After hearing Minato Namikaze's words, Kakashi was silent for a moment before saying, "Hokage-sama, my father once said that learning to compromise is also a sign of growth."
Minato Namikaze smiled, saying nothing more.
Meanwhile, at Orochimaru's house, Uchiha En and Asana were present.
"Asana, I estimate I'll be leaving the Village soon. Asana, do you want to leave with me?" Orochimaru asked directly.
Asana had somewhat guessed the Village's method of handling things—Orochimaru definitely needed to leave the Village to avoid the heat for a while.
But she hadn't expected Orochimaru to want to take her with him.
"There's no benefit for you to stay in the Village. You are a member of the Hyuga Branch Family, and for the past few years, you've used my influence to enjoy privileges almost equal to those of the Main Family as a Branch Family member.
Some people in the Hyuga Main Family have long been displeased with you. If you stay in the Village after I leave, the Hyuga Main Family will certainly look for trouble.
As long as the Caged Bird Seal is on you, you cannot disobey the Main Family's orders.
Therefore, the best choice is for you to leave the Village with me. The Village won't make me a Rogue Ninja just for the deaths of two children. Once the situation calms down, you can always return."
After hearing Orochimaru's words, before Asana could reply, Uchiha En spoke first: "Asana, go ahead and leave with Lord Orochimaru! Give me a little more time, and I promise you that when you return next time, no one in the Hyuga Main Family will dare to threaten you with the Caged Bird Seal."
Asana sighed upon hearing this: "I'm not afraid of the Hyuga Main Family. After my Byakugan evolved, the Caged Bird Seal can no longer take my life.
As for the pain, doesn't getting my blood drawn by you, Master Orochimaru, hurt just as much every day?
Furthermore, Master Orochimaru, you want to take me with you because my Byakugan is very helpful for your research, right?"
"That is part of the reason," Orochimaru said with a smile.
"I can go, but I have one condition."
"What condition?" Orochimaru asked.
"I want to go to Ryūchi Cave to learn Sage Mode there."
Orochimaru was startled, then showed an excited expression: "Good! No problem. I also wanted to see if someone who has fused with first hokages cells has any advantages when learning Sage Mode."
"Lord Orochimaru, where do you plan to go after leaving the Village?" Uchiha En asked.
"En, we acquired a lot of money during our cooperation, plus a portion of the funds I intercepted from Danzo. We now have enough money to build a base, but I haven't decided where to build it yet.
There are a few alternative locations, and I can use this opportunity of leaving the Village to decide on the base location."
Two days later, the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, publicly announced the investigation results regarding Orochimaru's research on first hokages cells and unauthorized human experimentation.
Following the Village's investigation, Orochimaru's research on first hokages cells was conducted with the approval of Tsunade, the granddaughter of Shodai(1st)-sama, and the Village will not pursue the matter further.
As for the human experiments, because they resulted in the casualties of two children, Orochimaru is required to complete two S-Rank Missions as compensation.
Afterward, Orochimaru will leave Konoha to carry out the missions until both are completed.
As soon as the news broke, it caused a massive stir. The news that Orochimaru was leaving Konoha quickly spread throughout the entire Village.
Orochimaru held a high position in Konoha, and many Ninja followed him; quite a few people were dissatisfied with this outcome.
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