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Sarutobi Clan
"Teacher has never resented you, Grandmaster."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, with his kind face, inwardly cursed the little rascal in front of him, Uchiha Yoru. This time, Orochimaru had not made a mistake in judgment, having taken on such an unconventional disciple who managed his forces so efficiently.
Amidst the swirling smoke, Uchiha Yoru endured the pungent smell, maintaining a respectful demeanor that betrayed no hint of rudeness.
"This is a gift from Teacher Orochimaru and the Clan Head."
One couldn't visit the Hokage empty-handed, especially with so many eyes watching in the shadows. Besides, he had a favor to ask, and as the saying goes, one must be humble when receiving favors.
The Sarutobi Clan had seen many precious gifts and was not easily impressed. Hiruzen Sarutobi's old face broke into a smile, a sense of relief washing over him. While the Uchiha Clan's indifference was evident, Orochimaru was still his student, and the fact that he sent a gift was heartening.
"Hehe, it's good that Orochimaru doesn't blame me. After all, everything I do is for Konoha."
At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi's kind smile turned into a persuasive tone. "Yoru, you're still young. A ninja's strength isn't just about mastering powerful jutsu, but also the heart. When you return, please advise your teacher. Tell Orochimaru not to stray from the right path."
Don't be fooled by the Hokage's kind smile; he was not someone to be easily swayed. In his eyes, his Will of Fire was absolute and not open to debate. He had inherited the ideals of the First Hokage, a dictator in his own right.
In the Third Hokage's view, it would have been better if Orochimaru had been more obedient. If he wanted to become Hokage, that was fine; he could gradually transfer power and leave his legacy intact. There was no need to create a new faction, causing unrest. Moreover, Orochimaru's extreme political views were a concern.
"Don't worry, Grandmaster. I'll definitely advise Teacher Orochimaru when I return."
Uchiha Yoru spoke respectfully, but the Third Hokage inwardly shook his head. This young man was indeed a good find, a shame he was born into the Uchiha Clan. With such a thick skin, he might truly inherit everything from Orochimaru.
"Did you visit the other major clans before coming here?"
Though he had already heard reports from the Anbu, Hiruzen Sarutobi pretended to be unaware, feigning curiosity. Uchiha Yoru, sensing the critical moment, finally relaxed. This old fox was not to be underestimated.
"Yes, I visited the major clans on Teacher's orders."
In the Third Hokage's eyes, Uchiha Yoru nodded honestly, feigning excitement. "Hokage Grandmaster, Teacher Orochimaru is conducting a Confidential Mission and researching. However, the village is in a state of recovery after the war, and funds are short. Teacher's research has been halted, and he had no choice but to seek funds from the major clans."
"The Uchiha and Hyuga Clans, for the village's development, have generously contributed... All for Konoha. However, the funding gap is still significant. Teacher Orochimaru, unable to face the situation, sent me to visit the major clans to raise research funds. Once the village stabilizes, the village will repay the funds to the clans."
Well, the Third Hokage, though in power for many years, had never seen such a fundraising method. Using the village's name, claiming the village's current difficulties, and promising to repay the funds once the village recovers—what a clever move.
This seemed reasonable, and the Third Hokage's expression showed understanding. It seemed Danzo had gone too far, imposing strict controls. However, given Orochimaru's character, he probably wouldn't have the face to ask for money.
Thinking of this, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, felt a twinge of guilt. After all, Orochimaru was his student, and he had not chosen him to be the Fourth Hokage. Now, it was happening again.
"Sigh, how much more does Orochimaru need for his research? The Sarutobi Clan still has some resources."
At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi realized that Orochimaru was deeply hurt and had given up on the Hokage position. Otherwise, he wouldn't have sent his student to cause trouble. This was his way of making amends.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama. Orochimaru will be deeply moved when he hears this."
Uchiha Yoru, hearing this, quickly played along, praising the Hokage and trying to make him feel even more guilty.
"Thank you for your generosity, Hokage-sama. I will tell Teacher how much you care about him. By the way, Teacher said he still needs ten billion."
The first part of his statement made Hiruzen Sarutobi feel both guilty and relieved, but the last part made him widen his eyes in shock. "How much did you say?"
Seeing the Hokage's shocked expression, Uchiha Yoru scratched his head, looking embarrassed. "Ten billion. Most of the research funds have already been covered by the Uchiha Clan, and the Hyuga Clan has also contributed a lot, so the gap isn't that large."
Well, at this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi almost flipped the table. Ten billion? Do you think it's ten thousand gold? Though old, he was not stupid. Ten billion? What the hell are you researching?
Seeing the Hokage's angry expression, Uchiha Yoru lowered his head, looking ashamed. "Teacher Orochimaru shuttles between three research bases daily. He says the research is confidential but very costly."
Three research bases?
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression turned to shock, and then he remembered something, a wave of anger rising within him. Damn it! Danzo, how many Forbidden Jutsu have you given Orochimaru to research?
Though the Hokage, he only controlled the major directions and couldn't oversee everything. He knew Danzo had given Orochimaru Forbidden Jutsu to research, but he never imagined it would be on such a large scale.
"Ten billion! I can't provide that much right now."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, after his anger subsided, felt helpless. On one hand, he had his good friend Danzo, who had likely abused his power for personal gain, making Orochimaru's research serve his own interests. On the other hand, Orochimaru was his student. He just wanted to quickly sign a peace treaty with the Land of Lightning and then settle accounts with Danzo.
Seeing the Hokage's helpless expression, Uchiha Yoru sighed, seemingly worried about his teacher, Orochimaru.
"The funding gap for Teacher's research is too large. Before coming, he specifically instructed me to raise funds and prepare to establish a new research base near the Land of Water for better research."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's face changed, a complex expression appearing. Orochimaru, are you also disappointed with the village, planning to follow Jiraiya and Tsunade's path and leave the village?
Sigh, but it's for the best. Once the village stabilizes, you will understand my intentions.
"Ten billion is too much for the Sarutobi Clan to provide right now. Here's what I'll do." Looking at Uchiha Yoru's young face, Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. "I'll give you five billion to pass on to Orochimaru. Consider it for the village. The remaining five billion will be provided once Orochimaru establishes the base in the Land of Water."
Uchiha Yoru's heart raced, his expression showing shock. He inwardly exclaimed, "Damn! This is a huge deal with the Mangekyou Sharingan in hand."
Five billion was a significant amount, almost enough to drain the Sarutobi Clan's resources. But Hiruzen Sarutobi still felt guilty. After all, this decision meant Orochimaru would lose the chance to become the Fifth Hokage and suffer a blow to his reputation. Sigh, consider it compensation.
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi, being too careless, focused entirely on signing the peace treaty with the Land of Lightning, unaware that Danzo had caused him a massive problem.
Stepping out of the Sarutobi residence, Uchiha Yoru's relieved smile showed a hint of fatigue. His back was drenched in sweat. The Third Hokage's chakra pressure was terrifying, even surpassing Orochimaru's at this stage.
But looking at the jutsu scroll in his hand, Uchiha Yoru's expression relaxed. "The Third Hokage's Kunai Shadow Clone Technique, this was a good deal."
Today, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt guilty and didn't scheme much. Before leaving, he even gave him a jutsu scroll, a creation of the Third Hokage.
The Kunai Shadow Clone Technique, an A-rank jutsu, was used by the Third Hokage during the Chunin Exams when he fought the First and Second Hokages. It was extremely powerful and contained all of the Third Hokage's experience, making it the most valuable part.
"Is this to silence the whispers?" Uchiha Yoru smiled bitterly, holding the jutsu scroll in his hand. After walking for a while, a smile slowly formed on his lips as he put the scroll away.
At this moment, the spies in the shadows must have seen the jutsu scroll. Heh.
Is this a signal from the Third Hokage? Is he trying to improve relations with the Uchiha Clan? Or is it for the sake of his student, Orochimaru?
Tonight, many people will start to doubt. After all, only a few high-ranking officials and the heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans know the Third's decision. The rest are still watching, and Orochimaru's chances are still high.
Under the setting sun, Uchiha Yoru's figure disappeared from the Sarutobi residence. But tonight, it would be a sleepless night for the major clans. With the jutsu scroll in hand, they would start to consider various possibilities and rush to prepare funds. Tomorrow! Tomorrow, they must deliver the funds.
Uchiha Yoru's simple tactics did not escape Hiruzen Sarutobi's notice. Perhaps this was his way of making amends. Without the Third Hokage's tacit approval, it wouldn't have been possible.
The jutsu was not the most important; the Third Hokage's attitude was.
...
Uchiha Clan
When Uchiha Yoru returned to the Uchiha Compound, he found someone waiting for him.
Naka Shrine
In the dimly lit chamber, Uchiha Fugaku and Elder Tachibana sat solemnly, while Uchiha Yoru looked tired, sitting opposite them.
"Yoru, your actions today were quite bold."
Uchiha Yoru was no longer just a simple ninja but a representative of the Uchiha Clan and Orochimaru. His every move was watched by many.
Looking at the Clan Head and Elder, Uchiha Yoru feigned fatigue, rubbing his forehead and sighing. "Clan Head, Elder, the situation seems unfavorable. The Land of Lightning has come to negotiate, and the village is full of praise for Hiruzen Sarutobi's son, Asuma. This doesn't seem like a good start."
They had already noticed this after the news of the Land of Lightning's peace talks reached them. The village was filled with praise for Asuma, and no one was foolish.
"Hmph, the old monkey Hiruzen is probably trying to pave the way for his son. But it's not enough. To become the Kage of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, strength is the most important factor."
Elder Tachibana snorted, dismissing the idea. Uchiha Fugaku, however, frowned and said, "Asuma may have a good reputation, but the Jounin know that the credit for the front lines belongs to Orochimaru. So, it's not a major concern."
One was the Clan Head, and the other was the Elder. Truly, the Uchiha Clan was proud. Looking at them, Uchiha Yoru sighed inwardly, but he was no longer the one who had to bow to the Clan Head and Elder.
"Clan Head, Elder, Teacher Orochimaru is preparing to counter."
This statement made Fugaku and Elder Tachibana's faces turn serious. Finally! Is the cold-blooded Orochimaru preparing to formally compete for the Hokage position? But the next words left them in shock.
"Orochimaru plans to bring the Hyuga Branch Family under his command and needs a suitable living area." Uchiha Yoru paused, then looked at the Clan Head and Elder solemnly. "The Uchiha Clan is now on the outskirts of the village, and the designated living area can accommodate the Hyuga Branch Family."
"The Hyuga Branch Family!" Their eyes widened in shock. Elder Tachibana, realizing the implications, exclaimed, "Could it be! Could it be that Orochimaru has solved the Caged Bird Seal?"
Uchiha Fugaku, unable to contain his surprise, gasped. "If Orochimaru has solved the Caged Bird Seal, then the Branch Family's strength, combined with our Uchiha Clan, will form a new, formidable force."
If the Caged Bird Seal were truly solved, the Hyuga Branch Family would be different. They would be a loyal force under Orochimaru, sharing the same fate.
Well! At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku and Elder Tachibana exchanged excited and fervent looks.
Thank you, brothers, for your support. The standards for fanfiction have been raised, and it's hard to get into the Three Rivers. I hope you can help promote it in your groups. I'm truly grateful.
(End of Chapter)