"Such a twisted belief," murmured Kai Mitarashi, his brow slightly raised in surprise as he witnessed Danzo's resolute expression in his final moments. He couldn't help but sigh.
"Danzo!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, shouted hoarsely. His body trembled as he stared at the spot where Danzo had vanished without leaving even the slightest trace of his existence. Turning to Kai, his voice thundered with rage, "Danzo had already lost the ability to resist! Why did you still kill him?"
Decades of companionship and camaraderie made it unbearable for Hiruzen to accept the reality of Danzo's death right before his eyes.
"If I didn't kill him, should I wait for him to plot against me again?" Kai scoffed, grabbing Kurenai and Anko Mitarashi by their arms. Without another word, he disappeared using Kamikura (Divine Descent), leaving Hiruzen standing there in stunned silence.
In the Land of Fields, within a concealed cave.
"Orochimaru, I didn't expect you to actually keep your promise," a hoarse and aged voice echoed within the cavern.
"Kehehehe, why wouldn't I?" Orochimaru extended his long tongue, his pale face adorned with a chilling smile.
"But I sabotaged your chances of becoming Hokage," the hoarse voice continued.
Hearing this, a fleeting, almost imperceptible pain flashed through Orochimaru's eyes. He chuckled, "I should be thanking you. You freed me from the shackles of Konoha, allowing me to fully pursue my ambitions, Danzo."
Danzo! Shimura Danzo! He wasn't dead—Kai hadn't killed him!
"That's good to hear, Orochimaru. However, when do you plan to lift your control over me?"
The hoarse voice lifted its head, revealing a scar in the shape of a cross on the chin and a pair of sinister eyes. It was none other than Danzo, though his face and body bore cracks resembling parched earth, indicating his current state as a product of Edo Tensei (Reanimation Jutsu).
"Of course, I can do that. But where is what I asked for? You should understand that this is a simple transaction," Orochimaru said coldly, showing no intention of acting immediately.
Danzo remained silent for a moment before his hands moved, forming seals.
Reverse Summoning Technique!
Two scrolls appeared in Danzo's hands, which he then tossed to Orochimaru. "Here's what you wanted. One scroll contains the purest and original tissue of the First Hokage; the other details his annotations on Sage Mode."
Orochimaru opened the scrolls, verifying their authenticity. After forming a few seals, he released his control over Danzo.
The moment Danzo regained autonomy, he immediately formed seals.
Edo Tensei: Release!
As a student of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and an assistant to the Hokage, Danzo was well-versed in the Edo Tensei technique. He swiftly dispelled the jutsu.
Feeling his body, Danzo frowned.
Orochimaru laughed maliciously. "This isn't your original body, Danzo. Being revived through Edo Tensei comes with significant limitations. At best, your current strength is at the level of an elite Jonin. Moreover, your chakra will no longer grow."
Sensing his diminished power, Danzo's face twisted with anger before quickly darkening with malice. "If I can't grow stronger myself, I'll find a way to take power from others! Kai Mitarashi, just you wait. One day, we'll settle this score."
Orochimaru's expression flickered as he observed Danzo, his thoughts unreadable.
In the Hokage's office.
"Old man, I've decided to withdraw from the Fourth Hokage election," Jiraiya declared, his voice steady despite the difficulty of the words. He looked at the increasingly aged Third Hokage, finally mustering the courage to speak.
Hiruzen froze, clearly not expecting Jiraiya to make such a request. His expression darkened. "Jiraiya..."
Before Hiruzen could continue, Jiraiya interrupted him. "You know I've never aspired to be Hokage. Protecting Konoha has always been enough for me. Besides, I need to leave the village to bring Orochimaru back!"
Though Jiraiya's voice wasn't loud, his tone was resolute.
Hiruzen, knowing Jiraiya's personality well, understood that he wasn't suited to the role of Hokage. Reluctantly, he nodded in agreement.
At that moment, the door to the Hokage's office opened, and Kai walked in.
"Kai, is there something you need?"
Over the past few days, the uproar over Danzo's 'death' had gradually subsided, and Hiruzen's mood had somewhat recovered. Though he didn't greet Kai warmly, he had returned to his usual demeanor.
"Lord Third, I'm here to inform you of something," Kai said indifferently.
"What is it?" Hiruzen asked.
"I'm withdrawing from the Fourth Hokage election," Kai stated flatly.
Hiruzen was shocked. "No, you can't!"
Compared to Jiraiya, Hiruzen had essentially already decided on Kai as the Fourth Hokage. At just twelve years old, Kai was already a Kage-level powerhouse. If he became Hokage, Konoha could look forward to decades of prosperity.
"Why not? Do you expect me to become Hokage and then let a bunch of old geezers meddle in my affairs? Of course, I'd agree to be Hokage if you dissolve the Konoha Council and let me have absolute authority," Kai said bluntly. If Hiruzen agreed, he wouldn't mind taking the position.
"This... Kai, the Konoha Council must exist. It's there to prevent..." Hiruzen began, trying to reason with him.
"Lord Third, I think you misunderstood. I'm here to inform you, not to seek your opinion," Kai interrupted, shrugging before walking out the door.
"Sigh..." Watching Kai's departing figure, Hiruzen let out a long sigh.
Just a few days ago, Konoha had five candidates for the Fourth Hokage. Now, only one remained.
It could be said that these few days had caused more damage to Konoha than the Third Great Ninja War.
Danzo's 'death,' Orochimaru's defection, and Jiraiya's imminent departure from the village. Including himself, there were now only four Kage-level ninjas left in the entire village. The village was severely weakened.
"Old man, Minato isn't bad. He's young, strong, and though he's not as powerful as Kai, his personality is much better," Jiraiya quickly suggested, fearing that Hiruzen might set his sights on him again.
"Hmm."
Hiruzen nodded. Minato had always been his second choice for Hokage. Now, it seemed there was no other option.
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