerful personalities, were used as suicide warriors.

"Danzo, he wasn't without his merits—"

Uchiha Isshin glanced at Danzo.

He was stirring things up, but Isshin really liked Danzo's extremely old-fashioned style.

This is what a ninja should be like!

Tianzang probably thought the same way, but while they agreed, they wouldn't take sides.

The ninja clan's stance is to closely align themselves with the Third Hokage.

Even though Orochimaru currently seems to be ahead in the race for Hokage, getting involved prematurely is too risky.

Interestingly, when the Root members who were standing guard nearby heard Danzo's words, their expressions behind their masks all changed.

They were wondering how to repay the Hokage for treating them so well.

Ryoma Aburame thought to himself, "Why don't I get together with some of my old Root brethren and petition the Hokage to have the 'Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique' engraved on a few of us as well?"

"This way, we'll always have a better chance to contribute to the village—"

Unbeknownst to anyone, Ryoma Aburame's expression beneath his mask was somewhat manic.

In his view, having his dedication and sacrifice recognized brings him immense spiritual satisfaction.

To gain greater recognition, one must shoulder more of the village's darkness!

The darkest person in the village is naturally Danzo Shimura.

"If Danzo could do it, why can't I? It's just a sealing technique!"

"As long as the village approves of me—"

"Although he founded Root, we are now the Hidden Guardians of the Heavens under the Hokage's command! Without a complete break with the past, it's impossible to repay the Hokage's kindness—"

Aburame Ryoma's gaze shifted slightly, a thought flashing through his mind.

He saw the root members on the other side, and they also turned their gaze toward him.

Years of tacit understanding had made Aburame Ryoma realize that he wasn't the only one harboring similar thoughts—

"As Danzo was an advisor, there was no need to flaunt his achievements so much—"

One of the research factions, Hiruko, spoke in a low voice: "Which of the committee members here, the Anbu and Root, or even the vast number of Konoha ninja, is not prepared to sacrifice for the village?"

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"When Orochimaru fought Hanzo, he was just a young man. Besides, Hanzo was a renowned ninja with formidable strength. Was it shameful for him to fight for the village?"

"Excuse my bluntness, but while your spirit in inscribing the 'Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique' is certainly worth learning, if war breaks out again with the Land of Rain, I'm afraid you won't be able to seal him with Hanzo's Body Flicker Technique—"

Orochimaru nodded slightly, thinking to himself, "I must say, this method of studying the teacher's quotes is really effective. Even the usually taciturn Hiruko has started to say a few respectable things now—"

Danzo's expression suddenly changed.

Alright, the traitor has jumped out on his own!

Danzo had long disliked Hiruko; he was yet another treacherous villain surrounding Hiruzen!

Like that Japanese trader, they're constantly finding new ways to compete in their own niche, especially by specializing in a specific area.

"What right do you have to speak?"

Danzo scoffed, "It's only because Hiruzen values ​​your research abilities—let me tell you, if you're researching ninjas, stay focused on your own little corner of the world and don't meddle in areas you don't understand!"

Beiliuhu sneered.

The skill level is really low.

Despite being an assistant, he only knows how to bully others with his power and past achievements!

"The Hokage once said that those in high positions are the biggest beneficiaries of the rules, and the higher one's position, the more one should use the system to solve problems—"

Hiruko couldn't help but feel regretful. Why was it Danzo who was influenced by the Hokage every day?

What a waste of this opportunity!

If I could be by the Hokage's side, maybe I could even become his assistant in the future—

"Am I qualified?"

Tsunade slammed her hand on the table and said in a deep voice, "Danzo! Look at yourself—you're no longer a Konoha ninja!"

"The old man's not here, so you think you're the boss?"

"If you want to flaunt your seniority, then I'll play along!"

Yixin and Tianzang exchanged a glance, and the two old foxes couldn't help but nod slightly.

That's well said, and this person is even more important—

"My grandfather, my second grandfather, my younger brother, and my beloved all fought valiantly for Konoha, and many of them perished for the village!"

"My clan nearly disbanded for the sake of Konoha—almost half of them perished in the First Shinobi World War!"

"During the Second Shinobi World War, Orochimaru and I fought Hanzo on the front lines and nearly died. We saved quite a few Konoha ninjas!"

Tsunade's eyebrows furrowed, and she snapped, "In terms of seniority, I have more than you! According to your logic, shouldn't you shut up?!"

Danzo was speechless.

Who are Tsunade's relatives?

Anyone in Konoha who doesn't know this can be immediately labeled a spy.

"I didn't mean that—" Danzo muttered.

He realized that Orochimaru was already becoming quite powerful!

The research department has now established its presence in Konoha.

This doesn't even include Jiraiya, Orochimaru's buddy!

But in Orochimaru's view, while Tsunade was speaking up for him, she was also giving him a wake-up call.

If he becomes Hokage in the future, Tsunade, with her fiery temper and impeccable background, will be really hard to control—

"Supporting is indeed hard work, but all the ninja clans and ninjas are gathered under the banner of the Will of Fire, and everyone is doing their best to build the village they envision—"

Hatake Sakumo chimed in, "It's one thing to always bring up seniority and military achievements once or twice, but what will happen to the village's rules and regulations in the long run?"

"The Hokage doesn't usually govern the village like this—"

"If you want to become Hokage, I think you should learn more from the Third Hokage. You're always stuck in your own ways and can't break free—"

Sakumo started to say something, then shook his head with a sigh: "It doesn't quite fit the Will of Fire!"

Danzo glanced at Sakumo Hatake with surprise.

You're usually so quiet, but when you start talking, you're so eloquent!

What a fine deputy head of the secret service! He clearly had designs on him for a long time.

For a moment, Danzo felt surrounded by wolves and attacked from all sides.

"Hiruzen, what have you been doing—these people are incredibly arrogant while you're gone!"

Danzo roared inwardly, "You're the Hokage! Why aren't you back yet?!"

In fact, Hiruzen Sarutobi had only been away from Konoha for less than a day—

"Quiet down, everyone."

With Tobirama's Thunder God Sword slung at his waist, Hizashi slowly spoke, "The Hokage has gone to the capital to discuss new mission details with the daimyo and nobles."

"Orochimaru was asked to chair the meeting temporarily because this incident is related to Danzo's assistance, and those involved should always avoid suspicion. However, he also instructed me to be careful to give Danzo's assistance the right to speak."

"This meeting is to discuss Danzo's excessive actions in assisting the formation of Root, and the failure of the Eighth Hokage's mission."

A comprehensive discussion on the certain conflicts between the Will of Fire and the Ninja Code.

Hizashi, expressionless, held up a scroll with a large seal and Hiruzen Sarutobi's signature.

Hokage's Order!

"Committee member Lushan and I will record everyone's words and actions truthfully, including everything that just happened."

Nara Shikayama, the head of the Nara clan, spoke calmly: "I hope everyone will remain rational and restrained. The Hokage is currently ensuring stability in the rear. If the village falls into chaos—"

"This will greatly disappoint the Hokage!"

When the messenger produced Hiruzen Sarutobi's edict, an invisible, immense inertia seemed to cause the entire conference room to fall silent.

Orochimaru watched this scene silently, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew that this was a backup plan that Hiruzen Sarutobi had left him to keep things under control.

"Only by sitting in this position can you understand what kind of people a teacher faces every day—"

"The old man handled everything so easily, and still had time to cultivate so diligently!"

"Truly an iron body and spirit—"

Even Hijiri and Shikayama, who spoke up for him, were considered another force by Orochimaru.

After he becomes Hokage, these people won't automatically follow him—

In other words, Hiruko was deeply bound to him, and even Jiraiya had Minato as his apprentice—

"Research Department, Anbu Department, Ninja Clan Department, Commoner Department, Senju Department—"

The passionate and indignant Danzo and Tsunade, the silent Isshin and Tenzo, the astute Ino-Shika-Cho trio, the cold-blooded Hizashi, the agile and cunning Hiruko, the outspoken Sakumo, and the detached observer Kurama Genma—

Orochimaru glanced around and felt that there were more than just one person after another in front of him.

Instead, they are undulating hills, clashing and converging together, stretching endlessly.

Each person represents a different interest group and has different demands.

"To build their consensus, strength, prestige, and methods are all indispensable—"

Orochimaru realized that Konoha was a village full of hidden talents, each possessing unique skills!

"Without a teacher, Konoha would be in who knows how badly it would be embroiled in internal strife!"

Orochimaru couldn't help but have an almost absurd idea.

Normally, the more strong ninjas a village has, the better, but Konoha has too many.

Without a unified voice, Konoha might even perish!

"Since Hiruzen has given instructions, let's do as he says—" Danzo silently picked up the bandage with his foot, grabbed it, and stuffed it into his pocket.

This isn't to say he wanted to do it that way, but rather that Hizashi had just said that everything would be faithfully recorded—

Everyone else also sat down in an orderly fashion according to their assigned positions.

Orochimaru paused, then scanned the crowd: "Let's put this farce to an end—I hope that from now on, everyone will strictly adhere to the village's rules and spirit, and speak their minds without reservation."

"My teacher also instructed me to collect and summarize opinions from all sides, and not to silence people—"

"If such an atmosphere is created, it's very unhealthy—"

Orochimaru recalled what Hiruzen Sarutobi had once told him.

He fixed his gaze on Danzo, paused for a moment, and then slowly continued, "We are Konoha ninjas, we uphold the Will of Fire!"

Orochimaru solemnly picked up the Hokage hat with both hands and placed it directly in front of him.

Without naming names, everyone knows who they're talking about—

At that moment, Danzo felt eyes on him from all directions, but he could not turn his head.

If Hiruzen's order comes down, and they pull the same old trick again—

Danzo knew in his heart that his old comrades would definitely deal with him!

I could only nod reluctantly to show my agreement.

"Well, Hiruzen did take care of me after all, and even told Hizashi to let me speak—"

"That's true, I am the person involved after all, and it would be bad if word got out that I was sitting on the stage—" Danzo suddenly regretted it.

I shouldn't have made such a scene just now.

Why don't you believe in Hiruzen? Sigh!

At that moment, Danzo looked at Orochimaru, whose expression was neither joyful nor sorrowful, and a sense of foreboding welled up in his heart.

If Orochimaru had argued with him earlier, Danzo would have been secretly pleased, as this would have played right into his hands.

It involves luring the enemy into your comfort zone and then using your extensive experience to defeat them!

This shows that Orochimaru didn't learn Hiruzen's true essence; he was still thinking like someone outside the audience.

But he remained calm and composed.

Sitting in the Hokage's seat, he looked quite respectable at first glance.

It has a slight resemblance to Hiruzen!

But Danzo was unaware of this.

At this moment, Orochimaru felt that he no longer so eager for the position of Hokage.

"Scientific research is still the best—"

"Project initiation, research, and funding—right is right, wrong is wrong—"

"When there are too many people, it's like a suspension of cells in a test tube; it gets murky and the composition is hard to discern—"

Orochimaru sighed inwardly, "If I become Hokage in the future, will I be able to balance research and administration like my teacher?"

Only at this moment did Orochimaru realize it.

With Hiruzen Sarutobi accusing him of being responsible for funding and obscuring his research progress, it's incredibly rare and fortunate that he can focus on his research.

"Thank you for your hard work, teacher. Please come back soon—" Orochimaru thought to himself.

"Alright, let's begin the meeting—"

"Assistant, please speak first."

Danzo stood up stiffly, clearly not intending to cause trouble, but his attitude was not going to soften either.

Orochimaru shook his head.

He already had a premonition that during the teacher's absence, meetings would likely be held continuously.

This meeting is just the beginning.

The likelihood of reaching a consensus is also quite slim.

The endless wrangling is visible to the naked eye.

And at this moment.

Hiruzen Sarutobi has arrived at the capital of the Land of Fire.

Here, his younger brother, in-law, and fire daimyo Kujo Gen had gathered the most powerful nobles and officials of the land of fire, awaiting the arrival of Hiruzen Sarutobi!