Hiruzen Sarutobi's shoulders relaxed slightly, and the Chakra he had gathered for an explosive strike slowly dissipated. His right hand hung at his side, fingers still slightly spread, but most of the tension had drained away.
Orochimaru watched him, his smile spreading from his lips to his eyes.
"Teacher Sarutobi."
"I know it wasn't you."
"But no one else does."
He took a step forward. His geta clicked softly against the stone paving.
"So you'd better run!"
"As a... Konoha Rogue Ninja!"
With that, Orochimaru threw back his head.
"Hahaha!"
His laughter exploded into the night sky!
Hoarse and shrill, it surged from deep in his throat, echoed around the courtyard, and bounced off the walls and burning houses, piling layer upon layer.
It rang with boundless joy!
With sheer gloating!
With the exhilaration of something held in for decades finally bursting free!
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood rooted to the spot, staring at Orochimaru's mouth, stretched wide with laughter. His fingers curled into fists at his sides, his knuckles cracking.
His lips pressed into a thin line, and the muscles in his cheeks went taut.
The night wind swept ashes from the ground and blew across his face. His mask fluttered, revealing the graying goatee beneath.
His goatee was trembling!
Hiruzen Sarutobi roared in fury:
"I am the Hokage of Konoha!"
"I will never become a rogue ninja!"
"Orochimaru!"
"Why have you come to Konoha?"
"Tell me! Are you behind this?"
Orochimaru looked at him, the mocking smile on his lips deepening rather than fading. His golden slit pupils narrowed in the firelight until they were fine lines.
"A little Uchiha brat forced you to step down."
"You're not the Hokage anymore!"
The corner of Hiruzen Sarutobi's mouth twitched.
Orochimaru extended his tongue and licked his lips, then the tip of