"How about becoming an Advisor? I think having two Advisors would work just fine..."
Hiruzen smiled and exhaled a plume of smoke.
"Don't worry about Danzō. I'll talk to him."
But to Hiruzen's surprise, Orochimaru immediately waved him off.
"No need, Sensei. Why would I become an Advisor? I'll just become Hokage eventually. There's no rush, no rush at all..."
Hiruzen froze for a moment and asked in confusion, "Becoming an Advisor doesn't conflict with becoming Hokage, does it? Your situation isn't the same as Danzō's..."
Orochimaru spoke earnestly.
"Sensei, there's really no need! You don't have to worry about me. If you promote me to Advisor, Danzō will definitely be unhappy. That would only create pointless internal friction within the village..."
"We can just do it all at once later. I don't mind waiting another ten years or so. Don't you agree?"
This time, Hiruzen was genuinely surprised.
Orochimaru was actually taking Danzō's feelings into consideration?
Was this really the beloved disciple he knew...?
Those two had fought viciously against each other in Konoha in the past!
Both had seemingly endless energy. They could handle their own work while constantly tripping the other up, all without affecting the bigger picture.
They were both unquestionably the sort of people who never seemed to run out of energy.
"All right, then..."
Hiruzen thought for a moment.
"Then I'll have to keep relying on you, Orochimaru."
"Keep doing good work. There's no need for the two of us to say too much. In the future, I'll find a way to teach you every technique I know, whether it's Dust Release or the Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration Seal..."
Hiruzen's tone became exceptionally serious.
"I won't let any Konoha shinobi who works hard for the village be shortchanged. Especially you, Orochimaru."
After all, Orochimaru was the one meant to inherit his legacy.
Having mastered Living Corpse Reincarnation, the Eight Branches Technique, and cloning technology, Orochimaru might be the only person in Konoha capable of truly inheriting everything Hiruzen had accumulated.
Because he had enough time to slowly digest all of Hiruzen's insights.
The others couldn't.
Not Jiraiya, not Tsunade, and not Asuma...
In a sense, Hiruzen himself had also been somewhat influenced by the shinobi world.
He had come to place great importance on having someone inherit his Nindō.
But when it came to this matter, Hiruzen and Orochimaru were operating with entirely different assumptions.
Become an Advisor?
Wouldn't that mean getting closer and closer to the Hokage's seat?!
Of course Orochimaru understood that he and Danzō were different.
Advisor was the ceiling for the Darkness of the Shinobi.
It wasn't his.
But that was exactly the problem.
What if Sensei suddenly got tired one day and decided he didn't want to continue?
Wouldn't Orochimaru have to take over immediately?
He still wanted to spend another ten years or so in the Research Department first.
The succession was already practically guaranteed, so there was no reason to rush...
Later, he could find an opportunity to serve as Hokage for a few years just for form's sake.
Then he could graciously hand the position over to the next successor and be done with it...
That would even demonstrate his noble character!
"I know all of that, Sensei. You don't need to say it. I've always kept it in mind..."
Warmth spread through Orochimaru's chest.
"There's no need for such words between sensei and disciple!"
Sensei was always thinking about him...
Sigh!
That was also why, despite watching the other shinobi in the village rapidly grow stronger in combat, Orochimaru still devoted most of his energy to research.
With Hiruzen's promise and support behind him, Orochimaru wasn't in a hurry.
In the past, he absolutely would have been forced to divide his attention, because if he wanted to become Hokage, combat strength was essential.
"The creation of the information platform, along with the corresponding ninja tools and genjutsu-Fūinjutsu modules, won't interfere with our development of the Ryūmyaku..."
Orochimaru pondered for a moment.
"Actually, Sensei, we still haven't managed to make full use of the Ryūmyaku. Fūinjutsu can restrict it effectively, and Tomie has proposed several methods, but it appears to involve space-time."
"The Ryūmyaku has also shown signs of recovering. At present, we can convert its chakra, but further development will require more research."
Hiruzen nodded.
There was no reason everything should always go smoothly...
Besides, being able to use it as an energy reserve was already quite good.
Space-time properties were among the most complicated things to deal with.
Out of the corner of his eye, Hiruzen glanced at the Sage Stone Tablet belonging to the Uchiha, and a thought occurred to him.
"Right..."
"I have an idea for you. Regarding the Ryūmyaku, this ancient source of energy, you could ask around the village and see whether any shinobi or civilians have old family texts related to it. You might find something useful."
Orochimaru looked utterly puzzled.
"Sensei, would that really work?"
He had never thought much of amateur researchers.
But after thinking about it again, if someone genuinely possessed ancient texts passed down through their family, they might actually provide some useful inspiration.
There was no harm in taking a few swings, whether there was anything there or not...
"The revival of Hōzuki Gengetsu and Mū, those former Kage, and the mysterious powerhouse from the Warring States Period... Many people believe that person is my sensei, Senju Tobirama, but I know for certain that it isn't him."
Hiruzen spoke slowly.
"His attitude toward Konoha is extremely complicated. You know that."
Orochimaru gave a quiet "Oh," his eyes flickering.
Sensei still wasn't willing to admit that it was Tobirama-sama?
Orochimaru didn't say anything.
It was simply proof that his old teacher had a sentimental side.
If Orochimaru ever made a serious mistake one day, Sensei would probably speak up for him the same way...
Besides, Hiruzen had actually done exactly that before.
Whether it was putting his name on Living Corpse Reincarnation or the matter involving the Iburi and Tsuchigumo Clans, Sensei had stood directly against Mito-sama without saying a word!
The record spoke for itself...
If this was the one thing he refused to let go of, Orochimaru could understand!
Hiruzen took a silent drag from his cigarette.
He knew Orochimaru had misunderstood again, but he didn't bother explaining.
Even he couldn't explain this situation anymore...
After all, he couldn't exactly say that Seisui was Tobirama, could he?
That was one subject that absolutely no one in Konoha could touch...
The reason Hiruzen had suggested soliciting information from Konoha's shinobi and civilians was because, a year earlier, he had suddenly received an anonymous ancient text.
Its contents corresponded with the Uchiha Sage Stone Tablet.
On the surface, it contained various ancient maxims, but upon closer examination, hidden within them was the structural design for a palace-like network of chakra threads...
Could that really be a coincidence?
Hiruzen obviously didn't think so.
He figured Madara's strange Warring States mentality had flared up again, perhaps deciding that Konoha had passed some sort of test...
So he had handed over a so-called 'reward.'
Hiruzen had used the method described in the text to activate the stone tablet, and new contents had indeed appeared.
That only made him more certain that Madara was behind it...
After all, the tablet had been passed down through the Uchiha Clan!
But this time, Hiruzen had misunderstood.
It had been the Uchiha ancestor's father—the Sage of Six Paths—who had done it.
When it came to 'typical Warring States thinking,' the Sage of Six Paths was actually the original source of the meme...
Not that the Sage himself would ever admit it.
He always thought he was being fair...
Indra had wanted to ask him back then exactly where that fairness was supposed to be!
But aside from his own eldest son, no one else dared ask him something like that.
They could only nod along...
All one could say was that sometimes, even the sky over the shinobi world went dark.
What Hiruzen was doing now was essentially sending Madara a hint:
Konoha is currently short on knowledge about the Ryūmyaku. If it's convenient, help us out again...
Except this time, the one who received the hint wasn't Madara.
It was the Sage of Six Paths.
"I understand what you mean now, Sensei..."
"That Warring States mentality really is hard to understand. You've had it rough, dealing with someone that strange for so long while still staying this emotionally stable. You really had a difficult time back then..."
Orochimaru finally understood Hiruzen's thinking and couldn't help complaining.
He had boundless respect for the founder of Tobirama-style research...
But if someone offered Orochimaru the opportunity to become Tobirama's disciple, he would respectfully decline.
That personality was far too difficult!
The fact that Sensei had endured it really did make him the legendary king of handling pressure!
Hiruzen shrugged.
He had long since learned to let misunderstandings like that go in one ear and out the other...
Tobirama-sensei himself wasn't saying anything.
So Hiruzen had no objections either.
"Sensei, at this point most of Konoha's Council Members have already received Hashirama-sama's cells and been fitted with cursed seals. It's just that everyone's physical compatibility is different, so the strength varies."
Orochimaru continued slowly.
"Council Member Isshin, for example, is highly compatible with Hashirama's cells. The quality of his transplant was excellent, so the vitality is strong enough to nourish his previously exhausted Mangekyō. He's even switched his original eyes back in..."
"Minato, Fugaku, Jiraiya, and Tsunade are all in the first tier in that regard."
"Tomie and Shio are both fairly good as well, though they're slightly below Isshin's tier. Hizashi and Sakumo are probably around the same level, but that's more than sufficient."
"As for the shinobi clans, some jōnin have also undergone transplantation. The entire Kurama Clan tried it, for example. Their hereditary illness has now been completely cured, and they're all so excited that they want to rush to the front lines. Council Member Genshin has spoken to me about it several times..."
"But I held them back. After all, Danzō has already lost his temper several times saying that it's his turn to go to the front..."
"Situations similar to the Kurama Clan are quite common among the Uchiha. Most Uchiha with Sharingan experience some increase in their visual prowess regardless of how strong or weak their Hashirama-cell transplant is."
"Following your instructions, we're currently continuing to push toward making Hashirama-sama's cells universally compatible, so that every shinobi in the village can receive a transplant regardless of the specific strength, because everyone considers it an honor."
Orochimaru spread his hands.
For Konoha shinobi, having a small Hashirama scar on the shoulder was simply far too appealing.
A shinobi who had undergone the transplant could point at their shoulder and declare,
"First Hokage-sama's blood flows through my body!"
They were basically bargain-bin Tsunades...
Everyone might tease her in private for always relying on the same old tricks, but who didn't envy Tsunade for having them?
To prevent this phenomenon from spreading out of control, Orochimaru had decided to gradually make Hashirama cells available to everyone, thereby ensuring that this particular source of superiority remained strictly confined to Tsunade herself.
That was also in keeping with the Will of Fire...
"As for the cursed seals, their compatibility isn't nearly as high as Hashirama-sama's cells. After all, natural energy isn't living tissue, so we can't reduce its intensity in the same way. Even so, we're doing our best to let talented shinobi receive them."
"In the end, it still depends on talent. Making them universally compatible isn't realistic."
Orochimaru continued his report.
"As for the special Impure World Reincarnation vessel Mito-sama requested for Hashirama-sama, I've already finished preparing it."
"Every Tailed Beast contributed something. The Three Great Sage Regions infused it with a considerable amount of natural energy. We've also compressed replicated Hashirama-sama cells as much as possible and added some Ryūmyaku chakra..."
"Overall, allowing First Hokage-sama to display around ninety percent of the power he had while alive shouldn't be a problem. Combined with Mito-sama's specially designed Fūinjutsu, he should also be able to remain in the shinobi world for long periods without affecting his soul."
Hiruzen listened with growing bewilderment.
He understood that if they were going to reincarnate Hashirama, they needed to use the best materials possible.
But there was something strangely beautiful about the idea that 'Mito had gone dark and was preparing peak Hashirama so he could beat Tobirama senseless'...
Was that just his imagination?
Orochimaru coughed softly.
"Also, Mito-sama has already reincarnated Hashirama-sama. He's simply still sealed inside the coffin. She said she'll give the specific control formula only to you."
"You'll be the one who decides when Hashirama-sama returns to the shinobi world."
Hiruzen sighed and nodded.
He wasn't the only one who embodied the Will of Fire.
So did Mito.
She was making sure that none of her own actions accidentally undermined Hiruzen's authority as Hokage.
Even though that probably wouldn't happen, as an elder she still had to remain mindful of it.
That was why Hiruzen had always held Mito in such deep respect.
She deserved it.
"You've done very well, Orochimaru."
"The cursed seals can't be given to everyone, and the strength of Hashirama-sama's cell transplants varies. Those are objective realities. Just match them according to each shinobi's compatibility. There's no need to force it."
"The same applies to Kekkei Genkai transplants. Don't let outside considerations interfere with that."
Hiruzen thought for a moment.
"Find a few exemplary shinobi in Amegakure and Kirigakure and let them receive Hashirama-sama's cells as well. Give the other shinobi there an example to follow."
"The postwar compensation effort is also nearing completion. Everyone has done well, but we need to make sure those benefits are actually delivered. Any isolated cases of corruption should be dealt with quickly and severely, then publicly disclosed."
"The Uchiha Clan proposed using 'Obito' as a positive example for public education. I looked over the proposal. I still remember that young man who took a photo with me..."
Hiruzen rose to his feet.
"I think it's a good idea. Obito's story should be included in the textbooks. He sacrificed himself to protect his comrades and caused Iwagakure's Explosion Release lightning mine formation to be exposed to headquarters ahead of time..."
"For this term's Ninja Academy final essay, the assigned topic will be Obito and the Will of Fire!"
"Come with me now..."
Hiruzen stood fully upright.
"We'll go visit Obito's grandmother. Have the ANBU lead the way, then we'll stop by the homes of other fallen shinobi as well and ask their families what they actually need and what they think..."
Orochimaru's expression became solemn.
"Yes, Sensei!"
This was the Will of Fire made tangible.
And in such a solemn and honorable setting, Hiruzen bringing Orochimaru with him was an even stronger guarantee than appointing him Advisor—and it wouldn't interfere with his research.
After all, as long as Orochimaru wasn't made Advisor, Danzō wouldn't have an episode.
But if Orochimaru did become Advisor, expecting Danzō not to have one was basically impossible...
Hiruzen walked ahead.
Visiting the families of the fallen was something he had to do as Hokage.
And making Obito an unquestionably positive public example served two purposes.
First, the boy deserved it.
Second, the Fūinjutsu on Kakashi and Rin had been extremely suggestive.
Mito had personally removed it for them, and from that she had concluded that Uzumaki Ashina and Tobirama were involved.
But Hiruzen understood that this was Madara's handiwork.
Kakashi and Rin were both alive.
Then there was an extremely high chance Obito was alive as well.
And if a textbook Warring States lunatic had taken away a young Uchiha boy, what was he trying to do?
Hiruzen could see through it at a glance...
There was a setup here!
It was the classic old Uchiha method from the Warring States Period: suffering-based education and forcing the Mangekyō to awaken...
Hiruzen couldn't see where Obito's talent surpassed Shisui, who had already made a name for himself on the battlefield.
But there was no way he understood the Uchiha better than Madara did.
In that case, he would simply go along with it and show some respect.
You play your old Uchiha methods.
I'll play my Will of Fire...
They would each play their own hand...
And see whose influence on Obito ran deeper!
...
Mountains' Graveyard.
Several days later.
Obito sat cross-legged on the ground with a blank expression, the blood-red light of the Sharingan flickering in his eyes.
More than a year of hellish training had made Obito feel that if he could endure this, then no matter what he attempted in the future, he would succeed.
Guy was a boy who burned his youth to the absolute limit...
But training still had to obey the basic laws of the body.
You had to establish a foundation from childhood and gradually increase the intensity through relentless consistency.
Obito, however, had been subjected to brutally force-fed instruction.
Six Kage, Madara, and Hi-kun were constantly directing him, and recently the Second Kazekage, Shamon, had been added as an ordinary Impure World Reincarnation.
Sometimes Sasori would also come over and toss in a few indifferent comments.
At this point, it was basically ten people ganging up on Obito alone!
Obito barely even had time to eat because half of his body was composed of Tobi's material, which theoretically allowed him to replenish energy through photosynthesis.
Usually, the only time Madara called Obito over for barbecue and a couple of drinks was when he wanted to relive the old days.
Obito had no idea how strong he was now.
All he knew was that knowledge and combat experience were being violently stuffed into his brain in ways completely beyond his control, rooting themselves in his muscle memory.
A few days earlier, Obito had even said rather proudly to Hi-kun, "I feel like I could beat Kakashi now!"
Even a White Zetsu as steady as Hi-kun couldn't help laughing.
All one could say was that Kakashi's status in Obito's mind was still far too high...
But now, Obito no longer had the mental space to think about Kakashi.
He kept replaying the fact that Hokage-sama had gone to visit his grandmother.
During the latest fireside talk, Hiruzen had even specifically mentioned Obito's name and deeds, his voice heavy with grief yet filled with pride...
Obito could feel some indescribable force surging within his eyes!
Then there were the Ninja Academy students loudly reading about his deeds and writing essays about him...
Obito missed home!
Hi-kun silently watched him and sighed inwardly.
'Is this really a coincidence? Does Hokage-sama know Obito is here, or is this simply an extension of the Will of Fire?'
'Either way, Madara-sama is probably going to lose this round very badly...'
'Oh well. If he loses, he loses. That's a good thing...'
At the other end of the cavern, Madara had his eyes closed as he recalled Obito's performance over the past year, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
The brat was at least capable of enduring some hardship...
And he showed Madara sufficient respect.
Hiruzen's actions had once again filled Madara with excitement.
He felt as though the two of them were playing a game across a vast distance once more.
That exhilarating sensation could no longer be described merely in terms of victory or defeat!
But even though Madara was satisfied with Obito's performance, he still felt it wasn't enough.
An Uchiha without a pair of Mangekyō...
How could such a person call himself Madara's successor?
Madara was waiting for an opportunity.
At the same time, he was covertly stirring Iwagakure and Kumogakure, creating an opening that would make Danzō believe he had a chance to achieve a major victory.
He intended to use that opening to change the course of the war.
"Hi-kun, have Uzumaki Ashina take every White Zetsu and activate his sensory abilities. I want every Flying Thunder God mark on the battlefield identified and recorded..."
"Tobirama's technique is nothing special. If they insist on relying on it so much, then it's time they learned a painful lesson!"
"Danzō likes using it to penetrate deep behind enemy lines?"
"Then make sure he doesn't come back!"
...
One month later.
On this day.
Danzō and Tobirama led an elite Konoha unit deep behind enemy lines.
This violated the principle of keeping the war localized, but after the plan was reported to Hiruzen, the Hokage decided that with Tobirama keeping an eye on Danzō, nothing should go seriously wrong, so he tacitly approved it.
Doing something like this once in a while was acceptable.
The problem was that Tobirama was influencing Danzō...
And Danzō was influencing Tobirama as well.
Or perhaps the sensei and disciple had always been fundamentally alike in certain respects.
Both of them could be utterly ruthless...
With the extraordinary mobility provided by the Flying Thunder God Technique, no one thought the occasional overreach would cause a problem.
But this time...
There was a problem!
"I can't sense the Flying Thunder God marks anymore..."
Tobirama's expression suddenly turned extraordinarily grim.
Danzō froze.
"What did you say?"
Tobirama repeated himself.
Danzō's eyes suddenly widened.
'No way...'
'That's a good thing!'
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