If Hiruzen were still alive, the Aburame Clan would certainly be held accountable afterward. Their fate probably wouldn't be a pleasant one.
But if Orochimaru took power, he would go out of his way to protect the first clan that had supported him. He needed to show everyone else that those who followed him would be rewarded.
Shibi Aburame's declaration seemed to make some people see the situation more clearly. Another person immediately stepped forward.
"I support Orochimaru too."
The one who spoke was Fu Yamanaka.
"His support doesn't represent the views of the Yamanaka Clan." Inoichi Yamanaka's face darkened. He hadn't expected his own family to produce a traitor.
"We all support Orochimaru." More people stepped forward.
Chapter 98: Acting Hokage Orochimaru
The speakers were Torune Aburame and the other 'Root' officers. At this moment, they had all lined up behind Orochimaru, making their stance clear through their actions.
This was naturally within Orochimaru's expectations. After Danzo's death, they wouldn't be freed from the Cursed Seals and gain their freedom. If anything, they had lost the right to choose, because there was no one left to protect them.
Root's involvement in the rebellion was an undeniable fact. Even if they purged their own ranks and rebelled, they couldn't wash away the stain on their names.
If the new Hokage decided to hold them responsible, none of them would come to a good end.
Even the best-case scenario would mean the organization being disbanded, and that was something they couldn't accept.
Within Root, they were somebody. Without Root, what would they be?
But if Orochimaru became Hokage, their circumstances would be completely different. Back then, he had been the one Danzo had strongly supported, and Danzo had even brought him into Root's work. Calling him their old superior wouldn't be