Orochimaru was silent for a moment.
For the first time, an extremely complex emotion appeared in a pair of golden snake eyes - like regret, but also like some kind of unwillingness buried deep in the heart.
"After all, he cultivated me." Orochimaru's voice was calm, but with an almost imperceptible fluctuation. "Even if I embark on a path that he cannot understand, I don't want him to feel... that he has seen the wrong person."
Uchiha Jun stared at him for a few seconds, then nodded slowly. "Well, since you want to do it, then I will help you. I will make everything go smoothly during the inauguration ceremony tomorrow."
He returned the scroll and then changed the subject. "But - there is something I need to make clear to you in advance."
"Oh?" Orochimaru's eyebrows moved slightly.
"After I rectify Konoha's power and complete the preliminary reforms, I will withdraw a sum of funds from Konoha's finances and use it for my own business."
Uchiha Jun's voice was calm, but with unquestionable certainty, "Not much, 30%."
Orochimaru did not answer immediately, but was silent for a short while, and then showed a smile, "Chunjun, you tried so hard to push me into Hokage's position. I thought you would ask me to do something more dangerous, but it turns out you are just withdrawing funds?"
Originally, he thought that Uchiha Jun pushed himself to the position of Hokage with such force, intending to tie the entire Konoha ninja clan to the Uchiha Clan's chariot, and then make some operations to 'drive' towards Shinobi World.
Then you told me that you just wanted some 'money'?
I didn't understand, but I was shocked. jpg
"What, you don't believe it?" Uchiha Jun asked.
"Since you don't want to say it, it's all in vain for me to ask." Orochimaru spread his hands, "With the way you act, Jun-Jun, you will never do anything detrimental to Konoha - at least not at this stage, right?"
"Tsk, tsk, these days, no one believes the truth, okay, just forget it if you don't believe it."
The next morning, in Hokage Building's largest conference room, both sides of the long table were already filled with people.
The thick mahogany tabletop glowed with a warm luster in the morning light, and the smell of tea and tobacco floated in the air.
According to the specifications of the Konoha Supreme Meeting, those present today are not only the heads of the various ninja clans, but also the delegation personally led by the Land of Fire daimyo.
The main seat, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat motionless, holding the pipe that never left his body, white smoke rising slowly in front of his wrinkled face.
Beside him were two consultants - Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura. Although their expressions were calm, their eyes could not conceal the complexity of power.
On the right side of the main seat, the seat of Uchiha Jun has been arranged almost flush with Hokage - this has never been done before in the history of Konoha.
Wearing a black Jonin uniform, with a relaxed expression, he was slowly turning the tea cup in his hand, as if today's meeting to determine Konoha's future had nothing to do with him.
Next to him was Uchiha Fugaku, who was being pulled by Uchiha Jun to experience the charm of 'power'.
But compared to the calm and calm Uchiha Jun, Uchiha Fugaku, the patriarch of the Uchiha Clan, seems a little reserved and visibly excited.
After all, the status of the Uchiha Clan today is probably not comparable to that of Madara Uchiha at the time of Konoha!
I originally thought that I was at best a "conservative" clan leader, but I didn't expect that after a wave of searches, I just won all the way!
"Your Highness the Daimyo has arrived--!"
The announcement sounded, and the doors of the conference room were pushed open from both sides.
A middle-aged man wearing a purple court dress and a high crown walked in.
He is thin and has a gentle face with a hint of the shrewdness of a superior. He is exactly the name of Land of Fire - Uehara Zhenghui.
Behind him were three civil servants who served as consultants to Konoha, each holding a document scroll.
Everyone present stood up and saluted.
"I have met His Highness the Daimyo."
Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed slightly.
The heads of the Ninja clan bowed one after another with respectful gestures.
Uchiha Jun also stood up, but did not bow deeply. He just nodded slightly and looked at the daimyo calmly.
And the daimyo's eyes fell on him right away.
--Not because he stood in a conspicuous position, but because this young man seemed too abrupt among everyone.
The youngest ninja clan leader present is over thirty years old, and although Uchiha Jun is only twelve or thirteen years old, with the help of Compound No. 1, his height has reached 1.8 meters, but his face is obviously childish.
"This must be Mr. Uchiha Jun, right?"
Seeing Uchiha Jun, Uchiha Jun did not salute. Although Uehara Zhenghui was displeased, his long-standing political literacy prevented him from showing any signs of it. There was a hint of smile in his voice, and his eyes stayed on Uchiha Jun for a few seconds.
He praised, "It is true that a hero comes from a young age. Chunjun's deeds on the battlefield. I have heard the Fugaku clan chief speak in detail. He killed Eight-Tails Jinchuriki in formation, captured Two-Tails Jinchuriki alive, and forced Fourth Raikage back with his own power... This achievement is rare even among the strongest Kage Levels in the past."
"I didn't expect... to be so young."
There was indeed surprise in Uehara Zhenghui's tone - this surprise was not a polite expression, but a feeling from the bottom of his heart.
"Your Highness has given you too much praise." Uchiha Jun put down the tea cup and spoke calmly.
"As Konoha Ninja, it is our duty to protect the village. It is Konoha's honor to have His Highness personally present."
Uehara Zhenghui looked a little more appreciative, nodded, and walked to the guest of honor seat prepared for him to sit down.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took in this scene and sighed softly in his heart, but still didn't say anything more. He cleared his throat and announced:
"Today I am convening you all for a major event related to the future of Konoha - the formal succession process of Fourth Hokage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice was calm, with the dignity that Hokage should have. "After consultation between the Jonin joint meeting and the advisory group, and with the approval of His Highness the Daimyo, Fourth Hokage's successor has been determined."
After saying that, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned sideways and glanced at the seat on the left.
Orochimaru stood up in response.
Today, Orochimaru is wearing a white kimono with a dark purple haori cover. Her long black hair hangs neatly on her shoulders. She no longer has the usual cold, snake-like aura, but is replaced by the solemnity and momentum of future Hokage.
However, due to its unique snake eyes, it is still far behind the peaceful temperament of Namikaze Minato.
"Orochimaru." Sarutobi Hiruzen said word by word, and his voice spread throughout the conference room.
"Fourth Hokage will be officially succeeded in front of Hokage Building this afternoon."
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a low commotion in the conference room - although everyone had already known the result, it still shocked people when it was officially announced.
Mitokado Homura pushed up his glasses and was the first to speak, "What Third said is absolutely true. Orochimaru has made outstanding contributions to Third Shinobi World War. His qualifications, strength, and reputation are enough to take on this position."
"I agree."
"Second." Utatane Koharu followed closely, "Orochimaru succeeds Hokage, and Konoha's future will definitely be brighter."
There is no way, who could let Orochimaru have such a mad dog like Uchiha Jun behind him.
They snatched Byakugan in front of the Hyuga Clan, and forced Hyuga Main Family to greet him with a smile. The two consultants were completely convinced by this arrogance.
Otherwise, Uchiha Jun might have to have a 'chat' with them.
The two consultants' statements were like turning on a switch.
"Kurama Clan, fully support Lord Orochimaru to succeed Hokage!" Kurama Murakumo was the first to stand up, and his voice was so loud that he was afraid that others could not hear him.
"Hyuga Clan... second the motion." Hyuga Hiashi's voice had an inexplicable stiffness, but he still raised his hand.
"Ino-Shika-Cho Clans, second the motion." Nara Shikaku spoke on behalf of the trio, with a calm tone.
"Aburame Clan Seconds the motion."
"Inuzuka Clan Seconds the motion."
"Akimichi Clan..."
One after another, the ninja clan expressed their stance, and their voices came and went, forming an unstoppable tide.
Finally, everyone's eyes fell on the seat of the Uchiha Clan.
Uchiha Fugaku stood up, adjusted his collar, and spoke in a solemn voice as if he was swearing, "Uchiha Clan, I would like to fully support Lord Orochimaru in succeeding Fourth Hokage!"
"The future of Konoha will surely be even more brilliant!"
Uchiha Fugaku's words were loud and clear, carrying the weight that a ninja clan leader should have.
Seeing that the 'ally' was so powerful and actually forced the Konoha ninja clan to agree unanimously, Uehara Zhenghui nodded with satisfaction, and then said, "In this case, on behalf of the Land of Fire Daimyo Palace, I officially recognize Orochimaru as Fourth Hokage."
Then, Uehara Zhenghui gestured sideways, and a civil servant behind him immediately unfolded a scroll and read aloud:
"Order Land of Fire Daimyo Palace, hereby confirms that Konohagakure Jonin Orochimaru is the heir of Fourth Hokage."
"From the date of succession, the annual armament and construction funds allocated by the Daimyo Palace to Konoha will be increased by 30% on the original basis."
"At the same time, in recognition of the Uchiha Clan's outstanding contribution in this war, a special bonus of 700 million taels has been allocated for clan land construction and post-war pensions--"
As soon as this amount came out, there was a gasp of air in the conference room.
Seven hundred million taels--this is almost equivalent to the total wealth of two or three small and medium-sized ninja clans!
Unexpectedly, Uchiha Clan and Daimyo Palace are still connected, what a plan!
Orochimaru's expression remained calm, but the corners of his mouth raised an almost invisible arc.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took that command into his ears, and the fingers holding the pipe tightened slightly, but he soon relaxed and resumed his kind smile.
"Okay, since His Highness the Daimyo has already understood this, the succession process has been decided."
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up and glanced across the audience, "In the afternoon, in front of Hokage Building, the inauguration ceremony will be held."
"At that time, I will personally hand over the Hokage bamboo hat to Orochimaru."
"The heads of each ninja clan need to lead their clansmen to watch the ceremony. Anbu is responsible for guarding, and the security team is responsible for maintaining order."
"Everyone, do you still have any questions?"
The whole place was quiet, no one made a sound.
"Then let's break up the meeting."
Everyone began to stand up, and the ninja clan leaders walked out in groups of twos and threes, talking in low voices.
When Uehara Zhenghui walked to the door surrounded by his entourage, he paused slightly and turned back to look at Uchiha Jun.
"Chunjun, if you have the opportunity in the future, you might as well come to the Daimyo Palace more often."
Uehara Zhenghui's voice was lowered a bit, but with a seriousness that was different from politeness. "I am looking forward to your future Uchiha Clan."
"Yes." Uchiha Jun nodded, "When the village affairs stabilize, I will definitely visit you."
Uehara Zhenghui nodded with a smile, turned and left.
Uchiha Jun stood there and glanced in the direction of Orochimaru casually.
Orochimaru is standing by the window. The sun shines through the glass, casting a bright light and shadow on him.
In the depths of those golden snake eyes, a quiet and long-lasting flame seemed to be burning.
Noticing Uchiha Jun's gaze, he turned his head and an almost invisible arc appeared at the corner of his mouth.
There was no dialogue between the two, but in that brief look at each other, everything was silent.
Konoha is particularly lively in the afternoon.
Starting after the meal, the central square in front of Hokage Building was crowded with villagers who came to watch the fun - there were women holding children, old people on crutches, and young ninjas who had just returned from the front line of the mission.
Some of them stood on tiptoes and looked in the direction of the building, and some talked to each other about their expectations for the new Hokage.
On the viewing platforms on both sides of the square, the chiefs of the major ninja clans have taken their seats one after another.
Ino-Shika-Cho Clans was sitting in the front row, Nara Shikaku had his arms folded, his expression was calm and showed no emotion, Akimichi Choza was holding a bag of unopened potato chips in his hand, but had no intention of opening it; Yamanaka Inoichi lowered his head slightly, as if thinking about something.
Hyuga Hiashi sat slightly behind with Hizashi Hyuga. His expression still maintained the majesty of the patriarch, but his eyes drifted in the direction of Uchiha Clan Grounds from time to time - to be precise, they drifted to the young man who was standing in the corner of the square with his hands in his pockets, as if everything had nothing to do with him.
Hyuga Hiashi pressed his eye sockets subconsciously - the pair of Byakugan that originally belonged to Hyuga Ten were now lying quietly in the sealed jar of Uchiha Jun. He took a deep breath and forced himself to look away.
"Lord Hokage to--"
Anbu's announcement echoed in the square, and everyone's eyes were focused on the top floor of Hokage Building.
The third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, wearing a white Hokage robe with the word "" printed on it, slowly walked up to the podium on the top of the building.
There was a gentle smile on his face, but a complex emotion flashed in his eyes - it was the last nostalgia before the end of the old era.
Behind him were two consultants - Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, both of whom were also wearing formal attire and had solemn and solemn expressions.
"Dear villagers, fellow ninja clan members."
Sarutobi Hiruzen cleared his throat, and the sound spread throughout the square through the increase of chakra.
"Today, I am standing here to announce something important."
Then, Sarutobi Hiruzen paused for a moment, glanced at the dark crowd below, and his voice gradually became calm and powerful.
"I have served as the third generation of Hokage for more than forty years. In these forty years, Konoha has experienced Shinobi World War, experienced countless life and death, and witnessed the growth and blooming of countless new shoots."
"Now, the new shoots of Konoha have grown into towering trees."
"I am an old man, it's time for me to step down and give way to someone more worthy."
There was a low commotion in the crowd.
Although there have been rumors for a long time, when the third generation Hokage said it himself, the impact was still shocking.
Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "The person who will replace me is the ninja who has outstanding military exploits and outstanding strength in this Shinobi World War, and is widely recognized by everyone--"
He turned sideways and looked in the direction of the stairs. "Orochimaru."
As soon as he finished speaking, a figure slowly walked out of the shadows.
Orochimaru put on a brand new white kimono today, with a dark purple belt tied around her waist, and her long black hair fluttered gently in the morning breeze.
There was no usual cold smile on his face, instead there was a solemn and solemn expression - the majesty that a Hokage candidate should have.
He walked to Sarutobi Hiruzen, lowered his head slightly, and saluted his teacher.
Sarutobi Hiruzen patted him on the shoulder, then turned to the crowd and raised his voice a little higher.
"In Third Shinobi World War, Orochimaru led the Konoha troops, fought repeatedly with the Kumogakure army on the Land of Hot Water front, repelled the enemy's main force many times, and successfully defended the entrance to Land of Fire."
"On the Sunagakure front, he severely damaged Suna-nin's main force with lightning speed, forcing Daimyo of the Land of Wind to sit down and sign an armistice agreement."
"These achievements are obvious to everyone present."
"Today, here, I officially hand over Hokage Position to Orochimaru."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said, taking out a black Hokage bamboo hat from behind - it was Hokage's most solemn symbol, with the eye-catching red "four" printed on it.
He raised the bamboo hat with both hands and handed it to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru stretched out his hand and took the bamboo hat with both hands, his movements solemn and slow.
The moment his fingers touched the bamboo hat, the atmosphere suddenly became solemn.
Orochimaru raised the bamboo hat high and put it on his head.
At that moment, the morning light passed through the clouds and fell on him, making the white kimono and black hat shine.
In the square, after a brief silence, a burst of deafening cheers broke out!
"Lord Hokage!"
"The Yondaime!"
"Long live Lord Orochimaru!"
"Hokage! Hokage! Hokage!"
Cheers swept the entire square like a tide, one wave higher than the next.
Those villagers who had doubts about Uchiha Jun's great power now joined the cheering team - after all, when the war ends and peace comes, whoever can bring stability and order to everyone will be the hero.
And in the corner of the cheers, Uchiha Jun was still leaning against the wall, with his hands in his pockets, and his expression was dull. But those who are careful will find that the corners of his mouth slightly raised in a very small arc.
At this moment, a crisp system prompt sounded in Uchiha Jun's consciousness.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations to the host for completing the hidden mission: the shadow of Hokage]
[Mission goal: Successfully support Orochimaru to succeed Fourth Hokage, so that Uchiha Clan's political status in Konoha reaches its historical peak]
[Task Rating: S]
[Rewards are being distributed...]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining: random S-level ninja fragments × 15, random A-level ninja fragments × 30, Shinobi World Recruitment Ticket × 10, Gold Coin × 8000, the title "Konoha Root" (can be equipped, effect: within the range of Konoha, the obedience of all ninja forces +20)]
[New mission unlocked: Tide of the New Era]
[Task goal: In the next Konoha reform, remove all obstacles that hinder the rise of the Uchiha Clan, so that the overall economic strength of Konoha ranks first among Five Great Ninja Villages]
[Task time limit: three months]
[Punishment for failure: Lock the S-level ninja pool (only A-level ninjas will be dropped in the next recruitment)]
[Task Reward: Open [Artifact] Template]
Uchiha Jun's eyes moved slightly, and then his expression calmed down.
He raised his head and looked at the figure wearing the Hokage bamboo hat on the stage, with a deep light flashing in his eyes.
The next morning, the Konoha air was still filled with the smell of smoke and alcohol from yesterday's celebration.
Uchiha Jun stood in front of the mansion deep in the clan area. The morning light shone on him through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled light and shadow on the ground.
Uchiha Fugaku has just sent away the last wave of ninja representatives who came to congratulate them - these people's faces were full of complimentary smiles, and they said beautiful words such as "Jun-sama is young and promising" and "Uchiha Clan has a bright future", but they had their own thoughts hidden deep in their eyes.
Uchiha Jun doesn't care about this either.
The chess game of this power reshuffle has been settled, and all that remains is the finishing work.
Turn around and push open the door of the mansion.
Inside the house, three figures were waiting for him.
Uchiha Hikari was sitting on a chair by the window, with a ray of morning light outlining her cold profile.
Yugito was sitting cross-legged on the tatami in the living room, his once wild eyes now only waiting calmly.
Chino huddled in the shadow of the corner, like a little beast hiding in the dark and observing the surrounding environment - although Uchiha Jun has given her enough shelter and security, the psychological trauma left by the family's destruction will obviously not be healed in a short time.
"Come back?" Uchiha Hikari turned his head, his voice as cold as ever.
"Yeah." Uchiha Jun walked to sit opposite her, took out a scroll from his arms, and spread it out on the table.
It was a hand-drawn map - marking the general location of the Rōran ancient city in Land of Wind and Dragon Vein.
After all, Uchiha Jun's impression of Dragon Vein in his previous life was limited to those within the territory of Land of Wind.
Being able to mark the ancient city of Rōran is all thanks to the intelligence network of the Uchiha Clan and Kakuzu.
"Guang, I have a task to give you, and this task is also very different from your goal."
Uchiha Hikari didn't speak, just turned his eyes to the map.
"This place is called Rōran." Uchiha Jun's finger gently tapped the location marked on the map.
"There is an extremely special chakra sealed there - Dragon Vein."
He paused and quickly organized the words in his mind.
"According to what I know, Dragon Vein has some special chakra that can exert the power to travel through time and space."
"But this kind of power is extremely unstable. If you rely solely on passive triggering, it will be difficult to accurately control the time and space coordinates."
Uchiha Hikari's pupils shrank slightly.
Traveling through time and space - these four words were like a stone dropped into the lake of her peaceful heart, causing ripples in circles.
"You want me to explore the location of Dragon Vein?"
"That's right." Uchiha Jun nodded.
"If you want to travel through time and space and return to Warring States Era for revenge, you need to find out in advance the specific location, seal status, and surrounding power distribution of Dragon Vein."