Root.
In a dimly lit secret chamber, the head of ANBU departed with a satisfied smile after securing a successful political deal, leaving only three figures behind.
Watching her leave, Koharu Utatane furrowed her brows. "That woman is too obsessed with power."
With outsiders gone, their facades slipped—old comrades revealing true feelings.
Homura Mitokado sighed. "Ambition itself isn't the issue—it's Sarutobi Shinzo's capabilities. He might not garner enough support."
They had decided to abandon Orochimaru. His unpredictability and the upheaval his rule would cause outweighed his strengths. Sarutobi Shinzo, backed by Hiruzen, offered continuity—vital after the Third Great Ninja War and the Nine-Tails disaster.
Danzo Shimura snorted. "With Hiruzen behind him, Shinzo's rise poses little threat."
He already plotted to exploit the new Hokage's weaknesses and tarnish his reputation—far easier than dealing with Orochimaru.
Koharu Utatane leaned forward. "Danzo, the forbidden jutsu left by our teacher is too dangerous."
She meant both its cruelty and the human cost. Danzo chuckled coldly. "Orochimaru won't hesitate—unlike White Fang. We must still undermine him. What drastic measures do you propose?"
The ANBU head—the Hokage's daughter-in-law—had just secured her own influence. Now, the elders weighed how best to sway opinion: discredit Orochimaru without repeating the White Fang tragedy.
Mitokado shook his head. "Those jutsu require live experiments. Another bloodshed like White Fang's would devastate Konoha."
Danzo's plans were darker but pragmatic: gather evidence of human experimentation under the guise of forbidden research, then expose Orochimaru to crush his support.
Koharu Utatane nodded. "When you hand the Edo Tensei data over, closely monitor him. We need solid proof."
They would collect undeniable evidence—human corpses reanimated—then strike, ensuring Orochimaru's downfall and preserving the village's stability.
Inside the Hokage's office
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, puffed on his pipe with Nara Shikaku at his side.
"Shikaku," he rasped, "the ANBU head went to Root, and so did Mitokado and Utatane."
Shikaku frowned. "The power struggle deepens, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen sighed. "Orochimaru has walked a dark path. Allow him to continue, and Konoha will face more chaos."
Years ago, he'd backed Minato Namikaze precisely because Minato's few allegiances promised a peaceful transition. Minato embodied the Will of Fire—unlike Orochimaru's ruthless pursuit.
Now, the village couldn't withstand further upheaval. Though human research had a grim history—even Hiruzen's own Wood Release experiments—Orochimaru's secret work threatened to unravel all they'd rebuilt.
As he looked at Shikaku, Hiruzen's gaze grew firm. His love for Konoha was genuine, and his belief that only his Fire philosophy could unite the village would guide his hand in the coming storm.
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