Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Danzo and Elders reaction
The first half of Konoha's 48 years was expected to be smooth sailing without any major surprises. However, Ryu's arrival turned the first half of the year into something quite extraordinary. Two significant events took place during this period, causing a sensation in the ninja world.
The first event was the defection of Orochimaru, one of the legendary Konoha Sannin, followed by his subsequent death.
The second event was the awakening of Wood Release, the fourth Hokage of Konoha.
As Ryu returned to the village accompanied by a group of Konoha ninjas, news about these two events spread quickly and openly.
People couldn't stop talking about it.
In the root base of Konoha, Danzo, who stayed mostly hidden in the darkness, remained motionless for a long time. Finally, Torune, an elite jonin of Aburame Clan entered the room and reported:
"Danzo-sama, all the relevant laboratories have been shut down, and all documents and materials related to human experiments have been destroyed."
"I understand." Danzo pressed his hands firmly on the table and spoke in a deep voice, "Instruct the root members to transfer the experimental equipment as soon as possible. Since conducting experiments in Konoha and even in the Fire Country carries risks, move them to nearby areas. Also, advise them to be cautious on the journey, as Sarutobi Hiruzen's days in power are over."
When Danzo mentioned "Sarutobi Hiruzen," his eyes showed a hint of strangeness. He never expected that his old friend, with whom he had battled for many years and had managed to suppress, would be outsmarted by a young newcomer using such a simple trick.
In his heart, Danzo silently murmured, "Hiruzen, are you truly growing old? But an old man never bows down! If I hadn't been slow for a while, I wouldn't have had to wait until now to seize the Hokage position."
Danzo then asked, "Has the investigation into Orochimaru been completed? Are you sure he is dead?"
Torune responded with a blank expression, "I examined the area where the fourth Hokage and Orochimaru fought but found no deliberate markings left by Orochimaru. Additionally, based on eyewitness accounts from the Konoha Shinobi, the root has confirmed that Orochimaru's death is genuine."
Danzo expressed his regret, "What a pity! Despite his occasional deviations, Orochimaru possessed unparalleled research talent." He truly felt sorry about it, believing that all the researchers in the root combined couldn't match half of Orochimaru's abilities.
Knowing that Orochimaru had defected, Danzo had been willing to take risks and send root ninjas to assist him. However, he was a step too late.
With Orochimaru gone, research within the root would undoubtedly slow down or even come to a halt.
Danzo instinctively reached for his right arm, covered in tightly wrapped bandages, using his left hand. His tone turned cold as he asked, "So, how is the progress of the investigation into Ryu's Wood Release?"
Upon hearing the mention of Wood Release, Torune's expression revealed some signs of change, and he responded, "It's astonishingly powerful! Tenzo arrived at that conclusion after personally witnessing the battle. He even suggested that Ryu's utilization of the wooden dragon is likely twice as effective as the first hokage."
"A fake is still a fake, in the end," Danzo expressed his disappointment and concluded, "During this time, the root must maintain silence."
"Yes.".
In the Sarutobi clan's territory, at Hiruzen's residence, Homura Mitokado, a loyal disciple of the second Hokage and a long-time friend of Danzo, joined Koharu and Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, in the living room.
"Hiruzen, you've lost your path!" Homura expressed with deep emotion.
As members of the Third Hokage's council and individuals who held a stake in the legacy of the first Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen's loss of power dealt a heavy blow to both advisors. They questioned their ability to exert significant influence over Ryu in Konoha's affairs, particularly now that he possessed the revered Wood Release, a symbol of Konoha's strength, and had directly vanquished one of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru.
At this moment, Homura's confusion did not stem from the prospect of surrendering power to Ryu. Given the circumstances, it had already become an inevitable reality, leaving them with virtually no means to alter the course of events.
He was greatly irritated by Hiruzen's decision to let Orochimaru go.
If that incident hadn't happened, there wouldn't have been any forced abdication in the future.
Although he had always admired his old friend's compassionate nature in the past, which allowed their friendship to hold more power, now that same kindness had backfired, making him angry.
At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat expressionless, puffing on his pipe.
Despite offering to accept punishment earlier, he had been the Hokage for many years alongside his old friend. In the end, Ryu didn't make things difficult for him and allowed him to retire with dignity, so he could truly enjoy his retirement.
Soon, the room filled with the pungent smell of smoke. Mitokado Homura, who was about to speak, began coughing as soon as he opened his mouth.
"That's enough, Homura." Hiruzen turned to Koharu, who was watching, and patted him on the back. "This matter is over. Let's focus on what comes next."
The two of them then discussed their plans.
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't say anything. He took out a cherished crystal ball, placed it in a box, and called for a member of the Sarutobi clan. He handed the box to them and said:
"Give this to the Fourth Hokage as a gift from me."
"Yes." The clan member took the box and left.
Observing this, the two Konoha advisors stopped talking. They looked at each other and Koharu asked, "Hiruzen, what do you think we should do next?"
"What should we do?" Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at them and finally said, "We can learn from the two advisors from the Sand Village." Patience and the Right timing to come back is the key.
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