Chapter 102 – The Fist is Power: Orochimaru’s Recruitment

"So they're still clinging to hollow authority?" Gin shook his head in disbelief. "When you possess absolute power, why waste your time holding onto scraps of control? That's just inviting trouble. Real power lies in strength—the fist. Even if I delegate all the Hokage's administrative duties to subordinates, I'm not worried about losing control or becoming a puppet. My strength guarantees obedience. If anyone dares to move against me, I can end them with a flick of my hand."

He paused for a moment, then added with a bitter chuckle:

"That's where future Naruto went wrong. He let the position tie him down with endless paperwork and petty tasks—couldn't even manage his own clan, let alone the village or the ninja world. Exhausted, unfocused, misled."

Gin narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

"Sometimes I wonder... was it orchestrated by the other villages to keep him distracted and weakened? A conspiracy? Or maybe I'm just being paranoid. Either way, I won't end up as some overworked figurehead buried in scrolls."

Uzumaki Mito blinked, then gave a weary smile. "You've got a frighteningly clear understanding of power, Gin."

She sighed deeply, her thoughts drifting to the past. Her husband, Hashirama, had once entrusted administration to Tobirama and delegated power to various clans. Yet no one dared question his authority. Why? Because Hashirama was the strongest of them all. No one dared to cross him.

"Very well," Mito said at last. "Do what you believe is necessary. And when you become Hokage, yes, resurrect Hashirama and Tobirama early. Let them work to repay all the burdens they left behind. Especially Tobirama—put him to work until his pseudo-immortal Edo Tensei body drops from chakra fatigue."

Gin and Hikari exchanged confused looks.

What grudge did she have against Tobirama?

Still, the idea had a certain appeal.

"Then it's settled," Gin nodded. "With this in place, I'll return to the frontlines. We need to seize Amegakure and finish off their forces. There might even be war with Suna or Kumo next. I need to be there. The village is in your hands."

With a flicker of space-time, Gin vanished.

Uzumaki Mito and Uchiha Hikari looked at one another.

"Let's get started," said Mito.

"We'll summon people to organize and publish all the gathered intelligence—compile it into a book. The public must be informed."

"I'll ask for help from the Senju and Uzumaki clans," Hikari added.

At the Konoha Frontline Camp...

Gin reappeared in his private tent, glancing at the sky through the flap. Using his Observation Haki, he sensed that Tsunade, his clone, and the three clan detachments had yet to return.

"They're still half a day out… Hmph. Time to visit Orochimaru."

Without wasting a second, Gin teleported straight into Orochimaru's camp, arriving beside the snake summoner's personal tent. A large white snake hissed and reared up to attack—but vanished in a puff of smoke with a single glare from Gin.

He descended underground using an earth release technique, bypassing the layered seals and traps to enter the hidden laboratory.

Clack.

The lab's heavy stone doors creaked open, revealing the dim, eerie glow of test tubes and research scrolls. Orochimaru stood waiting inside, eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Well, well… Gin-kun. I didn't expect you here so soon," he said with a long, slow lick of his lips. "Shouldn't you be caught in that little trap Danzo and Hanzo so carefully prepared?"

Gin smiled thinly. "Let's just say... that trap has already snapped shut—on them."

Orochimaru's pupils contracted in shock.

"So quickly?" he hissed. "Not even half a day has passed…"

"Danzo and Hanzo are dead," Gin said plainly. "Thanks for the warning."

Orochimaru recovered swiftly, though he was clearly shaken. "You didn't need my warning. You were already several steps ahead."

"Maybe," Gin replied, his tone light. "But intent matters. You chose to side with us."

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Orochimaru's face. "So… are Danzo's and Hanzo's forces truly gone?"

"Wiped out," Gin said. "Danzo brought nearly a thousand men. Hanzo? Over two thousand. Not a single one remains. Our own side didn't lose anyone—not even seriously injured, save a few minor scratches during cleanup."

Orochimaru inhaled sharply. "That's… absurd. You had what, 500? 600 at most?"

Gin shrugged. "Closer to 550."

Orochimaru was silent, then laughed dryly. "Unbelievable… So, you came back before the others?"

"I used the Flying Thunder God to return immediately and handle urgent matters in Konoha."

"Let me guess," Orochimaru said with a smirk. "You went straight to the Root base."

Gin gave a pleased smile. "Impressive deduction."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "You found Danzo's hidden trove, didn't you? All the classified intel, the forbidden techniques, the blackmail on Hiruzen…"

Gin tilted his head, eyes gleaming. "I found everything. So, what do you think I'll do next?"

"You're preparing to move against the Third Hokage," Orochimaru replied calmly. "Danzo wouldn't have acted without his blessing. He tried to eliminate three of Konoha's most powerful clans. It's already a civil war. One side will fall—no compromise."

He sighed, eyes growing distant. "Sadly, I think I know which side."

"So, you know why I'm here," Gin said quietly.

"To recruit me," Orochimaru answered without hesitation.

Gin raised an eyebrow. "Why not assume I came to kill you?"

"If you were here to kill me, I wouldn't still be standing," Orochimaru said, a thin smile curling his lips. "Besides, I warned you. You're not the kind to ignore a gesture of cooperation."

Orochimaru's tone shifted, contemplative. "My teacher chose his path. I won't follow him into the grave. It's time to think about survival—and opportunity."

"Exactly," Gin nodded. "The war will end soon. My mother, Uchiha Hikari, and Mito-sama are already stabilizing the village. When I return with military success and support, I'll become the Fourth Hokage. And then... I'll create a dedicated Research Division in Konoha. It will focus on jutsu development, genome enhancement, advanced technology, and new weaponry."

He looked Orochimaru in the eye.

"I want you to lead it."

Orochimaru's golden eyes lit up like twin flames. He licked his lips again, this time with anticipation.

"A full division... endless resources... no bureaucratic nonsense…" he whispered. "You truly are not your master's disciple. Gin-kun, I like your vision."

Gin raised a hand. "Of course, all experiments—especially those involving humans—must comply with strict ethical oversight."

"Of course," Orochimaru said with a sly smile. "Naturally…"

Gin nodded, satisfied. "Then we're in agreement."

Orochimaru bowed slightly, a gesture of unexpected sincerity. "Lead the way, Hokage-dono."