Chapter 96: Astonishment

Sarutobi Clan

"The teacher has never held any resentment towards you, Grand Master."

Looking at the Uchiha Yoru in front of him, Sarutobi Hiruzen's kind face concealed his inner annoyance at the sly young man. Orochimaru really didn't make a mistake this time; he had actually taken in such a unique disciple and managed his forces so efficiently.

Amidst the swirling smoke, Uchiha Yoru endured the stinging smell, his face showing a respectful demeanor that revealed no trace of disrespect.

"These are gifts from Orochimaru-sensei and the clan head, brought by me."

When visiting the Hokage, it's only natural to come with offerings. After all, countless eyes were watching in the shadows. This time, he also had requests to make, knowing that asking for help often required some humility.

The Sarutobi Clan had seen all sorts of precious gifts, so these were nothing out of the ordinary. Sarutobi Hiruzen's old face cracked a smile, a trace of contentment passing through his heart. The Uchiha's indifference didn't matter; after all, Orochimaru was his disciple. The fact that he brought gifts naturally pleased him.

"Hehe, don't blame me for Orochimaru, it's all for the sake of Konoha. After all, this is what I'm doing for the village."

As Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke, he turned his habitual gaze towards Uchiha Yoru, his gentle smile turning persuasive. "Yoru, you're still young. A ninja's strength isn't determined by how powerful their jutsu are, but by their heart. When you go back, advise your teacher. Tell Orochimaru not to stray from the right path."

Despite the Hokage's benevolent smile, it depended on the context. In his eyes, the Will of Fire was not to be challenged. He was essentially carrying on the ideals of the First Hokage and embodied the role of an authoritarian ruler.

To the Third Hokage, it would be great if Orochimaru could just stay quiet and inherit the position of Hokage. He could slowly transition the power without causing disruptions. Orochimaru's abilities could easily be passed down. There was no need to create a separate faction and stir up turmoil. The extreme political ideologies he held were unnecessary.

"Grand Master, rest assured, I will definitely advise Orochimaru-sensei when I go back."

Uchiha Yoru said respectfully, but in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart, he couldn't help but shake his head. This boy was truly a promising material. Unfortunately, he was born into the Uchiha Clan. With his audacity, he might really inherit everything from Orochimaru.

"Did you visit the major clans in the village before coming here?"

Though he had heard the reports from ANBU long before, Sarutobi Hiruzen pretended to be unaware, looking puzzled. Uchiha Yoru's expression relaxed as he saw this, relieved that he had finally reached the crucial point. The old fox didn't dare let his guard down.

"Yes, following Orochimaru-sensei's orders, I visited the major clans."

In the eyes of the Third Hokage, Uchiha Yoru nodded honestly, feigning excitement. "Hokage-sama, Orochimaru-sensei was given a secret research mission by Konoha. But after the war, the village is in ruins, and there's a shortage of funds. His research has come to a halt due to lack of resources. He had to borrow from the major clans."

"Both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans selflessly contributed for the village's development," Uchiha Yoru continued. "All this is for the sake of Konoha. But the funds are still insufficient. Unable to personally request, Orochimaru-sensei sent me to visit the clans and borrow research funds. Once the village stabilizes, the funds will be returned to the clans."

Goodness, although the Third Hokage has been in power for many years, this is the first time I've seen him raise funds like this. He's using the village's name, claiming that the village is facing difficulties. He says that once the village recovers, the funds will naturally be repaid. Won't that solve the debt issue?

This doesn't seem to be a problem. Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage's expression changed to one of realization. It seems he's considering this reasoning as well. It appears that Danzo has gone too far, implementing such strict measures. But with Orochimaru's personality, he probably won't have the audacity to ask for money directly.

At the thought, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, also felt a pang of guilt. After all, Orochimaru was his student. Unlike when the talked about the Fourth Hokage, he didn't choose his own students back then, and it's the same now.

"Ah, how much is Orochimaru's research fund lacking? My Sarutobi clan still has some resources."

At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already figured it out. Orochimaru's heart must be heavy, and he must have given up his position as Hokage. Otherwise, he wouldn't involve his own student in such matters. He should try to make amends.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama. I'm sure Orochimaru-sensei will be touched when he hears about this."

When he heard this, Yoru quickly put on an act, praising and then guilt-tripping the Third Hokage, all in an attempt to make him feel even more remorseful.

"Thank you for your generosity, Hokage-sama. I'll be sure to tell my teacher about this. The Third Hokage's care for him is truly remarkable. Oh, and my teacher said the research fund is lacking one billion."

While the first half of Yoru's speech seemed to carry a sense of guilt and gratitude, the last sentence caused Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes to widen in shock. He exclaimed, "You said how much?"

Seeing the Third Hokage's look of astonishment, Yoru scratched his head in an embarrassed manner and said, "One billion, yes. Most of Orochimaru's research fund has already been provided by the Uchiha clan, and the Hyuga clan has also made significant contributions. So, the deficit isn't that large."

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi was nearly tempted to flip the table. One billion? Did they think it's just a small amount? Though he's old, he's not naïve. One billion, what the hell are they researching that requires such funds?

Observing Hiruzen's shocked expression, Yoru looked down, feeling somewhat ashamed. He sighed and explained, "Orochimaru-sensei operates in three separate research facilities every day. While the specifics are classified, the research is quite costly."

Three research facilities?

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen's face displayed a hint of astonishment, followed by realization. He suddenly realized something and his anger flared up. Damn it! How many forbidden jutsu research projects did you give Orochimaru, Danzo?

Though he was the Hokage, he had his responsibilities, and it wasn't possible for him to oversee every aspect. He only knew that Danzo had provided Orochimaru with forbidden jutsu information for research, but he never expected it to escalate to this extent.

"One billion! I can't just pull out that much temporarily."

After his anger subsided, Hiruzen Sarutobi was left with a sense of helplessness. One was his good friend, Danzo, and what could he do? Danzo must have exploited his authority for personal gain, causing Orochimaru's research to be driven by his own desires. The other was his student, Orochimaru. There was nothing he could do. For now, he just wanted to quickly sign a peace treaty with the Land of Lightning and then settle accounts with Danzo later.

Looking at Hiruzen's resigned expression, Yoru also sighed in resignation. It seemed like he was worrying about his teacher, Orochimaru.

"The research fund deficit for Orochimaru-sensei is substantial. He specifically instructed me before coming here to raise funds and prepare to establish a new research facility in the direction of the Water Country. This will facilitate better research."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen's expression changed instantly. A complex emotion washed over his face. Orochimaru, are you disappointed in the village too? Are you planning to follow Jiraiya and Tsunade in distancing yourself from the village?

Well, it might be for the best. Once the village stabilizes, my intentions will surely be understood in the future.

"I can't gather One billion from the Sarutobi clan. How about this? Seeing your young face, Yoru, I'll allocate five hundred million to Orochimaru as a start. Consider it for the village. The remaining five hundred million will be paid once Orochimaru establishes the new facility in the Water Country."

Upon hearing this, Yoru's heart raced, and he displayed a look of shock. Inwardly, he was exclaiming, "Wow!" Sharing five hundred million with the Sarutobi clan would already be enough to treat the entire clan to a feast. But Hiruzen still felt a pang of guilt. After all, Orochimaru would not only lose his eligibility to compete for the position of the Fifth Hokage, but his reputation would also be tarnished. Well, let it be considered compensation.

In his current state, Hiruzen had placed all his focus on signing a peace treaty with the Land of Lightning. But he failed to realize that Danzo's actions had brought about a massive crisis.

As he walked out of the Sarutobi clan mansion's gates, Yoru's previously relaxed smile carried a hint of fatigue. His back was drenched in sweat. During this period, the chakra pressure exerted by the Third Hokage was terrifying. Even during Orochimaru's preeminent days, he hadn't reached such a level.

However, as he looked down at the ninja scroll in his hand, Yoru's expression relaxed. "Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique in the Third Hokage's hand – I've gained something from this as well."

Today, Hiruzen was feeling a bit guilty, so he didn't try to take advantage of the situation. Otherwise, things wouldn't have been so easy. Before leaving, he even gave him a ninja scroll, a technique that the Third Hokage had created.

The Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, an A-ranked technique, was used by the Third Hokage during the Chunin Exams to battle the First and Second Hokage. It was extremely powerful and encompassed all of the Third Hokage's experience, making it incredibly valuable.

"Is this to hush me up?" Yoru chuckled self-deprecatingly. Gripping the ninja scroll in his hand, he walked for a while before a faint smile curved his lips, and then he stowed the scroll away.

By now, the scouts should have already seen this ninja scroll, right? Heh heh.

Is this a signal released by the Third Hokage? Is he preparing to mend relations with the Uchiha clan? Or is it due to the respect for his student, Orochimaru's reputation?

Tonight, countless people will likely begin to doubt. After all, currently, only a few high-ranking individuals, along with the heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and the leaders of the three major clans, know about the Third Hokage's decision. The rest are still observing and waiting. Even now, Orochimaru's odds of success are still considerably high.

As the sun set, Yoru's silhouette vanished from the Sarutobi clan's premises. However, tonight turned into a restless night for numerous major clans. After departing from the Sarutobi clan with the ninja scroll, many clans immediately contemplated numerous possibilities and began hastily raising funds. Tomorrow! Tomorrow, they must ensure that all the funds are delivered.

Yoru's simple action certainly did not escape Hiruzen Sarutobi's notice. Or perhaps this could be perceived as compensation. Without the Third Hokage's tacit approval, how could all this have happened?

The jutsu itself isn't the critical part; what truly matters is the Third Hokage's stance.

…

Uchiha Clan

As the night fell, someone had been waiting for Uchiha Yoru at the Uchiha Clan territory.

Naka Shrine.

Inside a dimly lit secret chamber, Uchiha Fugaku and the elder Setsuna sat solemnly in a row. Uchiha Yoru, looking exhausted, sat opposite them.

"Yoru, today's actions were quite significant."

Uchiha Yoru was no longer just an ordinary ninja. He was a representative of a certain identity – a representative of both the Uchiha and Orochimaru. Every move he made had an impact on countless people.

Seeing the clan head and the elder, Uchiha Yoru pretended to look tired, rubbing his forehead and sighing, "Clan head, elder, it seems the situation is not favorable. The Land of Lightning sent representatives for negotiations today, but within the village, the reputation of Sarutobi Shinzo seems to overshadow everything else. This doesn't seem like a good start."

Regarding this, they had already become aware of it after hearing news about the Land of Lightning's intention to negotiate before the New Year. After all, there was propaganda about Sarutobi Shinzo's reputation everywhere, and no one was naive.

"Hmph, that old monkey Sarutobi probably wants to pave the way for his own son. But it's not enough. Becoming a Kage-level power is the most important aspect."

After a cold snort from Elder Setsuna, he disdainfully commented, showing contempt for such tactics. On the other hand, Uchiha Fugaku frowned and spoke in a low voice, "Though Shinzo's reputation seems considerable, among the Jonin, it's well-known that the accomplishments on the frontlines belong to Orochimaru. So, there's no need to worry."

One was the clan head, and the other was an elder, but they were truly Uchiha through and through. Uchiha Yoru sighed inwardly, acknowledging their ongoing pride even in this situation. However, he wasn't the same Yoru who used to bow to the clan head and the elder.

"Clan head, elder, Orochimaru-sensei is preparing to counterattack."

This sentence instantly made the two elders, Fugaku and Setsuna, turn serious. Finally! The Cold Emperor was officially going to vie for the position of Hokage! However, the next sentence they heard filled them with shock.

"Orochimaru-sensei plans to fully integrate the Hyuga Branch Family under his command, thus requiring a suitable place for them to reside." Pausing slightly at this point, Uchiha Yoru looked at the clan head and the elder with a grave expression. "The Uchiha are currently being pushed to the outskirts of the village, and the designated living area is just right to accommodate the Hyuga Branch Family."

"Hyuga Branch Family!" The two men's eyes were filled with astonishment. Elder Setsuna even realized something and couldn't help but exclaim in astonishment, "Could it be? Could Orochimaru have resolved the 'caged bird' issue of the Branch Family?"

Uchiha Fugaku, unable to restrain his shock, took a sharp breath and said in amazement, "If Orochimaru has indeed resolved the 'caged bird' issue of the Hyuga Branch Family, then when their power combines with our Uchiha, it will form an entirely new force."

If Orochimaru had truly resolved the 'caged bird' issue, then the Hyuga Branch Family would be different from them. They would be under Orochimaru's direct control, a genuine subsidiary of Orochimaru, a situation where they would rise or fall together.

What an astonishing development! At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku and Elder Setsuna exchanged a glance, both showing excitement and fervor.

~~~

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