"Danzo Shimura?"
Uchiha Itachi was slightly taken aback by Orochimaru's sudden question. Then his expression hardened as he said, "Orochimaru-sama, this question seems unrelated to our current conversation. Let's first deal with the issue concerning Sasuke!"
Although he didn't know why Orochimaru asked this, Uchiha Itachi certainly had no good feelings toward Danzo Shimura; in fact, he detested him.
After all, his best friend chose to commit suicide precisely because Danzo Shimura took one of his eyes.
"!~"
Orochimaru, however, ignored Uchiha Itachi's attempt to steer the conversation back on track. After a laugh, he continued with his own topic, saying, "The fact that you gained the Hokage's approval indicates that you at least once possessed the mindset to transcend clan limitations. As the Hokage would say, that mindset is the Hokage's dimension of thought."
"Although I don't know why you 'betrayed' that mindset and chose to become the head of the Uchiha Clan, you, who once could think from the Hokage's perspective, should be able to discern whether Danzo Shimura's influence on the Village is good or bad, right? Then I—"
"Enough!"
Uchiha Itachi suddenly shouted, interrupting Orochimaru. He then looked at him coldly and said, "Orochimaru-sama, I told you, I don't want to discuss this now. And if I'm not mistaken, you and Danzo are the ones with the closest relationship!"
Because of Uchiha Shisui's death, Uchiha Itachi had secretly investigated Danzo Shimura's information recently, so he clearly knew the connection between Orochimaru and Danzo Shimura. Moreover, Orochimaru's reputation was not much better than Danzo Shimura's, so he had no interest in discussing such matters with him.
He (in his own opinion) had noble ideals and disdained associating with Danzo and Orochimaru, who were like insects that could only hide in the darkness.
"That's right, I used to be his subordinate!~"
Orochimaru didn't mind Uchiha Itachi's attitude. While recalling information about Uchiha Itachi in his mind, he said, "It is precisely because of my close relationship with Danzo-sama that I understand his actions even more clearly. For example, your close friend, Uchiha Shisui, was—"
"Silence!"
Uchiha Itachi again stopped Orochimaru's words. The color of his pupils became even more vivid, as if stained with fresh blood, and the dark tomoe within them seemed to slowly rotate, as if undergoing some kind of transformation. He stared coldly at Orochimaru, his voice hoarse as he said, "Don't say another word. I forbid you from mentioning that name!"
"!~"
When Orochimaru saw Uchiha Itachi's gaze, he became even more excited. He laughed heartily and said, "I understand now. Itachi-kun, you haven't 'betrayed' that mindset that transcends clan limitations. You are still thinking from the Hokage's perspective."
Uchiha's attitude made Orochimaru keenly realize something. He suddenly extended his hand toward Itachi and continued, "Then, cooperate with me, Itachi-kun.
Although I don't know what your plan is, in my opinion, instead of hiding in the shadows and viewing problems from the Hokage's perspective and mindset, why not directly take that position, stand in the light, and fulfill your ambitions as the Hokage? What do you say?"
Orochimaru still believed that Uchiha Itachi's appearance here to stop him was definitely Danzo Shimura's conspiracy. Even if Danzo didn't personally plan it, he was definitely involved.
Orochimaru knew that Danzo Shimura didn't like him, and coincidentally, he also disliked working with such a cunning and ruthless collaborator. If given the chance, he would definitely not mind finding a more suitable person to cooperate with, and Uchiha Itachi had that potential. Moreover, in Orochimaru's mind, even if he couldn't persuade Uchiha Itachi to cooperate with him, he should at least make him target Danzo Shimura.
"As the Hokage—standing in the light!"
When Uchiha Itachi heard Orochimaru's words, he was instantly stunned. He realized that he had thought of countless ways to achieve his ideals, but he had never considered the possibility Orochimaru mentioned.
What was the reason?
Thinking carefully, it seemed Hokage-sama often said that the Uchiha Clan's ideology was too extreme and not suitable for becoming Hokage. But was it really unsuitable?
If… just if, if he could truly become the Hokage, would he be able to better realize his ambitions, as Orochimaru said? As the Hokage, standing in the light!
At this moment, Uchiha Itachi, only thirteen years old and in a state of wavering will after losing his best friend, for the first time doubted himself.
"Itachi-kun!~"
Seeing Uchiha Itachi's expression, Orochimaru knew he was already tempted, so he continued to entice him. "Although I don't know what your ideal is, I imagine it must be very noble. I, on the other hand, am different. I only want to pursue the ultimate in Ninjutsu and the true meaning of life.
Our goals have no conflict whatsoever. Plus, with Sasuke as a bond, we inherently have the conditions to be allies."
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Itachi's eyes flickered slightly, and he no longer had any intention of interrupting him.
Seeing this, Orochimaru continued, "I understand the old fogeys in the Village. They are old, like decaying trees, only greedily absorbing nutrients from the Village, but no longer able to grow new hope—including my teacher, the Third Hokage. It's the same.
Only by removing the decay can new nutrients be produced, allowing new sprouts to grow strong."
"So, Itachi-kun, you who can think with the Hokage's mindset, are you willing to become the new great tree that shelters the tender saplings in the Village as they grow?" Orochimaru looked at Uchiha Itachi and asked, word by word.
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