Chapter 167: The Konoha Regime Change Plan
In the Hokage's Office of the Hokage Building.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was reviewing and processing confidential documents, suddenly saw his steady hand tremble. His calm expression instantly changed. Dressed in the fiery-red Kage robes, Sarutobi immediately wove a complex hand sign across his chest. His figure instantly vanished from the spot, reappearing on the spacious rooftop of the Hokage Building.
Gazing at the Kage level aura emanating from Orochimaru's residence, Sarutobi's eyes were filled with immense complexity. He slowly reached inside his robes and withdrew a scroll. The cover of the scroll bore the words "Top Secret." He scrutinized the contents one more time. Putting the scroll down, he remained silent.
The scroll was scribbled with a few ciphered messages, which, when strung together, meant: "Orochimaru's secret base found in the Land of Rice Fields!"
In the Uchiha Clan compound.
Clan head Uchiha Tamakatsu and several elders looked at the powerful Kage level aura, all lost in thought.
Uchiha Yūsei was the first to speak: "The regime of Konoha is about to change. We must begin preparing countermeasures!"
The elders nodded one after another. Sensing the aura, they all sank into contemplation.
Inside the Hyūga Clan compound.
Clan head Hyūga Seiken and elders like Hyūga Kōgen stood on the rooftops, directing their gazes toward the place where the Kage level aura ascended.
Hyūga Kōgen addressed Hyūga Seiken with excitement: "Clan Head, now that Orochimaru has honored his promise, shouldn't we begin taking action against the Uchiha Clan?"
Hyūga Seiken pondered for a moment, then heavily nodded: "Start now. Use all the previous arrangements. From this moment on, I want to know every single move the Uchiha Clan makes within the next twenty-four hours!"
"Yes, Clan Head!" Hyūga Seiken's decision filled the elders with motivation.
That Kage level aura, which pierced the heavens and penetrated the night sky, was as conspicuous as a lighthouse in the ocean, instantly alarming all the ninja in Konoha.
Indeed, at this moment, not just within the great clans, but in every corner of Konoha, countless shadows leaped onto rooftops, looking out and focusing their vision toward the direction of Orochimaru's residence.
There, a monumental python, deeper, blacker, and more terrifying than the endless night itself, defiantly raised its vicious and cruel serpent head, letting out a silent hiss and roar toward the sky.
The expansive, pervasive, and overbearing aura—as if making a solemn declaration to the entire world—wantonly spread out on this ordinary yet extraordinary night.
Looking at the heaven-piercing python, the expressions of the individual Konoha ninja flickered—some with adoration, some with envy, some with jealousy, and some with hatred...
Inside Orochimaru's residence, where the aura originated.
Shinki, who also sensed the terrifying aura, rushed out of the room nervously, directing a concerned gaze toward Orochimaru, who was seated cross-legged in the courtyard.
At that moment, Orochimaru, with the colossal black python of killing intent coiled behind him, suddenly opened his dark-golden eyes.
A deep-blue Chakra light, visibly clear in the darkness, flashed out from Orochimaru's suddenly opened eyes like a cold bolt of electricity.
Orochimaru clenched his fist. Feeling the vast-as-the-sea, profound-as-the-abyss Kage level power within his body, he excitedly licked his lips and smiled elegantly and devilishly.
Now, after completing the absorption of Shukaku's Chakra and life force from the Ten Thousand Seals Technique, he had finally completed half of his lifeform evolution project. His physical strength was even slightly greater than that of the Second Kazekage he fought earlier.
His Chakra had firmly crossed the Kage level threshold, and his mastery of ultimate Jutsu and deep understanding of the Kage realm were already complete from his previous life. Furthermore, while absorbing Shukaku's life force, he had inadvertently experienced some of Shukaku's innate talents, gaining considerable insight into the principles of Wind Style and Earth Style Jutsu.
Taking a deep breath, Orochimaru knew that he had finally recovered all of his power, and it was quite possible he was even stronger than he was in his previous life. This wonderful and powerful feeling of being permeated by Kage level Chakra made him feel, for the first time since his rebirth, that everything was firmly under his control.
At this moment, Chi emerged from the shadows and respectfully approached Orochimaru's side, kneeling on one knee. In his heavy, stuttering voice, he reported: "Master, yesterday... Katō Ryūya sent... a message that ninja with clear identity... infiltrated the base. Although they were successfully killed, it seems... they managed to send out a message!
Katō Ryūya... found some Anbu... trinkets... on one of the ninja!
The Hokage... the Hokage-sama seems... seems to have already discovered the secret base in the Land of Rice Fields!"
Orochimaru listened and chuckled faintly: "Heh, I didn't think such small tricks could fool Hiruzen-sensei for long! Since Sensei has already discovered it, we will launch the plan tonight! Chi, be mindful of the scale, but don't disappoint me!"
Chi, who was constantly immersed in the lonely, mysterious, seemingly endless shadows, had stood firmly behind Orochimaru—in his shadow—ever since he was brought back. Now, for the first time, Chi stood under the stars and moon.
Gazing at the familiar figure before him—the man who seemed born to be the center of attention, radiating a unique, devilish, and dominant charm at all times—Chi knelt deeply.
In his heart, he repeated, as he had the first time he met Orochimaru and every night before sleep: You must dedicate your life to this man, because he led you out of the darkness, he granted you power, he gave you final warmth, and he told you the value of living!
Deeply kneeling before Orochimaru, Chi felt the trust in Orochimaru's gaze. With his head bowed, he solemnly promised Orochimaru: "My Master, Chi will execute your command to the letter!"
Chi melted into the shadows.
Orochimaru wove a hand sign. Five breaths later, two figures knelt before Orochimaru. They were also on one knee, and their expressions and eyes were filled with the same fanatical admiration for Orochimaru: Fukurō and Yumi, who were now in charge of the Golden Serpent and Black Serpent teams, respectively.
Orochimaru spoke slowly: "Go and notify the Golden Serpent and Black Serpent teams. The Konoha Regime Change Plan has begun!"
Yumi and Fukurō both stiffened upon hearing this. After bowing in acknowledgment, they immediately shot away.
Orochimaru looked gently at Shinki, who had emerged from the room nearby with a worried expression. He instantly moved and stopped beside Shinki, his tender voice reaching her ears: "I'll be back soon!"
Whoosh! By the time Shinki turned her head, Orochimaru was already far away.
"Sensei, I'm coming!" Gazing at the Hokage Building, Orochimaru licked his lips and quickened his pace.
This was destined to be a night of upheaval!
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