Orochimaru's defection had indeed shaken Konohagakure.
The many supporters he had gained on the Iwagakure battlefield refused to believe the truth. Numerous shinobi who were close to Orochimaru went directly to the Hokage Tower to demand an explanation from the Third Hokage.
Within a single week, six incidents of defection had already occurred.
Rumors even spread about villages outside of Konohagakure being raided by rogue Konoha shinobi.
But the Third Hokage seemed to have been prepared for this.
Orochimaru's human experiments were publicly exposed.
However, the test subjects had all been Iwagakure shinobi and wandering ninja, some of whom were even familiar faces—sent by Danzo himself.
The only Konoha shinobi among them was his own apprentice, Mitarashi Anko.
Even so, human experimentation was something the public could not accept.
Once the truth was revealed and doubts were silenced, many of Orochimaru's close associates faced repercussions.
The higher-ups of Konoha officially declared Orochimaru a rogue ninja, labeling him an S-rank criminal and launching a manhunt.
As the village buzzed with regret and disbelief over his defection, yet another shocking piece of news emerged from the Hokage Tower—
Because of his inescapable responsibility in Orochimaru's defection, the Third Hokage would be stepping down from his position in one month.
This announcement quickly overshadowed the impact of Orochimaru's betrayal.
Yet Danzo couldn't help but wonder—why had Orochimaru defected?
To pursue his own truth? But hadn't he always been doing that?
With Konoha as his foundation, he had every advantage. If he truly sought power and knowledge, then why had he even considered becoming Hokage in the first place?
What had changed his mind?
And what role had the Third Hokage played in all of this?
These questions remained unanswered. Perhaps one day, he would have the chance to ask Orochimaru himself.
...
Unexpectedly, Root had been receiving a number of unexpected guests lately.
As Danzo sat in his underground chamber, he looked at the two people standing before him—Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina. He had no idea how they had even found the entrance to Root.
He certainly didn't believe Sarutobi would have told them.
Before either of them could speak, Kushina grinned and declared boldly, "Old man, we are getting married soon!"
For two years, she had been holding a grudge against Danzo for saying she wasn't worthy of Minato. At the time, she had worried about it for a long time—until Minato reassured her that Danzo had simply been testing her. Even now, she still hadn't let it go.
"Congratulations, Minato."
Minato scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Thank you. Aside from inviting you to our wedding, I actually came here because of Jiraiya-sensei's Rasengan—"
"There's no need to explain." Danzo cut him off. "The Rasengan isn't some forbidden technique. There's no issue with others learning it."
Any shinobi with sufficient talent could grasp the concept behind the Rasengan and eventually master it. The fact that Jiraiya had developed it wasn't surprising—after all, the technique had been invented by Minato himself.
"Do you have any other reason for coming?"
Minato's expression turned serious. "Yes. It's about the Hokage election. I hope to have your support, Danzo-sama. I won't let you down."
His gaze was filled with sincerity and confidence. Beside him, Kushina instinctively moved a little closer to him.
Even Danzo had to admit—the young man's charisma was undeniable.
"With Sarutobi's backing, your position as the Fourth Hokage is already secured. You don't need my endorsement."
"I want your support publicly," Minato replied. "If I become Hokage, I hope you will serve as an elder and be part of the Hokage's advisory council."
The room fell into silence.
Danzo was certain that Sarutobi had no idea Minato had come to him with this request.
"Give me a reason."
"A shinobi exists to protect, not to be used as a mere tool," Minato said, his voice steady. "If the path you believe in is truly the right one, then I need your guidance." His gaze softened as he glanced at Kushina beside him.
"Minato…" Kushina murmured in support.
Danzo ignored the affectionate exchange. Instead, he found himself lost in thought over Minato's request.
"Those who break the rules often end up swallowed by them," he mused. "Many shinobi have met that fate… including Konoha's White Fang. Are you certain about this?"
"This is my ninja way." Minato's warm, unwavering smile reminded Danzo of the sun.
Minato's proposal clearly disrupted Danzo's own plans.
Standing in the light meant stepping into the political battlefield—a risk Danzo had always carefully avoided.
But what if the Hokage stood by his side?
That would open up far more possibilities.
Still… Minato's fate.
For the first time in a long while, Danzo felt a hint of hesitation. Even fear.
And then—he smiled.
A rare, genuine smile.
"Then go and do it," he said. "If your path is the right one, then Root will always be behind you. As will I."
With that promise, he watched them leave.
Alone, Danzo sat back in his stone chair, letting out a quiet chuckle.
People really do change.
He barely recognized himself anymore.
And yet, for the first time in a long while, he felt at ease.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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