Originally, Orochimaru had planned to make his move during the third stage of the Chūnin Exams.
But since Hyūga Shigeo came today to demand an explanation, in order to preserve their relationship, Orochimaru decided to act ahead of schedule.
Since the Third Hokage had secretly moved against him, Orochimaru would simply offer the old man's life as a "gift" to Hyūga Shigeo.
Perhaps that way, they could still exchange a few words afterward.
After all, his goal was to kill the Third anyway—so why not kill two birds with one stone?
The battle between the Third Hokage and the impostor posing as the Fourth Kazekage—Orochimaru himself—raged from the ground up onto a massive rooftop.
Sound-nin flooded into the village. Chaos engulfed Konoha.
Outside the walls, several Suna jōnin formed a summoning array, conjuring three giant serpents to attack the Leaf.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's meeting office, nothing could be seen—only the sound of distant explosions filled the air.
Inside sat Hyūga Shigeo, the Fourth Raikage A, an Iwa elder, and a Kiri elder.
Shigeo looked completely calm, while the others were visibly tense.
Though this battle had nothing to do with them, they were eager to observe both sides' strength.
The Iwa elder could barely suppress his grin.
For years, Iwa had viewed both Konoha and Suna as nearby rivals.
If the two weakened each other, Iwa might finally rise as the dominant power among the three.
The thought of his village standing above both Konoha and Suna made his heart pound with excitement.
"Don't you all think this is strange?" the Iwa elder finally spoke.
"Just a few days ago, we heard Konoha and Suna signed a friendship treaty. Yet now, they're tearing each other apart.
Hah, now I finally understand why the Five Great Shinobi Villages together still couldn't defeat Nanmoku no Kuni (South Ink Nation)!
It's because we've never truly cooperated with one another!"
No one replied.
Shigeo, sitting off to the side, appeared indifferent, leisurely shelling and eating edamame.
The Kiri elder couldn't help wondering—where did he even get so many edamame?
Outside, the explosions grew louder and closer.
Soon, Koharu and Homura entered the meeting room.
"Honorable Kage and elders, apologies," Koharu began.
"The Chūnin Exams are now officially void. Konoha has been attacked.
We ask that you take your people and evacuate the village at once. Please understand our position.
Guards, escort our guests out!"
More than sixty ANBU appeared outside the door.
Even in the midst of crisis, Konoha could still mobilize sixty elite ANBU to escort foreign dignitaries—proof of both their strength and their determination not to let any outsiders remain.
Indeed, anyone who stayed could become a hidden threat.
Though the visitors were reluctant, they had no choice.
Each village gathered its personnel and followed secret evacuation routes beneath the Hokage Tower leading out of the village.
No one was allowed to remain behind.
To ensure safety, the Hyūga clan confirmed every person's identity, and Yamanaka Inoichi monitored their departure through sensory techniques.
Konoha's caution was absolute.
But it was understandable.
If another village tried to take advantage of the chaos, it would be catastrophic.
Especially if Hyūga Shigeo joined the attackers—Konoha would be finished.
Twenty of the sixty ANBU were assigned just to escort Shigeo's twelve subordinates from Ink-nin Village.
They all withdrew swiftly.
Only after they were fifty kilometers away did the ANBU finally turn back—though even then, unseen watchers continued to track their movements.
Just as Shigeo prepared to leave with his group, a voice called out:
"Please wait, First Ink Kage-sama!"
It was Homura Mitokado.
Shigeo turned his head slightly, his cold gaze falling on the man without a word.
Homura's expression flickered with discomfort, but he forced himself to speak:
"The Third Hokage once said you promised Konoha three missions in your lifetime. Is that true?"
"Go on."
"The first mission was when you were young—traveling to Bujō in northern Taki no Kuni for the joint exams, where you took first place. You fulfilled that.
The second was to temporarily abandon your pursuit of Shimura Danzō. You fulfilled that too.
That means… you still owe Konoha one more mission, correct?"
He looked hopeful. If Shigeo acted, Konoha might still be saved.
Shigeo's lips curved in faint mockery.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen wants me to save his life? He fears death too? Hah…"
"No," Homura replied quickly, "the Hokage only asks that you remain here. As for the third mission—he has yet to decide it."
So he was asking him to stand by and await orders.
Shigeo said nothing.
Behind him, his followers exchanged uneasy glances. They hadn't known their leader had such deep ties to Konoha—or that he had ever promised them three missions.
"Lord, you mustn't stay! What if it's an ambush?" Akahana said anxiously.
They had seen assassins who could kill through paintings; who knew what other bizarre powers Konoha might have?
"And Konoha's strength…" Akahana continued, "after this exam, it's clear they're far above the average village—mind control, shadow combat, body transformation, Byakugan, Sharingan—abilities other villages can't compare to!"
"That's right, Lord! You can't go!" Wumang added, equally worried.
They still remembered how the Third Hokage had once plotted to assassinate Shigeo.
"Don't worry. Nothing will happen. You all go ahead first."
Shigeo turned slightly and gave his order calmly.
Wumang and Akahana could only obey, leading nine of the younger members away.
Shigeo stayed behind.
For years, he had waited for the Third Hokage's final task.
Last time, during the conference at the southern coast of Iron Country with the Five Kage and daimyōs, Hiruzen had begged him to spare Konoha. Shigeo refused.
This time, it would be the old man's last chance.
He didn't want to owe him even after death.
Standing nearby, Homura let out a quiet sigh of relief.
He had feared Shigeo might ignore the old promise, considering all the wrongs Konoha had done to him.
If Shigeo chose to abandon them now, there would be nothing they could do.
To Konoha, Hyūga Shigeo was a double-edged sword.
Turned outward, the blade protected them.
Turned inward, if his hatred for Hiruzen took control, the blade would destroy them.
This time, Konoha's fate depended entirely on which way that edge would turn.
(End of Chapter)
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