At the Konoha border command camp, Orochimaru still served as the supreme coordinator of the Lightning and Water Country defense lines.
Although his movements were often irregular due to research commitments, he was required to appear at headquarters regularly to review intelligence, issue troop rotations, and coordinate strategic deployments. The sheer scope of the front made his presence unavoidable.
Uchiha Yoru had, by this point, become his most trusted assistant.
He handled intelligence scrolls with ease, relayed orders, and coordinated logistical assignments. To those watching from the outside, his role resembled that of a Hokage's aide more than a simple subordinate.
The Lightning Country did not border the Land of Fire directly. Two smaller nations lay between them, acting as buffer zones in name only. In practice, they were contested ground, where proxy conflicts, infiltration, and provocation were routine.
To the north lay the Land of Iron. To the east, coastal regions dotted with island nations. Kirigakure's shinobi were frequent visitors, overt or otherwise.
This single defensive line effectively guarded against both Kumogakure and Kirigakure.
That responsibility alone spoke volumes about Orochimaru's standing.
"Orochimaru-sensei," Yoru reported calmly, "both Lightning and Water Country continue to rely primarily on reconnaissance units. They're probing our defenses rather than engaging directly. The real problem comes from the smaller nations. They've been impersonating Cloud and Mist shinobi, staging incidents to provoke escalation."
Orochimaru let out a low, raspy chuckle."So they still cling to the same fantasy."
He didn't need Yoru to explain further.
Small nations hoped that if the great powers bled each other dry, they would gain room to rise. It was a familiar delusion.
They failed to understand one simple truth: the Five Great Nations would never tolerate another power growing unchecked in their shadow. The Rain Country had been an exception born of chaos. It would never be allowed again.
"Yoru," Orochimaru continued casually, "organize the remaining complications here. In half a month, the Lightning Country front will be reassigned to a new commander."
Yoru froze.
Orochimaru smiled faintly. "Politics is tiresome. Someone has decided it's time to collect the rewards."
Yoru's expression darkened. "Sensei, we stabilized that front with enormous effort. The moment peace takes hold, they replace you? That credit belongs to you."
Orochimaru showed no anger. Only a trace of quiet disappointment flickered in his golden eyes.
"You're still young," he said softly.
The reassignment scroll was delivered soon after.
When Yoru saw the name written on it, his pupils contracted.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
The Third Hokage's eldest son.Former ANBU commander.A direct representative of the Sarutobi clan.
Yoru understood immediately.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was Hokage. His son controlled ANBU. Now that same son was stepping into a stabilized battlefield to receive visible credit.
A flawless transition.
Yoru glanced at Orochimaru, who continued to smile as if nothing mattered. The contrast was bitter.
Teacher and son.Disciple and bloodline.
The choice had never been difficult.
But for Yoru, this knowledge had value. Enormous value.
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Konoha — Hokage Tower
Inside the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen smoked silently as his son stood before him, ANBU mask removed.
"From today onward, you'll take command as a jōnin on the Lightning Country front," Hiruzen said. "The situation there has stabilized. Maintain the status quo. Do not act rashly."
Shinnosuke frowned. "Father, why not send me to the Water Country front? That's where the conflict is sharper. There's more to be done there."
Hiruzen exhaled a slow stream of smoke.
"Orochimaru has grown too close to Danzō," he said quietly. "Root's methods no longer align with the Will of Fire. I had hoped he would turn back."
It wasn't an answer. But it was enough.
"This decision reflects not just the council's wishes," Hiruzen continued. "It's mine as well."
Shinnosuke fell silent.
"Follow orders," Hiruzen concluded. "In time, you'll become a jōnin commander."
The smoke lingered between them, obscuring the Hokage's eyes.
Hiruzen understood the truth better than anyone.
Orochimaru's ideology was drifting. Dangerous. Too sharp. Too uncontrollable.
And beyond that, many within the village did not want a stronger Orochimaru to ascend to the Hokage seat.
Jiraiya had already withdrawn. Tsunade was gone.
If Orochimaru fell, power would remain where it was.
Within the Sarutobi.