"By the way," Jin said lightly, "this is a gift from Minato."
After settling Itachi's matter, Uchiha Jin pulled a storage scroll from his pouch and handed it to Orochimaru.
Inside were the spoils Minato had discreetly gathered from the battlefields of Iwa and Kumo—corpses of shinobi with kekkei genkai and rare secret techniques.
The kind of material that made Orochimaru's pulse quicken.
"Oh my… how embarrassing," Orochimaru said, eyes gleaming, while his hands moved far faster than his words to snatch the scroll. "I must personally thank Minato-kun."
"We're all on the same side," Jin smiled. "No need for formalities."
Then his tone shifted.
"Why didn't you attend the jōnin meeting this afternoon? The Third was furious."
Orochimaru's golden eyes flickered with disdain.
"It was nothing more than the old man staging his political theatrics. A performance without substance. A waste of time."
He hadn't attended—but he already knew everything that had been said.
His information network within Konoha was still extensive.
Jin nodded faintly.
"It wasn't entirely meaningless. At least now he's no longer 'Hokage'—just the Third."
"And the Fourth's election has officially begun."
He paused.
"Realistically, there are only a few viable candidates."
"Jiraiya and Tsunade have no interest. Danzō lacks support."
"That leaves you and Minato."
He looked at Orochimaru directly.
"What are your thoughts?"
Orochimaru let out a low chuckle.
"Haven't you already declared that the Hokage's seat and I are fated to miss each other?"
"Does my opinion matter?"
He knew perfectly well that during the meeting, Sarutobi Hiruzen had openly positioned Namikaze Minato as successor.
Any lingering illusion that his teacher might choose him had died in that moment.
Jin shook his head slowly.
"Whether you win is one matter."
"Whether you run… is another."
Orochimaru's gaze sharpened.
"You want me to serve as Minato's stepping stone?"
If he entered knowing he would lose, he would only amplify Minato's legitimacy.
He didn't care much for reputation—but he did care about time.
He had mountains of research waiting. And now Itachi.
Politics bored him.
"No," Jin said calmly. "Minato does need an opponent to solidify his prestige."
"But that opponent shouldn't be you."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.
"Then who?"
Jin's answer was crisp.
"Shimura Danzō."
Silence.
Orochimaru blinked.
"That's impossible. Danzō has no path to victory. That's why he invested in me."
"He knows his odds."
"He won't gamble on a losing move."
Jin smiled faintly.
"The times have changed."
"The situation is chaotic. You think Danzō isn't tempted?"
"He simply knows this isn't his best window."
"But…"
"If we create an opportunity—"
"He won't be able to resist."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed.
"What opportunity?"
Jin's smile deepened.
"This afternoon, the Third made his support for Minato explicit."
"By now, Minato's doorstep is probably worn down by clan representatives."
He leaned slightly forward.
"But what if Minato suddenly fell out with several major clans?"
"Publicly."
Orochimaru immediately shook his head.
"Minato's foundation is already thin. He relies heavily on the old man's backing."
"If he alienates major clans, even Hiruzen's endorsement may not stabilize his position."
"In that case… the outcome would become uncertain."
He paused.
"I understand your meaning."
"But you Uchiha feuding with him could be dismissed as theater."
"What about the others?"
"If this misfires, your losses will be significant."
Jin chuckled softly.
"If we randomly provoke clans, yes."
"But what if the clans involved… are already our own?"
Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly.
"The Hyūga as well…?"
Jin didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
Orochimaru laughed quietly.
"So much happening beneath the Third's nose."
"Very well. What do you need from me?"
"Simple," Jin replied. "At the critical moment, openly support Danzō."
"With your backing, he'll find the courage to step forward."
He added casually,
"You may also request certain benefits from him."
"I don't need to instruct you on how to negotiate."
Orochimaru's tongue slid slowly across his lips.
"He does possess… several items I find appealing."
"I appreciate the opportunity."
"Mutual benefit," Jin said lightly.
Then, as if recalling something important:
"Your primary collaboration with Danzō revolves around Hashirama cells, correct?"
"I'm no scientist," Jin continued, "but here's something interesting."
"The Sharingan can suppress the invasive nature of Hashirama cells."
"And Hashirama cells can enhance the Sharingan."
He glanced at Itachi.
"You might consider approaching his bloodline illness from that angle."
Orochimaru's gaze turned predatory as it settled on Uchiha Itachi.
"Is that so…"
"Then I must experiment thoroughly."
Itachi: "..."
At this point—
He was no longer just emotionally exhausted.
He was spiritually questioning his life choices.
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