Chapter 51: Chapter 51: The Hokage Who Keeps Getting Shut Down
"I heard you used the Five Elements Seal on that kunoichi?"
"Looks like you've finished studying the sealing scroll I gave you."
Orochimaru was quite satisfied with Gekko Chizan's learning ability.
No matter what technique he taught him, he learned it quickly. The only drawback was his complete lack of talent in scientific research. Such a pity.
"By the way, sensei, can you tell me more about Danzo?"
If there was anyone in Konoha who understood Shimura Danzo best, it would undoubtedly be Sarutobi Hiruzen. But he couldn't just go and ask the Hokage.
That meant he could only turn to his own teacher.
"Hmph, let me guess, this is something Hatake Sakumo told you?"
"Since he's already brought it up, I suppose I'll give you a rough idea."
Hatake Sakumo: …So now I'm the one being blamed for this?
"Konoha doesn't only have the visible ninja forces and the ANBU."
"There's another faction called Root, and their commander is Shimura Danzo."
"I won't say more. Just remember this—stay away from him if you can. It won't do you any good."
As he spoke, Orochimaru's expression turned slightly cold.
Seeing this, Gekko Chizan instantly understood—his teacher had already crossed paths with Danzo.
Looks like he really would need to be careful in the future. Right now, someone was still protecting him, but if Orochimaru were to defect one day, his own situation would turn dire.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, go back. The techniques I've taught you should be enough for a while."
"And don't forget to bring me the blood sample soon."
Orochimaru had experiments to conduct and wasn't shy about dismissing him.
"Sensei, I've been feeling especially clear-headed and sharp lately."
"I'm sure I can help you with your research. How about giving me another chance?"
Suddenly, Gekko Chizan lit up with excitement, exuding an aura of confidence that made Orochimaru glance at him with mild surprise.
"Really?"
"Absolutely!"
"Hmm... if that's the case, it might not be a bad thing. Alright, start by dissecting a frog. If you pass, I'll consider giving you another chance."
"Understood! I won't disappoint you, sensei!"
Gekko Chizan: Dissection again! Fine, dissection it is, but why is it always a frog?
Can't you pick something else?
No wonder you and Jiraiya don't get along. You know full well that Jiraiya works with toads, and here you are butchering them with no restraint.
Still, if getting back into Orochimaru's lab meant dissecting frogs, so be it! Let's go!
Truth be told, he wasn't entirely clueless. His motives for entering the lab were far from pure. Was he really interested in research?
Nope. He was after Orochimaru's experimental results.
Unfortunately, last time he got caught after stealing some drugs and had to pretend to be completely useless to avoid suspicion, resulting in Orochimaru kicking him out.
This time, he would keep his cool—at least until he could snatch something better.
Damn, that Kusanagi sword was something else. Too bad he didn't know swordsmanship... Guess he'd have to visit Hatake Sakumo sometime soon and see if he could "accidentally" pick up some of the Hatake sword style.
Thinking as he worked, he soon had the frog neatly dissected.
"Sensei, I'm done."
Orochimaru glanced over and gave a subtle nod. Although it wasn't perfect, it was much better than before.
Looks like this kid really does value scientific research. Not bad—just having that mindset was promising.
And with his kekkei genkai and abilities, he'd make a fine student...
Just like that, Gekko Chizan was allowed back into Orochimaru's lab.
Unlike last time, there were now a lot more petri dishes inside.
To Gekko Chizan, this was a treasure trove. If his guess was right, these must be experiments involving the cultivation of First Hokage cells.
Resist!!! You must resist!
...
Hokage Tower.
"What?! ANBU?!"
"Hiruzen! I told you that kid should be handed over to me!"
Shimura Danzo was fuming. He had just come to the Hokage's office with the intent to transfer Pakura to the Root.
After all, a captive like her—if used correctly—could be a great asset, whether in dealing with Sunagakure or for his own purposes.
His Root was highly skilled in curse techniques. He believed that with his methods, he could absolutely bring Pakura into his ranks.
And once she joined Root, her identity as a prisoner wouldn't matter. She'd be part of Konoha.
But what did he hear instead?
Gekko Chizan had joined the Hokage's direct ANBU unit and was assigned to oversee Pakura.
That shattered Danzo's ambitions. How could he not be furious?
"Danzo, watch your tone. Gekko Chizan is a jonin of the village, and now a member of ANBU."
"Pakura was captured by him, so it's only natural she falls under his supervision."
"As for what happens to her next, that depends entirely on her own condition. She's a kekkei genkai user—if she's willing to join Konoha, we're not opposed."
Watching Danzo get shut down brought Sarutobi Hiruzen no small amount of joy—his voice was firmer than usual.
Old bastard, always trying to trip me up. Not this time, eh? Hahahaha!
"What about intelligence then?!"
"Don't forget, she's a Sunagakure kunoichi! The intel in her head is what really matters!"
"My Root can definitely extract valuable information from her mind!"
Danzo still wouldn't give up. But Hiruzen would never let him have his way.
To Sarutobi, once Pakura entered Konoha, she was already one of them. It was just a matter of time.
With that little brat Chizan in charge, he was confident that Pakura would come around and become a powerful asset with a kekkei genkai.
Most importantly, if she was recruited by Gekko Chizan, she would be loyal to Hiruzen's side—not Danzo's.
"No need. We already extracted all relevant intel from her on the first day she arrived."
"Here, see for yourself."
Sarutobi casually handed over a report, stamped with intel from Sunagakure.
Another point for Sarutobi. Meanwhile, Danzo was so enraged he couldn't speak.
All he could do was let out a cold snort that shook the room and storm out.
Watching his retreating back, Sarutobi burst out laughing.
"Danzo... this time, I win!"
"Hahahaha!"
Once the laughter faded, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turned grave.
"The war is coming... Sigh. We've already grasped the movements of both Sunagakure and Kumogakure."
"Next comes our response."
"As for Iwagakure..."
"Onoki... let's play this game once more."
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