Distributing the Tailed Beasts during the First Hokage's era had once been seen as a wise and stabilizing move.
But as sealing techniques advanced, Jinchūriki began to emerge one after another. The Tailed Beasts, once thought of as volatile time bombs, gradually became strategic assets—powerful forces capable of shifting the tide of battle.
Looking back now, many in Konoha's leadership feel uneasy. If they could go back in time to that Five Kage Summit, they'd surely try to stop the First Hokage from giving away such power.
Of course, none of this is his fault. No one could have predicted just how capable future generations of shinobi would become.
Take Sunagakure, for example. They've passed down the One-Tailed Shukaku for generations, yet their only means of control is through a rudimentary sleep technique.
Still, regardless of the past, the value of the Tailed Beasts in today's world is undeniable—and Konoha has long been considering how to reclaim some of them. Now, perhaps, is the perfect opportunity.
At the very least, they must prevent Kumogakure and Iwagakure from acquiring a third Jinchūriki.
"I heard," Koharu Utatane said, turning to Orochimaru, "you recently brought back a mother and daughter from outside the village. They have Uzumaki blood, correct? That would make them suitable Jinchūriki candidates."
Orochimaru frowned slightly under the weight of her gaze.
"It's far too early to talk about that. Right now, I believe our priority should be the 'Box of Bliss,' not Jinchūriki."
The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes. "Do you know something about it?"
"Only rumors," Orochimaru replied, with a slight smile. "They say the Box of Bliss is a weapon from the era of the Sage of Six Paths. When it absorbs enough chakra, it releases a monster—one comparable to a Tailed Beast. All that nonsense about making wishes is just superstition."
"The elders of Kusanagi Village may be fools, but the previous caretaker of the Box nearly conquered the entire ninja world using those monsters."
The expressions in the room grew grave. They might have dismissed Ryuran's warnings, but Orochimaru was not a man to take lightly. If he said the Box was dangerous, they believed him.
"A weapon from the Sage's era..." the Third muttered, taking a long drag from his pipe.
To ordinary people, the Sage of Six Paths might be a myth. But everyone here knew better. The Senju and Uchiha clans both carry his bloodline. Madara Uchiha once left the village with a fan said to be carved from the Sage's divine tree. Even the eight-tails sealing jar in Kumogakure is believed to be a relic from that era.
If this Box of Bliss is real, Konoha needs to act fast—and stop underestimating Kusanagi Village.
"We don't have time to waste," Koharu said, frowning. "We should destroy the Box before it can be opened."
Shikaku Nara and Homura Mitokado nodded silently, all eyes now turning to Orochimaru.
If a rapid strike was needed, there was no better candidate than one of the Sannin. Even if a monster was released or Nanao went berserk, Orochimaru could handle it.
But he merely chuckled.
"No need to rush. If the legends are true, the monsters within aren't so easily controlled. If Kusanagi pushes too far, they'll suffer for it."
"That's irrelevant," Koharu shot back. "The last thing the village needs is an uncontrollable monster on the loose."
Konoha, after all, has the most to lose. In a stable ninja world, they remain the dominant power—richest in resources, manpower, and talent. The only reason they struggled during the previous wars was because they faced multiple enemies at once.
To Konoha, peace is profit. A monster rampaging across the nations, regardless of whose fault it is, is a threat to their supremacy.
"Oh, but I think it is relevant," Orochimaru said, licking his lips.
"Let's say Kusanagi can control it. Do you really think Konoha would be their first target?"
Koharu paused, caught off guard. Shikaku, however, already saw where this was going.
It was obvious. Kusanagi might dream big, but no one attacks the strongest village first—not unless they're suicidal.
Smaller, weaker nations would be the likely targets. Taki. The Land of Iron. If those villages fall, the Land of Fire might just "have" to step in—and perhaps expand its borders in the process.
So if Kusanagi's power does grow… that could be an opportunity.
Konoha has long been annoyed by these neutral villages that refuse to pick a side.
"But what if they can't control it?" Koharu pressed, unwilling to drop the point.
"Then it's even better," Orochimaru said with a grin. "Their ambition outpaces their ability—and in their failure, Kusanagi would be wiped off the map."
"After we step in to eliminate the threat, of course, Konoha would be free to take a more 'active role' in their internal affairs."
And maybe even walk away with another Tailed Beast, he added to himself, smiling.
Koharu couldn't refute that logic. As much as she disliked Orochimaru, he made a compelling case.
Still, something about him always made her uneasy.
Is it personal bias? she wondered, frowning. But she said nothing more.
Shikaku Nara watched it all in silence, piecing it together.
Koharu wasn't entirely wrong. Her instincts were sound—but her methods were limited. She lacked the power to follow through on risky decisions.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, had that power—and the confidence to match. He could afford to gamble for high returns.
Both were, in their own ways, right. It wasn't about being correct. It was about being strong enough to act.
And if he were asked to vote… he would likely side with Koharu.
Because relying on someone like Orochimaru—even if he's right—never sits easy.
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