The moment rumors began spreading through the village, Sarutobi Hiruzen received word.
And almost immediately, he guessed who was behind it—Danzō.
As an old political fox, Hiruzen was far too familiar with these kinds of shadowy schemes. After all, it was through political maneuvering that he became Hokage in the first place. Did people really think a single word from the Second Hokage was enough to secure him the position? Konoha didn't belong to Tobirama alone—there were still many powerful clans involved.
And those so-called "last words" of the Second Hokage? Nonsense.
The man was dead—who could verify what he said? His few surviving guards? If anyone had objected, they could've easily claimed those guards conspired together.
In truth, Hiruzen's ascension to Hokage owed as much to his political cunning as to his strength.
But because of that, his reign was never as steady as the First or Second Hokage's—hell, even the Fifth, Tsunade, had ruled with fewer troubles than he did.
After realizing that Danzō was pulling strings again, Hiruzen didn't confront his old comrade right away. He knew Danzō too well—without solid evidence, that man would never admit a thing.
"Find those spreading the rumors immediately," Hiruzen ordered. "Orochimaru is a hero of the Third Great Ninja War. His name must not be sullied."
The ANBU accepted the order and moved swiftly.
But Danzō was no amateur. He'd already hidden the rumor-mongers—many of them were Root operatives disguised with Transformation Jutsu. All they needed to do was cancel the jutsu and return to Root, and even if ANBU turned Konoha upside down, they wouldn't find a trace.
A fruitless night of searching only made Hiruzen more agitated.
Kakashi, now an ANBU squad captain with some authority, finally spoke up.
"Lord Hokage, perhaps we should summon Lord Orochimaru for questioning. After all, he's the one involved."
Hiruzen shook his head.
"No. Orochimaru is a hero of the war. If we summon him over mere gossip, it will only chill the heart of a hero."
He knew perfectly well what kind of man Orochimaru was, but deep down, he didn't want to move against him. After all, the Wood Release Replication Project had been Orochimaru's doing, and its results were already in ANBU's hands.
Even though Yamato's abilities were nowhere near Hashirama's, they were still far beyond most shinobi.
If Orochimaru could mass-produce such Wood Release ninja, Konoha's military power would skyrocket.
How could Hiruzen possibly discard such a valuable researcher?
Besides—Orochimaru was his beloved student. If the scandal became public, it would be his face that lost honor.
"Keep tracking down the sources of those rumors. Do not let anyone defame a hero."
"Understood."
The next morning, Uchiha Ashikaga prepared breakfast as usual before leaving for work.
She served as one of Konoha's sealing specialists, responsible for maintaining the village's barrier. Whenever issues arose, it was her duty to repair them. Compared to shinobi who ventured out on missions, her job was stable and safe—an iron rice bowl within the village system.
That was why, even after Uchiha Taidachi's death, she had been able to raise Rokuro on her own.
Just as she was about to leave, Rokuro slipped a small palm-sized scroll into her hand.
"Mom, when you go to maintain the village barrier later, add this sealing formula into the system. Be careful—don't let anyone see you."
Ashikaga frowned and opened the scroll.
Dense, sesame-sized sealing runes filled the parchment—so complex that even as a veteran sealing master, her head throbbed just looking at them. Some she didn't even recognize.
"What is this, Rokuro? Don't go doing anything reckless."
"Relax, Mom. This seal increases the chakra efficiency of the barrier. It only helps—it won't cause harm."
"Really? I trust your skills, but you doing something for free? That's not like you."
Ashikaga knew her son far too well.
The boy never offered his talents without some kind of gain in mind.
If Uchiha Rokuro was doing something for Konoha purely out of goodwill, the sun might as well rise from the west.
"Heh, you know me too well, Mom. Let's just say I've got my reasons. Add it in first—you'll understand by the end of your shift."
With no choice, Ashikaga tucked the scroll away, leaving for work with an uneasy heart.
As for Rokurō, he decided not to take on missions for a while. Orochimaru's situation was escalating, and he intended to stay in Konoha to observe. He was planning to profit from the chaos, and missing the chance because of a mission would be an unacceptable loss.
After breakfast, he escorted Uchiha Izumi to the academy.
"Rokuro, I want to graduate early too. I've already learned everything they're teaching. It's just the same lessons over and over—it's such a waste of time. I'd rather go on missions with you."
"Be patient, Izumi. Just hold on another six months. Once you graduate in the second half of the year, I'll take you on missions myself."
As they walked and talked, another group of villagers nearby whispered the same rumors about Orochimaru.
Before they could even turn their heads, two ANBU appeared out of nowhere, restraining the gossipers and dragging them away.
Uchiha Izumi's eyes widened, while Rokuro only smiled knowingly.
"ANBU's already on it, huh? Looks like the Hokage's taking this seriously. Do you think Orochimaru's been arrested already?"
"Not yet," Rokuro replied calmly. "But soon… who knows."
Seeing Izumi's puzzled look, he explained further.
"It's simple. Orochimaru's one of the Legendary Sannin—after losing both the White Fang and the Fourth Hokage, he's the strongest and most respected ninja left in Konoha. The Third won't arrest him over a few rumors, especially since he's his favorite student."
"That's what I thought too," Izumi said with a nod. "But you said 'soon'… Do you mean the Hokage might change his mind?"
"Exactly. Rumors alone aren't enough. But what if there's solid evidence?"
Izumi froze.
"If they find a body… and it's proven that Orochimaru's responsible…"
"Then even the Third won't be able to protect him."
Rokuro didn't need to finish the thought—Izumi already understood.
After dropping Izumi off at the academy, Rokuro headed for the Forest of Death to train.
That evening, when the family reconvened at home, Ashikaga gave her son a meaningful look. Rokuro didn't say a word. Instead, he went to his room and returned carrying a round, compass-like device, setting it flat on the table.
"Izumi, turn off the lights," he said with a sly grin. "Let me show you something interesting."
END OF CHAPTER
35 CHAPTERS AHEAD!!
Forbidden Java Jutsu - MrBehringer's Secret
👉 patreon.com/MrBehringer