Escape From Konoha

The failure to pursue Orochimaru was not beyond Danzo's expectations.

As Orochimaru's collaborator, he knows Orochimaru's abilities and strength better than Hiruzen, who is the Hokage. He is a poisonous snake that cannot be killed. If he is pushed too hard, he might get bitten back.

From this point of view, even if he maintains a cooperative relationship with Orochimaru, Danzo is somewhat wary.

The information from Kakashi basically matched his guess.

Even if the ANBU dispatched two ministers, there would still be no Sannin left.

Although those two are also outstanding jounin in Konoha, their combined strength is only close to that of Orochimaru. If they can successfully capture Orochimaru, Danzo will look down on them.

"But it's really strange."

In a room in the ANBU, Ryoma Aburame stood there and said in a confused tone.

"What's strange?"

"Why did Orochimaru use the villagers and ninjas in the village for human experiments? As long as he informed us, he could get countless human bodies from the roots. There was no need for him to take risks himself."

He and Orochimaru had been on official business before, and Aburame Ryoma knew how cautious Orochimaru was and would never leave such a big flaw.

Unless he does it on purpose.

Just like a child's prank full of loopholes.

But this prank turned out to be too big.

Even the Third Hokage couldn't cover it up and could only suppress the impact later.

But Orochimaru has defected, and even if the subsequent impact is suppressed, the loss cannot be recovered.

This method of handling, just like the large-scale defection incident five years ago, controlled the public opinion in the village, but it could not change the cruel fact of Konoha's declining strength, it was just a fig leaf to cover itself.

"Because of this, this incident will hit Hiruzen hard."

Danzo did not directly answer Aburame Ryoma's question, but said this and sighed softly.

Orochimaru would defect, which was also beyond his expectation.

The way of defecting was also done deliberately for everyone to see.

If it were a normal defection, it would not be such a big blow to Hiruzen. On the contrary, precisely because of this prank-like defection, it was truly fatal to Hiruzen.

Because Orochimaru denied not only the village, but also everything about Hiruzen, his mentor.

Compared with Orochimaru's defection, the denial brought about by Orochimaru's defection was a sharp blade that directly penetrated Hiruzen's heart.

This kind of betrayal is no less than a father and son killing each other.

Ryoma Aburame nodded in understanding.

Immediately, he remembered something and said to Danzo: "By the way, although Orochimaru has defected, he has sent people to deliver the things we need in advance and is now storing them in the laboratory. Master Danzo, plan to When will the transplant be performed?”

A gleam of ambition flashed across Danzo's eyes, and he suppressed the excitement in his heart and said: "There is no rush for now. Once we have the things, there will be no problem in transplanting them anytime. How is Uchiha Itachi?"

"Has officially enrolled in school. How far he can grow depends on his own destiny. However, will such a person really join the root?"

Aburame Ryoma doubted this.

"Of course. The will hidden in his eyes is darker than that of any Uchiha clansman. He is a clansman who perfectly matches his roots. He is simply the opposite of the mirror back then."

Danzo gave this evaluation.

"Since Lord Danzo said so, I'll look forward to it a little bit."

Aburame Ryoma never doubted Danzo's vision of people.

Especially those with darkness in their eyes will be attracted to the darkness in Danzo and join the roots.

The same is true for his deputy, and so are all the ninjas in the root.

Attracted by the darkness in Danzo, he volunteered to dedicate everything to Danzo and the village.

"Wait until he graduates from the ninja school before contacting him. Before that, there are still two things to deal with."

"Two things?"

One thing Aburame Ryoma knew was that the battle with Kumogakure was now heating up, and his roots would be moving as a result.

Therefore, a large number of manpower must be sent to the front line to assist the Konoha troops in fighting Kumogakure.

Just like in the previous battlefields between the Kingdom of Grass and the Kingdom of Rain, the roots will make Konoha win regardless of life, death and losses.

It doesn't matter what despicable and cruel methods were used. What matters is that Konoha can achieve all the victories, which is the result that Root really wants.

This is what roots are for.

Therefore, the dispute with the Third Hokage can be put aside appropriately.

As for the other thing Danzo said, Aburame Ryoma didn't know.

Maybe it was Danzo's temporary determination.

What could it be?

"Orochimaru defected. We can use this incident to have a certain impact on Hiruzen. Moreover, I also want to give Hiruzen a chance to redeem everything. I hope he can be more decisive this time and not let me down again."

Danzo stood up from his seat, walked to the window, and sighed softly.

"Then what's to be done?"

"Spread the news in the village that Uzumaki Naruto is the nine-tailed demon fox."

Danzo turned his back to Aburame Ryoma and gave this order coldly.

"..."

Aburame Ryoma's body trembled and she nodded slightly.

"yes."

He knew what kind of life the fourth-generation son would have after spreading the news.

There is only one way to break the situation, and that is to expose his other identity - the son of the Fourth Hokage. Then he can change from a disgusting jinchuriki to a 'hero' who protects the village and is loved by the villagers.

So...how will the Third Hokage deal with it?

Do you choose to expose it or keep it secret?

The oily girl Ryoma is looking forward to it.

◎

The news of Orochimaru's defection eventually spread in the village.

The Third Hokage personally issued an order to list him as an S-class wanted criminal and notify all countries in the ninja world.

The major ninja villages had different reactions, but they must also be sneering secretly in their hearts.

Moreover, the troops of Kumoyin Village attacking the Country of Fire have become stronger, and the pressure on Konoha has become even greater.

And all of this is too far away for Itachi, so the current goal is still to become stronger.

In a certain forest belonging to the Uchiha tribe, today was another day of training with Shisui.

"Itachi, how is the ninja school? Are you used to life there?"

After Shisui finished his warm-up exercises, he smiled at Itachi and asked.

Itachi is six years old. He entered school at the beginning of April this year. Counting now, it is almost a month ago.

Itachi glanced at Shisui, who was not out of breath at all after finishing the warm-up exercise. He felt a little dissatisfied, but still said:

"That's it. But I think, being with you, Shishui, can make me stronger."

Itachi expressed his thoughts frankly, expressing his recognition and respect for Shisui.

"Is that so? In school, don't you have any rivals that you should pay attention to, Itachi?"

Shisui became slightly curious.

You know, there are still quite a lot of freshmen enrolling this year. Not to mention the major ninja clans, Uchiha and Hinata also have many freshmen enrolling. Shisui found that there are a few talented ones among them who can definitely become the backbone of Konoha in the future.

"I wasn't paying attention to them."

Itachi picked up the shuriken and shot at the target ten meters away in a standard posture.

The standard of movement, speed and strength are also very good, far exceeding the level of his peers.

"Why?"

"Because it's meaningless. Judging from the performance in the usual practice class, I don't think they are any powerful characters, and they don't deserve my attention."

Is there still no one else in your eyes? Shisui thought with a slight headache.

"You are very much like me in the past."

Zhishui sighed.

"Oh? Shisui, do you think so too?"

Itachi seemed to have found a topic worthy of resonance.

Shisui didn't answer.

He was indeed like this in the past, but after becoming a real ninja, he discovered how small and powerless his own strength is.

This kind of insignificance and powerlessness certainly does not refer to his own force.

In terms of force, Zhishui has always been satisfied with himself.

He thinks that he is small and powerless because he is so powerful and cannot make the village and family coexist peacefully. No matter how powerful he is, what is the point?

Zhishui felt powerless in the face of those chattering clansmen who only complained about the village.

Facing the villagers who always smear the behavior of the Uchiha clan behind their backs, as well as the public opinion against the Uchiha from all sides, they also feel weak.

The problem is not only in the family, but also in the village.

Just how to do it? Shisui's eyes became blank again.

Putting away these complicated thoughts, Shisui paid more attention to Itachi's mental health issues, so he changed the subject and asked another topic cleverly:

"Itachi, after graduating from the ninja school, they were all in groups of three, plus a guiding ninja. At that time, teamwork was the key, you..."

Before Shisui finished speaking, Itachi had already replied: "Don't worry, Shisui, I understand this. If they are weaker than me, I will protect them. If they are as strong as me, I will fight side by side with them. If they I have surpassed me, and I will try my best to catch up with them and try not to hold them back."

Zhishui stared blankly at Itachi, speechless for a while.

Although Itachi gave an almost correct answer, Shisui felt that something was not quite right.

Because this answer is too standard and too correct.

However, for Itachi to answer like this, it seems that he does not understand the importance of teamwork.

Itachi will still cherish his so-called companions in his heart.

This pleased Shisui.

Two hours later, when Itachi was in the mood to practice, Shisui stopped and said to Itachi: "This is the end of today's practice here."

"What's wrong?"

Itachi looked at Shisui suspiciously.

Zhisui smiled and said, "Because I still have tasks to deal with next. I'm sorry, but I can't practice with you Itachi anymore."

As an ANBU directly under the Hokage and not included in the ANBU system, he can be said to be a very special ANBU member.

Orochimaru, one of the three ninjas, defected. He has also become busy with work recently, and it is impossible to accompany Itachi in training all the time.

"It doesn't matter, Shisui, your mission is important, don't worry about me."

Itachi didn't care.

Although I am very curious about what Shisui's mission is, and I have never seen Shisui's teammates, a ninja as powerful as Shisui must be performing a difficult and confidential mission.

Therefore, choosing not to ask is the best choice.

"See you in a few days."

After Shisui finished speaking, he disappeared from the place and left.

◎

In the office of the Hokage Building, an ANBU stood there reporting something to Hiruzen.

"...Hokage-sama, the above is what happened. All the people involved in the case have been put under surveillance."

"I understand, you go down first. I'll think about it."

Hiruzen sighed and waved his hand to let the ANBU go down.

"Yes. However, the minister suggested that I hope the Hokage will decide as soon as possible. After all, the impact of this matter is not good."

After saying that, the ANBU retreated.

After the ANBU retreated, Hiruzen's face began to look cloudy and he was on the verge of rage.

The aftermath of Orochimaru's defection has not yet been eliminated. Another thing happening in the village now is what really makes him angry——

The identity of the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki is revealed.

Rumors spread from unknown sources, turning Uzumaki Naruto into the incarnation of a demon fox who destroyed villages and killed Konoha ninjas, inciting public sentiment and completely erupting public opinion.

As a result, the woman who raised Naruto also abandoned him and ran away from Naruto's house. No matter what she said, she refused to go back to feed Naruto.

As for the person who has the ability to do this, no one else in the village can do it except that person.

Because this kind of thing is too similar to the White Fang public opinion incident.

The same method, the same speed, and it hits the point directly.

But the difference is that this time it is against the Nine-Tailed Jinchuuriki, a baby under one year old.

"Danzo...why did you do this?"

Hiruzen gritted his teeth, clenched his fists on the table tightly, and red bloodshot eyes appeared. It was obvious that his anger had accumulated to a terrifying critical point.

Not to mention Naruto's identity as the Fourth Hokage's son, even his identity as a Jinchuuriki cannot be exposed casually. It is the top secret in the village.

Hiruzen couldn't understand why Danzo did this?

Even if Nebe does extreme things, he can't be stupid enough to expose the identity of the Nine-Tailed Jinchuuriki.

No matter how you look at it, it is all harmful to Konoha now.

Hiruzen looked at another document on the table, which was a transfer letter about the roots.

At eight o'clock this morning, the root leader Shimura Danzo led a large number of root ninjas to the Kumogakure battlefield to help out. At this moment, they had already left Konoha early.

Hiruzen realized that the target of his anger could not be found.

Danzo had already left early, and the support from the roots was related to Konoha's victory on the Kumogakure battlefield, which confirmed that he, the Hokage, did not dare to do anything to him.

"..."

It took Hiruzen a long time to gradually calm down the anger in his heart.

It is a foregone conclusion that the identity of the Nine-Tailed Jinchuuriki has been exposed. If this is the case, then just strengthen the protection of Naruto. Even if the identity of the Jinchuuriki is exposed, Konoha's protection will not be so fragile.

But the more troublesome part is the ultimate direction of those public opinions.

Naruto was portrayed as a nine-tailed demon fox who attempted to attack Konoha and kill hundreds of Konoha ninjas. Many villagers had already signed a letter, hoping that Naruto, the incarnation of the demon fox, could be executed immediately to ensure the safety of the village.

Hiruzen was angry at Danzo's audacity, and even more helpless at the ignorance of these villagers.

Therefore, the real key is to clear Naruto's name next.

It is also the only way to break the situation.

I wanted Naruto to have a happy and peaceful childhood, which was considered a small reward for Minato and Kushina.

When things have reached this point, I can only clear Naruto's name as the son of the Fourth Hokage and let him get through this difficult time.

Otherwise, if this continues, Naruto will become embarrassed even living in the village. This is really unfair to Naruto, the son of a hero.

Hiruzen figured this out and immediately wrote a document, intending to make an announcement to the village that Naruto was not the nine-tailed demon fox that killed Konoha ninjas, but a hero of Konoha.

In this way, all negative public opinions in the village against Naruto can be reversed.

After writing the document and planning to let the ANBU publish it, Hiruzen's hand suddenly stopped.

He suddenly realized that things might not be as simple as he thought and could easily break the situation.

What if he chose to do this and it happened to play into Danzo's hands?

The son of the Fourth Hokage is Naruto's last protection card in Konoha.

If this card is played, it still cannot calm down the public opinion in the village. On the contrary, it will make the public opinion more and more intense. As a Hokage, he may not be able to catch any cruel tricks Danzo uses.

If this is the case, what is Danzo's purpose at all costs?

Hiruzen smiled bitterly and immediately thought of something, it was for his position as Hokage.

Danzo's purpose is not difficult to guess.

Orochimaru defected, and his prestige was no longer what it used to be.

It was indeed a good time to take action against him.

Now he could no longer suppress some voices in the village, especially those from Danzo's martial arts faction.

Danzo's traps have always been one after another, and it is impossible for him to break them so easily.

For making the matter so big, I'm afraid that as the son of the Fourth Hokage, he was trying to clear Naruto's name, and maybe it was a trap designed by Danzo for him.

If Naruto's identity is revealed, it will not solve the problem. Instead, it will allow Danzo to grab another sore foot and use the turmoil of the Nine-Tailed Jinchuuriki to launch another public opinion attack. By then, it will not only be Naruto, but also his position as Hokage. , may also be lost.

Once he loses his position as Hokage, Naruto's control will fall into Danzo's hands, and that is the most terrifying thing for Konoha.

Hiruzen let out a breath and put down the written document.

"Let's wait and see what happens. As for Jiraiya, I hope he can calm down..."

A deep worry appeared on Hiruzen's old face, as if he was sitting there as a sullen old man who was about to step into a coffin.

◎

People must never compromise on their own hesitation.

This was Danzo's most painful and regretful memory of the year.

Because of his momentary hesitation, he lost to his best friend Hiruzen in the battle for the Third Hokage, and missed out on the position of Hokage.

From that moment on, he understood that when doing something, he must do it thoroughly without any hesitation or fear.

People who are timid cannot accomplish great things.

Hesitation leads to defeat.

One compromise leads to the next compromise.

Therefore, Danzo, who broke this fate, always considered himself an excellent and powerful ninja.

Break the constrained destiny, carry out your will to the end, and abandon the hesitation and cowardice of the past.

To do something without hesitation or compromise with anyone is the way to be a ninja.

Because of this, he was able to gather so many ninjas to form the Roots and became the only pillar of support for all the ninjas in the Roots.

"Lord Danzo."

Heading to the forest on the eastern border of the Land of Fire, Aburame Ryoma gave chase.

There were twenty-two people following Danzo, including himself and Aburame Ryoma, and more than half of them were jounin.

In order to win the Kumogakure battlefield, Genbe can be said to have sent out all the best this time.

Danzo turned his head slightly and looked at Aburame Ryoma.

"explain."

"News from the village."

Aburame Ryoma whispered.

"What's the final situation? Hiruzen, have you cleared the name of that brat named Naruto?"

Danzo asked.

Ryoma Aburame shook her head and said with a smile: "No, the Third Hokage did nothing and compromised our roots."

This is the first time that the root has achieved the fruits of victory in a real sense.

Since the establishment of the Roots, it has been suppressed by the Third Hokage.

The counterattack was successful this time, thanks to the special identity of the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki, who used a strategy of suspicion to confuse the Third Hokage.

"Really? You compromised..."

Danzo said this.

Aburame Ryoma gave Danzo a strange look. He thought Danzo would be happy to mock the Third Hokage when he heard the news.

"Danzo-sama, what's wrong with you?"

"It's nothing, I just feel that Hiruzen now looks a lot like me back then."

The look in Danzo's eyes was very complicated.

Heartbroken, regretful, sighing, sad.

Only there was no sarcasm or excitement.

Aburame Ryoma fell silent and did not speak.

"What's going on over there Jiraiya?"

Danzo asked instead.

Naruto is the child of Jiraiya's disciple. As a Sannin, he cannot remain indifferent in the village.

"According to the intelligence, we only know that on the second day of the incident, he got very drunk alone in the pub. In the end, he was carried back home by ANBU. He seemed very drunk."

Aburame Ryoma sighed.

Hiruzen compromised on their roots, and Jiraiya compromised on his teacher. This pair of master and disciple was really interesting.

Is the legacy of the Third Hokage a cowardly compromise policy?

Aburame Ryoma thought for a while, and thought of the talented Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato who died young. If he had not died in the battle of the Nine-Tails, he might not even have a chance to stand up.

That is a yellow flash that shows no mercy to the enemy on the battlefield.

No ninja who had fought him would want to fight him a second time.

Even among the roots, there are many ninjas who admire him.

"It seems that Jiraiya is now just like Orochimaru. He is extremely disappointed with his teacher. Hiruzen...is old after all. Now he has become forward-looking and hesitant. He has just switched places with me at that time. Orochi Maru's defection had a greater impact on him than I expected."

Danzo knew that there was already a seed of fear that he had planted in Hiruzen's heart, and this seed would take root and sprout at any time.

Immediately, he changed the topic and the color in his eyes became sharp.

"However, his hesitation and compromise are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our roots. The more leafy a big tree is, the deeper its roots must go into the bottomless darkness. Since light has lost the meaning of its existence, Then use the darkness of the root to completely replace the light of the village!"