Recently, something strange had been happening among Konoha's leadership: Orochimaru, who had long been at odds with the Third Hokage, had suddenly started showing concern for his former teacher.
This immediately caused the Konoha Elders in the know to exchange puzzled glances, completely baffled by what might have transpired between them.
After all, the relationship between Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen and his disciple Orochimaru had never been good. It was practically a feud, a bitter rivalry that seemed irreconcilable.
Especially after the selection of the Fourth Hokage, it was clear to everyone that Orochimaru and his former teacher Hiruzen had become like strangers.
Some clan leaders even worried that Orochimaru, one of the Three Great Sages renowned throughout the Ninja World, might defect from the village. Given his volatile temperament, such a possibility couldn't be entirely dismissed.
Yet, for some unknown reason, Orochimaru had recently begun showing concern for his former teacher. He would occasionally send over some tobacco—and not just any tobacco, but top-grade stuff.
What kind of man was Sarutobi Hiruzen? Though some might no longer consider him a proper ninja, his years in politics had honed his instincts. He was deeply suspicious of his disciple's sudden kindness.
No matter how thoroughly they investigated, the tobacco always came from legitimate sources and showed no irregularities—just ordinary tobacco.
On one occasion, Orochimaru even personally took Sarutobi Hiruzen to the shop to buy it himself.
Seemingly aware of the rumors and determined to prove his innocence, Orochimaru often smoked with his teacher. Soon, Sarutobi Hiruzen's home was constantly filled with smoke.
Sarutobi Biwako secretly grumbled about her old man's smoking habit countless times.
Regardless, Orochimaru's change was undeniable.
Rumors of Orochimaru's "reformation" and "respect for his teacher" began to spread. Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately knew who was behind it—that old fox Danzo, most likely.
"Hmph, trying to make me look bad," Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered, sitting uncomfortably in his chair and taking another puff of his cigarette.
"Lord Third, perhaps Orochimaru has genuinely changed his mind. Isn't that a good thing?" Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze said with a wry smile, rubbing his temples in exasperation as he tried to comfort the elder.
Namikaze Minato felt a growing sense of frustration. Although he had successfully become the Fourth Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the Konoha Council of Elders showed no signs of retiring.
They constantly offered unsolicited advice and frequently attended meetings at the Hokage Building. Danzo, in particular, never stopped whispering in his ear about the Uchiha Clan's inherent rebellious nature and how they would inevitably betray Konoha.
This left Minato feeling disoriented. He even began to wonder if the Third Hokage had chosen him precisely because he lacked Orochimaru's connections and prestige, making him easier to control.
Yet, Sarutobi Hiruzen often respected his opinions. Occasionally, he would flaunt his vast experience in handling political affairs, making Minato feel somewhat ashamed of his own inexperience.
Overall, however, things were barely manageable.
"Ah, Orochimaru," the Third Hokage sighed, taking another puff from his pipe. He refused to use the tobacco Orochimaru had gifted him.
Although Orochimaru appeared harmless and nothing suspicious could be found, the Third Hokage simply refused to use it, secretly selling it all off.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had always felt that his disciple harbored ulterior motives, though he couldn't quite put his finger on what they were.
Namikaze Minato glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen, wondering if this was how things used to be.
Minato sensed something was off. He wasn't an idiot; after serving as Hokage for some time, he'd grown more perceptive. He could tell the Third Hokage's words carried hidden meaning.
But since the Third Hokage didn't elaborate, Minato didn't press him.
"By the way, Fourth Hokage, your wife's due date is only a month away, isn't it? You must maintain strict secrecy during this time," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his gaze deepening.
Though no longer a pure ninja, he remained Konoha's former Hokage, willing to sacrifice everything for the village.
The Nine-Tailed Jinchūriki couldn't be allowed to fall into enemy hands. If anything happened to the Nine-Tailed, Konoha would lose more than just a piece of itself—its very foundation could be shaken.
"I understand. I'd be grateful if Lord Third could keep an eye on things for me when the time comes," Minato replied, his tone turning serious at the mention of his wife.
"I know," Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, taking another puff of his pipe.
Kushina being Konoha's Jinchūriki was both a blessing and a curse. During his sleepless nights, Minato Namikaze had often wished his wife wasn't a Jinchūriki.
A Jinchūriki was one of a village's pillars, and a pregnant Jinchūriki was at her weakest, practically defenseless. If someone were to attack her now, the consequences would be unimaginable.
But Minato was even more worried about Kushina's safety. If something happened to her or their unborn child...
Minato shook his head violently. That was unlikely. Even Danzo, the Konoha Elder who often clashed with him, understood the importance of a Jinchūriki. Kushina would be fine.
"Teacher, everything's been quiet in the village lately," Amemiya Kenichi said as he assisted his teacher with an experiment. The neck of the test subject lying before them was already turning pale.
The First Hokage's cells had passed the rejection test in the subject's body, but problems arose after the actual transplant. The subject was on the verge of death.
"Hmm," Orochimaru muttered, wiping his hands. He withdrew his hands, certain the test subject was doomed. His years of experimentation had taught him this much.
It was clear how desperately Danzo coveted the First Hokage's cells. Orochimaru suspected Danzo wanted to master the First Hokage's Wood Release ability.
Wood Release carried immense prestige in Konoha Village. This was why Danzo had taken the previous successful test subject for intensive cultivation.
Amemiya Kenichi glanced at his teacher. Lately, Orochimaru had been chain-smoking. Kenichi could sense cancer cells forming in his teacher's lungs, though they were quickly eradicated.
Kenichi had no intention of harming his teacher. He knew that even if he managed to manipulate Orochimaru into his final stages, the man could simply transfer his consciousness to a new body using Immortality Reincarnation.
Besides, they were getting along well enough these days.
"The more normal things seem, the more abnormal they truly are. Counting the days, it's almost time," Orochimaru chuckled.