Exposed Truths

The Third Hokage grew increasingly furious. At first, he watched Orochimaru, hoping he could help clear his name. When Orochimaru took the blame upon himself, the Third Hokage thought things were improving.

However, things did not go as he hoped.

The Third Hokage realized he was gravely mistaken.

He hadn't anticipated that Orochimaru would use a self-destructive method to implicate them, essentially admitting their guilt together.

It felt bizarre, as if Orochimaru while confessing his crimes, was also confessing on his behalf. Who could handle that?

At this moment, the Third Hokage felt like strangling Orochimaru and wished he could climb to the Hokage Rock and drag him down.

But now, he couldn't do that.

The situation was straightforward...

Even if Orochimaru admitted to everything, the Third Hokage still had a chance to turn things around. He could shift the blame entirely onto Orochimaru, suggesting that Orochimaru's ambition to become Hokage drove him to mislead everyone.

But if he interrupted now, it would be akin to confirming to everyone in Konoha that Orochimaru was telling the truth.

Yet.

Was Orochimaru telling the truth? This was the most infuriating part for the Third Hokage.

The initial claims were events where he played no direct role—he had merely looked the other way. These could be explained away; he could claim ignorance, deceived by Danzo.

But the subsequent allegations were entirely different…

From Kagami Uchiha to the destruction of the Uzumaki clan, Orochimaru's statements made it seem like the Third Hokage had personally orchestrated these atrocities, nailing him to a pillar of disgrace, leaving him no room for explanation.

The Third Hokage knew that if he couldn't provide satisfactory answers, even false accusations would become accepted as truth.

He couldn't let that happen! Some of these allegations were not his doing.

Although Orochimaru (actually Aoba) mixed truth with fabrications based on memories and speculation, it lacked concrete evidence.

Initially, Aoba's storytelling seamlessly integrated actual events into the narrative, skillfully tarnishing the Third Hokage's reputation.

Having dealt with the Akatsuki trio and current events, Aoba felt he had the makings of a novelist, considering writing original stories someday. But first, he aimed to recount the memorable stories from his world.

As for the rest, there were two possible outcomes:

If Aoba's guesses were correct, then the Third Hokage wasn't wrongly accused.If his guesses were wrong, the fabrications could be seen as mere stories.

Thus, Aoba felt no guilt in his storytelling.

Aoba's goal was clear: taint the Third Hokage's image so irreversibly that he couldn't retain or reclaim the Hokage position, cementing the historical progression.

Aoba saw himself as the one setting the tone of history!

With each revelation, Aoba's voice grew louder, detailing more events and exciting the crowd. People gasped and whispered, astonished by Orochimaru's (Aoba's) claims, and discussed them fervently with their companions.

Standing atop the Hokage Rock, Aoba realized that human nature, regardless of world or race, tends toward a herd mentality and a love of drama.

The people of Konoha were no exception, eagerly absorbing the unfolding spectacle, their eyes fixed on Aoba, expecting more shocking tales and ready to question their leaders, hoping to pressure the Konoha authorities into political change.

After some storytelling time, glancing occasionally at the Third Hokage's office to see him listening intently, Aoba found the Hokage surprisingly composed, not confronting him, seemingly accepting the situation.

Interesting! Interesting! Interesting!

Aoba smiled, pleased with the Third Hokage's restraint, allowing for more entertaining maneuvers.

His revelations were meant to expose the Third Hokage and set a trap.

His reputation would be utterly ruined if the Third Hokage fell into it.

But seeing the Hokage holding steady suggested he awaited a moment to counterattack.

Since that's the case…

Time to up the ante.

"What I know is it's time for all to be revealed!"

Aoba, imitating Orochimaru's voice, spoke clearly, though some in the audience felt disappointed, craving more sensational stories.

"I and craved your reactions that you haven't had enough!"

"But I must say, this is all I know."

"I won't fabricate things just for your entertainment."

"I assure you, every word I've spoken is true." "I stake my name, Orochimaru, on it!"

With these words, the crowd erupted, understanding the weight of Orochimaru's promise. They respected his legacy as one of the Legendary Sannin, knowing such a person wouldn't tarnish their name with falsehoods.

Believing Orochimaru equated to believing in the truth of his statements, implicating the Third Hokage.

…

Meanwhile, on the Hokage office rooftop, the Third Hokagerooftop of the Hokage office is dark and angry.

"Damn it."

He hadn't expected Orochimaru to expose everything, including some false charges, leaving him struggling to explain.

Even the fabricated claims were challenging to debunk, especially with Orochimaru vouching for their truth.

The Third Hokage fell silent, not out of acceptance but deep contemplation on how to counter thin is the situation.

He had to admit, Orochimaru's move had put immense presure on him.

He hadn't anticipated Orochimaru's willingness to self-destruct, sacrificing everything just to smear him.

However.

The Third Hokage wasn't ready for what happened next.

Orochimaru smiled and adopted a mysterious tone.

"I don't know how these things got exposed."

"Since it's all out, there's nothing to hide."

"Let's have Lord Danzo explain what really happened."

Orochimaru's words caused an uproar, pushing the crowd's excitement to the peak.

"What!"

Everyone was stunned, not expecting Danzo to be brought into this, especially to confess rather than deny.

Under the bewildered gazes, a figure appeared beside Orochimaru on the Hokage Rock.

It was Danzo.

However, this wasn't the real Danzo, but another of Aoba's Paper Clones.

Using a Tendo clone would have been awkward; the paper clone suited the task perfectly.

"I'm here to clarify what Orochimaru just said."

Danzo's voice, carrying a weight of authority, silenced the crowd, drawing their full attention.

They realized they were witnessing the climax of the drama, an unparalleled drama's climax being repeated.

Everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on Danzo.

"???"

The Third Hokage watched Danzo's appearance, his mind flooded with questions. What was happening? How had Danzo joined in?

Was this a conspiracy? Was Orochimaru alone not enough, so Danzo had to join too?

Were these two so desperate for the Hokage position that they'd go to such lengths?

The Third Hokage was stunned by their desperation, never having seen them so frantic. He hadlizing the uation was slipping further out of his control.

"Since it's all exposed!"

Danzo's voice rang clearly, capturing the crowd's attention.

"No need to hide anything. I'll explain everything I did."

"The rumors have some inaccuracies."

"As Danzo Shimura, I don't hide my actions. If I did it, I'll admit it. If not, I won't take the blame."

"I'll clarify what I did."

Aoba, mimicking Danzo's voice, began recounting the events, admitting his actions while also point. He admittedose directed by the Third Hokage, refusing to take full blame.