Chapter 206: We All Underestimated You

With Veigar's analysis now laid bare, even Orochimaru found himself struggling to keep up, it was no longer a matter he alone could decide.

And just as Veigar had predicted, it wasn't just the frontlines that were in jeopardy. Even Kikyō Mountain might have already fallen to the Sand Shinobi.

War was imminent.

That was the thought searing through Orochimaru's mind.

Then, Veigar added, calm and unwavering:

"There's one more reason I'd like to add."

"If we relinquish the frontline to the Suna shinobi, we'll still retain the advantage of terrain."

"The Land of Wind and the Sunagakure, those are desert-born. Should they garrison within our Fire Country, the battlefield shifts in our favor."

"The Land of Fire is no desert. Their acclimation period will be our opportunity for a crushing upper hand."

"Fighting on our home soil gives us a natural edge over enemies born of sand."

"Victory in war, as I see it, hinges on three elements: Heaven's timing, Earth's terrain, and Human unity."

"Securing even one of those can sway the outcome of battle."

Orochimaru and Shikaku Nara exchanged glances. Tsunade stood in heavy silence, while Minato Namikaze stared at Veigar, wide-eyed, stunned.

Veigar's theory of the three decisive factors shook them all.

Simple. Clear. Universally understood.

What Veigar laid out was nothing short of distilled brilliance.

"Orochimaru-sama, let's discuss this further later," Shikaku urged.

"Today, we send Veigar's words back to the village. Let the Third Hokage decide personally."

Reading Orochimaru's conflicted expression, Shikaku offered a gentle nudge toward decision.

Orochimaru nodded stiffly.

"Today's discussion is to be classified S-rank," he declared.

"Anyone who leaks it will be treated as a traitor."

"I'll send word to the village now and await the old man's judgment."

His voice was firm, his expression colder than steel. A binding edict had been set.

"Understood," came the unified reply, even Tsunade responded with solemnity.

Though she outranked many in strength and reputation, Orochimaru, as battlefield commander, held the authority here.

"Dismissed."

"Veigar, you stay."

Once again, Orochimaru had singled out Veigar after the meeting's adjournment.

When the others had left, Orochimaru locked eyes with Veigar, exuding a cold, dangerous aura as he said:

"Veigar-kun… You truly surprised me."

That subtle shift, from "Veigar" to "Veigar-kun," spoke volumes. Orochimaru's regard had deepened.

Veigar replied calmly:

"You flatter me, Orochimaru-sama. I merely displayed the abilities I already possessed, at the right time."

Orochimaru's demeanor shifted. He grinned, that signature sinister curve to his lips.

"Heh heh…"

"We've all underestimated you."

Veigar offered only a silent smile.

Then Orochimaru's voice grew curious again:

"Veigar, what are your thoughts on Konoha as it stands?"

Veigar paused, then asked back:

"Do you wish to become the Fourth Hokage, Orochimaru-sama?"

The question caught Orochimaru off guard. Then, flashing a devious smile, he said:

"You really are an interesting one, Veigar-kun. I find myself more intrigued with every word you speak."

Orochimaru had heard the message loud and clear: Veigar believed Hiruzen should step down.

Otherwise, Veigar wouldn't have emphasized Fourth Hokage so specifically.

Still composed, Veigar continued:

"But… You won't get the chance."

"Will you?"

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow and asked with a sly smile:

"Oh? And why not?"

He genuinely wanted to hear Veigar's reasoning for saying he had no shot at the title of Hokage.

By credentials, Orochimaru was the Third Hokage's direct disciple.

By reputation, he was one of the Legendary Sannin.

By intellect and strategy, a prodigy acknowledged by all since childhood.

If Hiruzen retired, he should logically be the most favored candidate.

So why did Veigar believe otherwise?

Veigar's eyes were unwavering as he answered with care:

"Lord Third will never relinquish his authority."

"And he certainly won't entrust the Hokage seat to you."

"The Fourth Hokage he envisions isn't the one the village desires."

"Moreover… your closeness with Danzo-sama is a problem. Danzo's own lust for the Hokage title won't allow him to sit by and watch you take it."

"Am I wrong, Orochimaru-sama?"

Orochimaru laughed, low and wicked.

"Hehehe…"

He was no fool. Every word Veigar said was true.

But even now, Orochimaru couldn't let go of his ambition for the Hokage seat. His pride wouldn't allow him to simply walk away from the contest for the Fourth.

As Veigar walked away, Orochimaru stared at his retreating back, deeply contemplative.

Step down, or press forward?

Both paths now demanded preparation.

...

Land of Rivers, Sand Shinobi Command Post.

Rasa sat, his expression stormy, as he turned to the silent, unshaken Chiyo beside him.

"Advisor Chiyo, are you truly set on this?"

Chiyo looked directly into Rasa's eyes, her face as still as water.

"This cannot be hidden. Announce it to the village."

Rasa's expression grew even darker as he shot back:

"You know what this will cause."

Chiyo bared her teeth in a small grin.

"No. It won't cause harm. In fact, it will unify the Sand Shinobi, and strengthen our will to win against Konoha."

Rasa's voice rose in anger:

"Or it could plunge the village into ruin!"

Chiyo remained unfazed, voice calm and deep:

"No. We will win."

While the Fourth Kazekage had clearly lost his composure, Chiyo remained a paragon of calm. Fortunately, only the two of them were present, had others seen this, rumors of a rift between Kazekage and advisor would've spread like wildfire.

And Rasa's already-precarious grip on leadership would have been rocked further.

They had just finished debating whether to reveal the death of Ebizō to the village and the ninja world.

Chiyo advocated for complete transparency, to use Ebizō's death as a flame to ignite the Sand Shinobi's hatred toward Konoha. To weaponize that grief into fury.

Moreover, Chiyo intended to place a bounty on Veigar's head.

The death of Ebizō had driven Chiyo past the edge of reason, and into the eye of vengeance.

-------

Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my Patreon ——— patreon(.)com/PrimalDemon [remove the parentheses ( )]