In the ninja world, it was a well-known reality: the strong preyed on the weak. Large nations oppressed smaller ones, while smaller nations struggled to survive, maneuvering in the cracks left by the powerful.
The survival of small countries wasn't a coincidence. Some allied with the great nations, others relied on unique secret techniques, and some took advantage of naturally defensive terrain. In short, they became thorns that even the great powers found hard to remove.
For the most part, the major nations, too busy fighting amongst themselves, had no time to deal with these "nuisances." This allowed the smaller nations to endure.
Originally, there was a precarious balance between the five great powers. However, when the First Hokage established Konoha, he distributed the nine tailed beasts among the major nations to ensure equilibrium. This act created a strange but functional balance of power.
This delicate balance kept the five major countries locked in a constant cycle of conflict without outright annihilation. Every nation knew they had their own tailed beast, making any attempts to destroy one another a daunting and often futile task.
But Orochimaru's emergence began to disrupt this balance.
Before, his reputation in the original timeline wasn't built on overwhelming combat strength. His greatest asset was his almost unkillable survivability, a trait comparable to that of a cockroach. His direct combat ability wasn't particularly impressive.
For example, he required Kimimaro and others' help to kill the Fourth Kazekage. In his battle against the aging Third Hokage, Orochimaru barely came out alive. He even struggled against a four-tailed Naruto.
But now? Orochimaru's strength had undergone a dramatic transformation. He had reached the super Kage-level, capable of saving an entire battlefield single-handedly and even killing the Third Kazekage in direct combat.
That accomplishment alone had sent shockwaves throughout the ninja world.
What's more, his scientific research capable of boosting the combat effectiveness of an entire village posed an even greater threat. The leaders of the other great nations believed that, given a few more years, Konoha could potentially use Orochimaru's abilities to annex any of the major ninja villages.
The thought was enough to make them restless.
Unless Orochimaru was dealt with, they would never feel secure.
But targeting Orochimaru was no simple task.
Even leaving aside whether Konoha would ever agree to surrender him, there were serious internal hurdles to overcome in forming an alliance between these nations.
Would Kumo simply follow Onoki's suggestion and turn on Konoha? Of course not.
The Third Raikage only promised to consider Onoki's proposal but made no immediate decision. He knew that even if they decided to act against Konoha, they would need a sound justification.
Onoki understood this as well. He wasn't in a rush, he had already waited a long time and could afford to wait a little longer.
---
Meanwhile, Orochimaru had no idea that the other great nations were plotting against him.
Even if he had known, it was unlikely he'd have cared. His current strength gave him an unshakable confidence.
With abilities like Flying Thunder God, Orochimaru knew he was exceptionally difficult to corner. If worst came to worst, he could always retreat.
What? The Second Hokage, who also used Flying Thunder God, still died?
That was different. The Second Hokage intentionally lured the enemy to ensure his comrades could escape. Orochimaru had no intention of playing the martyr. His use of the Flying Thunder God technique was purely pragmatic, if things got dangerous he'd simply leave.
---
"In just half an hour, if this first batch of kids survives, the experiment will be a success."
Inside a secret laboratory, Orochimaru stood calmly, observing the eight experimental chambers filled with specialized fluid.
Genetic modification was no challenge for him anymore.
If the power of the First Hokage's cells was too overwhelming, it could be diluted. If a child's body was too weak to handle the procedure, their physique could be enhanced.
Creating a batch of inferior Wood Release users was not a difficult feat for him at this point.
Danzo, standing nearby, nodded in satisfaction at Orochimaru's words.
"Judging from their vital signs, they should all survive. Orochimaru, your methods never cease to amaze me."
In front of them were eight children who had undergone the genetic modifications. If properly nurtured, each child could easily become an elite Jonin in the future.
"It's just a minor matter," Orochimaru said casually, waving a hand. "If you want, I can even give them Sharingan."
Danzo's eyes briefly lit up at the thought but quickly dimmed. "Sharingan and Wood Release? That combination would be frighteningly powerful… but no, the Sharingan supply is already stretched thin."
Danzo knew that managing and controlling children with such overwhelming power would be a monumental challenge.
Orochimaru smirked faintly but didn't press the issue.
---
"Danzo-sama, we have a situation!"
The sudden voice of a Root ninja broke through the silence.
Danzo's face darkened. "What's wrong?"
"We've detected signs of enemy ninja activity nearby!"
"What?" Danzo's expression shifted immediately. "Take me to see!"
It took less than ten minutes for Danzo to return, his face grim.
"Orochimaru, we may have been compromised," he said flatly.
"Compromised? Has someone found us?" Orochimaru asked, his tone calm, though his golden eyes sharpened slightly.
Danzo nodded. "Yes. Based on the traces we found, someone was here recently. If they report their findings to Sarutobi, we're finished here."
"What a pity for this lab," Orochimaru remarked with mock regret, though his tone carried no real emotion.
"There's no other choice." Danzo sighed deeply. "You leave first, I'll take care of this."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"
Danzo nodded firmly. "Sarutobi already suspects our collaboration, but I can't let him find concrete evidence. I'll handle it."
"Well, if you insist…" Orochimaru smiled faintly and began packing his tools without haste.
Minutes later, he walked out of the laboratory. Once out of sight, he activated the Flying Thunder God and vanished into thin air.
Danzo, meanwhile, had prepared for such a scenario from the start.
Once the experiment was complete, he ordered his subordinates to evacuate the eight children, then set up a soundproof barrier around the lab. The entire area was rigged with countless explosive tags.
Boom!
The laboratory was reduced to rubble in a series of deafening explosions.
Finally, Danzo's Earth Release ninjas worked together to bury the remains of the lab deep underground, ensuring it would never be discovered again.
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