On Konoha's side, after spending several days, they finally found Orochimaru's trail in a dark, damp cave.
A snake dwelling in a cave—reasonable, totally reasonable.
The ones who came to find him were Aburame Shiken and Uchiha Kamito.
"Kamito, your eyes are blind—how are you still moving so smoothly? You didn't pull off that, did you?"
"Don't overthink it. This is cross-dimensional perception, got it? It's a sensing technique from the Second Hokage. Hideki gave it to me before. I didn't think I'd need it back then, but now I realize it's incredibly useful."
"Why is it the Second Hokage again? The Senju themselves don't even use that stuff—how did an Uchiha like you inherit all of it?"
"How should I know? But it works really well—better than the techniques passed down in my own clan."
The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama—the knowledge consultant who promoted the prosperity of the Uchiha clan.
"If the Second Hokage knew this, he'd probably cry."
Shiken couldn't help but think—he had spent his whole life researching jutsu to counter the Uchiha, only for those techniques to end up in the Uchiha's hands. That would be enough to break anyone.
Right now, he suddenly had the urge to use Edo Tensei to summon the Second Hokage just to see his expression.
"Kamito-kun, Shiken-kun—long time no see. I trust you've been well."
Orochimaru had already sensed their presence early on. Seeing the direction they were heading, he knew they had come for him, so he simply stepped out to meet them.
"Orochimaru-sensei, hello."
They greeted him as usual.
"Orochimaru-sensei, we'd like to visit Ryūchi Cave. Could you help us with that?"
Shiken spoke seriously.
So direct… given our relationship, shouldn't you be a bit less blunt?
Orochimaru's expression turned strange.
"Shiken-kun, you do understand the relationship between us, right?"
"Teacher and student. What about it?"
"No, no, that's not what I mean. I represent the civilian faction, while you are elite members of ninja clans. At a time like this, shouldn't we be keeping our distance?"
Shiken glanced over—
Damn, he forgot Kamito was blind.
He pulled Kamito aside and whispered:
"Did you understand what Orochimaru-sensei just said?"
"Not at all. I got beaten up by my sister as soon as I got back, and then I've been busy dealing with that idiot Hideki. When would I have time to look into anything else?"
"Same here. I don't get it either."
"So what do we do?"
"Let's just ask him directly. You'll be fine, right? I'm only a clone—it doesn't matter if I escape or not."
"I'll stand a bit further back, ready to run at any moment."
"Deal."
Being ready to run at any time—that was the most correct way to deal with Orochimaru.
Though if they were both at full strength, it'd be hard to say who'd end up running. Unfortunately, both of them were heavily weakened right now.
One was blind, the other had heart problems.
If they'd known a fight might break out, they would've dragged those two guys along—they could actually fight right now.
After making all preparations—
"Orochimaru-sensei, just say it plainly. We've always trusted you."
Orochimaru was speechless.
One of them was clearly just a clone, and the other was standing there ready to bolt at any moment—
Thanks a lot for your "trust"!!!
"I won't attack you. Right now, Hiruzen-sensei and the others want to nominate me as Hokage. And once I become Hokage, the first thing I'll do is continue weakening the influence of your ninja clans. So you definitely won't support me becoming Hokage. At a time like this, we should—what are you doing?"
Shiken and Kamito quickly found a piece of paper from somewhere and started writing in unison.
"Here, Orochimaru-sensei."
Shiken handed it over.
"Here's mine too. I thought it was something serious—next time don't make it sound so tense. You had our hearts pounding."
Kamito stepped forward and handed over his note as well.
Orochimaru took them and read:
"I, Aburame Shiken, head of the Aburame clan, hereby represent the entire Aburame clan in fully supporting Orochimaru-sama as the Fourth Hokage. This document stands as proof."
"I, Uchiha Kamito, Chief of the Police Force, hereby represent all members in fully supporting Orochimaru-sama as the Fourth Hokage. This document stands as proof."
Orochimaru was completely baffled.
Did you two even understand what I said?
I'm going to target your clans once I become Hokage—why are you supporting me?!
"Well, perhaps you didn't quite understand. Let me explain again—"
"Orochimaru-sensei, it's just the Hokage position. If you want it, go ahead. Why explain it to us? It's not like we can decide anything anyway."
Shiken said helplessly. Can we not waste time on something this trivial? Hideki is still waiting to be revived.
Orochimaru became even more speechless.
This isn't just about the Hokage position anymore! We've been scheming and planning endlessly for it—and now you're telling me you don't care at all? Then who were we doing all that for?!
And if I take a position you don't even want, what does that make me?
"Orochimaru-sensei, in the past we might've cared about who became Hokage. But things have changed now. Our ninja clans are transforming—we're no longer relying solely on missions to make money. To be honest, forget about Hokage… we're not even that interested in being ninja anymore."
Kamito spoke.
Shiken nodded in agreement.
Ninja? What even is that?
Take missions, solve problems for clients—doesn't that just make them high-level laborers who rely on force, just with a bit more freedom?
And what about the Aburame clan now? Each member is basically a coal boss with billions of subordinates.
How much money can a ninja even earn compared to them?
And while ninja risk their lives, running through fire and blades, they're here drinking tea, playing cards, and basking in the sun—how is that not better?
Orochimaru was stunned.
What does this mean? Isn't everyone in the ninja world supposed to want to be a ninja?
What exactly happened while I was researching all this time?
Did aliens invade or something?
Seeing that Orochimaru still couldn't comprehend, Shiken decided to show him directly.
With a bang, a mountain of cash appeared beside him.
"Orochimaru-sensei, I know you've been working hard on your research lately. As your student, I'd like to support you with one billion ryo. Please accept it."
Orochimaru stared blankly at the mountain of money.
How long would a ninja have to work to earn this much?
Sigh… suddenly, the Hokage position doesn't seem so appealing anymore.
By the way… what does Shiken actually do? Could he bring his teacher along? After all, they are close teacher and student.
"This is the Ryūchi Cave scroll. You can sign it whenever you want—handle the communication yourselves."
"I've got things to do lately. Unless it's important, don't come bothering me."
With a wave of his hand, the one billion ryo vanished instantly.
New equipment—use one set, toss one set! Hahaha, I'm taking off!!!
Left behind, Shiken and Kamito stared at each other.
Money power… damn, it really works!!!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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