"Lord Hokage!" The Konoha crowd cried out in sorrow.
Inside the Four Violet Flames Formation, Hiruzen Sarutobi's frail body was pierced by the Kusanagi Sword, blood flowing from the corner of his mouth, his vision blurring.
"Old man, go in peace." On the opposite side, Orochimaru held the sword that had pierced his mentor's chest, a complex expression crossing his sinister face.
Old man, not teacher?
Hearing these words, Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind, muddled by the brink of death, suddenly cleared for a moment.
So that's how it is, Orochimaru.
That's how you see me in your heart?
He understood this disciple who had once made him proud, but that didn't mean he agreed with Orochimaru's beliefs.
Where Konoha flies, the fire continues to burn, and the flames will keep illuminating this village, allowing new leaves to sprout.
This is the true Will of Fire!
Watching Hiruzen Sarutobi's frail body fall, Orochimaru withdrew the Kusanagi Sword and looked at the grieving Konoha crowd below. It was then that he suddenly remembered the plan he had agreed upon with Deidara.
It's time to wrap things up!
Orochimaru left the Four Violet Flames Formation, jumping beside Kakuzu and Hidan. He gently bit his right thumb, then pressed his hand to the ground after forming seals.
Bang!
After a puff of smoke, Manda, a snake as large as a Tailed Beast, appeared before everyone.
Hiss!
Although snakes can't make facial expressions, anyone could feel the evil smile on this serpent's face, its eyes filled with excitement and joy at the sight of prey.
"Orochimaru, have you finally made a move against Konoha?"
"This time, I want a hundred sacrifices!"
Orochimaru wasn't pleased with Manda's arrogance, but given its strength, he often had no choice but to rely on it.
"No problem, Manda."
...
In the depths of Konoha, there lies a dark place known as Root. During Konoha's major crisis, Root did not act, instead waiting for the right moment under Danzo's orders.
Dozens of masked Root ninjas knelt on one knee, unmoving like statues, quietly awaiting their master.
At that moment, faint footsteps approached, accompanied by the rhythmic tapping of a cane. A man with one eye covered by bandages slowly emerged.
Danzo looked up at the ceiling of the hall, as if his gaze could penetrate the earth and see the battle above.
It's time!
After so much planning and sacrifice!
The position of Hokage is finally mine!
"Move!"
With a simple word, dozens of Root ninjas swiftly followed Danzo to the surface. The village wasn't severely damaged, as only a few of Orochimaru's summoned snakes and some Sound ninjas served as cannon fodder.
The real damage was concentrated around the meeting hall, including nearby streets entirely destroyed. Manda's massive body stretched freely, its mere tail swipe posing a threat comparable to a B-rank jutsu.
With Orochimaru joining the fray, the Konoha crowd found themselves completely at a disadvantage. If they wanted to win, they'd have to rely on Guy to open more gates.
Seeing Danzo leading the Root ninjas over, the Konoha crowd showed expressions of disdain. This old man!
Danzo had a poor reputation in Konoha, and now, choosing to sit idly during the village's crisis, only worsened everyone's impression of him.
"Asuma! Don't be impulsive!"
Kurenai held back the red-eyed Asuma, whose gaze towards Danzo was almost as hateful as towards Orochimaru, the direct culprit. If Root had supported them earlier, would his father have died isolated and helpless?
Danzo paid no mind to the crowd's stares and stopped at the battlefield's edge, shouting loudly, "Orochimaru!"
"Your hidden reinforcements have been cleared by me and Root!"
"Surrender obediently! Your defeat is inevitable!"
What! Orochimaru had hidden reinforcements? So Root wasn't hiding, but fighting where we couldn't see, upholding justice in the shadows.
Truly worthy of Root!
Buried deep underground, silently protecting Konoha, asking for nothing in return, seeking no fame or fortune. And yet we maliciously suspected them!
I am truly a despicable person!
The Konoha crowd's attitude towards Root changed rapidly, and Orochimaru played along with the script.
"Danzo! I killed the Third Hokage; why would I fear you?" Orochimaru feigned disdain, seemingly confident in his victory.
"Hmph! Stubborn fool!"
"Then today, I'll clean up for Hiruzen!"
"Wind Release: Vacuum Serial Waves!" Countless air blades spewed from Danzo's mouth, slicing towards Orochimaru atop Manda.
Hiss! Ridiculous attack!
Manda prepared to raise its head, using its tough scales to block the Wind Release. But suddenly, a powerful force interrupted its movement.
What's going on!? That Orochimaru guy?
In Manda's confusion, the usually slippery Orochimaru was actually injured by the Wind Release, blood continuously flowing from his arm.
"How is this possible? It's just a simple Wind Release!" Orochimaru showed a shocked expression.
"So that's it, infused with extreme chakra nature transformation! Even my body modifications are useless?"
Danzo: "..."
Orochimaru, could you act a bit more convincingly? You haven't even had a symbolic exchange of blows, and your first probing attack leads straight to the conclusion. You're making it difficult for me!
"Indeed! Though my body has decayed over the years, my training has never stopped."
"But you, Orochimaru, is this really your level of strength?"
"The legendary Sannin you once were, seems to disappoint me!"
One must admit, Danzo's shamelessness was impressive. Despite Orochimaru's immediate leap to the conclusion, he smoothly covered it up, acting as if it was all part of the plan.
Indeed! It's not that Orochimaru is too weak; it's that I, Shimura Danzo, am too strong!
"Tsk! Miscalculation!"
"In that case, I have no choice but to retreat!"
"Manda, hold them off!" Orochimaru left Manda behind, knowing that if it faced life-threatening danger, Manda could break the summoning contract and escape, buying him time.
"Damn Orochimaru, making me do this again. This time, I want an extra hundred sacrifices!" Manda grumbled but maintained its professional spirit, positioning itself like a wall in front of everyone.
"Konoha crowd, you handle Manda and protect the village! Leave Orochimaru and the invaders to me!"
"Yes, Lord Danzo!"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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