Main World.
Konoha Year 30, autumn.
Konohagakure, Hokage Office.
The leaves outside the window had begun to yellow. As the wind passed through the treetops, it brought down a few leaves, which landed on the windowsill before being blown away again. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, a newly received intelligence report from the direction of Rōran spread before him. A repeatedly folded crease along the edge of the paper already showed signs of wear.
Orochimaru stood at the window with his back to the office, his gaze resting on the yellowing treetops outside.
Jiraiya stood beside the door, arms crossed, his hands resting on no furniture. He had not shifted his stance. Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up from the report toward Orochimaru, his tone that of someone asking before confirming. "What the hell? What do you mean, the entire Toyotomi Clan has Wood Release now?"
Orochimaru did not turn around. He watched the treetops outside. "According to reports from our intelligence channels, members of the Toyotomi Clan are gradually acquiring Wood Release-not as isolated cases, but as part of a wider rollout. Someone has already confirmed the first batch of successful cases."
His gaze remained on the leaves falling outside the window. "They have their own Hashirama cells, and their 'Hashirama Senju' is still alive."
Jiraiya leaned forward slightly beside the door, but did not move from his spot, merely shifting his weight. "Orochimaru, what are you planning to do?"
Orochimaru did not answer him. He turned to face Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Teacher, we must begin Wood Release experiments. Konoha must have Wood Release."
Jiraiya raised his voice a little. No longer leaning beside the door, he straightened up. "Orochimaru! Human experiments will kill people!"
Orochimaru did not look at him. His gaze remained on Hiruzen Sarutobi. "If we cannot produce