"Hiruzen, he really is a descendant of Uchiha Kyou," Danzo glanced at the Third Hokage and said, "He was someone I adopted long ago."
"Why didn't you report this to me?" the Third Hokage asked angrily.
"There was nothing special about it, so I didn't bother to report it," Danzo said indifferently. "Besides, I didn't expect him to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan..."
If Linton hadn't awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, he wouldn't have been considered anyone special. According to the backstory Danzo fabricated, he was just the descendant of a banished Uchiha, so reporting it wasn't really necessary. The Third looked at Danzo but had no response.
Linton, however, understood the situation. Danzo was also labeling him, doing the same work as Orochimaru. They both knew Linton had no standing in Konoha and would need someone's help to stay hidden. Both likely had their eyes on the supposed Sharingan transplantation technique Linton possessed, especially Danzo, who had a particular obsession with the Sharingan. Linton figured Danzo might even want his eyes.
"The Uchiha won't let this go easily," the Third Hokage said after some thought.
"So what? Is the Uchiha clan the ruler of Konoha?" Danzo waved his hand dismissively. "Linton is a war hero now. Is the Uchiha clan going to demand we execute him?"
That was impossible. Although Linton hadn't defeated Shukaku, he had held it off for a long time, saving many Konoha ninjas. His contribution couldn't be ignored. No matter how deep the grudge between Uchiha Kyou and the Uchiha clan, they couldn't just kill Linton. But the Uchiha would definitely cause trouble, and the Third Hokage was clearly troubled by that thought.
"Let's see how the Uchiha clan reacts first," Danzo suggested.
"Alright." Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. The Uchiha clan was indeed a headache for Konoha, and Linton's unique existence added another layer of complexity. He could use the Mangekyō Sharingan, which even the Uchiha clan couldn't, and yet, he wasn't truly one of them. It was indeed a peculiar situation.
The Third Hokage hesitated briefly, then turned to Linton. "Uchiha Linton, what are your thoughts on this?"
"To be honest, I'm not too clear on my father's situation, nor do I have any desire to seek revenge on the Uchiha clan," Linton replied. "I'm not one to make decisions, so I'll leave everything to Danzo-sama's arrangements."
The Third Hokage frowned. Linton was clearly siding with Danzo. It seemed unlikely he could sway him to his side. After all, according to Danzo, Linton had been raised by him since childhood. Though the Third didn't doubt Linton's background, it was unfortunate. Danzo, however, was pleased with Linton's words, thinking him quite savvy.
In short, Linton's identity was tangled in many issues, especially regarding the Uchiha clan. The higher-ups in Konoha found this situation tricky, so for now, they decided to wait and see how the Uchiha would respond.
For Linton, things were easier than he expected. With Danzo's backing, he had smoothly navigated his way through this ordeal. For now, relations between Danzo and the Third Hokage were still amicable, and Linton had no idea what Danzo was doing behind the scenes.
Afterward, the Third Hokage offered a few words of encouragement to Linton before dismissing him. However, he was still somewhat curious about Linton and instructed the nearby ANBU to keep an eye on him.
Linton didn't get far before someone called out to him, and it was Danzo himself. It was clear that Danzo wanted to have a chat with him as well. Linton didn't mind and followed along. He wasn't worried about Danzo making any moves against him; his current position was still quite secure.
"Those eyes of yours—are they really transplanted from someone else?" Danzo asked, scrutinizing Linton's eyes.
"Of course... Do you really think I'm Uchiha Kyou's son?" Linton shrugged.
"So, you really don't have any Uchiha blood?" Danzo questioned.
"None," Linton confirmed.
"Then... where exactly are you from?"
"That... doesn't concern you, Danzo-sama." Linton couldn't come up with anything convincing, so he simply chose not to answer. "Though I appreciate your help earlier, I'm not planning to pledge my loyalty to you."
"Oh?" Danzo's expression darkened slightly. "Do you see Orochimaru as a better option?"
"I think he has more potential than you. After all... isn't it more likely that he'll become Hokage?" Linton said with a smirk.
Danzo's face shifted at the mention of the Hokage position. Yes, his greatest sore spot was the Hokage seat. He had developed a complex after losing to Sarutobi Hiruzen, and now, even his student and a civilian-born ninja had more popularity than him.
"Here's a piece of advice: don't get too close to that guy," Danzo warned, masking his displeasure with a smile.
"Thanks for the advice, Danzo-sama. I'll consider it," Linton said nonchalantly before walking off.
"Danzo-sama, this guy..." As soon as Linton left, a shadowy figure appeared behind Danzo.
"He wants to side with Orochimaru... to become Hokage?" Danzo understood Linton's implication. It seemed Linton was betting on Orochimaru becoming Hokage. "Too bad... he's backing the wrong horse."
"Danzo-sama, should we..."
"No, his research is still useful." Danzo waved his hand. "He might know more about the Sharingan than even Orochimaru. He wants to follow Orochimaru, but if Orochimaru is no longer around, he'll have no choice but to turn to me."
"Yes, sir."
"Let's begin the plan." Danzo gave the order with a flick of his hand.
Linton, unaware of their conversation, had his own thoughts. Just as he stepped outside, he encountered Orochimaru, who was leaning against a tree, clearly waiting for him. Naturally, Linton walked over.
"Orochimaru-sama, were you waiting for me?" Linton asked.
"What did Danzo say to you?" Orochimaru inquired.
"Nothing much. He just asked if I really had the transplantation technique and whether I was planning to side with him," Linton explained.
"So, you turned him down?" Orochimaru asked. Since Linton had come out so quickly, he assumed as much.
"Of course, I'm trying to follow you, Orochimaru-sama," Linton replied.
"You said you have a grudge against Danzo. Wouldn't it be easier to get close to him by joining his side?" Orochimaru asked.
"Simply killing him would be too easy," Linton said. "I want to see him disgraced. That can't happen while working under him, but with you, Orochimaru-sama, I think there's a chance."
"Oh?" Orochimaru was momentarily surprised. "But... Danzo and I do have some cooperative ventures."
"Do you trust him?" Linton asked.
"Trust him? Of course not. He's a sly old fox," Orochimaru admitted.
"Then you should be careful. I have a feeling Danzo might move against you soon," Linton suddenly warned.
"Hmm?" Orochimaru looked puzzled.
Linton wasn't joking. He realized he might have inadvertently accelerated Orochimaru's downfall. In the original story, Orochimaru's human experimentation was exposed fairly soon, and it was possible Danzo had a hand in it. With Linton's presence, things might progress even faster.
"Danzo's going to make a move on me?" Orochimaru was startled. "Did he tell you that?"
"Of course not, but it's always been on his mind," Linton said. "My arrival might have sped things up. Danzo has an obsession with the Sharingan, and I'm someone who studies it. He wants me on his side, but since I've chosen you, I've given him more reason to eliminate you. Besides, you're a real contender for the Hokage seat."
"Hmm..." Orochimaru nodded, seeing some truth in Linton's words.
"Danzo is now a common enemy for both of us," Linton added, seizing the opportunity. "I think it's time you started to trust me a little, Orochimaru-sama."
"So, what's your suggestion...?"
"Let's head to your lab. We should plan ahead. Your biggest vulnerability lies there," Linton said.
"The lab..." Orochimaru nodded.
Things were unfolding just as Linton had predicted—Orochimaru's biggest weakness was indeed his lab. However, neither of them expected Danzo to act so swiftly. As they were heading toward the lab, Danzo was already speaking to the Third Hokage.
"What? You're saying Orochimaru is conducting human experiments?" The Third Hokage stared at Danzo in shock.
"Remember those ninja who disappeared a few months ago?" Danzo asked. "You asked me to investigate, and I found some results, but I couldn't report it during the war. Now
that the war is over, I'm bringing it to your attention."
"Those people... were they taken by Orochimaru?" the Third asked.
"Yes, they were used as experimental subjects for his research on the First Hokage's cells," Danzo explained. "Just now, my men located his lab."
"Where is it?" the Third demanded.
"Orochimaru is heading there now with Uchiha Linton," Danzo added.
"He took Linton?" the Third asked, confused.
"They seemed to grow close on the battlefield," Danzo explained. "Though Linton is technically under my care, it seems your student has persuaded him otherwise."
The Third Hokage said nothing but knew what needed to be done.
(End of chapter)