When these words were spoken, it was like a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone in Konoha.
The large plaza fell into complete silence, so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. It wasn't until a gentle breeze passed through that the stunned crowd snapped back to reality.
The Fifth Hokage of Konoha, Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, had announced his decision to betray Konoha during his inauguration ceremony to the entire village and its higher-ups.
What could be more ridiculous than a Hokage declaring his betrayal of the village?
This heavyweight announcement was like a massive stone dropped into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples and quickly escalating into a chaotic reaction as the crowd erupted in confusion.
"Hey, hey, hey! This is a big joke, right?!"
Nara Shikaku's pupils trembled, shrinking to a tiny dot, and sweat poured down his forehead.
His keen insight into human nature allowed him to see that there was no hint of joking in Orochimaru's gaze; this was undoubtedly serious!
Looking at the reactions of others, most were similarly shocked.
Especially the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, whose gaze was blank. No matter how many scenarios he imagined, he never expected the situation would turn out like this!
What had happened to the Konoha that he and his brother had established?
First, the Third Hokage had a twisted personality, secretly colluding with Danzo, even allowing power to slip away.
Then, the Fourth Hokage was tragically killed on the day he took office out of jealousy by Danzo.
Now, another Kage-level ninja had emerged, declaring his betrayal on the very day he was inaugurated as the Fifth Hokage!
At this moment, even Senju Tobirama, who usually had the most thoughts racing through his mind, felt blank and helplessly looked toward his older brother.
To his surprise, the First Hokage's mouth hung open in shock, looking as if he had just been stunned for a century, unable to say a word for a long time.
"Orochimaru! Are you crazy? Do you even know what you're doing?" Sarutobi Hiruzen, trying to suppress his shock, rushed forward and grabbed Orochimaru by the collar, his forehead veins bulging, his face twisted in a fierce snarl.
"Don't mess around; this isn't a joke! Quickly, take it back and apologize to everyone!"
"Take it back? Apologize? Heh."
Orochimaru chuckled lightly, lowering his head to look at his teacher.
His cold, golden snake-like eyes met Sarutobi's murky gaze, which seemed to be bubbling with anger. Orochimaru's handsome face wore a hint of sarcasm and mockery, and his lips curled slightly as he clearly stated, "I'm sorry, but I must refuse."
"Orochimaru, you!"
Sarutobi's face turned a deep shade of red with anger, the veins on his forehead throbbing as his blood pressure soared uncontrollably. "Tell me why?!"
"Do you find it strange? Do you really think that using human experimentation as a reason, or just being the Hokage, will make me obedient?" Orochimaru looked at him with disdain, grasping the wrist that held his collar.
"But unfortunately for you, I, Orochimaru, love to say no to those who think too highly of themselves."
With a sudden tightening grip, Sarutobi felt pain as his wrist bones creaked.
Then, with a powerful throw, Orochimaru flung both the brand-new ceremonial robe and Sarutobi out of the way.
In mid-air, Sarutobi Hiruzen adjusted his balance after landing. He looked up at his familiar student but felt an unprecedented strangeness, as if he had completely changed.
"This is the last time I will call you Sensei, Sarutobi Hiruzen."
A cold, hoarse voice reached Hiruzen's ears, startling him and making his pupils widen. "What do you want to do, Orochimaru?!"
"Seeing something move is interesting; seeing something still is boring," Orochimaru said to himself. "A windmill that doesn't turn has no value to look at, but sometimes, something that doesn't move can have its own unique charm."
His words were incomprehensible to the others present.
"What are you talking about, Orochimaru?" Hiruzen interrupted him roughly.
"Ha, what I mean is…"
Orochimaru grinned, brushing back his hair that the wind had blown. "Right now, I look forward to the destruction of Konoha more than I do to the position of Hokage."
Destroy Konoha?!
Hiruzen's pupils contracted in shock. An uncontrollable anger burst from him as he exclaimed, "You've truly lost your mind, Orochimaru!"
"Kid, do you even know what you're saying?"
Senju Tobirama's gaze was sharp, ready to strike down Orochimaru if he dared to make a move.
"Um, young man, I think you should calm down," the First Hokage said, trying to advise him sincerely. "Your plan is impossible. Listen to me, don't be so impulsive. We can sit down and talk things over, okay?"
"Isn't it about time?"
Orochimaru suddenly murmured, his gaze turning to a certain point.
Following his line of sight, Hiruzen felt a shock in his heart. He knew his student well; he would never take such a reckless risk without sufficient confidence. "Orochimaru, you—"
Before he could finish his warning, a massive cloud of dust erupted at the point where Orochimaru was looking.
"Roar—!!!"
A huge roar seemed to pierce the sky.
From the dust, a claw covered in orange-red fur suddenly tore through the thick smoke, reaching for the sky.
"It's the Nine-Tails! The Nine-Tails has gone berserk!"
A voice echoed, reminding everyone in Konoha of the terrifying scene from that day.
"Orochimaru, I see you really have gone mad!"
Senju Tobirama's eyes filled with killing intent as he instantly activated the Flying Thunder God technique.
Swish!
He vanished from his spot, and the next moment, a sharp kunai slashed toward Orochimaru's throat.
However, Orochimaru, whose throat had been cut, did not die. Instead, he looked at them with a mocking gaze as his body transformed into countless small snakes and scattered.
"Shadow Clone Technique?" Tobirama's expression changed slightly. He quickly activated his sensory abilities and soon found Orochimaru's chakra, suddenly stepping forward. "Do you think you can escape like this?"
But just then…
Deep purple transparent flames suddenly rose like a wall.
Quickly, a rectangular barrier centered around Orochimaru enveloped the First Hokage, Second Hokage, and Third Hokage completely.
"Lord Hokages!"
An impatient Anbu shouted and rushed forward.
"Wait, don't go!"
A companion's voice was too late. The Anbu collided with the deep purple barrier and was instantly engulfed in flames, screaming as he fell like a meteor.
In just a few seconds, he was burned to a charred corpse.
Senju Tobirama, surrounded by the Four Violet Flames Formation, glanced at the Anbu in the four corners and coldly said, "The Four Violet Flames Formation is a good barrier, but the one mistake you made was trapping me and my brother inside as well."
"Hehe, is that so?"
Orochimaru chuckled lightly, tilting his head in question. "Then may I ask, esteemed Second Hokage, do you think I would have no defenses if I put you all inside?"
Just as Tobirama was about to retort, his pupils suddenly widened.
"This is… such strong binding!"
A look of shock crossed his face as he realized something. Gritting his teeth, he said, "When did you integrate my brother's cells?!"
"From the very beginning, when I resurrected you all," Orochimaru replied with a slight smile.
"Today's young people really are frightening in their thoughts and methods."
The First Hokage sighed lightly and shook his head at his brother. "I'm sorry, Tobirama. Even for me, it would take time to break free from this binding."
"Now, no one can disturb us."
Orochimaru spread his hands and walked toward Sarutobi Hiruzen, tilting his head with a smile. "Harming my past teachers brings a sense of achievement and joy that is truly irresistible."
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