Amemiya Kenichi was quite pleased that Shimura Danzo ignored him. As long as he didn't attract that old man's attention, he was fine.
Besides, following Orochimaru wasn't bad at all. Kenichi had no intention of changing his allegiance for the time being, and even if he did, he certainly wouldn't choose Danzo.
Although Snake Lord could be cruel and ruthless at times, he treated his subordinates and disciples exceptionally well. Under Orochimaru's guidance, Kenichi had mastered several impressive ninjutsu and significantly improved his combat skills.
However, Kenichi's body still couldn't handle the strain of becoming a Chūnin. Orochimaru was equally disappointed.
Upon entering the laboratory, Kenichi's heart turned completely cold. During experiments, any display of sympathy or other emotions Orochimaru deemed "weak" would result in severe punishment.
Thus, Kenichi had learned to harden his heart into ice-cold steel.
He coldly recorded the experimental process with his pen. Thanks to his participation, they had made some breakthroughs in their research on Senju Hashirama's cells, achieving promising results in mice.
It was clear that the test subjects couldn't withstand the overwhelming power of the First Hokage's cells. After the fusion, they all met gruesome ends.
Amemiya Kenichi continued to record his observations, scribbling notes on the paper. With each turn of the page, another piece of life slipped away.
After seven grueling experiments, only one subject managed to survive the initial fusion phase.
Based on the physiological monitoring data, Amemiya Kenichi knew that unless this unfortunate subject got incredibly lucky, they wouldn't see the sunrise.
"Why are all the experiments failing?" Shimura Danzo asked, his voice tinged with impatience. Amemiya Kenichi remained silent, but inwardly he wanted to laugh.
He knew exactly why the old man was so anxious. With the Third Shinobi World War over, the Third Hokage was growing old. No one knew how much longer the revered ninja leader could hold his position.
Shimura Danzo, convinced he was a strong contender for the Fourth Hokage title, was growing increasingly desperate.
He was desperate to grow stronger. The position of Hokage had become a nightmare obsession for him. To achieve it, he would do anything, even desecrate the dead by experimenting on the First Hokage's body.
But Amemiya Kenichi couldn't remember why the Third Hokage had stepped down. Normally, a new Hokage would only be chosen after the Third Hokage's death.
And while the Third Hokage was getting on in years, he wasn't exactly ancient. He could easily serve for a while longer.
Could it be...?
"Kenichi, bring me the experiment logs." Orochimaru's voice snapped Kenichi back to reality. He respectfully handed over the logs and stole a glance at Shimura Danzo standing nearby.
Under Orochimaru's deliberate explanation, Danzo reluctantly accepted the reason that "the First Hokage's cells require further experimentation." He then ordered Root to discreetly capture test subjects from other villages—ones that wouldn't raise suspicion.
Orochimaru had no objections. He still cared deeply about his reputation in Konoha.
By the time the experiment concluded and they could leave, dusk had fallen. Orochimaru calmly led Amemiya Kenichi out. Kenichi knew his teacher's routine: dinner, followed by a casual assessment of his focus during the day's experiment.
"Teacher, Lord Danzo seems quite agitated," Kenichi murmured. Their close relationship meant this question wouldn't provoke suspicion or offense.
"Hmm, to end the war quickly, I signed truce agreements with other villages that resulted in significant losses for Konoha. Anyone with eyes can see that, but few dare to voice their opposition. As for Shimura Danzo..." Orochimaru's lips curled into a mocking smile.
Gazing at the Konoha civilians and Genin celebrating the war's end, and at the villagers grieving for lost children, fathers, and husbands, Orochimaru's eyes held only cold indifference and disdain.
While the common folk and ordinary ninjas rejoiced, the shrewd shinobi and major clans understood the storm had yet to pass.
This time, it wouldn't drag countless people into a bloody maelstrom, but the storm brewing wouldn't be peaceful either. In fact, it could determine Konoha's leadership for years to come.
The Teacher's actions were supposedly for Konoha's benefit—at least, that's how it appeared on the surface. But no matter how many advantages there were, the undeniable truth remained: Konoha would suffer significant losses.
Other ninja might hesitate to speak out for now, but Shimura Danzo, obsessed with becoming Hokage, would undoubtedly seize this opportunity.
When the time came, a storm targeting the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, would inevitably descend. And the Teacher might very well step down then. If he did, who would become the Fourth Hokage?
"The Third Hokage is getting old," Amemiya Kenichi blurted out innocently. "Didn't the Teacher always say that ninja only know victory or defeat at the very end? But now the Third Hokage acts more like a politician." Orochimaru flicked Kenichi on the forehead.
"Show some respect for the Teacher." Feeling the light tap, Kenichi pouted. *You're thinking the same thing! Why am I the one getting in trouble for saying it out loud?*
Orochimaru still held some respect for the Third Hokage.
Orochimaru brought Amemiya Kenichi to the Akimichi Clan's barbecue restaurant.
The Akimichi Clan's barbecue restaurant was famous throughout Konoha. But with the war having just ended, the place was packed today, and the line stretched down the street.
However, the moment they saw Orochimaru's face, the queue vanished.
The person at the front of the line respectfully and enthusiastically invited Orochimaru to cut ahead. Even the restaurant manager came out to greet him.
During the recent Great Ninja War, Orochimaru, one of the Three Great Sages, had performed exceptionally well. The only other standout was Namikaze Minato.
"Wow, it's Lord Orochimaru! If it weren't for his leadership, we might not have made it back."
"Lord Namikaze Minato is incredible too—the Yellow Flash! I heard other villages have orders that retreating from him doesn't count as mission failure."
The diners were mostly Genin and ordinary villagers, and their conversations showed who Konoha's current top figures were.