Chapter 19 - Hiruzen Sarutobi’s Hokage Discourse

Chapter 19 - Hiruzen Sarutobi's Hokage Discourse

"Summon Orochimaru."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice carried a quiet authority as he issued the command, his fingers lightly drumming against the wooden surface of his desk.

The Anbu standing in the shadows nodded without hesitation.

"Yes!"

With a swift motion, the masked shinobi vanished into thin air, leaving only a faint rustling of paper in his wake.

---

Konoha's Main Street – The Akimichi Yakiniku Restaurant

At that moment, in the heart of Konoha, three of its most formidable shinobi gathered around a sizzling grill, filling the air with the rich aroma of seared meat.

The restaurant, owned by the Akimichi clan, was renowned for its high-quality ingredients and spacious accommodations—fitting for warriors with appetites as large as their reputations.

Jiraiya, chopsticks in one hand and a brush in the other, absentmindedly spread oil over the grill. He chuckled, shaking his head.

"I still can't believe it. That kid from the Hatake clan is already this strong? he wiped the floor with an Uchiha prodigy. Orochimaru, even you weren't that terrifying at his age, were you?"

Across from him, Tsunade leaned back, her expression unreadable. She took a slow sip of her sake before setting the cup down with a quiet clink.

"That brat is mine," she stated flatly. "He's the perfect successor to my strength. Orochimaru, don't even think about interfering. Otherwise..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the way her fingers flexed—knuckles cracking ever so slightly—made the threat abundantly clear.

Orochimaru, unfazed by her warning, merely smiled, a slow, calculating expression creeping onto his face.

"In the end, it all depends on what sensei decides," he said, his voice smooth and deliberate. "But I have to admit, I am... intrigued. His raw power alone is impressive, but what interests me more is the nature of it."

His golden eyes glimmered with curiosity as he tapped a single, slender finger against the table.

"You noticed it too, didn't you, Tsunade? That wasn't just raw talent—it was something else. That Uchiha boy had no chance against him. And yet, I didn't sense any significant chakra flow from Kazane at all. No jutsu. Just sheer, overwhelming strength."

Jiraiya's brow furrowed. He was used to being ignored by these two, but this time, their conversation had completely steamrolled over his initial question.

"Hey! Can't you two answer me before running off on your own tangents?"

Neither of them spared him a glance.

"Unbelievable..." Jiraiya grumbled, stuffing a piece of grilled meat into his mouth with exaggerated frustration.

At that moment, a flicker of movement signaled the sudden arrival of an Anbu, their masked face emotionless as they addressed the snake-like Sannin.

"Orochimaru-sama, the Hokage has summoned you."

The interruption barely fazed him. He exhaled slowly, savoring the moment.

"It seems the decision has already been made," he murmured, a smirk tugging at the edges of his lips.

He turned to Tsunade, his smile widening as he saw the brief flash of irritation cross her face.

Then, without another word, he vanished with the Anbu, leaving Jiraiya and Tsunade alone.

"Damn it! Can't you two just listen to me for once?!"

Jiraiya's complaints were met with the ominous sound of Tsunade's knuckles tightening.

"Shut up, you idiot."

A single punch sent him crashing through the restaurant's sliding doors.

---

Hokage's Office – Konoha

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood by the wide-open window, watching as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, its golden hues casting long shadows across the rooftops. He took a slow drag from his pipe, allowing the rich scent of tobacco to fill the air.

Behind him, the door creaked open.

"Hokage-sama, Orochimaru-sama has arrived."

"Let him in."

With practiced ease, Hiruzen turned, settling back into his chair. His gaze fell on the figure of Orochimaru as he strode into the room, his movements eerily fluid.

"Sensei, you summoned me?" Orochimaru's voice was polite, but there was an unmistakable glint of amusement in his eyes.

Hiruzen exhaled a steady plume of smoke before answering.

"Danzo came to see me earlier. He wants me to hand over Hatake Kazane, claiming he can mold him into a warrior surpassing even the White Fang. I want to hear your thoughts on the matter."

A moment of silence stretched between them. Orochimaru's expression didn't change, but his pupils thinned, like a predator scenting something dangerous.

"Sensei, Danzo's ambitions are vast," he said at last, his tone measured. "Though Root is officially an extension of Anbu, in truth, it follows only his will. You have been... generous in allowing this. But if you hand Kazane over to him, you are gifting him a blade that may one day point toward the heart of Konoha itself. For the sake of stability, I urge you to reconsider carefully."

Hiruzen had expected as much. He studied Orochimaru closely, noting the sharp intensity in his student's expression. It wasn't just opposition to Danzo speaking—it was something deeper.

"Let's set Root aside for now," Hiruzen said slowly. "I believe Danzo acts in Konoha's best interest, even if his methods are questionable. However, since you believe this arrangement is unsuitable... what if I entrust Kazane to you instead?"

He leaned forward slightly, watching for a reaction.

"Do you have the confidence to train him into an exceptional shinobi?"

Orochimaru's answer came without hesitation.

"Yes, sensei. If you entrust Hatake Kazane to me, I will ensure he becomes a warrior unlike any before him."

A slow smile crossed Hiruzen's face.

"Orochimaru, you have always been my most talented student. Between you, Tsunade, and Jiraiya, you are the only one I see as a possible successor to the Hokage title. But you still lack experience."

Orochimaru's fingers twitched.

"This is why I called you here today," Hiruzen continued, his tone measured. "Kazane will be your responsibility. If he thrives under your care, it will not only prove your capability as a teacher but also as a leader. A future Hokage must have loyal subordinates, after all."

Hiruzen observed Orochimaru's reaction carefully. He knew that his student had been growing closer to Danzo—an alliance that, if left unchecked, could become dangerous. By placing Kazane in his care, Hiruzen ensured that Orochimaru's focus remained firmly within his reach.

Orochimaru, for his part, showed no outward sign of resistance. Instead, a slow, satisfied smile curved his lips.

"Understood, sensei. I will not disappoint you."

Hiruzen nodded, a faint weight lifting from his shoulders.

"Good. Then prepare yourself. Consider carefully how you will mold him."

Orochimaru gave a slight bow before turning on his heel, striding toward the door with newfound purpose.

Hiruzen watched him go, then took another slow drag of his pipe.

The sun had nearly set now, bathing Konoha in deep orange light.

"Summon Jōnin Minato Namikaze," he instructed the waiting Anbu.

The masked figure bowed and disappeared in an instant.

---

A few minutes later, Minato Namikaze stepped through the office doors, his bright blue eyes calm and unwavering.

"Hokage-sama, you called for me?"

Hiruzen studied him for a moment, exhaling smoke before speaking.

"Minato, I am assigning you a group of students from this graduating class. What are your thoughts?"

Minato smiled, the picture of humility.

"I will follow your arrangements, Hokage-sama. I am at your service."

Hiruzen nodded, reassured by his answer.

"Good. I intend to assign you an Uchiha—Uchiha Obito. This way, when you eventually take over as Hokage, the Uchiha clan will have fewer objections. Among the Jōnin of Konoha, you are the one I trust most. I believe you will not disappoint me."