Ch. 81The Snake Returns to the Village
Chapter Summary: “The Serpent Returning to the Village”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Uchiha Sou reflects on the likely secret discussions between Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo. He suspects their policies—and their hostility toward the Uchiha—were connected to Orochimaru’s decision to send him on a nearly suicidal mission in the Land of Whirlpools.
- Sou believes Konoha’s leadership may have deliberately used him as part of a larger political scheme, especially because sending an Uchiha into a Hidden Mist-controlled region was inherently suspicious.
- Although Sou is deeply resentful of Hiruzen and Danzo, he chooses not to act against them yet, recognizing that the timing is unfavorable and that failure would be dangerous.
- Shisui fulfills his promise to deal with the Uchiha clan’s Second Elder. He informs Sou that the elder will now support their faction, alongside the First Elder and Elder Setsuna. Sou suspects either persuasion or the use of Kotoamatsukami, but does not ask for details.
- Sou rewards Shisui by training with him, leaving the younger ninja badly beaten but presumably stronger.
- Sou continues developing his combat abilities, studying Chidori and Rasengan while also attempting to awaken and improve his Susanoo. He recognizes that Susanoo is powerful but too costly to use constantly, making conventional techniques necessary.
- Orochimaru returns to Konoha after signing an armistice with the Hidden Mist. The agreement marks a major victory for Konoha after nearly a decade of the Third Shinobi World War.
- The village organizes a massive welcome ceremony attended by villagers, ninja, major clans, Hiruzen, Danzo, and other officials. The return dramatically boosts public morale.
- Sou notices Danzo among the officials and deliberately avoids drawing his attention.
- As Orochimaru enters the village to overwhelming cheers, Sou remembers that Hiruzen will eventually drive Orochimaru out of Konoha and pursue him for years. Sou silently resolves to prevent that future if possible.
- Before Sou leaves, Orochimaru notices him, smiles faintly, and nods, suggesting that he still remembers Sou and may have something important in mind.
Character Developments
- Uchiha Sou: Becomes increasingly suspicious and hostile toward Konoha’s leadership, especially Hiruzen and Danzo. He remains cautious rather than acting impulsively, while continuing to strengthen his abilities and expand his political influence within the Uchiha clan.
- Shisui: Demonstrates loyalty, efficiency, and determination by securing the Second Elder’s support. His willingness to use or facilitate Kotoamatsukami suggests that he is becoming an important instrument in Sou’s political strategy.
- Orochimaru: Returns as a celebrated war hero, at the height of his reputation in Konoha. His subtle acknowledgment of Sou hints at a continuing connection between them and possibly concealed plans.
- Hiruzen and Danzo: Are portrayed as powerful but morally ambiguous leaders who cooperate for Konoha’s benefit while manipulating evidence, people, and political outcomes. Their future betrayal of Orochimaru is foreshadowed.
- The Uchiha clan: Sou’s faction gains major political strength as the Second Elder joins the First Elder and Setsuna in supporting them.
Significant Themes
- Political manipulation and hypocrisy: Hiruzen and Danzo claim to act for Konoha while using deception, coercion, and potentially sacrificing individuals for political objectives.
- Distrust of authority: Sou increasingly sees Konoha’s leadership as a threat, particularly because of its ingrained prejudice against the Uchiha.
- Power versus restraint: Sou seeks greater strength through Chidori, Rasengan, and Susanoo, but understands that relying solely on overwhelming ocular power is impractical.
- Historical foreknowledge and intervention: Sou knows Orochimaru’s eventual exile and intends to alter the established course of events.
- Public celebration versus hidden darkness: Orochimaru’s triumphant return creates an image of unity and prosperity, while political intrigue, surveillance, and future betrayals remain concealed beneath the ceremony.
- Faction-building: Control over the Uchiha elders and the use of Shisui’s abilities show that influence within the clan is becoming as important as battlefield strength.
Character Interactions
- Sou and Shisui: Shisui reports the Second Elder’s allegiance, and Sou acknowledges the achievement without pressing him about how it was accomplished. Their relationship combines trust, mentorship, and harsh physical training.
- Sou and Hiruzen/Danzo: Sou has already met Hiruzen and suspects the leadership is connected to his dangerous assignment. At the welcoming ceremony, he observes Danzo but avoids confrontation.
- Sou and Orochimaru: Their relationship remains unresolved but significant. Orochimaru once supported Sou during his missions, later sent him on a deadly assignment, and now acknowledges him with a knowing smile and nod.
- Hiruzen and Orochimaru: Their warm public reception foreshadows the eventual collapse of their master-student relationship and the long pursuit that will follow Orochimaru’s departure from Konoha.