Orochimaru supported Minato Namikaze for Hokage?
Good grief!
Everyone in the Hokage Office was stunned upon hearing this.
They quickly lowered their heads, one by one, not daring to let Orochimaru see the shocked expressions on their faces.
What was going on now?!
Back then, Orochimaru was Minato Namikaze's greatest rival for the position of Fourth Hokage.
At that time, Orochimaru was at the height of his influence.
As the commander of Konoha's entire Western Front during the Third Great Ninja War.
Orochimaru had countless supporters in the Village.
Combined with his status as the Third Hokage's disciple, the title of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, and his immense strength.
He almost completely overshadowed Minato Namikaze.
If not for Mr. Danzo, the 'concerned citizen' passing by, reporting him at the most critical moment.
It was hard to say who would have won the Hokage race back then!
Who would have thought that in this new Orochimaru's memories, he actually supported Minato Namikaze's ascension!?
This was just too ridiculous!
Hearing this news, Minato Namikaze was also taken aback, nearly losing his composure.
Fortunately, he reacted quickly and immediately replied:
"Yes, that's right."
"Back then, it was thanks to your support, Lord Orochimaru. Otherwise, the outcome might have been different."
To everyone's surprise, Orochimaru shook his head and said something even more shocking:
"That's not the case."
"Even without my support, Lord Minato, you would have still become the Hokage without a hitch."
"After all, there was absolutely no one in the entire Village who could compete with you."
"Your ideals and your charisma had already gained the support of most villagers at that time."
"Even I couldn't help but cheer for you!"
Saying this, Orochimaru looked at Minato Namikaze with a gratified smile, as if looking at a junior who made him very proud.
"Cough, cough!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi finally couldn't hold it in anymore and coughed violently.
Jiraiya had a rare moment of wit; he quickly moved forward to support Hiruzen Sarutobi, slapping his back vigorously while suppressing a laugh and feigning concern:
"Are you okay? Old Man, don't choke to death."
"I've told you over and over to smoke less, but you never listen!"
Taking advantage of the slapping and talking, Jiraiya finally managed to compose his expression.
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu, a step behind him, could only huddle around Hiruzen Sarutobi, turning away so Orochimaru wouldn't see the smiles on their faces.
"You idiot! Are you trying to kill Sarutobi-sensei?"
Seeing Jiraiya's forceful actions, Orochimaru angrily stepped forward and pulled him away, rebuking:
"Idiot Toad, you're this old and still haven't learned a thing. Get out of the way!"
After speaking, Orochimaru reached out to help Hiruzen Sarutobi catch his breath, asking carefully:
"Are you alright, Sarutobi-sensei? Do you feel any better?"
"Yes, much better."
In all his years, Hiruzen Sarutobi had never received such treatment; his eyes suddenly grew moist.
But in Orochimaru's eyes, it seemed as though Hiruzen Sarutobi had coughed so hard that he'd brought himself to tears.
Glaring fiercely at Jiraiya, Orochimaru continued to patiently help Hiruzen Sarutobi catch his breath.
Leaving Jiraiya standing there awkwardly, able only to give an embarrassed laugh.
After a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi recovered. Feeling embarrassed to keep letting Orochimaru look after him, he quickly changed the subject:
"Ah, Orochimaru, now that you're back, how long do you plan on resting?"
"Rest? Why would I rest?"
Orochimaru asked with a look of confusion:
"I plan to continue taking missions; staying at home is just too boring."
This won't do!
We just wished you back; how could we let you out now?
What if Orochimaru goes out, encounters something, and reverts to his old ways?
Although under the System's power, there was absolutely no possibility of Orochimaru straying onto the wrong path again.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others didn't know that; they hadn't even seen Kotoamatsukami.
They thought Ye Chen had simply used some mysterious method.
Unable to confirm if Orochimaru would repeat his past mistakes, they felt it was better for him to stay in the Village.
It also made it easier for them to keep an eye on him.
"Orochimaru, there's an endless supply of missions; there's no need to push yourself so hard."
Hiruzen Sarutobi advised.
"Sarutobi-sensei, you know that I've done some wrong things in the past and committed intolerable crimes."
A serious expression appeared on Orochimaru's face:
"Even though I was ultimately protected by you, Sarutobi-sensei, the debt I owe the villagers cannot simply be wiped clean."
"For those innocent people who died at my hands, I must work hard for their sake as well!"
As expected! Orochimaru's memories as a whole hadn't deviated much; only some key points had been modified in a more logical way.
Nara Shikaku's eyes flashed as he subconsciously began to analyze.
From the moment Orochimaru stepped out of that Gate of Light until now, every word and action flashed through Nara Shikaku's mind.
"Minato, it seems Orochimaru's condition is unexpectedly good."
"His overall memory isn't much different from before, but changes were made at key junctures to align with his reshaped virtuous personality, leading him in his current direction."
"That lord's ability is truly breath-taking!"
Hearing Nara Shikaku's words, Minato Namikaze nodded but said nothing.
Over there, after Orochimaru finished speaking firmly, Hiruzen Sarutobi was momentarily at a loss for words.
Jiraiya quickly stepped forward to advise:
"Orochimaru, missions are important, but rest is too."
"A lot has happened in the Village lately—even Danzo has died. It's better if you stay in the Village for a while to get familiar with current events."
Hearing this, Orochimaru's eyes flashed, and he asked urgently:
"What? Danzo Shimura is dead?"
"What happened? Who did it?"
Minato Namikaze stepped forward and replied:
"Lord Orochimaru, it was me."
"Well done! Lord Minato, you did a fantastic job!"
Initially, when Minato Namikaze saw Orochimaru questioning who killed Danzo Shimura, he thought he was being held accountable.
After all, Orochimaru had collaborated with Danzo Shimura for a long time.
To his surprise, after he stepped forward to answer, Orochimaru actually showed a look of ecstatic joy and praised him loudly.
"I've wanted to take that guy out for a long time!"
"Reckless behavior! Arrogance! Despicable methods!"
"For so many years, Danzo Shimura has done so many things that have incited public outrage and left the Village in a state of panic."
"If Sarutobi-sensei hadn't been protecting him, he would have died at my hands ten years ago."
"Now it's settled. Lord Minato, you've removed this cancer for the Village. You truly are the Hokage I support!"
Good grief, are you playing the opposite role here?
Minato Namikaze didn't know what to say for a moment; he could only nod helplessly, accepting Orochimaru's praise.
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