Counting from the moment Hayashi and Mikoto ambushed the Hidden Sand ninja, the great war between Konoha and Sunagakure lasted six harrowing days.
For the Hidden Sand Village, it was a tragedy. For Konoha, it was a resounding victory. Not only had they annihilated a significant portion of Sunagakure's forces, but the frontline had been pushed forward considerably. The strategic objectives set by the command center were all met, and some were even exceeded.
Even Orochimaru hadn't expected the operation to go so smoothly. The plan carried enormous risks. A failure could have meant the complete annihilation of Minato's forces and a quagmire on the Land of Wind battlefield. Yet, Sunagakure's defeat, despite its geographic advantage, allowed only a handful of ninja to escape. Most either died in battle or surrendered and were taken prisoner.
Although Sunagakure's losses were devastating, Orochimaru chose not to push further. Too much aggression could undo the advantage Konoha had just secured. The surviving ninja needed rest, and the enemy would likely retreat to their fortress to regroup. Any further assault without a solid plan would have been reckless.
The undisputed hero of the war was Konoha's Lightning Flash. In the battle at Yunlu Canyon, he had killed countless Sunagakure ninjas on the main battlefield. Later, when facing the commander and two elite ninjas alone, he had wounded two and captured one, securing a brilliant record.
To Hayashi, this was merely standard fieldwork, but Orochimaru saw it differently. His praise elevated the younger ninja to near-celebrity status among the lower ranks. Hayashi, hearing some of the adulation, felt a mix of pride and embarrassment. "So… am I really that impressive?" he wondered.
Regardless of reputation, Hayashi knew Orochimaru's mind well. The temporary advantage in the Land of Wind could easily turn if manpower dwindled. Genin were insufficient as cannon fodder, and even high-end combat power might not suffice. The Land of Wind's battlefield was so valuable that even the Third Hokage would need to intervene at times. With Hayashi's abilities, Orochimaru intended to place him in a leadership role sooner rather than later. A rising commander could gain influence and prestige that far exceeded ordinary ninja recognition.
Orochimaru couldn't guarantee the position of Hokage, but he could ensure that the office would be held by someone loyal and capable of implementing his vision. Most of his experiments were controversial; only someone aligned with him could operate freely without obstruction.
The setting was Orochimaru's underground laboratory beneath the Konoha encampment in the Land of Wind. True to his obsessive methods, Orochimaru established research facilities wherever he went. The underground location shielded his work from prying eyes, allowing him full freedom to indulge his scientific passion.
Hayashi shuddered as he watched Orochimaru work. The husky laughter echoing from the dissection table reminded him of something, though less sinister—like Jiraiya spying on female students at the hot spring. Nawaki had been the one to explain that odd analogy.
Orochimaru sighed over his current experiment. "Hayashi, you were right after all."
Hayashi tilted his head. "…?" He had offered many pieces of advice; which one did Orochimaru mean?
"Perhaps it was the one where I praised my own looks last night," Orochimaru mused, his voice low and husky. Then he clarified, "War brings casualties and suffering, but it also accelerates development. In times of peace, where would I find so many subjects to study and advance my research? You were right."
Hayashi blinked. He understood that Orochimaru referred to the advancement of ninja techniques and systems, not just his personal obsession. Yet, technically, the statement was not wrong: Orochimaru often pushed the world forward single-handedly.
The subject of the current experiment was a corpse equipped with Mangekyo Sharingan, though not Uchiha Yama. Instead, it belonged to a Sunagakure ninja. Uchiha Yama's corpse offered little beyond its ocular power. Brain cells could not be accessed, and even a combined effort from Hayashi and Kushina could not break the seals. Some limits simply could not be bypassed.
Orochimaru did not reimplant the Mangekyo Sharingan into the dead ninja. Instead, it would be transplanted into a living subject later. Ordinary Sharingan were useless for most ninja, so the experiment could only advance so far. Living materials were far more valuable.
Hayashi watched as Orochimaru's attention shifted. "What about Uchiha Fugaku?" Orochimaru asked. Fugaku, Yama's son, was a perfect material for experimentation.
Hayashi hesitated. "…Fugaku? Why?"
"He might compete with you for the position of clan head," Orochimaru explained.
"Yes," Hayashi admitted.
"His strength isn't enough to challenge you, but to prevent future issues, perhaps I should remove him quietly. Battlefield casualties can be explained," Orochimaru said huskily.
Hayashi understood: Orochimaru desired Fugaku for study, but he had been missing for some time. There was also the possibility that Fugaku had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, making him dangerous.
"I have no objections," Hayashi said carefully. "Proceed if you must. Just be cautious. Uchiha Yama is dead, but Fugaku might already possess Mangekyo Sharingan."
Orochimaru's excitement intensified. "Excellent. Living specimens… always more valuable than the dead."
Hayashi sighed silently. Even if Fugaku had turned to darkness, Orochimaru's ability to operate and escape was formidable. As the title Ninja World's Seven-chan implied, he was not to be underestimated.
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