A trace of icy mockery flashed through Orochimaru's eyes.
Though he had defected from Konoha, he had remained "exceptionally concerned" about it!
Over the years, as an outsider, he had seen things more clearly than anyone. That was precisely why he had grown increasingly unable to tolerate this festering rot!
As for the Hyuga clan's disgrace?
He had already fled by then. Naturally, it was Danzo, that "intimate ally" of his, who had personally recounted the matter as gossip to mock Hiruzen Sarutobi's incompetence.
Danzo may have maliciously distorted some details, but the cold framework of it was real enough to cut to the bone:
Under the pretense of a "peace treaty," Kumogakure's delegation had attempted to kidnap Hinata, the eldest daughter of the Hyuga main family.
To protect his daughter and his clan's honor, Hyuga Hiashi had killed the kidnapper leader on the spot.
Kumogakure had then turned around and accused Konoha, threatening war unless Konoha handed over Hyuga Hiashi's head.
And the result?
Hizashi Hyuga had died in his brother's stead!
Heh.
Konoha's second-largest clan had been forced, for the sake of peace negotiations, to offer up its clan head's life. In the end, only his younger brother stepping forward had spared him.
In the end, Konoha gained a humiliating peace!
Tsk, tsk.
"Nine years ago, emissaries from the Land of Lightning came in the name of peace—"
In a frigid tone, Orochimaru recounted that bloody chapter of humiliation. His golden snake eyes pierced Hiruzen Sarutobi like needles.
The old, wrinkled face remained taut, while the complex emotions in those eyes were impossible to discern.
"Third Hokage."
Orochimaru's voice abruptly rose, precise as a scalpel as it cut open Hiruzen Sarutobi's deepest scar. "When Hizashi Hyuga took his brother's place and signed that peace treaty with his own