Chapter 178: Countless Crimes

"Sigh..."

Even though Senju Hashirama had long transcended clan boundaries in his outlook, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of melancholy upon hearing the fate of the Senju clan.

He glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen, the former disciple who used to trail after them like an eager little monkey. It was hard to believe that boy had grown up to commit such acts.

Senju Tobirama, however, was far less restrained. He glared at Hiruzen with visible fury.

"Monkey, you've done well," Tobirama said coldly. "Very well indeed."

"You've truly outdone yourself!"

Defensive, Hiruzen retorted, "Everything I did was for the village!"

"Once the ninja clans grow too powerful, they become impossible to control," Hiruzen continued. "For the sake of the village's stability, these measures were necessary. Whether it was the Senju clan or the Uchiha clan, suppressing powerful clans was essential for Konoha's future!"

He glanced around, as if seeking support. "Didn't the First Hokage take similar measures during his time?"

Tobirama hadn't yet responded, but Orochimaru chuckled derisively. "If suppressing clans is for the village's sake, then riddle me this—"

"Why is it that, during your tenure, while other clans were relentlessly suppressed, the Sarutobi clan thrived?"

Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed. "The Second Hokage began by suppressing his own clan. But under your leadership, Hiruzen, your clan became nothing short of parasites feeding on Konoha!"

With a sneer, Orochimaru delivered his judgment. "Persecuting clans and oppressing the innocent—this is your third crime."

Hiruzen's lips parted, but no defense came.

Orochimaru pressed on mercilessly. "Expropriating wealth, seizing property—together with Danzo, Homura, and Koharu, you consolidated the resources of countless clans for your own benefit. This is your fourth crime!"

"Abandoning allies, breaking promises—leaving the Land of Whirlpools to its destruction, thus severing Konoha's ties to its greatest supporter. This is your fifth crime!"

Hashirama's eyes widened in shock. The Land of Whirlpools… destroyed?

How could so much have changed after his death?

Tobirama's expression darkened as he turned to Hiruzen. How did I raise such a fool?

Trying to emulate Tobirama's methods, yet lacking his foresight—Hiruzen's decisions had weakened Konoha rather than strengthening it. Tobirama's hands clenched at his sides. If not for the Edo Tensei restraining him, he would've slapped Hiruzen senseless.

The Land of Whirlpools was Konoha's steadfast ally, tied to the Senju by marriage since the Warring States Era. How could you let it fall, you idiot?

Ignoring the growing tension, Orochimaru continued. "After winning the Shinobi World War, you showed leniency to other villages instead of securing Konoha's rightful spoils. A victor begging for peace—how disgraceful. Your softness toward external threats is your sixth crime!"

Outside the barrier, the gathered Konoha shinobi were stunned.

They had fought valiantly in the wars, sacrificing their lives and families for Konoha's survival. Yet the spoils of their hard-fought victories had been squandered.

"This bastard Sarutobi! Does he even value our comrades' sacrifices?!"

"No wonder the negotiation details were kept secret! He sold us out to the other villages!"

"Unforgivable! We won the war! How could the Hokage grovel before the losers?!"

"Now that I think about it… could Sarutobi Hiruzen be a spy planted by another village to destroy Konoha from within?!"

Orochimaru's accusations had thoroughly shattered Hiruzen's reputation. The shinobi surrounding the barrier were already beginning to mutter among themselves, their gazes toward their former Hokage growing increasingly hostile.

Smiling faintly, Orochimaru surveyed the crowd before continuing.

"And then there's Nawaki Senju…"

Orochimaru's tone grew grim. "Nawaki, with his remarkable vitality and dream of becoming Hokage, died during the Second Shinobi World War. I was his teacher and kept him close by my side. Yet, the one moment he left my sight, he fell victim to an explosive tag trap."

Pausing, Orochimaru's voice deepened. "The enemy seemed oddly prepared, targeting Nawaki's exceptional vitality by gutting him entirely. Even Tsunade couldn't save him. At the time, I didn't understand why anyone would go to such lengths for a mere genin who had abandoned the Senju name."

"But then… the Senju clan vanished completely."

Hiruzen couldn't hold back anymore. "You're spouting nonsense!"

Orochimaru sneered. "If Nawaki's death was a coincidence, then what about Dan Kato?"

"Also eviscerated. Also with Tsunade nearby, yet unable to save him."

"After losing Nawaki and Dan, Tsunade left the village, and Jiraiya chose to wander the world. Everyone knows why, deep down."

"This is your seventh crime!"

Orochimaru's voice sharpened. "And let us not forget—during the Second Hokage's final stand, you, his bodyguard, abandoned him to save your own skin. This is your eighth crime!"

Finally finding his voice, Hiruzen shouted back, "I stood ready to hold the line! It was Tobirama-sensei who chose to sacrifice himself for the next generation!"

"That is the Will of Fire!"

Orochimaru's laughter was cold. "You're quick to justify yourself. But abandoning your Hokage to die is inexcusable."

"Moreover…" Orochimaru waved his hand theatrically. "What exactly is this Will of Fire you speak of, Hiruzen?"

Hiruzen straightened. "Where the leaves dance, fire burns. The fire's shadow illuminates the village, nurturing new leaves to sprout."

Orochimaru clapped mockingly. "How poetic. And hypocritical."

"You preach about protecting the next generation while sitting idly in the village, sending young shinobi to die in your stead.

"While Konoha's youth perished, you and your cronies stayed safely behind. Other Kage led their forces on the battlefield, earning their respect through blood and sacrifice.

"You, Hiruzen, are nothing but a coward hiding behind hollow words.

"Such hypocrisy and cowardice is your ninth crime!"

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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