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"Is there a possibility that this is related to the 'Chunin Exams'?" Hiruzen Sarutobi mused thoughtfully.
"How does this connect to the 'Chunin Exams'?" Tsunade asked, confused.
Danzo, too, was at a loss.
After all, Orochimaru had been invited here by him. No one understood the reason for Orochimaru's presence better than Danzo did—and it had absolutely nothing to do with the Chunin Exams.
"The only major event in Konoha in recent months is the 'Chunin Exams.' By then, elite ninjas from various nations will gather in our village. If an incident were to occur, it could easily spark conflicts between the hidden villages," Hiruzen explained.
After the Third Great Ninja War, Konoha, Sunagakure, and several smaller neighboring villages had established this joint exam to strengthen alliances and enhance the skills of their shinobi.
Itachi Uchiha had been the first to pass the exam and become a Chunin.
In peacetime, this was the best path for ninja promotion. As a result, many outstanding Genin from villages like Konoha and Sunagakure chose to participate.
If Orochimaru were to interfere, he could very well reignite the flames of war.
Tsunade and Itachi immediately tensed up. Danzo glanced at their expressions and, without hesitation, adopted a grave demeanor as well.
"This matter… should not be disclosed to others for now," Hiruzen said.
"Why?" Danzo questioned.
"The war with the other villages has only just ended. The villagers are weary. Informing them now would only increase their anxiety. Moreover, what I've said is merely speculation. If we alarm the villagers over this, what will happen to the village's economy? What about their livelihoods? The Hokage's responsibilities extend far beyond just ensuring the villagers' safety." Hiruzen's gaze fixed on Danzo.
Hiruzen understood Danzo's intentions perfectly. But in his eyes, Danzo was not suited to be Hokage—which was why he had passed the title to Minato Namikaze instead. And after Minato's death, Hiruzen had resumed the role without ever considering Danzo.
Danzo feigned ignorance of Hiruzen's pointed look, masking his discomfort.
"Then… should we notify the various departments to remain extra vigilant during patrols and security operations?" Tsunade suggested.
Hiruzen nodded. "I'll issue the orders during the day. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Orochimaru's movements. Just because he's fled doesn't mean we can let our guard down. Even if he's truly gone, he may still return… Danzo, arrange for a team to investigate the scene—but wait until daylight."
"Understood," Danzo replied, inwardly relieved.
If he was the one investigating, Orochimaru would be safe.
"The rest of you may leave. Tsunade, stay behind—I'd like a word with you." Hiruzen gestured for Itachi, Danzo, and the Root operatives to exit. Tsunade locked the door behind them.
"Sensei."
"Well? Any leads?" Hiruzen asked.
"A few," Tsunade admitted.
"Go on."
"First, the Uchiha clan has long held grievances against Konoha. Despite contributing their fair share when called upon, they've been relegated to the outskirts of the village. And while the Police Force might sound prestigious, it's actually a thankless job. Even if they didn't realize it at first, after all these years, they've certainly caught on. As for the village leadership, they've always been wary of the Uchiha. But what turned that wariness into active distrust was likely the 'Nine-Tails Incident.' Some suspect the Uchiha used their Sharingan to control the Nine-Tails and cause its rampage."
Hiruzen nodded. "Continue."
Tsunade suddenly recalled what Midorima had told her about Kirigakure's affairs. She hesitated, swallowing her words.
The Uchiha matter was better discussed with Itachi first.
"Then there's Shisui's death. His loss was a heavy blow to Konoha—and the village bears responsibility for it. Even now, I stand by that belief. He didn't die on the battlefield but at the hands of our own people. I can't imagine what kind of despair would drive a man who had faced death countless times to choose such an end… And where are his eyes? Sensei, as Hokage, did you ever investigate this?"
Hiruzen's expression darkened. At the mention of Shisui, he closed his eyes briefly.
"He was Kagami's descendant… Like Kagami, he was a shinobi you could trust with your life. His death grieves me deeply. But because of it, the rift between the village and the Uchiha has become nearly impossible to mend. The Uchiha… surely some blame Konoha for his death?"
Tsunade remained silent.
Though it wasn't the full truth, it was inevitable that some within the Uchiha clan would think so.
After bidding Hiruzen farewell, Tsunade's mood was heavy. As she closed the Hokage's office door behind her, Shizune quickly whispered in her ear, "Itachi wants to see you."
"Where?"
"Downstairs."
"Hmm… Take him to my—"
Tsunade had been about to say "office," but last time, Danzo had interrupted them. She hoped to avoid a repeat.
"Take him to our residence."
"Understood."
Shizune hurried downstairs while Tsunade sighed.
The tension between the village and the Uchiha was a powder keg waiting to explode. If Orochimaru had appeared now, it was likely with malicious intent.
Lost in thought, Tsunade returned home. She was about to ask Shizune to warm some sake when a faint rustle of wind brushed past her ear.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes," Itachi replied. "There's something I didn't tell Lord Hokage."
"What is it?" Tsunade turned to face him.
"Orochimaru wasn't acting alone. There was another person—but he was… unusual."
"How so?"
"He seemed to be working with Orochimaru, yet he didn't intervene. He just observed and claimed to be under the influence of a cursed seal." Itachi recalled the masked man.
"What did he look like?" Tsunade pressed.
"I don't know. He wore a mask the entire time." Itachi shook his head. "But he warned me to be wary of Root—said they were holding me back. What puzzles me is that Root clearly knew of his existence, yet didn't mention him in front of the Hokage."
"You're saying… Root concealed this person."
Tsunade's interest sharpened.
Root was Danzo's faction.
"Perhaps… they considered it trivial and not worth mentioning?" Itachi offered.
After a moment's thought, Tsunade conceded that was possible.
"Since you're here, let's continue our previous conversation. After all this time, you must have formed some thoughts on the matter?" Tsunade asked.
Itachi nodded.