Not everyone in the room believed Uchiha Jin's explanation.
On the surface, his reasoning sounded airtight.
But to the village's upper echelon, the cracks were obvious.
It was true that Uchiha Itachi suffered from a bloodline-related illness.
However, the diagnosis had been confirmed only recently—at Konoha Hospital.
And Konoha Hospital was under Koharu Utatane's authority.
To ensure accuracy, Fugaku had gathered nearly every capable physician for a joint consultation. There was no way Koharu hadn't known.
And if Koharu knew—
Then Hiruzen and Danzō certainly knew.
So they did not believe a single word of Jin's excuse.
Before anyone could press further, Jin continued calmly:
"Therefore, the Uchiha clan will vouch for Orochimaru."
"His actions were entirely justified."
"Of course, words alone carry little weight."
"So the Uchiha clan has decided to fund the establishment of the Konoha Research Institute."
"All of Orochimaru's experimental projects will be transferred there and conducted openly for supervision."
"Furthermore, all research成果 will be shared with the village."
He looked around the chamber.
"Is this explanation satisfactory?"
The trouble surrounding Orochimaru had been unexpected.
But Jin saw opportunity.
If handled properly, this could permanently cleanse Orochimaru's reputation.
The "Konoha Research Institute" served two purposes.
First—to redirect attention and reframe the narrative.
Second—to normalize the existence of an official research body within the village.
Since it would initially be funded by the Uchiha, technically a private venture, few could object outright.
And once Minato rose to the position of Hokage—
A handful of research breakthroughs would be enough to elevate it into the official Konoha Research Department.
With far less resistance.
As Jin anticipated, most of the room showed little concern about the Institute itself.
What they appreciated was transparency.
If experiments were brought into the open—
Their clan children would no longer disappear mysteriously.
That alone softened many expressions.
Hiruzen, however, watched Jin and Orochimaru in silence.
His gaze grew increasingly complex.
He understood what Jin had done.
He had shielded Orochimaru.
And in doing so, delivered a warning.
Do not force the Uchiha to fully enter the battlefield.
Previously, Jin had spoken in Danzō's favor occasionally—but never deeply.
It had felt like a transaction. A temporary alignment of interests.
But this—
This was different.
This was protection.
Which meant one thing:
Orochimaru was not an ally of convenience.
He was one of Jin's own.
That realization unsettled Hiruzen.
If Jin could cultivate Orochimaru into a true insider under his nose—
How many others had he quietly drawn in?
Almost unconsciously, Hiruzen glanced toward Namikaze Minato.
Minato noticed the look and turned.
When he saw it was Hiruzen, he offered a warm, sunny smile.
Like sunlight breaking through clouds.
Hiruzen's heart eased.
He shook his head faintly.
Minato was too bright, too sincere.
There was no way he had fallen in with Jin and Orochimaru's colder designs.
He must not let suspicion cloud his judgment.
Drawing in a breath, Hiruzen steadied himself.
With the Uchiha shielding Orochimaru, prying open that angle to strike down Danzō was nearly impossible.
He searched desperately for another opening.
None appeared.
Was he really going to let Danzō walk away?
The bitterness was suffocating.
He had sacrificed too much today.
Even the position of Academy Headmaster had been stripped from him.
His pride battered again and again.
If he failed to topple Danzō—
Then everything he had endured would be meaningless.
Worse.
If Danzō retained his seat as Konoha Elder—
Retaliation would be inevitable.
Before Hiruzen could think further, Danzō spoke first.
"Sarutobi."
"You've caused quite enough commotion."
"Do you have concrete evidence—or not?"
"If not, end this farce."
"We do not have time to indulge your theatrics."
Hiruzen's eyes darkened.
"Elder Shimura, why the haste? If you are truly innocent, what harm is there in waiting a little longer?"
Danzō snorted.
"You may have grown accustomed to idleness."
"But the village is rebuilding."
"The jōnin present all carry responsibilities."
"Every second wasted here is a loss to Konoha."
"If your stubbornness delays important affairs—can you bear that responsibility?"
Hiruzen opened his mouth—
But Koharu spoke first.
"Enough."
She gave Hiruzen a subtle look.
They had coordinated beforehand—she, Homura Mitokado, and Hiruzen.
She knew he had exhausted nearly every prepared move.
Unless he revealed something even more explosive—
There was no point continuing.
And the truth was, anything more explosive would likely implicate all four of them.
Mutual destruction served no one.
Better to cut losses.
Hiruzen's jaw tightened.
But he nodded.
He would find another way after the meeting.
Koharu turned to Danzō.
"Since Sarutobi has not presented concrete evidence…"
"Elder Shimura, do you formally declare your candidacy for the position of Fourth Hokage?"
Danzō nodded.
"Of course."
"Then at present," Koharu announced, "the candidates for the Fourth Hokage are Namikaze Minato and Shimura Danzō."
She surveyed the room.
"Are there any further nominations?"
Silence.
Heads shook.
"Very well."
"Three days from now, in the morning, the official election of the Fourth Hokage will begin."
She struck the table lightly.
"This meeting is adjourned."
The chamber slowly emptied.
And though nothing had been resolved—
Everyone knew.
The real battle had only just begun.
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