In the damp, dark underground laboratory, Hiruzen stood firm, wielding the golden staff transformed from Enma. He led a group of ANBU, cornering Orochimaru in the cavernous hideout.
Cold sweat dripped down Orochimaru's pale forehead, his fatigued expression betraying his struggle.
"Sensei, I must admit, your prowess hasn't dulled over the years," he said, his lips curling into a sardonic smile.
Hiruzen snorted coldly. "Orochimaru, you've strayed too far from the path."
"As your teacher, it's my duty to set things right."
Orochimaru licked his lips with his unnaturally long tongue and chuckled.
"Sensei, are you really prepared to kill me?"
Hiruzen's expression wavered for a brief moment at Orochimaru's words. However, thoughts of Mirai and Danzo firmed his resolve. His eyes steeled as he declared, "This was never my wish, but... everything I do is for Konoha."
With that, Hiruzen charged forward, his staff raised.
"For the sake of the village!"
Orochimaru swiftly leaped back, slamming his hands together in a seal.
Boom!
Explosions from countless paper bombs reverberated throughout the cavern. Debris rained down as chunks of the cave collapsed, burying the space in an instant.
Much later, as the dust settled, Hiruzen stared coldly at the empty space where Orochimaru once stood.
"Find Orochimaru. Don't let him escape," he ordered, his voice icy.
"Yes, Third-sama!" the ANBU responded before vanishing to carry out his command.
Yet, unease gnawed at Hiruzen. This mission had been a secret—shared with no one. And yet, Orochimaru had clearly been prepared. Not only had he evacuated his experimental materials, but he'd also rigged the entire base with explosive tags.
The more Hiruzen pondered, the more his suspicions turned to a familiar source.
"Danzo, that fool! If it weren't for his meddling, how could Orochimaru have anticipated this?"
Hiruzen clenched his fists. "When I return, I must teach that idiot a lesson."
Following Hiruzen's declaration, the crimes of Orochimaru—secretly conducting human experiments—were brought to light and cemented. Overnight, one of Konoha's most revered shinobi, the leader of the Legendary Sannin, became a notorious S-rank missing-nin.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the village.
"I can't believe it… Orochimaru-sama, why would he do something like this?"
"To harm his own comrades… utterly unforgivable."
"Thank goodness Third-sama acted decisively. Otherwise, if someone like Orochimaru became Hokage, Konoha would have been doomed."
Rumors ran rampant, but most praised Hiruzen's actions.
"The Third Hokage is truly noble. Even after such a betrayal by his protégé, he's committed to guiding the village until a new successor is ready."
There were whispers, though quickly silenced, of another potential candidate: "If Orochimaru's out of the picture, shouldn't someone like Uchiha Mirai, with equal prestige, be considered for Hokage?"
Such discussions often ended abruptly, with those involved disappearing from public view.
As Orochimaru's reputation crumbled, his close associates faced investigation, plunging the village into a state of paranoia.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya, who had only recently returned to Konoha, chose to leave once again.
After reporting the events to Mirai, Uchiha Inaho's face lit with excitement.
"This is incredible! With Orochimaru's defection, the Hokage faction has lost a powerful ally. Your path to the Hokage seat is wide open now, Mirai-sama!"
Mirai's gaze was calm, almost dismissive. "Inaho, such naïve words are unbecoming of an Uchiha. Favorable outcomes are not 'luck'—they are the results of careful planning and strategic maneuvering."
Inaho froze. Had he said something wrong? Surely, Orochimaru's defection, which significantly weakened the Third's faction, was a stroke of fortune... wasn't it?
Before he could dwell further, Uchiha Hachidai entered the room, leading a young girl with short, sea-green hair and a yellow jacket.
"Mirai-sama, this is Mitarashi Anko," Hachidai explained, lowering his voice. "Before his departure, Orochimaru requested we look after this child."
Mirai regarded Anko curiously. The girl stood defiant, her chin raised despite the sadness flickering in her eyes. She forced a smile, trying to mask her emotions.
"A spirited one," Mirai thought, assessing her silently.
Orochimaru had taken most of his research, scrolls, and loyal subordinates with him when he fled. Yet, he'd left behind his student, Mitarashi Anko, to fend for herself in Konoha. Her feigned indifference only reinforced Mirai's impression of her resilience.
"If you encounter trouble or need guidance with your training, you may come to me," Mirai offered.
"For now… let's introduce you to some companions."
Anko scoffed. "I don't need companions. A kunai by my side is all I need."
To emphasize her point, she stuck out her tongue and licked the edge of her kunai.
Thwack!
"Ow! That hurt!"
Mirai had flicked her forehead with enough force to make her wince.
"Don't do that again."
"Hmph! Why not?"
Mirai ruffled her hair roughly, smirking. "It's bad enough Orochimaru does things like that. You'll look even more ridiculous than he does."
"Don't mention that guy in front of me!" Anko snapped.
"You should be grateful he left you behind. Without him, you can enjoy a peaceful life."
"Who cares?!"
As Mirai and Anko left together, Inaho's shock finally subsided. Turning to Hachidai, he asked, "Wait… are you saying Mirai-sama and Orochimaru have been in contact?"
Hachidai shrugged impatiently.
"Obviously. Why else do you think people were debating Orochimaru's suitability as Hokage not long ago?"
Inaho's mind reeled as realization struck like a thunderclap.
"Everything... was Mirai-sama's design!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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