Chương 166: Chapter 166: Rejection, Kato Dan’s Death
After hearing Orochimaru's proposal, Reiki fell silent. Becoming Orochimaru's assistant? Though he wasn't naive, he knew that Orochimaru's experiments were far beyond the boundaries of good and bad—they trespassed into the realm of the unethical. The results might be fascinating, but the methods and means were disturbing. Moreover, if he joined Orochimaru, Tsunade would likely be drawn into the conflict, and his carefully laid plans would be disrupted.
No, this was too dangerous. He wasn't like Kabuto Yakushi, who could survive under Orochimaru's influence unscathed. Orochimaru was too dangerous a person to get close to.
"Thank you for the offer, Lord Orochimaru," Reiki replied respectfully, "but I'm just a chunin with a focus on medical ninjutsu. I'm not ready to dive into research beyond that."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, though he kept his smile. "That's a shame. But if you ever need anything—or change your mind—you're welcome to come to me. Times may grow difficult in the village, so stay cautious." With that, Orochimaru disappeared, leaving Reiki feeling relieved yet tense. Talking to Orochimaru always left a certain pressure, as if something unpredictable could happen at any moment.
Returning to the training grounds, he found his friends still waiting. They spent the day around the village, talking and laughing, giving Reiki some much-needed distraction. By evening, he returned to his small courtyard, only to find Tsunade sitting there, waiting.
"Teacher?"
"Come here, Reiki," she said softly.
Reiki approached and sat across from her.
"He's dead," Tsunade said quietly. "But it wasn't by my hand."
"Was it the Third Hokage?" Reiki asked, not surprised. He had anticipated this outcome, knowing that Sarutobi Hiruzen would eventually act. "I suspected that Sandaime would deal with him. Given his character, Kato Dan wouldn't survive long once the suspicions arose."
"Thank you, Reiki," Tsunade murmured, her voice tired but relieved. "I need some rest. Don't bother calling me for dinner." She rose and slowly made her way to her room, her face emotionless.
Watching her go, Reiki sighed. As strong as she appeared on the surface, he knew Tsunade's heart held a depth of compassion and sensitivity that few saw. She had carried her burdens for so long, and he had orchestrated things so she wouldn't have to take action herself. By allowing Sarutobi Hiruzen to handle it, she could find a bit of peace.
Just then, Nawaki came into the courtyard, looking curious. "Reiki, what's going on with my sister? She's been different lately."
"Teacher's just tired," Reiki replied with a soft smile. "She just needs a little time to rest. By the way, didn't you have a teaching interview? How'd it go?"
"I passed the first round," Nawaki replied enthusiastically. "Two more exams, and I'll officially be a teacher."
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office…
"Third Hokage, what's the meaning of this?" Mito Homura asked, a touch of frustration in his tone. "You knew Kato Dan was with ANBU, yet you did nothing. And now you've dealt with him, only to summon us here."
Sarutobi Hiruzen puffed on his pipe and replied, "Calm down, Homura. I called you here to inform you of what Kato Dan attempted. He tried to place both Asuma and me into a state of deep unconsciousness. It seems he was colluding with an outside force."
"But why keep it hidden until now?" Homura retorted.
"I simply want you to understand the seriousness of our situation and not be misled by appearances," Sarutobi Hiruzen said cryptically.
Homura frowned, growing increasingly frustrated with Hiruzen's vague words, while Danzo, who had been listening intently, finally spoke up.
"Are you suggesting we investigate thoroughly?" Danzo asked, his eyes narrowing.
"No, just be cautious and remember to look beyond the surface," Hiruzen replied, picking up his pipe to signal the end of the discussion. Homura left in annoyance, still perplexed, while Danzo lingered, his gaze dark and contemplative.
"Sandaime, some things aren't as simple as they appear," Danzo murmured, and with that, he disappeared into the shadows.
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a long plume of smoke, watching the tendrils curl into the air. He suspected that Kato Dan's actions might have been influenced by someone, though he had no proof. The only people who could have manipulated events to that degree were within his own circle, particularly someone with access to the ANBU.
"Danzo…" Sarutobi Hiruzen murmured, but he knew he'd likely never uncover the truth. Kato Dan's chapter had come to an end, and he could only hope that the issue would be buried along with it.
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