Orochimaru proposed to Danzo that they restart research on Senju Hashirama's cells, but Danzo unexpectedly rejected Orochimaru's proposal.
This surprised Orochimaru.
After the Hashirama cell transplantation trials were terminated by the Third Hokage, Orochimaru had still maintained close cooperation with Danzo and secretly continued the experiments.
Danzo had helped Orochimaru bring test subjects, and eventually even brought sixty babies from villages surrounding Konoha.
Orochimaru extracted genetic material from the First Hokage's corpse, then injected these genes into the bodies of sixty babies for human experimentation. But the rejection reactions were very strong, and the infants died one after another.
Originally, Orochimaru wanted to continue the experiments, but Danzo told him to stop.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had been alerted by reports of missing shinobi and babies from surrounding villages.
What Orochimaru didn't know was that one of the sixty experimental babies had survived and was secretly taken into Root by Danzo, becoming a shinobi codenamed 'Kinoe'.
This ninja codenamed 'Kinoe' would later be known as Yamato.
The reason Danzo refused Orochimaru's request to restart the experiments was because he already had a successful test subject.
At this time, Orochimaru had not been able to become Hokage. If he restarted his research, people in the surrounding area would again disappear without explanation, and he might become a target of investigation.
Especially since Sarutobi Hiruzen would soon no longer be Hokage.
The reason Danzo had been able to operate freely in Konoha was because of Sarutobi Hiruzen's tacit permission.
But the newly appointed Fourth Hokage would not condone his actions.
...
Three days later.
Many people in Konoha gathered in front of the bulletin board at the Hokage Building.
Sora and Uzumaki Kushina also came to see.
"Sora, it's so lively over there. That's a bulletin board, right? Is there something important announced? Let's go take a look!"
Sora nodded and said, "Okay, let's check it out."
Sora had already guessed what was being announced.
Sora's reputation was so intimidating that when people around realized who he was, they all moved out of his way.
Rather than respect for Sora, it was more out of fear.
Sora and Uzumaki Kushina walked to the bulletin board and read the announcement clearly.
[Note: As of today, current Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen resigns his position and is succeeded by Namikaze Minato as the Fourth Hokage]
Uzumaki Kushina was very surprised: "What happened? Why did the Third suddenly step down and let that sissy take over as Hokage?"
Sora thought this was indeed an interesting development.
Sora returned home with Uzumaki Kushina.
Kushina couldn't wait to ask: "Sora, you must know something about this, right? Tell me quickly."
Kushina's face was full of curiosity.
Sora replied: "Actually, it's very simple.
First, the Third Hokage is already quite old and is no longer suited to be Hokage.
Second, the Third decided not to demand much from Sunagakure, the ninja village that invaded the Land of Fire.
Little or no war reparations at all, so to provide an explanation to everyone in Konoha, he resigned."
Kushina pouted and said: "But why Namikaze Minato? From the beginning, everyone was saying that Orochimaru-sama would be the next Hokage. I thought so too."
Sora repeated the analysis he had heard at Orochimaru's base to Kushina.
Kushina felt confused: "Why is it so complicated?"
Sora summarized it simply for Kushina: "Basically, Namikaze Minato shares the Third's vision. After becoming Hokage, he will continue to govern Konoha according to the Third's policies, so the Hokage position went to him. Do you understand now?"
Kushina suddenly realized: "Now I understand. So that's how it is."
But Kushina immediately looked unhappy and said: "However, I think you, Sora, would be more suitable as the Fourth Hokage!"
Sora tapped Kushina lightly on the forehead and said with a smile: "You know it's absolutely impossible for me to become Hokage. I'm not even on the list of candidates. To them, I'm just a very important tool that works well, not someone who uses the tools."
Sora lowered his voice and added: "Besides... our time in Konoha is entering its final countdown. We will have to leave sooner or later. Konoha is not our home."
Kushina hugged Sora's arm and smiled happily: "I'll go wherever you go. Wherever you are is my home."
...
The Hokage succession ceremony was hastily arranged. In the morning, it was announced on the bulletin board that Namikaze Minato would become the Fourth Hokage, and by afternoon, the succession ceremony was being held.
As an important member of Konoha, Sora was also invited to participate in Namikaze Minato's Hokage succession ceremony.
Sora asked: "Kushina, do you want to go watch?"
Uzumaki Kushina shook her head: "I'm not interested. I'd rather think about what we're going to have for dinner tonight. By the way, I'll invite Kakashi over for dinner. I don't know what's wrong with that kid lately. He doesn't seem to want to come by for meals anymore."
Sora nodded: "Alright, I'll bring Kakashi back after the ceremony is over."
Sora left home and arrived at the Hokage Building.
The streets around the Hokage Building were already lined with people, preparing to watch Namikaze Minato's succession ceremony.
Sora made his way to the rooftop of the Hokage Building.
In addition to Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Jiraiya, several core Elite Jōnin of Konoha were also present.
For example, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyūga Hiashi, and others.
Danzo definitely wouldn't be here—he was probably still fuming at the Root headquarters.
Orochimaru wasn't present either. Such ceremonies definitely wouldn't interest Orochimaru.
Sora was unfamiliar with most people there, so he stood in the corner and quietly watched Namikaze Minato's succession ceremony.
The ceremony began.
Sarutobi Hiruzen removed the Hokage hat from his head, walked up to Namikaze Minato, and handed it to him.
Namikaze Minato took the Hokage hat with both hands and placed it on his head.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Namikaze Minato with relief: "I leave it to you, Fourth Hokage!"
Namikaze Minato solemnly swore: "I am willing to give my life!"
Namikaze Minato turned around and walked to the edge of the rooftop, looking down at the people of Konoha below, accepting their cheers.
After the succession ceremony, Sora initially wanted to leave immediately, but Namikaze Minato approached him.
Namikaze Minato said to Sora very sincerely: "Sora, please give me your advice and support. I hope we can work together to contribute to Konoha's future."
Sora replied calmly: "There is nothing to advise. Now you are the Fourth Hokage, so as a shinobi, I only need to follow orders. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now, Fourth Hokage."
Sora vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.
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