Chapter 37: Conspiracy

Hokage Conference Room!

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, sat at the head of the table, draped in his Hokage robe, signifying his role as Konoha's leader. Flanking him were the three elders of the village: Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo Shimura. Together, these four individuals held significant influence over the village's governance.

However, missing from the group were two prominent figures: Akimichi Tōfū and Uchiha Kagami, both disciples of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. Akimichi Tōfū, though respected, represented the interests of his clan, making him unsuitable for Konoha's upper political echelon. As for Uchiha Kagami he had perished on the battlefield. Even in life, despite his loyalty and being trusted by Tobirama, his Uchiha heritage would have barred him from truly entering Konoha's highest ranks. The Uchiha clan, long viewed with suspicion, was always kept at arm's length from positions of ultimate power.

The subject of today's discussion had finally shifted to Orochimaru, Hiruzen's prized pupil. After resolving the finer points of Danzo's newly established division, "Root," the focus turned toward the young prodigy's groundbreaking research.

"You're telling me that the potion developed by Orochimaru can give people an extraordinary recovery ability?" Danzo's expression was one of deep skepticism as he addressed Hiruzen. His voice, typically calm and collected, now betrayed a hint of incredulity.

Having been entrenched in diplomacy following the peace agreement with the Land of Lightning, and then dealing with the funeral arrangements for the Second Hokage, Danzo and the others had only just returned to normalcy. Now, Hiruzen was speaking of Orochimaru's latest discovery something that echoed the legendary regenerative powers of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.

"Indeed. I wouldn't believe it myself if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes," Hiruzen said, his tone serious. "The recovery rate of ANBU members using Orochimaru's serum was remarkable. It didn't just heal minor wounds; it expedited the healing of deep injuries."

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, clearly unsettled by the news. If true, this potion could revolutionize Konoha's medical practices and bolster its military might.

Danzo, however, remained unconvinced. "It's impossible. Hashirama's healing power was the result of his unique bloodline. Many researchers, even Orochimaru's seniors, have tried and failed to replicate that kind of ability. How could an eight-year-old boy accomplish what seasoned experts could not?"

Hiruzen sighed, understanding Danzo's reluctance to accept the truth. "You know I wouldn't bring this up lightly, Danzo. If you're skeptical, why not investigate it yourself?"

"I will," Danzo replied, his voice sharp, "I need to see this with my own eyes."

Hiruzen knew that Danzo's curiosity, mixed with his hunger for power, would push him to scrutinize Orochimaru's research thoroughly. Danzo was never one to let a potential weapon slip through his fingers.

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound of knocking filled the room as Orochimaru, dressed in his casual attire, entered the conference room. He carried himself with a calm confidence, his eyes observing the room carefully.

"Teacher," Orochimaru greeted Hiruzen with a respectful bow, acknowledging the elders as well.

"Ah, Orochimaru," Hiruzen said with a warm smile, "I'm glad you've come. You probably have an idea of why we've summoned you today, don't you?"

"Indeed, teacher," Orochimaru replied smoothly. He had been waiting for this moment.

Hiruzen leaned forward, his tone more serious. "We've been discussing your remarkable work the healing serum you created. I must say, it's extraordinary. Your potential for research is beyond what any of us could have predicted."

Orochimaru's gaze remained steady. "Thank you, teacher. I have always believed that scientific research could open new doors for the village."

Danzo, who had remained silent, suddenly interjected, "Tell us, Orochimaru. How did you develop something that rivals the First Hokage's legendary healing power?"

Orochimaru expected this line of questioning. He had long anticipated that his research would attract the attention of Konoha's higher-ups. Maintaining his calm demeanor, he explained, "The serum's development came from extensive study of various herbs and medicinal plants. Some ingredients are rare, and while I have succeeded with this batch, the scarcity of certain materials might limit further production."

The room fell silent as the elders processed what he had said. Danzo was the first to break the silence, his eyes narrowing. "Scarce ingredients, you say? So, it's not something that can be easily mass-produced?"

Orochimaru nodded. "Correct. I've identified two specific herbs that are critical to the serum's effectiveness, and they are not easy to come by. Replacing them might reduce the serum's potency."

Hiruzen and the others felt a wave of both relief and disappointment. While the potential of Orochimaru's research was undeniable, its limitations were also clear.

Danzo leaned back in his chair, clearly still skeptical but intrigued. "We will have to investigate this further. For now, your research will remain confidential. You'll continue to develop it under the supervision of Konoha's top scientists."

Orochimaru gave a slight nod, accepting their decision. He had expected this. By keeping his cards close and revealing just enough of his abilities, he had secured a place within Konoha's inner research circle.

"Very well," Hiruzen concluded, "Orochimaru, you may return for now. We'll finalize the arrangements and let you know how we'll proceed."

With a polite bow, Orochimaru turned and left the conference room. As he exited the building, a faint smile tugged at his lips. Things were moving just as he had planned.

---

After Orochimaru left, Danzo excused himself as well, his mind still racing with possibilities. His first stop was to find Eagle, one of the ANBU members who had witnessed the results of Orochimaru's serum firsthand.

Eagle was patrolling the outskirts of the village when Danzo approached. "Lord Danzo," Eagle greeted with a respectful nod.

Danzo wasted no time, getting straight to the point. "I need you to confirm something for me. Two months ago, you accompanied Hiruzen on a mission to eliminate the Kumo Ninja Division, correct?"

"Yes, that's right, my lord," Eagle responded, his posture rigid.

Danzo's eyes narrowed as he continued. "And during that mission, several of your team members were injured. Orochimaru used some sort of serum to heal them. Is that correct?"

Eagle hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, my lord. His serum was unlike anything I've ever seen. It sped up the healing process in a way that shouldn't be possible. Even deep wounds healed quickly."

Danzo's mind raced. Could it be true? Could Orochimaru have stumbled upon something revolutionary? If so, it was something Danzo wanted to control whether Hiruzen liked it or not.

"Very well," Danzo said finally, turning away. "That will be all."

As he walked away, a plan began forming in Danzo's mind. Whether Hiruzen realized it or not, Orochimaru's talents were far too valuable to be left unchecked. And if Hiruzen wasn't willing to take the necessary steps, then Danzo would.

After all, Konoha needed more than just light it needed the darkness, too.