Hokage’s Unofficial Decision

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In the Hokage's office, a heated debate was unfolding.

"Konoha needs new leadership! It's time for Hiruzen Sarutobi to step down!" one voice declared.

"Let the younger generation guide Konoha's future. I nominate Orochimaru!" another proposed.

Danzo, however, had his own agenda. Though he didn't fully realize it, Orochimaru had no real desire to become Hokage. Still, Danzo remained committed to recommending him for the position.

Everyone present understood the implications of Danzo's endorsement—there was clearly some hidden agreement between the two.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was well-informed about most events within the village. He knew allowing Orochimaru to become Hokage would only darken Konoha's future, something he was desperate to avoid.

"Konoha needs balance," Sarutobi reflected. "If Orochimaru becomes Hokage, it could fracture the village."

"Orochimaru has the strength and achievements to be Hokage!" Danzo pressed, noticing Sarutobi's hesitation. Yet, a feeling of unease began to grow within him.

As Danzo listed Orochimaru's accomplishments, the room grew silent. Even the Hokage's senior advisors recognized that Orochimaru's appointment could spell trouble for Konoha.

"I do not support Orochimaru becoming Hokage!" one advisor stated firmly.

"Nor do I," the other added.

They proposed a different candidate.

"We recommend Minato Namikaze."

"Though Minato's achievements may not rival Orochimaru's, he is highly respected by the villagers and has the potential to be an outstanding Hokage."

Beyond qualifications, public opinion mattered. Unlike the cold and calculating Orochimaru, Minato Namikaze was warm and approachable—qualities that resonated with the villagers.

Minato had proven his strength by standing against the Third Raikage, showing his capability to protect Konoha. For this reason, the advisors put forth Minato Namikaze as their choice for Hokage.

Danzo, watching Sarutobi's expression, realized the Third favored Minato. Resigned, Danzo retreated into the shadows, muttering under his breath:

"You will regret this decision."

Meanwhile, Muzan and Jiraiya had returned to the village. Compared to the gloom that had recently hung over Konoha, the atmosphere now felt lighter. The villagers were buzzing about the upcoming election for the Fourth Hokage.

Some supported Minato Namikaze, while others leaned toward Orochimaru.

Those who had witnessed Muzan's abilities believed that a man capable of teaching such a talented student would lead Konoha to new heights.

"I support Lord Orochimaru! He may be cold, but he's a true powerhouse and can nurture the next generation."

"The war has cost us dearly. If Lord Orochimaru becomes Hokage, Konoha will quickly regain its strength."

"I support Minato Namikaze! He's kind and approachable—Konoha doesn't need a cold, indifferent leader."

The Hokage's advisors hadn't anticipated such a divided public opinion. The votes were almost evenly split, making the final decision all the more critical.

Muzan knew the ultimate decision rested with Sarutobi, and he was confident the Third Hokage would never allow Orochimaru to take the position.

"I never thought Orochimaru would compete with my disciple for the Hokage seat. I'm proud of them both!" Jiraiya chuckled as he listened to the villagers' debates. Instead of worry, he felt a sense of pride for his students.

What Jiraiya failed to realize, though, was that Orochimaru was no longer the friend he once knew.

In Jiraiya's mind, Orochimaru remained the cold yet loyal ninja who loved Konoha and had secured many victories for the village. He could never imagine that Orochimaru, one of Konoha's legendary Sannin, would eventually betray the village.

"I support Minato for Hokage. If Orochimaru takes the role, the village will become cold and lifeless," Jiraiya said, boasting about Minato.

Muzan, listening to Jiraiya, finally spoke, his voice calm yet serious:

"You should know, Orochimaru-sensei isn't obsessed with becoming Hokage."

"His path diverges from the village's."

Muzan's words were layered with meaning, offering Jiraiya a subtle warning. Whether Jiraiya would grasp it was unclear.

After speaking, Muzan left to attend to his own matters.

Soon, the Fourth Hokage would be chosen, and the villagers of Konoha would be informed.

Muzan didn't have much time left. He wasn't sure if Orochimaru's desires would grow more extreme, especially after obtaining his cells. For someone like Orochimaru, who had always sought immortality, this obsession was insurmountable.

At that moment, Orochimaru, in his lab, reflected on Danzo's report.

"I didn't expect the decision to come so soon. How ridiculous..."

Though Orochimaru had little interest in becoming Hokage, he couldn't help but feel resentful of the Third Hokage's favoritism. This only strengthened his resolve to leave the village.

But before that, he would use Konoha's resources to perfect his remaining experiments.

Gazing at the petri dish on his table, Orochimaru recalled the blood sample he had obtained from Muzan after leaving the Land of Rivers.

"Orochimaru, you must understand the true power of the Hokage's seat," Danzo said, standing half in shadow, his voice edged with frustration.

"The village's power can only be centralized if you become Hokage! Right now, you're forced to conduct these experiments in secret!"

Nearby, several corpses, destined for Orochimaru's experiments, bore witness to the forbidden nature of his work. Even as one of Konoha's Sannin, Orochimaru would face severe punishment if his experiments were discovered. Not even Danzo could protect him under the Hokage's watch.

"Just provide me the materials and funding for my experiments, and I'll give you the results you want," Orochimaru replied dismissively, his disdain for Danzo clear.

His gaze then shifted to Danzo's arm, a sly smile creeping onto his face.

"You've already obtained the Uchiha's power. This arm should serve you well. If you want more, we'll need to continue our cooperation."

Danzo clenched his fists in silent anger but then released them, offering one last warning before leaving:

"I'll do my best to keep your experiments hidden, but during this time, your disciples will be under my surveillance. I assume you have no objections."

---

"Isn't it miserable? Hahaha!"

Orochimaru chuckled upon hearing Danzo talk about his disciple, but his eyes never left the petri dish on the table.

"If you truly have the means to make him join Root, then Muzan must become the next Hokage."

Orochimaru glanced at Danzo, whose face was full of ambition. He understood that Muzan shared some similarities with him, but their personalities were vastly different.

In certain ways, Muzan was even more ruthless than Orochimaru had been at his age. While Orochimaru had once been bound by his connections to the village, Muzan had already begun plotting his future beyond Konoha.

Orochimaru remained silent, curious to see how Konoha would react when they eventually learned of Muzan's betrayal.

"Very well," Danzo said, his tone darkening. "I'll fund your experiment entirely. The Sharingan from the Uchiha who fell in the war will be delivered to you shortly."

Danzo's eyes glinted with malice as he contemplated his next move. His ambition to gain more Sharingan meant that the Uchiha clan would face increasing pressure.

At the same time, Jiraiya reported to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, about a new prophecy from the Great Toad Sage.

An unseen storm was beginning to brew in Konoha. Its casualties remained unknown, but none of them were aware of it yet.

Meanwhile, Muzan was deep into his own experiments, focusing his chakra as natural energy swirled around him.

Thanks to his position, he had managed to obtain a large quantity of blood, allowing him to accelerate the transformation of his body.

Now, his efforts were bearing fruit. A second brain was forming near his vital organs, which would allow for an even higher level of chakra control.

"Why does someone always interrupt me during my experiments?"

Muzan's voice turned cold, like the bite of a winter wind.

With his connection to natural energy, his sensory abilities had sharpened. Combined with his keen sense of smell, he had detected someone observing him.

His blood-red eyes, hidden beneath his black robes, snapped open, locking onto White Zetsu underground.

Obito may have left, but he had sent White Zetsu to keep an eye on Konoha.

But this interference, especially while Muzan was on the verge of a breakthrough, was unacceptable.

"These pests are becoming a nuisance."

Feigning indifference, Muzan set down his tools and moved away from the table. Without warning, his palm expanded.

"Blood Demon Art: Black Blood Thorn Mandala!"

A mass of thorns erupted from the ground, encircling White Zetsu before he could react. In an instant, the thorns contracted, leaving no room for escape.

"Crack! Crack! Crack!"

White Zetsu's body was torn apart underground. Even if someone noticed, they would see only a faint crack in the earth.

"Finally rid of the pest."

Muzan swiftly absorbed the natural energy underground. His transformation demanded vast reserves of energy, and his frequent visits to Konoha's hospital for blood had raised suspicions.

He wasn't willing to continue wasting energy in such a manner.

"I wonder how many White Zetsu are lurking in Konoha."

If time allowed, Muzan resolved to cleanse the village of these spies. They were treating Konoha like their personal playground.

After an entire day spent experimenting, Muzan had developed a new research path. He believed that sunlight and natural energy might share a connection, potentially explaining why demons were so vulnerable to sunlight.

But as he looked at his crude laboratory equipment, he sighed.

The tools he had access to at Konoha Hospital weren't advanced enough for the kind of research he wanted to perform. He would need significant funds to either purchase or create the necessary equipment.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Come in."

Muzan turned and was slightly surprised to see who had entered. After checking the area to ensure they were alone, he relaxed.

"Hizashi, it's dangerous for us to be seen together."

As a demon, Hizashi technically served under Muzan, but Muzan had never forced him to do anything. He treated him more like a trusted junior.

"Don't worry. I've checked. No one is nearby."

Hizashi activated his Byakugan, but Muzan noticed something unusual about his eyes. At the center of each eye, a second pupil had formed.

"Has the Blood Demon Art awakened?"

The Blood Demon Art typically triggered physical changes in a demon's body.

"Yes," Hizashi replied, showcasing his new ability without hesitation.

"Blood Demon Art: Compound Byakugan!"

New tissue formed around his eyes, and after a few blinks, an additional eye floated in the air beside him.

"I can create multiple eyes, each a mutated Byakugan."

The sight reminded Muzan of the trachoma ability from Sunagakure, though Hizashi's technique was far more potent. Twenty eyes now hovered around the room, gathering information.

With this ability, Hizashi could easily spy on any location, making him a powerful intelligence asset. Muzan was impressed.

"An excellent ability, and these eyes are incredibly subtle."

With the Byakugan's penetrating vision, Hizashi could gather intelligence undetected from nearly anywhere.

Muzan knew this ability would be invaluable once he left Konoha. Hizashi would be responsible for gathering information in his absence.

"You should withdraw your eyes. It's not safe here. Return to the Hyuga compound."

The Hyuga clan's strict rules would ensure Hizashi's privacy, especially regarding the use of his Byakugan.

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