At the border of Konoha, Orochimaru serves as the overall commander responsible for defending the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water. While his whereabouts are often uncertain due to his research, he occasionally appears at the main camp to organize frontline intelligence and military deployments.
Uchiha Yoru has become Orochimaru's trusted deputy, assisting in gathering intelligence scrolls with a relaxed smile. He also helps assign tasks and offers his assistance, similar to a Hokage's assistant.
The Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire are not directly adjacent; there are two small countries in between acting as a buffer zone. These countries essentially serve as a battlefield for the major nations, providing a barrier between them.
Furthermore, the defense line is adjacent to the Land of Iron and the coastal areas, which are home to many island nations. Mist ninjas from the Land of Water often join the defense efforts. Therefore, this defense line directly guards against the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water, showcasing Orochimaru's influence.
"Orochimaru-sensei, there has been increased spy activity from the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water. They are constantly trying to gather information about us, and some small countries have been posing as ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village and the Mist Village, attempting to sow discord and provoke conflicts between the major nations."
Looking at the intelligence reports, Uchiha Yoru smiled and shook his head while analyzing the information. Orochimaru chuckled disdainfully, his voice hoarse, "They hope that a devastating war between the major nations will occur, giving the small countries a chance to rise! How laughable! They don't realize that the major nations will never allow the continuous development of smaller nations in their vicinity."
Orochimaru had witnessed such tactics numerous times. Small countries have limited space to thrive and are restrained by the major nations. Naturally, they harbor discontent. These small nations aim to provoke wars between the major nations, diverting their attention and seizing the opportunity to develop.
However, they are unaware that the emergence of the Rain Village, capable of challenging the intentions of the Five Great Nations, has put them on guard. The success of the Rain Village is unique and cannot be replicated, and the Five Great Nations will not allow another village like it to emerge in the ninja world.
"Yoru-kun, please handle the troublesome matters on the frontline for the next two days. A new overall commander will be assigned to the Land of Lightning in two weeks."
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Yoru was momentarily stunned, while Orochimaru wore a nonchalant, hoarse smile. "Yoru-kun, politics can be troublesome, just like it is now. Someone is coming to steal the accomplishments."
Orochimaru showed no anger at being undermined, but there was a hint of disappointment in his golden eyes, as if he had already sensed something. Some people in the village, including his teacher, the Sarutobi clan, did not want him to become the Fifth Hokage.
"Orochimaru-sensei, we've put so much effort into the Land of Lightning. The situation has just stabilized, and now someone else will take credit for it! It's so unfair!"
Uchiha Yoru's face expressed frustration and discontent. Since becoming Orochimaru's disciple, he had gained insights into political affairs and was well aware of the secret personnel movements on the frontline.
As the overall commander of the frontline, Orochimaru led the Konoha Shinobi in defending against two major nations. The turbulent situation had just calmed down, especially in the Land of Lightning.
The achievement that was about to be obtained was now being snatched away.
"Hehe, Yoru-kun, you are still too young."
Orochimaru's hoarse smile showed no bitterness. However, when the scroll with the new commander for the Land of Lightning was handed over, Uchiha Yoru's eyes widened.
Sarutobi Shinzo!
Shinzo, the eldest son of the Third Hokage and the current Head ANBU. When Uchiha Yoru saw this name, memories of the previous Hokage's information came to his mind.
"The Third Hokage's eldest son and daughter-in-law are elite Jonin of ANBU, known as the 'Third Hokage's right-hand man and left-hand woman.' They are the parents of Sarutobi Konohamaru."
Although the name wasn't explicitly mentioned, Uchiha Yoru knew the identity of the Third Hokage's eldest son. Realizing the potential advantages for the Sarutobi clan, he narrowed his eyes.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Hokage, and his eldest son and daughter-in-law, who served as key members of ANBU, were planning to step into the spotlight and reap the rewards.
Contemplating this, Uchiha Yoru looked at Orochimaru's casual yet ironic smile. Such differences were only natural. When comparing one's own son and disciple, it was evident who held greater importance.
However, for Uchiha Yoru, this information held value. He pondered its worth and profitability, his expression deep in thought.
In the Hokage's office in Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen smoked his tobacco pipe. Standing before him was his eldest son, Sarutobi Shinzo, who had removed his ANBU mask.
"Shinzo, from now on, you will be a Jonin of Konoha. The situation at the border with the Land of Lightning has stabilized. If you go there, remember to proceed with caution and maintain the current state of affairs."
At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen acted not only as the Third Hokage but also as a devoted father teaching his child.
Perplexed, Sarutobi Shinzo furrowed his brow and asked, "Father, why don't you let me go to the frontlines in the Land of Water? The situation in the Land of Lightning has already stabilized, but there won't be many achievements to be gained there."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head slowly, took a deep breath from his pipe, and exhaled a puff of smoke before speaking solemnly, "Orochimaru has become closely associated with the Root. The methods of the Root have strayed from the Will of Fire. I sincerely hope Orochimaru can find his way back."
Shinzo listened attentively but remained confused. Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed and continued, "Your deployment to the frontlines of the Land of Lightning is not only desired by the higher-ups but also by me, the Third Hokage."
"Now that Orochimaru has embraced the path of darkness, the higher-ups do not want him to go astray. It's not just the Sarutobi clan's wish. Follow the plan, be patient, and in due time, you will become the squad leader of the Jonin."
Amidst a cloud of smoke, the gaze of the Third Hokage remained concealed. Complexity filled his eyes.
Orochimaru's ideology was dangerously divergent, especially as he had already shown thoughts contrary to the Will of Fire. Now, Sarutobi Hiruzen could only take the opportunity to guide his cherished disciple back onto the right path.
He understood the thoughts of the higher-ups. They did not want Orochimaru, who had gained influence, to ascend to the position of Hokage. Some had even secretly reached out to Jiraiya, although Jiraiya deliberately avoided getting involved.
Likewise, the Sarutobi clan did not want their clan leader to relinquish the throne of power. They desired to undermine Orochimaru's authority. This period presented an opportunity for the Sarutobi clan to gain more influence and interests.
Becoming the squad leader of the Jonin was a significant step. Once Sarutobi Shinzo assumed that position, the Sarutobi clan's power would reach its pinnacle. The Hokage would be a Sarutobi, the visible squad leader of the Jonin would also be a Sarutobi, and the Head ANBU would hail from the Sarutobi clan. The only missing piece was another Sarutobi for the future Hokage.
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Notes:
(Sarutobi Shinzo / Name not canon / But the rest is True.)
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