Chapter 202 – The Dragonslayer Becomes the Dragon
Uchiha Fugaku was naturally unwilling to give up the Military Police Force, the clan's most important stronghold. He stared coldly at Tobirama Senju and growled, "Hmph, the Military Police has always been under Uchiha jurisdiction—"
"Enough."
Orochimaru's cold voice abruptly cut him off.
Silencing Fugaku, Orochimaru turned his chilling gaze toward Tobirama and said icily, "Didn't you hear what I said? Fugaku is fined three years' income, and this matter ends here. Today's meeting is adjourned."
With that, he ignored everyone else and swept out of the room, his robes trailing behind.
Those remaining in the conference room exchanged bewildered glances. It was clear Orochimaru's final words were aimed at Tobirama. But why had he suddenly gotten so angry?
After Orochimaru's departure, Kazane also left with the ANBU and the Nara-Akimichi-Yamanaka trio.
The rest of the jōnin began to file out as well. Soon, only a few remained: Tobirama Senju, Uchiha Fugaku, and their loyalists. The two sat in silence, locking eyes across the room, their opposing auras making the air heavy with tension.
No one knew how much time passed, but Tobirama was the first to stand. He gave Fugaku one last frosty look before walking out with his followers.
Even after most had left, Uchiha Fugaku remained seated, quietly staring at the spot where Tobirama had exited, lost in deep thought.
…
Night – Hokage Tower, Ninjutsu Laboratory
Orochimaru sat in the Ninjutsu Room, holding a scroll of forbidden techniques in hand. But it was clear from his unblinking eyes that his mind was elsewhere.
His thoughts raced through the events of the day, his expression growing colder.
It was now undeniable: Konoha had fractured into three major factions.
Once his closest ally against Hiruzen Sarutobi, Uchiha Fugaku had expanded rapidly over the past few years. With three Mangekyō Sharingan users in the clan, the Uchiha were no longer controllable. They had minds of their own.
And worst of all—Tobirama, whom Orochimaru had personally revived to assist his research, had slipped beyond his influence. The former Hokage had joined forces with Sarutobi, rallying half the village. They were even more dangerous than Fugaku.
Orochimaru recalled how Tobirama had still pressured Fugaku to surrender the Police Force, despite knowing full well Orochimaru intended to protect him. That was a clear challenge to his authority.
The situation was spiraling.
If he didn't put these old men in their place, this meeting would only be the beginning. Incidents like today would become commonplace.
As for the third faction, it was led by Kazane, along with the ever-cautious Ino-Shika-Cho clans. But the trio were fence-sitters—ultimately unreliable. Kazane was the only one Orochimaru could truly count on.
If he didn't start fighting back now, things would only get harder from here on out.
Tap. Tap.
Footsteps echoed through the corridor until Kazane finally entered the room and stood before Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru-sensei, you summoned me."
He took a seat across from him, interrupting Orochimaru's contemplation.
"You saw how today's council unfolded," Orochimaru said. "How do you read the situation?"
Truthfully, Orochimaru already had a plan. But he wanted to hear Kazane's thoughts—to confirm that Kazane was still firmly in his camp.
After all, people change. Just like Fugaku once did.
The dragonslayer eventually becomes the dragon.
Kazane answered steadily, "Orochimaru-sensei, today's meeting made it clear…"
"…that our top priority should be dealing with Tobirama and Sarutobi. They may seem powerful, but neither Tsunade nor Minato said a word today. Their strength is more appearance than substance."
"But the real problem lies in Sarutobi's control over the Education Department and Tobirama's leadership of the Research Division. If things keep going this way, the next generation of ninja will grow up loyal to them—and not to the village."
"So my suggestion is to start with the Ninja Academy. When the stakes are high enough, Tsunade and Minato will know where they stand. And if it ever comes to it—I'll send Tobirama right back to the grave he crawled out of."
"As for the Uchiha, they're easier to handle. They may appear powerful in the village, but beyond the Police Force, their influence is minimal. Once we plant a few of our own people in the department, they'll remember their place."
As Kazane spoke calmly and confidently, Orochimaru's eyes glinted with a rare trace of pride.
The same Kazane who used to vanish at the mere mention of politics now had his own strategy. Still rough around the edges—but it was a solid start.
Orochimaru already had a plan of his own, but now he was considering letting Kazane take the lead.
After all, Kazane had said it best—when you're the strongest in the village, you can always reshuffle the deck.
"And if it were up to you," Orochimaru asked, "how would you carry out this plan?"
Kazane paused a moment to gather his thoughts.
"If it were me," he began, "I'd add a Taijutsu course to the Academy curriculum. Let Might Duy and Might Guy handle it—focus on training kids who lack ninjutsu talent. And even the regular ninja students should be required to take one taijutsu class a week."
"It's time for Kabuto and Hiruko to step up. They should each launch their own research projects within the Research Division—and take on disciples."
"I'd place Jiriku inside the Police Force. He's crafty and nearly top-tier in strength. He'll know what to do."
"And I'll recall Kakashi's team. I already handed full control of Root to Kakashi—it's time we reminded some people that this blade still hangs above their heads."
"As for Tsunade's Medical Department—there's no need to interfere. I trust her. She won't get involved in this mess."
Orochimaru nodded silently, signaling his approval.
Once Kazane finished, Orochimaru finally spoke.
"You've grown tremendously, Kazane. It seems your time working from the shadows taught you a great deal. Let's go with your plan."
Hearing that, Kazane was momentarily stunned.
The more time he spent around Orochimaru, the more he realized—his teacher treated ruling the village like child's play. Orochimaru had never truly cared about power. To him, becoming Hokage was merely a convenient way to conduct forbidden research.
Though Kazane had long grown used to Orochimaru's temperament, he still didn't want to be the only one working while his teacher sat idle.
So he raised a pointed issue.
"Orochimaru-sensei, what about Sarutobi? He still occupies the Hokage's office. That position gives him too much unchecked authority. If he pulls anything from there, no one would ever know."
Kazane was clearly suggesting that the Hokage's executive office—previously managed by Sarutobi and Minato—could no longer be trusted. With ANBU under his control, he felt it was time for Orochimaru to personally take the reins of administration.
Orochimaru understood perfectly. He glanced at Kazane with a helpless look but eventually nodded in agreement. The two shared a long, silent gaze—then both laughed.
Back then, no one could have imagined how things would turn out.
When they first met, Kazane was just a young prodigy with potential. Orochimaru was merely a disciple trying to escape Hiruzen's grip.
But five years had passed—and everything had changed.
Time marches forward, whether we like it or not.
Just like today's meeting.
Tobirama wanted to restore the Senju clan's past glory.
Hiruzen merely wanted to reclaim the power he'd lost.
Fugaku wanted nothing more than to see his clan thrive.
No one was truly in the wrong. They simply stood on different sides.
And likewise, neither Kazane nor Orochimaru were wrong.
So from here on out—it would come down to ability.