Chapter 128: Orochimaru Wants to Be a Hands-Off Manager

Shimura Danzo readily agreed to the three conditions set by Sarutobi Hiruzen.

A flash of wild joy crossed his eyes, and he immediately bowed to pay his respects, lowering his head to hide it: "Thank you, Third Hokage! I will certainly follow your instructions, strictly execute these three conditions, make thorough preparations, and ensure the plan is foolproof."

Danzo did not take the promise seriously in his heart; as long as Sarutobi Hiruzen gave his tacit approval, he would have the imperial sword to mobilize the ninjas of Konohagakure at will.

No matter what, as long as he could finish off Orochimaru, it would be a severe weakening of Sarutobi Hiruzen, while simultaneously expanding his own influence.

At the very least, in Shimura Danzo's mind, he would be one step closer to the position of Hokage.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness and worry in the other's eyes.

They had been classmates and colleagues for decades; who didn't know what kind of person Danzo was?

The problem was that the threat posed by Orochimaru was too great; apart from the plan proposed by Danzo, they had absolutely no other choice.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had truly made this decision out of sheer necessity.

Standing from their perspective, for the safety of Konoha, and to protect the villagers and Konoha Ninja, they could only tacitly allow Danzo to take the risk.

Furthermore, they had to fully cooperate with Danzo to minimize the risks of the plan.

The Konoha F4 reached a consensus, and the plan entered the implementation phase.

Utatane Koharu said: "Hiruzen, you have already made the decision; I will cooperate fully and handle the public opinion guidance to ensure stability within Konoha."

Mitokado Homura also echoed: "We will all do our best to cooperate with Danzo, while closely monitoring the movements of Orochimaru and other ninja villages; if there are any abnormalities, we will report to you immediately."

Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand: "Good, I leave it to you."

"Danzo, you must be careful and cautious, and keep the three conditions I told you in mind."

"Yes, Lord Third Hokage!"

The three of them bowed and accepted the order simultaneously, their tones respectful.

The meeting concluded, everyone left, and the meeting hall returned to silence.

Sarutobi Hiruzen slumped dejectedly into his chair, slowly lifting his head to gaze at Konohagakure outside the window.

Sunlight shone in through the window, making the office warm, but Sarutobi Hiruzen felt cold.

He knew this wasn't a real chill, but the result of the helplessness and guilt in his heart after crossing his moral bottom line.

Sarutobi Hiruzen even felt that he was no longer human!

His hands gripped the armrests tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

"I cannot be blamed; I am the Hokage, I am the Third Hokage, I must be responsible for Konohagakure..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen could only believe that he had no other choice; it was the helplessness of being the Hokage of Konohagakure, a helpless choice made to sacrifice personal feelings for the safety of Konoha.

If he didn't think this way, he would probably have to commit suicide.

But as he thought and thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen deceived himself.

He truly believed that the current situation was Orochimaru's fault, not the fault of his own cowardice.

He apologized sincerely in his heart: I'm sorry, Orochimaru!

It is that your teacher failed to guide you onto the right path, and I can only use your life to trade for the safety of Konoha.

May you find peace and comfort in the Pure Land...

After Danzo walked out of the Hokage Building, the wild joy in his eyes could no longer be hidden, and the corners of his mouth curled into a smug smile.

Orochimaru was still too green after all.

This kid actually thought that by winning the war and taking down Kirigakure and the Land of Water, he could gain honor and sit in the position of Hokage.

Hmph!

Naive!

Konohagakure belongs to me, Shimura Danzo; as long as you dare to step onto the land of the Land of Fire, you will inevitably fall into the trap I have laid.

Shimura Danzo designed the subsequent plan with satisfaction.

After finishing off Orochimaru, he would take the opportunity to spread the word that it was Sarutobi Hiruzen who did it, letting everyone know that Sarutobi Hiruzen was a scoundrel who was jealous of talent and would even assassinate his own student.

He said with his mouth that no one could touch Konoha's comrades, yet he personally killed a student who had just achieved the merit of destroying a nation.

The Third Hokage and the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure were birds of a feather who murdered their own village's comrades!

When it comes down to it, the safety of Konoha still depends on me, Shimura Danzo, and on my Root.

Once Sarutobi Hiruzen's reputation is completely ruined, the position of Hokage will be Danzo's turn!

Shimura Danzo believed that as the Fifth Hokage, he would perfectly reform Konoha and make Konoha the most powerful ninja village in the Ninja World once again.

Everyone would have to fear and submit to him!

Danzo did not delay in the slightest and immediately summoned his trusted Root ninja to arrange the tasks:

Some were to secretly spread rumors, claiming that Orochimaru intended to establish an independent nation in the Land of Water.

Some were to disguise themselves as Mist Ninja and head to the Land of Water to contact Yamanaka Chujiu and sow discord.

The most elite Root ninja quietly left the village, waiting for the order to surround and kill Orochimaru to be issued.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Water, Kirigakure, at the Mizukage Building.

Orochimaru stood on the roof of the building, taking advantage of the rare clear weather to carefully observe Kirigakure.

Konoha Ninja were patrolling the streets, the villagers of Kirigakure had obediently accepted the new ruler, shops were open for business, and people were working hard.

Kirigakure was even more lively and prosperous than before.

Yamanaka Chujiu stood by Orochimaru's side and reported in a low voice: "Teacher Orochimaru, Sarutobi Hiruzen has agreed to Shimura Danzo's plan, and the Root ninja have already begun setting up ambush positions, preparing to surround and kill you on your way back to Konohagakure."

Orochimaru smiled faintly and asked with disdain: "Chujiu, Shimura Danzo's brain couldn't come up with such a simple and effective plan; did you pull some strings, kid?"

Yamanaka Chujiu chuckled: "I have plenty of Living Puppets from the Root, so I might as well put the waste to use."

Orochimaru curled his lip in disdain: "I knew it."

"You've pushed me into a position where I have no way to retreat; now I have no choice but to clash head-on with Teacher Sarutobi."

Yamanaka Chujiu asked in return: "Teacher Orochimaru, are you afraid?"

"Afraid?"

"What would I be afraid of?"

Orochimaru said with annoyance: "Teacher Sarutobi has grown old after all; clearly indecisive and full of concerns, yet at a time when he shouldn't be decisive, he has made the wrong decision."

"To be honest, I also find it a bit hard to understand the four of them, including the teacher."

"Clearly, with you and me, master and apprentice, joining forces, we have complete control over more than twelve thousand Konoha Ninja and possess immense influence among the other ninja; yet Danzo actually thought that by relying on the meager power of a few Elders, he could finish off me, Orochimaru."

"If I were truly finished off by Danzo, Konohagakure would split apart on the spot!"

Yamanaka Chujiu was overjoyed: "Master Orochimaru, have you accepted my plan?"

Orochimaru said helplessly: "Do I have a choice but to accept?"

"Shimura Danzo has already come to kill me, and Teacher Sarutobi has even agreed to and cooperated with him; as long as I don't want to die and don't want to become a rogue ninja, the only path I have is to return to Konohagakure as soon as possible, overthrow Teacher Sarutobi's rule, and become the Fifth Hokage myself."

"Kid, don't get cocky either!"

"Once I have complete control over Konohagakure, I will focus on researching Ninjutsu and dump all the work on you, working you to death!"

"Haven't you been trying every way to force me to become the Fifth Hokage?"

"Fine, I will be the Hokage, but all the work belongs to you!"

"You will be my Hokage Assistant, and the only assistant at that; I'll work you to death!"

Yamanaka Chujiu was bewildered: "Huh?"