Uchiha Yuan's connection with Orochimaru had long remained hidden in the shadows. But once he openly declared support for Orochimaru's candidacy for Fifth Hokage, he no longer concealed their closeness.
From a purely strategic standpoint, this move carried enormous risk. The drawbacks far outweighed the benefits—especially when he already knew Orochimaru's ultimate fate would be defection.
Unless… there was something greater to gain.
Orochimaru's political legacy.
As the only one among the Sannin who had long held real authority within the village's power structure, Orochimaru's influence ran deep. Openly and secretly, he commanded many loyal subordinates.
Those people were his political inheritance.
And Yuan intended to become the new center they rallied around after Orochimaru left.
At first, Orochimaru did not perceive Yuan's intentions.
But when he noticed that Yuan showed not the slightest surprise at his impending downfall, a brief moment of reflection was enough.
He understood.
Yuan did not panic under Orochimaru's scrutinizing gaze. He merely smiled faintly. "Orochimaru-senpai, I believe the village itself will push those people toward me."
"Hehehe…"
Orochimaru's snake-like eyes narrowed. "It seems Yuan-kun possesses a plan even I am unaware of. I hope you become a new storm—one capable of driving this decaying windmill called Konoha."
"I won't disappoint you."
Orochimaru retrieved a scroll from his robes and tossed it over, then took a tube of emerald liquid from a nearby instrument.
"The scroll contains data from the three spores you once gave me. After absorbing chakra, they formed strange white humanoid bodies. Seventy percent of their cellular structure resembles Hashirama's cells.
"Yuan-kun… you truly don't know their origin?"
"I'm sorry, Senpai. I genuinely don't know when those spores attached themselves to me."
He was not lying—he simply withheld the existence of Zetsu.
Orochimaru sighed faintly. "What a pity. To think something akin to Hashirama's cells exists elsewhere in the world."
He lifted the tube of green liquid. "This is a bloodline sublimation solution. Extracted from those white bodies and fused with Hashirama's cells. It can stimulate the awakening of your bloodline limit."
He tossed it over.
"Thank you, Orochimaru-senpai."
Yuan could feel the vigorous life force pulsing within the liquid.
Orochimaru smiled faintly. "I have a request in return."
"Please."
"I want ten of your Qinglong Pills."
Yuan considered briefly, then nodded. "Agreed."
They exchanged further thoughts on several experimental matters.
Suddenly Orochimaru's expression changed. "The old man's ANBU have arrived."
Yuan's face shifted slightly, though his voice remained steady. "Take care, Orochimaru-senpai."
Orochimaru chuckled softly. "Take care, Yuan-kun. I look forward to the next time we meet—you'd better bring me a pleasant surprise."
Sensing multiple presences converging around the laboratory, Yuan formed a seal with one hand and vanished instantly.
—
Forest of Death.
Masked figures leapt swiftly through the trees.
Swish.
Yuan appeared atop a tall tree near the laboratory. The surrounding area had already been sealed off by ANBU. Two stood directly below his tree, unaware of his presence.
Moments later, wearing battle armor, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived at the laboratory entrance with an ANBU squad.
A massive explosion erupted.
Through the smoke, Orochimaru's figure shot outward, fleeing toward the forest's edge. Immediately, dozens of shinobi gave chase.
Distant waves of violent chakra fluctuations rippled through the forest.
Yuan withdrew his gaze and turned back toward the laboratory.
The Third Hokage emerged, his expression dark, a trace of desolation clinging to him.
Soon after, Danzō arrived with a Root unit. At his command, Root operatives entered the lab to collect research materials.
Yuan's lips curled into a cold smile.
Congratulations, Third. The village is yours once more.
—
The next day, explosive news spread throughout Konoha.
Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, had secretly conducted forbidden human experiments.
The missing ninja were confirmed to have been abducted by him and used as test subjects.
Orochimaru had defected.
Condemnation echoed across the village.
—
Police Force Headquarters.
"Orochimaru has defected. Thoughts?"
Uchiha Fugaku addressed the assembled squad leaders in his office.
"With Orochimaru gone, the Fifth Hokage position is open. Clan Head, you should immediately declare your candidacy."
"I agree. There's no one more qualified now."
"Who can stop the Uchiha this time?"
Amid the rising excitement, Yuan's cold voice cut through. "Don't celebrate too early. The village may not select a Fifth Hokage at all."
Silence fell instantly.
Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "Yuan, you were close to Orochimaru. Do you know something?"
"Orochimaru-senpai has defected. There is a high probability the Third Hokage will resume authority."
Fugaku's expression shifted. "How could that be?"
Uchiha Takahiko, captain of the Sixth Squad, laughed loudly. "Ridiculous. When has a retired Hokage ever resumed power?"
"Everything is possible," Yuan replied calmly. "Except the Uchiha becoming Hokage. That is the least likely outcome."
Frowns spread across the room.
In the end, Fugaku decided that with Orochimaru's defection placing the village under high alert, the Police Force would observe and wait.
The meeting adjourned.
As Yuan exited the building with his squad to begin patrol—
Two ANBU appeared in a flash.
"Uchiha Yuan, you are under arrest. The village suspects you have significant involvement in Orochimaru's defection."
Some people die…
But they don't die completely.
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