Nagi and Orochimaru left the laboratory and returned to the reception room.
After taking his seat again, Orochimaru spoke leisurely:
"It seems a new wind is about to rise in Konoha. But will the old men in the village truly allow it?"
Nagi replied calmly,
"Rest assured. Even if they discover everything, I have my own methods to secure their support."
"How enviable," Orochimaru said with a faint smile.
Back when he conducted experiments in Konoha, Hiruzen imposed constant restrictions. Even funding often had to pass through Danzō Shimura.
And Danzō was a greedy, dangerous man. Cooperation with him was like bargaining with a tiger.
When the human experimentation scandal was exposed, Orochimaru had no choice but to defect.
Recalling those days, he let out a soft sigh.
Seeing that expression, Nagi spoke tentatively.
"Orochimaru-san, would you consider returning to Konoha?"
Orochimaru paused.
He did not doubt Nagi's ability to arrange such a thing—but he asked nonetheless:
"Why? And how?
Even if I return, the old man will monitor me. Living under constant supervision is not my ideal."
Nagi smiled slightly.
"You, of all people, know countless ways to rehabilitate a reputation.
Simple. Shift the blame to Danzō.
He participated in the human experiments. The Third Hokage has always known—he simply never acted decisively."
Orochimaru studied Nagi carefully.
"Hahaha… How interesting."
He still could not fully comprehend Nagi's influence within Konoha's leadership—but that did not matter.
He shook his head.
"When your wind truly rises in Konoha, I will return.
You conceal much. Whatever obstacles you face must be significant.
Nevertheless, I will assist you."
Nagi had expected this answer.
After all—
The Ōtsutsuki Clan remained a looming enigma for both him and Tobirama.
The manga offered only fragments of information. It was far from sufficient.
Currently, the only known Ōtsutsuki within the shinobi world were Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, her two sons—Hagoromo and Hamura—and Isshiki Ōtsutsuki.
As for Amado of Kara—
Nagi had no intention of ignoring him, but Kara was deeply hidden.
Orochimaru then revealed his original plan.
"When I received the Chūnin Exams invitation, I thought it was time for a new wind to sweep through Konoha.
But with you here… perhaps that particular wind is unnecessary."
Nagi tilted his head slightly.
"A new wind requires the old one to dissipate, does it not?"
"Indeed.
The old man has grown old. Under his leadership, Konoha has already begun to stagnate.
It may be time for fresh momentum."
"Oh? And your plan?"
"Simple.
I intended to invite Sunaga Kūre to invade Konoha alongside me.
Their financial struggles are severe. Cooperation is their path to survival."
"And would the Fourth Kazekage and the Suna elders agree?"
Orochimaru chuckled.
"If he refuses, the elders will pressure him into compliance.
Sometimes war is the most direct solution to internal problems."
"I see."
Nagi's tone remained steady.
"Then let the plan proceed."
"…What?"
For a moment, Orochimaru wondered if he had misheard.
Nagi clarified:
"If Rasa agrees—kill him.
Sunaga Kūre is already suffering from a generational gap."
Orochimaru's eyes flickered in understanding.
"Ah.
With Rasa dead and Suna severely weakened, they would be forced into emergency succession.
Chiyo and Ebizō have no intention of returning to leadership.
The elders would not accept a rival faction member as Kazekage.
With time short, the new Kazekage would likely come from outside the traditional power structure."
"Precisely," Nagi said.
"Konoha can then support the new Kazekage against the old guard."
Orochimaru stared at him intently.
"Heh heh… Nagi.
You're not planning to control Sunaga Kūre, are you?"
Nagi's expression did not change.
"You may not kill the Third Hokage.
After the Konoha Crush, he will step down voluntarily."
For years, Hiruzen had quietly provided resources and manpower for Nagi and Tobirama's research.
During the Yin–Yang experiments, he even forced the Konoha Council of Elders—Homura MitoGato and Koharu Utatane—to contribute their clans' resources.
Even if Hiruzen retired, his influence would remain valuable.
Certain future plans required his presence.
Orochimaru nodded slowly.
"Very well.
Otoga Kūre will assist Konoha when the time comes."
The trap had been dug.
Now—
They waited for Sunaga Kūre to step into it.
Outside the Screen
[Rasa: "What the hell?! The Konoha Crush still happens?!"]
[Mei Terumi: "Pfft. This time it's Konoha and Sound teaming up to trap Suna."]
[Onoki: "Rasa, you lack decisiveness."]
[A (Fourth Raikage): "Kazekage, why are you being pressured by elders? That's embarrassing."]
(Raikage's philosophy: strength decides leadership.)
[Gaara: "Father… it seems you cannot escape death this time."]
After witnessing the future projection—his battle against Naruto Uzumaki and Naruto's willingness to fight for his comrades—Gaara felt something shift inside him.
Tentatively calling Temari "big sister" had earned him her stunned and joyful reaction.
For the first time in years, he felt a trace of warmth reminiscent of Yashamaru.
As for Rasa—
Gaara felt no attachment.
[ Kūrenai Yūhi: "So the Konoha Crush still proceeds?"]
[Asuma Sarutobi: "Look on the bright side. Orochimaru isn't exactly an enemy this time."]
[Kakashi Hatake: "At this point, it's less 'Konoha Crush' and more 'Suna Collapse.'"]
[Hiruzen Sarutobi: "It appears I will step down after this.
Jiraiya. Tsunade. Kakashi.
As for… Orochimaru—no, we'll restore his missing-nin status later.
Among the three of you, who will become the Fifth Hokage?"]
Though Hiruzen now understood Orochimaru's importance to Nagi and Tobirama—
There was still a barrier in his heart he could not easily cross.
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