Konoha 47 years
Kakashi is promoted to Jonin, Obito Uchiha in battle, the Battle of Kannabi Bridge breaks out, Rin Nohara dies in battle.
Chiyo used the Possession Technique to allow Shukaku to possess Gaara, who was still in the fetal stage, Gaara the Sunagakure could cultivate the One-Tails Jinchuriki.
But the major events that happened in the Ninja World that year were far from over, and some people felt that they hadn't gained enough from this battle.
At this time, in the Amegakure.
"Hanzō, these ninjas were all killed by your country's Akatsuki. Because we are still negotiating with Iwagakure, we can only transport them back for you first!"
In the pouring rain, more than a dozen body bags were lined up in a row, and behind the corpses stood more than a dozen ninjas wearing faceless masks.
The leader of this group of ninjas was also dressed in a ninja vest, except that one of his eyes was covered by thick gauze.
Wearing a gas mask, Hanzō looked at the group of people in the heavy rain, then his gaze fell on the body bags on the ground.
"I've heard a little about the Akatsuki, but I've heard that it's an organization that helps disaster victims and promotes peace."
Hanzō stared at Danzo with some disbelief, hoping to hear more from him.
"Hanzō, not everyone has such lofty ambitions as you. It is precisely because of your indulgence that they have become reckless and will eventually be caught in the crossfire, completely replacing your position!"
Faced with Hanzō's bewildered gaze, Danzo spoke eloquently, explaining that his reason for slandering the Akatsuki was to use this opportunity to gain access to Hanzo's Hanzō.
It has to be said that Danzo was quite skilled at Talk no Jutsu; his insightful views left Hanzō completely bewildered.
With his rule threatened, Hanzō had to consider the matter carefully, and he also wondered if Danzo was deliberately provoking him.
However, considering that Konoha is currently negotiating with Iwagakure, the probability of unexpected complications at this time is very small.
Danzo's words make some sense. The Akatsuki has indeed been making quite a stir lately, and it's time to give them a warning.
The two cunning old foxes successfully made contact. Danzo left some Root ninjas to assist Hanzō, while Hanzō only needed to mobilize his own forces to find the Akatsuki members.
A conspiracy against the Akatsuki is quietly unfolding, but the Akatsuki is completely unaware of it.
Meanwhile, in Konoha.
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, also made some moves.
Minato Earth Flow out of the Hokage Residence looking dazed; the sudden news had left him somewhat disoriented.
He went straight home, closed the door, and saw Kushina cooking.
"Minato, you're back?"
Seeing her beloved return, Kushina smiled sweetly at him, but when she noticed that her husband's mental state was off, she continued to ask:
"What does the Lord Hokage want with you?"
There was some worry in his words. Hearing Kushina's concern, Minato finally reacted, and a bright smile appeared on his face the next moment.
"Um... the Lord Hokage told me to prepare myself mentally, that he wants me to be the next Hokage!"
Minato scratched his head and looked at Kushina with a silly grin.
"Hmm, okay... Ah? Hokage?"
Kushina, who thought she had misheard, blurted out a reply, then exclaimed in surprise and rushed into Minato's arms, her legs still kicking wildly.
The unexpected surprise truly delighted her; what could be happier than her man becoming Hokage?
"Has anyone said when he will take office?"
After a brief moment of tenderness, Kushina, having recovered, quickly asked a question.
"The current situation is unstable, and it will probably take some more time."
The Hokage position still requires the approval of the Daimyo. The Third Hokage had high hopes for Minato, but he couldn't make the final decision immediately; the necessary procedures still had to be followed.
If Danzo knew that while he was up to something, his old rival Hiruzen Sarutobi had secretly pushed Minato aside, he would probably be furious.
Danzo is outside, Hiruzen Sarutobi is inside. You know my treacherous and despicable nature, I know your hypocrisy. My brothers and I are of one mind, and I will use my brains with my brothers.
One sought outside help, while the other went even further, stealing the entire house.
The two cunning schemers each used their own methods, but it seems that the selfless Third Hokage has the upper hand this time.
As for Orochimaru also had a chance to become Hokage, what was he doing at this time?
"That's quite a move! Danzo is definitely not someone to be trifled Danzo!"
Inside the underground laboratory, rows of people, or rather, experimental subjects, were suspended with their hands and feet bound.
These are all Danzo captured by Danzo at the front lines. They come from various countries, but the majority are from the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth.
Of course, these were all actions secretly taken by Danzo, which is one of the reasons why he went to the front line in person.
What could be more appropriate than doing these dirty things during wartime?
However, all countries have agreements, and the Geneva Conventions require that prisoners of war be treated humanely. Such persecution of prisoners of war would not be easily tolerated by any country.
Even if the Konoha Ninja found out, they wouldn't tolerate Danzo's actions. In that case, Danzo might be able to save his life because of his decades-long friendship with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
But they will definitely push Orochimaru out as a scapegoat; there's no need to even think about the idea of discarding him after he's done his work.
"The darkness of the Ninja World, Danzo has gone mad!"
Thinking of this, Orochimaru looked at a container in his hand, in which a pair of Sharingan were contained.
Ever since Orochimaru took Hizashi Hyuga's Byakugan, not only the Hyuga Clan, but also the Uchiha Clan members have become more vigilant when going out on missions.
With the subsequent events involving Obito, the Uchiha became even more focused on protecting their Sharingan.
"I didn't expect Danzo to be able to get his Sharingan under these circumstances. It seems that old man couldn't wait any longer!"
After obtaining the Sharingan, Danzo became more assertive in his speech, and he was recently forced to go to work by Danzo.
They claimed that half of the promise had been fulfilled, Orochimaru needed to produce some results to show for it.
Orochimaru could not refuse such a request. The words he had spoken in the past had now become Danzo's Danzo chip to blackmail him.
"Looks like I won't be able to go out and have fun for a while, but that's fine too, that matter is coming up soon."
We've been studying the Hashirama Cells for years; if we don't give Danzo some benefits soon, he'll probably jump up and down cursing.
Sharingan arms, he practically held a knife to Orochimaru's neck to force him to research it.
Orochimaru couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of the scene. He wondered if anyone would believe him if he told them the story—that someone had held a knife to his throat and forced him to commit a crime.
With so many experimental subjects now available, research on Hashirama Cells can be further advanced.
Clinical trials are always the fastest and most effective method. As long as there are enough subjects, many problems can be solved. It's just that it takes a lot of manpower.
He didn't care about the negotiations between various countries or the Hokage conflict; he focused on his research.
However, not long after, Orochimaru's life was disrupted by a piece of news.
"Tsunade is leaving?"