Upon hearing Koharu Utatane's words, the Third Hokage's expression shifted, revealing a flash of his trademark hesitation.
Watching this, Orochimaru couldn't help but furrow his brow. He sighed inwardly; his teacher was a shadow of the bold, heroic leader he had been in his youth. Time had indeed left an indelible mark, slowly grinding away the sharp edges of the man once hailed as the "God of Shinobi."
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt the weight of his powerlessness more than ever. He was relieved that the new Hokage had finally stepped up; he only needed to play the role of assistant for a little while longer. The decisive, uncompromising style of his younger days had been replaced by a weary desire for stability.
In the ninja profession, where survival rates for long-term service were abysmal, living to Hiruzen's age was a feat in itself. Across the five great nations, perhaps only Onoki of the Stone Village was older. Now, Hiruzen's primary goal was a smooth, wave-less transition. Koharu's warning was a well-aimed stone thrown into the already wavering pond of his resolve.
"Isn't that all the more reason to set things right?" Orochimaru asked, sensing his teacher's vacillation.
"It is precisely because Root is cold-blooded, unregulated, and operating in the dark that these tragedies occur. The Research Department is being founded to establish rules and reduce the senseless sacrifices within this village. Only then can we ensure these tragedies are not repeated."
Danzo whipped his head around to glare at Orochimaru, letting out a sharp, mocking snort. "Root is cold and heartless—I admit that. But by comparison, Orochimaru, you are far worse! You were the lead scientist for the Wood Style experiments. You directed the research. Even if I have my faults, are you suggesting you are some kind of saint?"
Setting aside the facts for a moment, Danzo thought, Orochimaru should take absolute responsibility for the ethics! How could a man who viewed test subjects as mere biological components say something so high-minded?
Are you even the same Orochimaru I know? Homura Mitokado also frowned, silently analyzing the change in Orochimaru's demeanor.
"Senior Homura, the person responsible for the current mess is the man standing next to you," Orochimaru responded icily. "When Danzo moved against Hiruko, did he care about the civilian ninja involved? Did he care about me? Hiruko was my subordinate at the time!"
Orochimaru's voice dropped an octave, turning lethal. "If memory serves, the Ino-Shika-Cho clans were the ones who staunchly supported Lord Hiruzen to stabilize the village's alliances. Be satisfied with what you have; otherwise, perhaps I should invite Senior Akimichi Torifu over to give us his perspective on the matter."
That name effectively slammed the door on whatever Homura was about to say. Being lectured by a junior like Orochimaru stung, and Homura shot an annoyed look at Danzo, cursing him internally for his reckless methods and for leaving such a massive, exploitable opening.
Danzo's face darkened further. He hadn't expected that a "minor" incident like the failed assassination of Hiruko would spiral into such a political catastrophe. But the evidence was ironclad—dozens of Root agents had died in that encounter.
"Enough. Regarding the personnel transfers and the creation of the Research Department—I have already given my word to Orochimaru and Hiruko."
Hiruzen finally made his stand. Channeling a flicker of his old authority, he cut through the bickering with a tone that brooked no argument. Since the Fourth Hokage had not yet fully seized the reins of the bureaucracy, the Third's word was still law. The advisors had no choice but to fall silent.
Minato Namikaze, standing by, gave his full support to the decision, ensuring there would be no further institutional friction.
However, Hiruzen gave the advisors a way to save face, offering a slight compromise: "The village's finances are stretched thin. I will provide a portion of the startup capital, but moving forward, the Research Department must find ways to secure its own funding."
"Hmph!" Deprived of his victory, Danzo turned and stormed out of the office, his cane striking the floor with rhythmic fury. Inside, his ambition burned hotter than ever: The Hokage seat... I must have it!
Seeing Danzo leave, Homura and Koharu shared a weary sigh and followed suit.
Elsewhere, Orochimaru sought out Shisui Uchiha.
"Lord Orochimaru, you wish to visit our Clan Head?" Shisui was caught off guard. Orochimaru was firmly in the Third's camp, a faction that historically viewed the Uchiha with deep-seated suspicion. Only the newly minted Fourth, Minato, seemed to have a genuine rapport with them.
Shisui took a deep breath and nodded. "The Patriarch will be honored by your visit." He knew he was just a messenger, but he also knew Fugaku Uchiha. The Patriarch had been suppressed by the high-ranking elders for so long that if an opportunity to integrate into the upper echelons presented itself, he would seize it at any cost.
"Tomorrow night, then," Orochimaru said before hurrying off. The Research Department was currently just a hollow shell, and he had a thousand threads to manage.
As for Hiruko? The man had slipped away hours ago, his whereabouts a mystery. Orochimaru made a mental note to requisition a Nara clan member to serve as an administrative consultant—he needed someone to handle the paperwork while he and Hiruko played with godhood.
That night, Orochimaru visited Hiruko's villa.
"Hiruko, your suggestion from the other day was intriguing," Orochimaru began, bypassing pleasantries. "Wood Style is a Kekkei Genkai formed by Earth and Water, yet its vitality is so explosive it feels infused with Yang Release. It is likely that the First Hokage's Wood Style was actually a fusion of Water, Earth, and Yang."
His eyes sparkled with a manic light. "To suppress the devouring nature of the Hashirama cells, we need a balancing force. Following your hypothesis: if we can offset that energy to a level an ordinary ninja can handle, we can create a universal strengthening serum. We could give Wood Style to everyone!"
Orochimaru was speaking in a rapid-fire burst, his excitement palpable. "I've reviewed the Senju archives and the records of the Wood Style experiments. I believe the most compatible balancing force is the Kekkei Genkai of the Uchiha."
"If the Hashirama cells represent the ultimate Yang, then the Yin-heavy bloodline of the Uchiha might be the only thing capable of reaching equilibrium."
Hiruko chuckled. "Orochimaru, you're planning on using the Uchiha as test subjects, aren't you? They aren't exactly known for being cooperative."
"Heh... for the right price, even the Uchiha will dance," Orochimaru said dismissively.
"And what," Hiruko asked, leaning back, "do you plan to offer them in exchange?"