The so-called rare guest was none other than Orochimaru.
Hanma was not concerned about the notoriety of the two people Orochimaru mentioned. He didn't expect to receive any positive evaluation in the village as a member of the Uchiha clan.
However, Orochimaru's current state piqued his great interest.
Orochimaru's face was extremely pale, his hands slightly trembling, and there was a deep anger in his eyes.
Orochimaru's demeanor was also quite different from before.
In this timeline, Tsunade's brother Nawaki had provided Orochimaru companionship and warmth, and Hanma had offered understanding and support for his scientific research endeavors.
Orochimaru now had familial and friendly bonds in Konoha, unlike in the original timeline where he fought alone.
Because of this, Orochimaru at this moment exuded a calm and elegant air, similar to that of an experienced scholar, rather than the madness and coldness of his original self.
But now, the Orochimaru standing in front of Hanma was rapidly aligning with his original self from the other timeline.
The unique aura of destruction and madness had finally appeared on Orochimaru.
Hanma sighed heavily, handed Orochimaru a glass of water, and gestured for him to calm down.
Orochimaru tightly gripped the water glass, the white, slender hand veins bulging, and stared at Hanma with a gloomy tone:
"The village's high-ups searched my laboratory, confiscated my research results, and charged me with severe crimes. Both Anbu and Root are investigating me simultaneously."
Hanma was stunned. In this timeline, although Orochimaru's actions still had a low ethical baseline, he did have one.
Even if he conducted human experiments, they were within the framework required by the Third Hokage. How could there be any problems?
Orochimaru let out a cold laugh and listed a series of lengthy accusations:
"Embezzling funds for the construction of orphanages, causing many orphans to become homeless and uncared for.
Conducting human experiments on village ninjas, falsely informing them of the risks, causing numerous volunteer deaths.
Stealing the First Hokage's cells, disturbing the peace of previous Hokage, and attempting to covet Wood Release powers.
As the commander on the Rain Ninja battlefield, being rigid in thinking and defying the Hokage's strategies and orders, causing massive troop casualties."
Hanma was taken aback. These charges combined were enough to execute Orochimaru eight times over.
Hanma counted the offenses on his fingers, repeated Orochimaru's "crimes," and looked at him amusedly, asking:
"These things, the village hasn't officially characterized them yet, right?"
"Otherwise, given your personality, you would have already become a revered missing-nin from Konoha, wouldn't you?"
Orochimaru nodded, but the anger in his eyes did not diminish at all.
"Although they haven't officially characterized them yet, the village has publicly investigated me."
"This matter is now a buzz in the village, even the market vendors know about it!"
"Even if these slanders against me are eventually clarified, what good will it do then?"
Hanma nodded, recognizing the high-handed tactic used against Orochimaru.
Ignoring the facts, attaching various eye-catching violent crimes to Orochimaru, and causing widespread attention within the village.
This had already invisibly tarnished his reputation and foundation within the village.
Moreover, Orochimaru's experiments were already in a gray area, involving many of Konoha's dark sides, making it difficult to publicly clear his name.
Would the village's high-ups take responsibility to clear Orochimaru's name?
Orochimaru's experiments were indeed endorsed by the Third Hokage. Even if some problems arose, they would not be exposed to the public.
So, who would suddenly strike so hard against Orochimaru?
Hanma nodded in agreement with Orochimaru's assessment.
"However, hearing all this, I'm even more curious about my own reputation."
"Does the entire village now believe that we, the Uchiha clan, are about to take over tomorrow?"
Orochimaru sneered sardonically:
"I think they are also scared of a real bloody conflict between the Uchiha and the village, so they haven't charged you and the Uchiha yet. It's just a noisy public opinion."
"But your and the Uchiha's notoriety far exceeds mine."
Orochimaru raised a finger and began listing the so-called crimes of Hanma and the Uchiha clan:
"During the war, using ordinary ninjas as cannon fodder to protect their own clansmen.
Defying the Hokage's orders and acting independently. Before the war ended, the Uchiha clan returned to the village on their own, leading to Shukaku's invasion and numerous ninja casualties.
Treating missions as child's play, corrupting many ninjas with money, buying and selling important village information, and disrupting the village's operational order.
Even the deadly battle between the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara thirty years ago has been brought up again.
The Uchiha clan is now considered a naturally evil clan, bringing death and destruction to the village."
Hanma couldn't help but applaud. This analysis of the Uchiha clan was spot on.
Whose true disciple of the Second Hokage was behind this?
Seeing Hanma's nonchalant reaction, Orochimaru looked puzzled.
"It seems Hanma-kun isn't angry at all?"
Understanding Orochimaru's thoughts, Hanma coughed and pointed to his chest.
"They are right; I did do those things. And the evaluation of the Uchiha clan, in my opinion, is quite accurate."
Seeing Orochimaru's speechless expression, Hanma waved his hand, signaling Orochimaru to wait for a moment.
Hanma took out pen and paper, wrote down these so-called accusations, and began analyzing the underlying causes and logic.
Although Hanma had already determined that it was Danzo's doing, he didn't understand why Orochimaru was caught in this whirlpool.
Orochimaru also remained silent, watching Hanma scribble on the paper.
Recalling the events before and after this war, Hanma had an epiphany.
These so-called accusations formed a logical chain in Hanma's mind, revealing the truth.
"Danzo Shimura, truly the Pot King of Konoha, not only adept at taking the blame but also skilled at making others take it."
Hanma sighed softly.
From what he could see, this incident had its roots in Danzo being forced to resign by Shanna, losing his position as the Hokage's advisor.
Orochimaru had unfortunately fallen into this vortex, used by Danzo as a tool to wash away his own stains and severing Orochimaru's hope of becoming Hokage.