Nothing More Than That

"Otoha- kun, what are your thoughts on Madara Uchiha?"

Orochimaru asked very directly.

However, Otoha was completely confused.

Bringing up ancestors who died decades ago—is it an attempt to dredge up old grievances? But such an excuse is far too lame!

"Hmm... I don't really have any opinion. It just feels like he made a crucial wrong choice, and as a result, he went from being a hero to a traitor. It's like a boring, lousy story." Although Otoha didn't understand why she was being asked such a question, after pondering for a moment, she still gave her answer.

The name Madara Uchiha represents an extremely complex figure for the Uchiha Clan. He was the strongest member of the clan in history, a hero who led the clan to its peak, but his eventual betrayal of the village plunged the clan into an extremely awkward situation.

Some admire this ancestor with unparalleled martial prowess, some are perplexed by Madara's betrayal, and some harbor resentment towards him.

A thousand people, a thousand faces; that's all there is to it.

When Otoha replied, the Third Hokage and the others who had been chatting quietly shut their mouths and pricked up their ears. Tsunade and Jiraiya fell silent. In the large courtyard, only Otoha's voice echoed.

"A boring, lousy story? This is the first time I've heard that assessment." Orochimaru smiled, his eyes narrowing.

Even before Katsuki returned to the village, the message relayed by his Shadow Clone had made him restless. Therefore, as soon as Katsuki and Jiraiya entered the village, he summoned the village's leaders to a meeting and chose Minato's house as the meeting place.

Because the incident involved Madara Uchiha, they contacted members of the Uchiha Clan, but unfortunately, Fugaku had left the village two days prior.

Orochimaru didn't like arguing with the old fogies of the Uchiha Clan, so Katsuki and Minato came up with an idea and asked Otoha to come over.

Otoha's father holds a high position of power in the Uchiha Clan. No matter how carefree he may seem, his strength is sufficient, and he will undoubtedly become one of the pillars of the clan in the future. Moreover, such a pillar is relatively close to the Hokage lineage, which is definitely something Orochimaru would like to see.

"How boring. He was wise and decisive throughout his life, but in the end, he suffered a terrible setback, ruining his good reputation. Not only did he die, but he also dragged his descendants down with him... Ugh! This story is awful. I still prefer the kind of happy ending where everyone is together and lives happily ever after."

Otoha pursed her lips.

As Otoha finished speaking, the Third Hokage and the others exchanged glances, raised their teacups, and the solemnity on their faces eased slightly. It seemed that they hadn't chosen the wrong person this time.

"Oh, I didn't realize you were such a child at heart," Katsuki interjected teasingly.

"Hehe, I'm not as far-sighted, mature, and steady as you, old man."

Otoha retorted sarcastically, making Katsuki's eyes twitch.

"Damn, you're definitely asking for a beating today, aren't you? Come over here and let's have a go." Katsuki glared at him, but the latter immediately turned his head away, ignoring him.

"Otoha- kun, this terrible story is far from over. Madara Uchiha... is still alive."

Orochimaru intervened at the opportune moment, nipping the sparks in the bud between Katsuki and Otoha.

"Lord Hokage? What did you say? I was hallucinating for a moment. I actually heard news that Madara Uchiha is still alive. Haha, what a terrible joke..."

No one laughed.

In the corridor, a gentle breeze rustled the hems of their clothes, and the high-ranking officials all wore bitter expressions.

"If I could, I'd hope this was just a terrible joke, completely unfunny," Orochimaru sighed softly. "But, based on the information I've received, there's a high chance that Madara Uchiha is still alive."

Otoha stood there blankly, motionless like a wooden puppet or clay sculpture.

His mind was in turmoil. The news struck him like a thunderbolt, leaving him completely bewildered and disoriented. To be told that Madara Uchiha still alive was simply utterly shattering his understanding of the world...

My mind was in complete turmoil!

"Even if Madara Uchiha were alive, he would have long since severed all ties with his clan."

Otoha lowered her voice, her eyes suddenly turning bloodshot. She struggled to sort out her thoughts, trying hard not to let her inner turmoil show. Three black Tomoe swirled rapidly in her eyes.

The most urgent task is to sever ties between Madara Uchiha and the Uchiha Clan. Otherwise, the clan will suffer even more at the hands of their ancestor this time, Uchiha cannot withstand such a blow again.

"Otoha! Otoha!!"

The shouts were like the tolling of bells, the vibrations causing a sharp pain in his head.

However, the growing panic in my heart was temporarily contained by the TOEFL.

He took a deep breath and glanced gratefully at Katsuki, who had called him. If it hadn't been for Katsuki waking him up, he didn't know what kind of embarrassing situation he would have been in. Being in a daze in front of so many important people would have made him lose face completely.

"Lord Hokage, what is the purpose of your summons today? Please speak plainly."

In the corner of the alley outside the house, the old ginkgo tree swayed in the wind, its verdant leaves being swept away by the strong wind and dancing in the air.

Orochimaru reached out and grabbed a green leaf, pinching its tender stem. He looked at the equally energetic Otoha and suddenly laughed.

"Otoha- kun, don't be nervous. I have no hostility towards the nobles. My request is simple: when the news that Madara Uchiha is still alive spreads, the Uchiha Clan must maintain a firm stance, especially avoiding any situation where they turn against us. To be honest, I'm very afraid that someone might stab us in the back on the front lines..."

"... Lord Hokage, do you want us to point our swords at our ancestors?"

"No, no, no, remember that the real Madara Uchiha is long dead. Once you step out of this courtyard, all you need to know is that someone has impersonated your noble ancestor, that's all." Orochimaru denied it repeatedly.

"That's all?"

Otoha repeated it, her expression shifting, before finally giving a bitter smile.

"Yes! That's all... an imposter... that's all."

"Besides this, Otoha- kun, there's someone else here who needs your help to identify." Orochimaru turned and called out, "Jiraiya."

"I'm here! I'm here! Lord Hokage, don't worry, I'm right here, I haven't run away!" Jiraiya muttered nonsense, but deftly pulled out the portrait he had made himself.

The portrait was delivered to Otoha.

He unfolded the portrait and examined it carefully for a few breaths.

"This is Genso... The portrait looks a lot like Genso, Uchiha Genso. He disappeared during a mission about two years ago, never to be seen again... What? Is this also related to Genso?"

Jiraiya leaped over and retrieved the portrait.

"There's a connection, of course there's a connection, a very big connection."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. Although he didn't know what methods were used, he could roughly imagine a similar scheme: using the disciples of the Senju and Uchiha as weapons.

"What a brilliant move!"