C114(1)

After their last conversation, Orochimaru and Kain rarely saw each other. However, their intentions were almost aligned, paving the way for deeper cooperation.

If Orochimaru became the Fourth Hokage, the relationship between Kain and Konoha would improve significantly. Orochimaru would also help Kain avoid further embarrassment from Konoha, enabling him to seize the position of daimyo.

Both had their own needs, and Orochimaru's conditions were simple: as long as his bottom line wasn't crossed, he was open to collaboration.

At this point in time, Orochimaru was vastly different from the figure he would become over a decade later—a disillusioned rogue ninja who had lost his disciples, failed to secure the Hokage position, and chosen a path of developing forbidden techniques while betraying the village.

The current Orochimaru had everything to fight for. He was one of the revered Sannin, had a bright future, and was a highly respected ninja in the shinobi world. He had recently commanded a battlefield on the border of the Land of Grass, solidifying his reputation and ensuring limitless prospects.

At this stage, he had no intention of betraying Konoha. His idealistic goal of mastering all the techniques in the ninja world had merely shifted slightly under Kain's influence—to mastering all knowledge.

However, the title of Sannin combined with his identity as a Konoha jōnin did little to advance his grand ambitions. Recognizing this, Kain subtly magnified Orochimaru's desire to become Hokage, planting the seed that this path would better align with his ultimate dream.

Kain, in turn, offered Orochimaru access to resources that Konoha could not provide, fostering a partnership that outweighed any alliance Orochimaru might have with the daimyo.

This convergence of goals brought Orochimaru and Kain closer together. Orochimaru also shared with Kain intelligence about White Fang's recent activities. From the information Orochimaru had extracted from some Iwa-nin on the front lines, it became clear that Iwa had long been aware of an impending attack on the border station and had made preparations.

However, Sakumo Hatake, known as White Fang, was too formidable. With only two teams, he managed to escape pursuit by eight Iwa-nin squads without losing a single comrade.

Despite the victory, Sakumo's distinct identity couldn't remain hidden. His chakra short sword, silver-white hair, and the brilliant white light that accompanied his attacks made him instantly recognizable.

Since Sakumo hadn't completely wiped out the pursuing forces, the survivors reported back to Iwa, confirming his identity.

While Orochimaru wasn't as familiar with Sand Shinobi's involvement, he speculated the situation might be similar—if not worse.

The growing tension must have been serious, as even the Fire Country's daimyo sent envoys to hold Konoha accountable. Combined with the charged atmosphere in the village, it was inevitable that someone would eventually bear responsibility, whether deserved or not.

The daimyo's envoy arrived in Konoha soon after, likely acting under specific instructions from the daimyo himself. Upon arrival, the envoy sought out Kain for a private meeting.

Although his position holds no real power, Kain is at least a public minister. Strictly speaking, his status is higher than that of an envoy. Combined with his growing reputation and his influential chamber of commerce, Kain is considered an apex upstart in the Land of Fire.

The daimyo's envoy conveyed the daimyo's orders to Kain, discussed the content to be published in the newspaper, and then left.

The next day, the envoy from the Daimyo Prefecture, Kain, and reporters from Konoha News arrived directly at the Hokage building.

Upon seeing Kain, everyone's reactions were subdued—except for Tsunade, who seemed slightly surprised. It was as if they had long expected Kain's arrival.

After all, Kain was the Minister of Publicity for the Land of Fire. While newly appointed, his position still carried ministerial weight. Regardless of how displeased Danzo might be with Kain, even he wouldn't risk the embarrassment of driving Kain away under such circumstances.

On Konoha's side, the attendees included not only the Hokage and the three other high-ranking officials but also some of the village's most important figures.

These included elite ninjas like Orochimaru, who had just returned from the battlefield, Tsunade, the director of Konoha Hospital, the Nara Clan leader, the leader of the jōnin corps, and Kato Dan, who was a potential candidate to lead the jōnin corps in the future.

However, the conspicuous absence of Hatake Sakumo stood out. It was almost unthinkable for someone as important as Sakumo to be missing from such a gathering.

His absence might have been a deliberate act of protection, but considering everyone present was from the Land of Fire, this raised eyebrows. After all, the daimyo held Sakumo in high regard, and Kain was, in some ways, still an outsider.

The daimyo's envoy addressed the Third Hokage directly.

"Your Excellency, Third Hokage, I am here on behalf of the daimyo to inquire about Hatake Sakumo's actions in the Land of Wind."

After explaining his purpose, the envoy gestured to an attendant, who presented a scroll to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Was this task assigned by the Third Hokage?" the envoy asked.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression darkened slightly. Tasks were recorded in the Hokage's archives, but such records were inaccessible to anyone outside the Hokage's office. He opened the scroll and carefully read its contents. What was written there indeed troubled him.

The scroll accused Konoha of serious crimes: destroying the Sand Shinobi border garrison, assassinating the family of the Minister of Finance of the Land of Wind, and disrupting trade routes.

These actions were framed as hostile provocations undermining the diplomatic ties between the two nations. The assassination of the Minister of Finance's family, in particular, was egregious. Konoha would never authorize such an act, especially knowing it could be used as blackmail or leverage.

"This is a forgery," Sarutobi Hiruzen said firmly. "Konoha shinobi do not retain mission scrolls once a task is assigned. This rule was established decades ago to prevent precisely this sort of situation. It is clear that someone is trying to frame us."

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