Three days later, at the Hokage building.
The Third Hokage pulled out a box of cigarettes from his pocket, took one out, lit it, and inhaled deeply, exhaling a ring of smoke.
Soon, he frowned.
This box of cigarettes was a gift from his eldest son, Shinnosuke, who claimed it tasted better and was healthier than his traditional pipe.
But he still wasn't used to these modern products and missed the pipe that had been with him for decades.
After a moment of thought, the Third Hokage took out his pipe from the drawer. Tearing open the cigarette, he placed the tobacco inside the pipe, lit it, and inhaled deeply through the pipe's mouthpiece, showing a satisfied smile.
Indeed, the old ways suited him better; there was no need to force himself to embrace the new era.
After settling himself, the Third Hokage turned his gaze toward the blank scroll on his desk. He planned to hand it to Jiraiya's summoning beast today so that Jiraiya could negotiate with the Fourth Raikage on the front lines...
At that moment, the door to his office was pushed open from the outside, and Danzo appeared before him.
The Third Hokage frowned, visibly displeased at the sight of Danzo.
Just as the Third Hokage was about to speak, he noticed the group of Jonin standing behind Danzo, and his expression became grave.
Could it be that Danzo was dissatisfied with his position as leader of the Root organization and was using this opportunity, while most of the village's forces were out, to stage a coup?
The thought crossed the Third Hokage's mind, but even he found it ridiculous.
Danzo should know that he wasn't a match for him. Even if he somehow managed to defeat the Third Hokage, he could never become the village's Hokage.
Taking a deep breath, the Third Hokage looked at Danzo and asked calmly, "Danzo, what's brought you here this time?"
With a grim face, Danzo replied, "Third Hokage, last night, Orochimaru attacked the Root base, stole some of our records, and seriously injured my guard, Ryoma!"
"What did you say? Orochimaru attacked the Root?"
The Third Hokage doubted his own ears, staring suspiciously at Danzo.
Since being assigned to work in the Root, Orochimaru and Danzo had always had a good relationship, with Orochimaru being a high-ranking member of the Root.
Moreover, during the selection process for the Fourth Hokage, Danzo had supported Orochimaru as a candidate.
Given this relationship, Orochimaru attacking the Root base seemed highly improbable.
However, Danzo didn't appear to be lying, and such an event could be easily verified by simply summoning Orochimaru to confront the allegations.
Sensing the Third Hokage's doubt, Danzo quickly added, "Orochimaru did attack the Root. Besides that, he also attacked several shinobi in the village, including members of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans."
At that moment, the other Jonin stepped forward and shared their experiences of being attacked by Orochimaru.
"Third Hokage, Danzo-sama is telling the truth. Orochimaru attacked us, though he didn't kill us, only took some of our blood."
"Could Orochimaru be using our blood for his experiments?"
"I've heard Orochimaru is fond of human experimentation. I never thought he'd target his fellow villagers, Third Hokage, you must bring justice to this matter."
As the Jonin reported their encounters, the Third Hokage's expression darkened.
He wasn't sure if Danzo was conspiring with the other Jonin to deceive him or if Orochimaru had truly betrayed the village.
If the accusations were true, how could he face his once-prized student?
Glaring at Danzo, the Third Hokage addressed the Jonin, "You are dismissed for now. I need some time to think. I will give you an answer within three days."
Hearing this, the Jonin, along with Danzo, left the office.
After leaving the Hokage building, the Jonin cautiously asked Danzo, "Danzo-sama, will the Third Hokage really deal with Orochimaru?"
Danzo shook his head grimly and replied, "I don't know either. We'll just have to wait and see."
Unlike his previous deceptions, this time Danzo was genuinely angry. Orochimaru had indeed attacked the Root, even targeting Tenzo, whom Danzo had carefully protected.
Though Danzo had long planned to use Orochimaru as a stepping stone, he hadn't expected Orochimaru to strike first, suggesting that Orochimaru had no desire to stay in the village any longer.
...
A few hours later.
Guided by a Hyuga ninja, the Third Hokage led an ANBU squad to a hidden laboratory in the Forest of Death.
After forcibly breaking down the lab's door, the Third Hokage found Orochimaru, along with numerous experimental subjects still encased in glass tubes, yet to be dealt with.
Judging by the setup, the lab was being used for Wood Release experiments.
Seeing this, the Third Hokage clenched his teeth, his heart heavy with grief.
He couldn't believe that his most treasured student had been conducting secret human experiments, violating the very rules he had set.
Taking a deep breath, the Third Hokage's voice trembled as he spoke, "Orochimaru, did you do all of this? Considering your contributions to the village, if you abandon these experiments, I will spare your life and let you remain a Jonin in the village."
At this, Orochimaru turned to the Third Hokage, shook his head, and said, "I'm sorry, old man, but I can't agree to that. Without human experiments to explore the limits of ninjutsu, my life would be meaningless."
The Third Hokage asked, "Is the pursuit of the limits of ninjutsu more important than the Will of Fire?"
"Ever since I lost the election for the Fourth Hokage, I've lost interest in the village, my comrades, and the Will of Fire."
Orochimaru first chuckled, then continued in a sinister tone, "As for the village, is it truly the village of the Leaf, or just your village? At least during Tobirama-sama's time, these human experiments were never forbidden."
Hearing Orochimaru mention the Second Hokage, the Third Hokage's expression changed slightly. He sighed and said, "Tobirama-sensei never harmed the village's ninjas. Please, don't persist in this folly. I don't want to have to deal with you myself."
Orochimaru smirked, then assumed a fighting stance and said, "Third Hokage, the narrow sky of Konoha can no longer contain my dreams. Before I leave, let me experience your strength one more time."
Before the words had even left his mouth, Orochimaru raised his sleeve and shouted, "Ninja art: Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
The Third Hokage sighed inwardly, forming hand seals to summon Enma, the Monkey King. In an instant, Enma transformed into the Adamantine Staff and fell into the Third Hokage's hands.
Without hesitation, the Third Hokage lunged at Orochimaru's position.