Naruto Birdcage

In the Hokage Building's conference room, the village's high-ranking officials gathered.

The heads of various prominent clans, such as Hyuga Hiashi, Uchiha Fugaku, and Nara Shikaku.

Along with some well-known jonin, including Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Namikaze Minato.

On the left and right sides of the Hokage, two Hokage advisors sat, along with Danzo Shimura.

These individuals were gathered to discuss the issue of the Kiri-nin who had been harassing their borders.

The Fourth Great Ninja War had not yet ended; it had only entered a period of relative calm.

Both Konoha and Iwagakure had suffered heavy losses, while the remaining three of the Five Great Shinobi Countries still had some strength left.

No one could predict how things would develop in the future.

"Everyone, who do you think should take responsibility for the Kiri-nin?" Hiruzen, sitting at the head of the table, looked at the people on either side of him.

The people present looked at each other in silence, with no one taking the initiative to speak.

The so-called main candidate for the position was only between two choices: Minato and Orochimaru, and everyone present knew it well.

But at this moment, no one was willing to be the first to speak up and express support for one over the other.

Seeing that no one spoke, Hiruzen turned his gaze to his right, where Jiraiya was still sitting with his arm in a sling.

"Jiraiya, what do you think?"

Jiraiya, upon hearing this, felt somewhat awkward. If he had to say, he would naturally support his own disciple.

But Orochimaru was sitting right across from him, and past events made him feel guilty. He didn't feel comfortable answering Hiruzen's question.

"How about... I go?" he stammered.

Hiruzen looked at him, somewhat exasperated.

"Enough, with your current state, just don't make things worse."

Jiraiya immediately chuckled awkwardly.

"I say I want to go, and you won't let me."

Hiruzen, uninterested in Jiraiya's evasive answer, shifted his gaze to the others.

Fugaku and Hiashi, each sitting in their respective seats, closed their eyes to rest, seemingly ignoring everything around them.

"I nominate Minato," Shikaku suddenly spoke up.

"In the battle against the Iwa Ninjas, everyone's aware of Minato's performance. It is because of Minato that we were able to win time and time again.

In this war with the Kiri-nin, Minato will surely lead us to victory," Shikaku stated confidently.

Hiruzen nodded in approval, his gaze scanning the room once more. "Does anyone else have a different opinion?"

Shikaku started the discussion, and several others in the room voiced their support for Minato.

Orochimaru remained expressionless, his eyes briefly glancing at each person as they spoke.

"I think it should be Lord Orochimaru." a voice finally interrupted.

This person cited Orochimaru's support during the previous battle with the Iwa Ninjas, mentioning that if Orochimaru had led them from the start, they would have defeated the Iwa Ninjas much earlier.

His argument garnered quite a few supporters.

Listening to the voices in favor of Orochimaru, Danzo couldn't help but curl the corner of his mouth in a small smile.

Fortunately, the supporters of Minato and Orochimaru did not get into any disputes, simply presenting their opinions.

While each side had its own supporters, there was mutual respect for the other candidate.

Hiruzen secretly sighed in his heart, as he had already anticipated this situation.

He had intended to have Minato take the position of the main commander, but he also knew this might cause dissatisfaction among some people.

After all, Orochimaru had saved Konoha, and everyone owed him a debt of gratitude.

Hiruzen glanced at Orochimaru and found that he was also looking directly at him.

After a moment of contemplation, Hiruzen spoke, "Orochimaru, what do you think...?"

"I think it's better for Minato to lead us into this battle." Orochimaru interrupted Hiruzen before he could finish his sentence.

As soon as these words were spoken, the meeting room erupted in astonishment.

Everyone present was shocked—was this really something that came out of Orochimaru's mouth?

Danzo immediately furrowed his brows, his gaze darkening.

He had specifically reminded Orochimaru to vie for this position, and now Orochimaru was willingly handing it over!

Minato sat there stunned for a moment, and after regaining his senses, he quickly spoke, "No, I'm still far less capable compared to Senior Orochimaru..."

"You don't have to be so modest, Minato." Orochimaru said with a faint smile.

"You've been on the front lines, fighting side by side with everyone, and the villagers trust you more. I believe you can definitely lead us in repelling the Kiri-nin."

Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and the others who were familiar with Orochimaru were all taken aback, as if they were seeing him in a completely new light.

Hiruzen pondered for a long time but could not figure out what scheme Orochimaru might be plotting.

At this moment, Orochimaru turned to Jiraiya and asked, "Jiraiya, what do you think?"

Jiraiya snapped out of his daze and replied, "I... agree with your idea."

Orochimaru's gaze swept over the rest of the people in the room.

"Compared to Minato, I'm not suited for this position. There's no need for anyone to nominate me. I believe Minato can do better than I can."

Everyone exchanged glances, and if the occasion had allowed, they would have whispered among themselves.

Hiruzen cleared his throat and then made his decision.

"Since Orochimaru has said so, Minato, you'll handle the situation with the Kiri-nin."

Minato stood and bowed, saying, "I will do my utmost!"

Once the meeting was adjourned, Orochimaru ignored the cold, malicious gaze from Danzo and left the room.

Watching a few groups of people whispering amongst themselves, Orochimaru felt a sense of disdain.

These people would never guess what he would do next.

Each of them held high positions, but in Orochimaru's view, their political minds were lacking.

In this regard, Makoto completely overshadowed them.

With this thought in mind, he had already excluded himself from their affairs.

Orochimaru believed that he simply had no interest in dealing with these matters or aligning with them.

Furthermore, with Makoto there to offer advice, that was more than enough for him.

Meanwhile, Minato, along with the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, left the Hokage building.

Shikaku was still frowning, deep in thought about Orochimaru's unpredictable actions today.

It was widely known that Orochimaru coveted the position of Hokage, but what had caused him to change his mind?

"Could it be...?" Shikaku suddenly murmured, as if struck by a thought.

"What's wrong?" Minato asked.

Shikaku's expression shifted, and he spoke in a low voice to Minato,

"Do you remember why we were pushed back again and again during our battle with the Iwa ninjas?"

Upon hearing this, the faces of the others immediately changed.

Minato furrowed his brows slightly and said,

"Shikaku, if you're thinking like this, then you're assuming that Senior Orochimaru is involved in the traitor matter."

Shikaku's meaning was clear: the reason Orochimaru had given up the position to Minato was likely to secretly manipulate things behind the scenes, causing Minato to fail on the front lines.

At that point, Orochimaru could play the role of the savior again and reap all the benefits.

Shikaku replied, "Minato, this is a serious matter. We cannot afford to be careless."

Minato, however, said, "If it's really Orochimaru's doing, then we must present evidence. The Hokage and all our comrades in Konoha will judge the culprit. Without evidence, it's just our wild speculation. We cannot base our assumptions about others' intentions on that. Since I've taken this position, I will do everything I can to bring victory to the village!"

Shikaku, upon hearing this, could only smile wryly.

Flattering words were something Minato excelled at, but when it came to other matters, they would have to take action themselves.

End of chapter

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