Starting with the Uchiha clan, they began cultivating demonic arts.

Chapter 104 Preparations Before Departure

Orochimaru was already prepared to make trouble for Danzo after Uchiha Hiu was led here. However, seeing the behavior of these Root ninjas, it seemed that they wanted to do more than just find something to hold against him; they seemed to want to escalate the situation.

From the perspective of Konoha's higher-ups, Orochimaru's experimentation on members of the Uchiha clan was a problem that could be considered either a big or small one.

Human experimentation is commonplace in Konoha, but using fellow village ninjas for experiments is indeed a grave taboo.

However, if that fellow villager is an Uchiha, then it's a different story. Although the current Konoha leadership hasn't said that dealing with the Uchiha is politically correct, it's obvious that the Uchiha and the Konoha leadership are not of one mind.

If the higher-ups want to suppress it, as long as the news doesn't spread, it's just a small handle or stain. But if the news spreads, it won't just be a matter for the Uchiha clan anymore.

If you can experiment on the Uchiha clan today, can you experiment on the Senju clan tomorrow? And the day after tomorrow, can you experiment on the Hyuga clan?

For the clan ninjas of Konoha, this was a taboo subject that could not be opened. So once the news spread, Orochimaru would be lucky to survive, let alone become Hokage.

Looking at the Root ninja trapped in the genjutsu, Uchiha Tou shrugged and said:

"It seems that the guy from Root isn't trying to find fault with us or sow discord; he probably wants you to become a rogue ninja, or even just kill you, Sensei!"

"Hehehehehehe!! I really underestimated him!"

Orochimaru laughed in fury, his snake eyes shrinking to their limit, a hint of cold killing intent flashing within them:

"I've made a note of this!"

Uchiha Touyu twitched his lips, casually found a stool to sit down, and looking at his cheap teacher who was currently fuming, he directly reminded him:

"Teacher, stop arguing so fiercely and think about what you should do next."

"No matter what, the fact that you used the Uchiha clan for experiments is undeniable. I don't believe Danzo didn't leave any other clues behind."

"And as long as you continue to rely on the Root to transport materials for human experiments to you, Danzo will always have leverage over you."

Orochimaru was silent for a moment, then said coldly:

"This isn't Danzo's problem... Danzo alone wouldn't be the reason he directly turns against me!"

Orochimaru is now practically a shoo-in for the Fourth Hokage. Even if he makes a mistake, Danzo wouldn't just flip the table like that. He would have to report and discuss it with the higher-ups in Konoha before making a final decision.

Not to mention research on the Uchiha clan and Hashirama cells, Danzo already knew this very well, and Danzo's knowledge meant that the Third Hokage knew it too.

Despite the Third Hokage's seemingly indulgent attitude towards Danzo, a closer look at their respective situations reveals who was truly in a higher position.

Danzo stirred up a lot of trouble in Konoha, which not only solidified the Third Hokage's position but also created a lot of problems for himself.

If you say this guy's skill level is higher than the Third Hokage's, and that he could do something like this without the Third Hokage's knowledge, then probably only a newly graduated genin would believe it.

So although Danzo was the one who made the move, the person behind him was definitely the Third Hokage!

"So, it's the Hokage who wants to get rid of you! Because your reputation is so high, you're practically destined to become the Fourth Hokage?"

"If the Third Hokage really were to target you, teacher, what would you do?"

What to do? Orochimaru was never one to swallow his pride, especially when he found out that the person who stabbed him was his most respected teacher.

The more respect he had for the Third Hokage in the past, the more hatred he now harbors for him!

Snakes can bite really hard!

Orochimaru let out a chuckle, then spoke coldly after a moment:

"The teacher probably wants me to withdraw from the Hokage competition. Haha, I didn't expect that the old man is still so attached to power at his age."

"As for Danzo... he probably developed some ambitions after obtaining my research report, so he wanted to fan the flames and force me out completely!"

"It's just that he didn't expect that you, Feiyu, didn't care about the so-called Uchiha clan at all, which is why this misunderstanding happened."

"Since they either want me to quit or they want me to leave, I might as well grant their wish!"

"I just hope they can handle the consequences of my departure!"

Seeing Orochimaru's cold and resolute expression, Uchiha Touyu knew that this man was about to cause trouble, which made a smile involuntarily appear on Uchiha Touyu's lips:

"In that case, how about adding me too, teacher?"

"Anyway, I'm just an Uchiha, and no matter how much I develop in Konoha, this is all I'll ever be. I don't have any attachment to the Uchiha clan, so I might as well have a big fight with you."

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru looked at Uchiha Tou. He didn't think that Uchiha Tou had a deep relationship with him. On the contrary, Orochimaru, who knew his disciple well, knew very well that this guy's personality was very similar to his own in some aspects, and even more ruthless.

The reason he wanted to cause a scene with me was definitely not because of my current situation, but because it would be very beneficial for him!

"Can you become stronger simply by killing? Or can you keep improving by using the blood and bones of ninjas... No wonder you, my disciple, who cherishes your life so much, now want to cause trouble directly in Konoha."

Orochimaru lowered his eyes, not revealing his thoughts. No matter how many schemes Uchiha Tou had in mind, as long as they had Uchiha Tou's help, they could definitely cause even more trouble in Konoha.

"However, Orochimaru-sensei, I also have a ninjutsu that I hope to learn from you."

"Ninjutsu? Tell me, what kind of ninjutsu is it?"

"Impure World Reincarnation!"

……

When Uchiha Hiu returned to Konoha Root, he was carrying a blood-stained bundle.

The bundle was about the size of a football, and drops of blood were seeping out from the bottom of it. Any ninja with some experience could tell what was inside—it was probably someone's head that had just been severed.

"I'm going to see Danzo!"

Uchiha Touyu spoke with a hint of weariness. The two Root ninjas guarding the door exchanged glances but said nothing more, and led Uchiha Touyu toward Danzo's office.

When Uchiha Hiyu walked through the long corridor and arrived at Danzo's office, he saw the old schemer sitting in a chair with his eyes closed, looking indifferent and calm.

"You're back? Judging from how anxious you are, it seems that the person who conducted the human experiments was no ordinary person."

Danzo spoke in a low voice, and when he saw the bloodstained package in Uchiha Tou's hand, he showed a barely perceptible surprise.

I never expected that Uchiha Tou would actually kill Orochimaru! This is truly amazing!

Regardless, Orochimaru is currently the most popular candidate for Hokage, and he is also Uchiha Tou's teacher. Even if Uchiha Tou had a reason and was in the name of righteousness, it would be difficult for him to remain a ninja in the open after doing such a thing.

Then I'll get Uchiha Touyu to join Root and become my subordinate. That way, my chances of becoming Hokage will increase significantly!

Without Orochimaru, and with the other two of the Legendary Sannin having no interest in becoming Hokage, only that junior, the Yellow Flash, remained...

While Danzo was still pondering, Uchiha Tou had already thrown the package containing the severed head onto the table. He used a skillful technique, and the package was opened as soon as it hit the table.

The head inside the package had a gloomy look in its eyes, with a hint of ruthlessness. Its hair was disheveled and stood up, its face was covered in wrinkles, one eye was tightly wrapped in bandages, and there was a pair of X-shaped scars on its chin.

Who is this person? It's not Orochimaru at all! Wait, why does this face look so familiar... isn't that my head?!

Oh no, this is an illusion!

Danzo had just realized what was happening when he immediately controlled the surge of chakra within his body. The force was so great that blood spilled from the corners of his mouth. However, despite this, the head of the other person in front of him did not change at all, as if it was mocking his futile efforts.

How could this be? I can't interrupt it with chakra... Could it be a Mangekyou Sharingan genjutsu?

"What exactly do you want? Uchiha Touya! I clearly ordered you to investigate and capture Orochimaru, who is conducting human experiments on the Uchiha clan. Why are you using genjutsu on me?"

"Huh!? How did you know Orochimaru was the one conducting human experiments? You found out way too fast!"

Uchiha Touyu spoke with a grin, and Danzo was immediately startled, realizing he had let something slip. However, having weathered many storms, he still spoke with a serious expression:

"The Root ninjas I sent to investigate were naturally going to report back to me. Isn't it normal that I already knew the results before that?"

"Uh... but your Root ninja subordinates were already under my genjutsu the moment they left the gate. I've seen all the reports, so why didn't I see this one?"

"You!! What have you done?! How dare you betray me!!"

"Why are you yelling so loudly, Lord Danzo?"

Uchiha Touyu rubbed his ears, looking surprised by his voice, and said calmly:

"Anyway, for the past six months, the entire root system has been almost entirely shrouded in my illusion magic. This kind of thing isn't surprising at all, is it?"

Half a year!? If the Root ninjas really were under genjutsu for half a year, what secrets could Root possibly hide from this Uchiha brat?

Furthermore, although Orochimaru conducted his research himself, it was Root that helped him, and Root ultimately received the results of his research. If that brat had controlled Root for six months, he would definitely have known about the Uchiha clan long ago...

There are also many secrets hidden within the Root organization, incriminating evidence against various ninja clans, and all sorts of dirty secrets...

Danzo felt as if his heart had fallen into an abyss, a chill running from the soles of his feet all the way to the top of his head. Despite it being the middle of summer, he was almost trembling all over.

"Kill him! Kill Uchiha Touyu!"

"Tsk... You really don't appreciate kindness! I completed your mission perfectly, found the mysterious organization that was experimenting on the Uchiha clan, and even obtained the head of the organization's leader..."

Uchiha Touyu chuckled and pointed at Danzo's head on the table, his face full of sarcasm:

"Look, isn't this the target you've been looking for?! Root leader Shimura Danzo, the culprit who attacked the Uchiha!"

As Uchiha Hiyu spoke, the ninjas who were secretly protecting Danzo all stepped out one by one, their three-tomoe eyes swirling, completely ignoring Danzo's shouts and walking straight out the door.

"hateful!"

Danzo, his face contorted with hatred, reached out and formed hand seals, attempting to control the Root ninjas, only to find that they did not react at all.

"How could this be? My cursed seal..."

"You should have some common sense, Lord Danzo. I've already manipulated all five senses, so what makes you think you're performing hand seals?"

"Damn those evil Uchiha brats! The teacher was right, the Uchiha clan is the biggest destabilizing factor in Konoha, and they should be completely destroyed!"

"Yes, yes, you're right, that's what I was thinking too. So, in order to avoid being destroyed by you, I'll scatter your ashes now!"

……

In reality, Orochimaru stood beside Uchiha Tou, watching Danzo gesticulate wildly, shouting at the air like a monkey, and a hint of fear appeared in his eyes.

"What a terrifying illusion! It controlled Root silently for half a year without anyone noticing?"

"To be precise, I didn't control the roots, but rather manipulated their five senses to make them ignore me. Otherwise, weaving illusions for each of them and making them feel incredibly real through their five senses would be a very troublesome thing."

"Furthermore, this illusion technique has a certain distance requirement; it can only be truly controlled within my line of sight."

As Uchiha Touyu spoke, he grabbed Danzo by the throat and turned to look at Orochimaru:

"Do you still need this guy? If not, I'll just kill him."

"You seem to harbor some hatred towards Danzo... Logically speaking, keeping this guy around would be a better choice! Even if he leaves Konoha, I believe this Dark Lord of the Shinobi World wouldn't hesitate to cooperate with us."

"There is indeed a bit of personal grudge. I've reviewed the memories of many Root ninjas, and this old man seems to have something to do with the deaths of my parents."

"I only needed him before, so I didn't kill him outright. Now that I'm about to leave, I'll naturally settle any scores and avenge any wrongs."

(End of this chapter)