Chapter 22: Debate

The group hurriedly cleaned up their belongings, and after Orochimaru ensured their safety, they set off on the road again.

This time, the perceptive Anbu ninja led the way, with the Sannin team and the contemplative Mucheng walking in the center. After the sturdy and strong Anbu cleared the path, the group rushed through the forest with haste.

The journey back without a mission was surprisingly easy. Orochimaru looked ahead at the lush forest, where the sun's rays filtered through the leaves, casting beautiful shadows on the birds and small animals as if they were adorned with sparkling jewels.

Breathing in the fresh air, it felt so natural and pure.

One of the Anbu ninjas at the back made markings on the tree trunks from time to time. On one occasion, he even sent a pigeon to relay important information. He was dedicated to ensuring the team's safety all the way, especially for Tsunade's well-being.

In the Hokage's office, the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama sat on his chair, flanked by his advisors Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Kagami Uchiha. The Second Hokage had five accomplished disciples, and one of them, Homura Mitokado was currently away on a mission.

The small office had only one chair, and the atmosphere with five people standing together, each with their concerns, was a bit heavy. Danzo's heart was weighed down by his own frustrations and worries.

Though not young anymore, the Second Hokage was still at the pinnacle of the ninja world, but the time to decide the Third Hokage's position would come eventually. Secretly observing his companions , Uchiha Kagami was strong and level-headed, always prioritizing the village's interests, and his abilities were commendable. Despite the Uchiha clan's strained relationship with the village, Danzo couldn't ignore the possibility of Kagami seeking power and rights for his clan.

Turning to Koharu, a skilled medical ninja, there was no need to doubt her loyalty to the village. Utatane Koharu, though intelligent, was too weak to take up the mantle of Hokage. The position couldn't be filled by someone so incapable.

Danzo's gaze settled on Sarutobi, the complacent man standing next to him. Dead monkey! Only you might disrupt my plans!

Sarutobi was an excellent candidate for Hokage, possessing both strength and intelligence. He belonged to a minor clan like Sarutobi, and had always supported the Senju clan. The ninja from minor clans would undoubtedly rally behind him.

This was actually an advantage for Danzo, but he knew he couldn't match Sarutobi's strength and influence directly. Moreover, Sarutobi had the will of fire, similar to the First Hokage, and was willing to selflessly dedicate everything to the village. As long as the Second Hokage was around, Danzo felt most insecure with Sarutobi taking the position.

Danzo knew he was also willing to sacrifice for the village, but only under the condition that he himself became Hokage!

Since he couldn't compete in terms of strength, he couldn't help but plot against Sarutobi. It was all for the sake of the village...

Danzo's gaze grew firmer, and a hint of ruthlessness appeared in his eyes!

Observing his five disciples, Tobirama calmly spoke, "As we all know, the situation is tense, and we must be prepared. Koharu, how are the preparations for the medical unit coming along?"

"Teacher, the preparations are nearly complete. We have more than 300 qualified medical ninjas ready to be called upon at any time."

"Good." Tobirama nodded, "Kagami, has Konoha's police force reported anything unusual?"

"Nothing unusual has been reported back."

The teacher and his apprentices engaged in a constructive discussion, and Tobirama eventually mentioned, "Tsunade encountered a Jonin from the Kaguya clan during this mission. Fortunately, their team was strong, and two Anbu ninjas happened to pass by, stabilizing the situation and killing the Kaguya ninja."

"What!" Sarutobi was taken aback, worried for his disciple, but he understood the value of the Anbu's intervention. At least it ensured the safety of Tsunade and the other two disciples.

Danzo remained calm, as if he had already heard the news.

"After that incident, my granddaughter was affected. I also think she's not strong enough. Koharu, Tsunade will study in your medical unit for a while in the future, so don't go easy on her!"

"Yes, teacher." Turning to bed, Koharu nodded with a composed expression, clearly understanding Tobirama's decision.

Sending Anbu to secretly protect them would be a wise choice. Tobirama wanted Tsunade to lay low for a while and prepare for her potential future leadership in the medical unit.

"Moreover, during the encounter with the Kaguya Joinin, Orochimaru from Tsunade's team performed impressively," Tobirama looked at Sarutobi with a playful expression, "In fact, he managed to kill Kaguya Hiro on his own, but it came at the cost of his arm!"

"What? Impossible!" Sarutobi and Danzo exclaimed simultaneously, each for their own reasons—Sarutobi out of concern and Danzo out of jealousy.

"How could a Genin defeat Kaguya clan's ninja? Surely, two Anbu must have aided him," Danzo said, attempting to remain calm.

But immediately after he spoke, he regretted it! The two Anbu were under the direct command of Tobirama, and it was obvious they wouldn't lie. By questioning them, he indirectly accused the Second Hokage of lying!

"Oh?" Tobirama's eyes playfully fixed on Danzo, who felt a cold sweat forming. He lowered his head and remained silent.

"Orochimaru showed great strength, protecting his teammates with his own abilities. While his methods might have been unconventional, he's undoubtedly a genius and deserves recognition."

Hearing this, Sarutobi felt a wave of relief. It seemed like all three of his disciples were safe, but he couldn't help but feel sorry for Orochimaru's lost arm.

Tobirama looked at his disciples and said, "So, I propose to promote Orochimaru directly to Chunin. What do you think?"

"No!" Sarutobi and Danzo once again exclaimed in unison. The others glanced at them suspiciously. Were they intentionally acting in together?

"Teacher, Orochimaru is still too young to shoulder such a responsibility. We should consider a long-term plan," Sarutobi suggested calmly.

"Indeed, teacher. While Orochimaru may have killed a Jōnin, his serious injuries might hinder his future as a ninja. Let's reconsider," Danzo added. He couldn't allow Sarutobi's disciples to stand out, even if Orochimaru was disabled. People would still praise Sarutobi's disciples for sacrificing themselves for the village and bolstering his reputation, which Danzo couldn't allow.

At this moment, Danzo's mind was too reckless, far from the cunning and cautious planner he would become in the future.

Sarutobi secretly signaled to Koharu and Kagami.

"Teacher, the Chunnin exams will be held in six months. Orochimaru possesses exceptional strength, and if he participates in the exams, it will impress other villages. It's not a bad idea to wait for this half year," the elegant Koharu proposed, offering a reasonable explanation. She is also young now.

Kagami nodded in agreement.

"Hmph!" Danzo snorted coldly. Letting Orochimaru, who lacked an arm, take part in the exams was not a bad idea. Both advisors were smart, and even if Orochimaru passed, it would be seen as exceptional promotion after killing a Jōnin.

Deep disdain lingered in Danzo's heart, but he suppressed it in front of his colleagues. This was Danzo—low-key and strong!

Tobirama looked at Sarutobi and said, "Well then, let's leave it for now. I'll observe their performances in six months."

But then, Tobirama changed his tone, "Sarutobi, your apprentice Orochimaru is not ordinary. He seems to possess a unique bloodline limit. His arm regrew on its own, without any issues!"

"What?!" Both of them exclaimed again.

Even Tobirama was surprised by the news, and he began to value Orochimaru even more.

While Sarutobi felt joy, Danzo's eyes grew exceedingly dark. Orochimaru, powerful and possessing a special bloodline limit, had the potential to reach the level of a Kage without any hindrance. It seemed that he had completely offended him today!

He glanced at Tobirama, realizing that his teacher and the Senju clan would do their best to recruit Orochimaru. With the threat he posed, Orochimaru would undoubtedly be attracted to them!

Danzo's mind seemed to be struggling with an unruly herd of alpacas. If he had known that Orochimaru's arm had regenerated, he wouldn't have acted so openly as a villain!

Am I being manipulated by my own teacher like this? Teacher, not only did you see through me, but you also set me up!

...........

At this moment, Orochimaru finally arrived at the gates of Konoha Village, feeling a sense of leisure. He wondered what rewards the Second Hokage would offer him?

*****

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