Naruto Kirigakure System - Chapter 30

“That’s the entire account of my encounter with Naoki Kaguya.”

Kakashi slowly recounted the fabricated details of his battle with Naoki Kaguya, addressing the gathering of Konoha’s elite, including many of its Kage-level shinobi.

Everyone listened intently, their expressions serious, trying to analyze any helpful strategies against Naoki Kaguya from Kakashi’s report.

Naturally, no one doubted Kakashi’s story, nor did they question his loyalty.

After their analysis, they felt they had gained nothing.

Of course, they had gained nothing since the entire battle was fabricated.

After a moment of contemplation, Hiruzen Sarutobi removed his smoking pipe, placing it aside. He then looked up at the stern-faced Orochimaru.

“Orochimaru, tell us about your encounter with Naoki Kaguya.”

Kakashi’s gaze shifted over, feeling a sense of unease.

Orochimaru?
Naoki Kaguya could even be the best one in the Sannin, Orochimaru.

Kakashi’s eyes filled with complexity.

No wonder such a severe meeting was called. A shinobi capable of defeating Kage-level opponents on vulnerable fronts warranted significant attention.

Kakashi bowed his head, curiosity gnawing at him.

So, what are your limits, Naoki?
Orochimaru, with a somber expression, took a few steps forward. His raspy voice recounted another fabricated tale of his battle with Naoki Kaguya.

As if scraped by sandpaper, the voice carried a barely perceptible resentment.

That brat from Kirigakure.

Are you revealing the Byakugan and Hozuki Clan’s secrets just for a commander’s position?
Orochimaru felt a burning anger at being played.

And now he had to fabricate a reason for losing to that brat.

Ridiculous. Just one look from me, and he wouldn’t dare move.

“Is that all, Orochimaru?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s gaze sharpened as he stared at his beloved student, occasionally glancing at Danzo.

Although Orochimaru’s account seemed flawless, Hiruzen, knowing his student well, had doubts.

That Byakugan was taken too quickly by someone using Hozuki techniques.

He suspected his student and old friend were behind it but did not voice his thoughts to avoid unnecessary conflict within the village.

It’s just a pair of eyes, after all.

“Yes, Sensei, I’ve finished.”

Orochimaru bowed his head, casting a scornful and evil look at the floor before straightening up calmly.

Hiruzen nodded, about to speak, when Danzo abruptly stood, his cold voice cutting through the air.

“Orochimaru, you mean to say simple Hozuki techniques defeated you without even using the Shikotsumyaku?”

“Do not lie!”

Orochimaru’s eyes darkened as he was about to explain.

Hiruzen waved a hand dismissively, speaking calmly.

“Danzo, Kirigakure has joined the war. We have bigger issues at hand than this.”

Danzo grunted, about to retort, but seeing no support from the two advisors beside him, he tightly gripped his cane and struck the wooden floor hard.

“You will regret this, Hiruzen!”

Hiruzen glanced at his old friend with a hint of helplessness, then firmly placed the Hokage hat on his head.

“Danzo, I am the Hokage.”

“Now, let’s focus on strategizing against Naoki Kaguya and Kirigakure.”

Danzo, seething inside, remained silent, a fire burning in his heart.

Hokage.

I must become Hokage!

Only I am fit to be Hokage!

Seeing Danzo back down, a barely noticeable smirk of mockery flickered in Orochimaru’s eyes.

Danzo, can you become Hokage?

Only someone like Hiruzen, with his public facade of righteousness, can ascend to that position.

I may not care for the Hokage’s seat, but losing the chance to compete for it because of that brat from Kirigakure is unacceptable.

“Hokage-sama.”

“Yes?”

Hiruzen looked at Orochimaru, slightly surprised by his initiative, but nodded.

“Do you have a plan?”

“Yes, Sensei.”

Orochimaru moistened his dry lips, exuding a cold, murderous aura.

“Let me command the forces against Naoki Kaguya. I won’t disappoint the village.”

“Last time, due to my carelessness and an old injury, I failed to defeat him. This time, I will succeed.”

Hiruzen nodded approvingly, but his eyes shifted to Minato Namikaze, deepening the resentment in Orochimaru’s heart.

About to speak, he paused and turned to his two friends.

“Koharu, Homura, what do you think?”

Koharu immediately responded.

“In my view, aside from Naoki Kaguya, who defeated Orochimaru, Kirigakure should not be a significant threat.”

Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement.

Seeing Danzo’s reluctance, Hiruzen moved on.

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Given the new variables on the Kirigakure front, we must take this seriously.”

He looked at Minato, smiling kindly.

“Minato, how is the situation on the Land of Lightning front?”

Minato’s face turned serious, shaking his head.

“I can’t guarantee A and B won’t return, so I can’t leave the Land of Lightning for long.”

Hiruzen’s eyes briefly showed disappointment but quickly hid it. Standing up, his voice filled with authority.

“My decision is made.”

“Orochimaru will command the Kirigakure front.”

“Minato will provide support to ensure Orochimaru can gather forces and reach the front line.”

Minato stepped forward, nodding in agreement.

Hiruzen swiftly laid out the strategy.

“Minato, I’ll have several ninja squads carry your Flying Thunder God kunai to the waters where Kirigakure transports troops.”

“Just use explosive tags to disrupt their ships and slow their troop transport. No need for heavy fighting.”

“The ocean is their territory.”

Returning to his usual gentle demeanor, Minato nodded at Hiruzen’s plan.

“Hokage-sama, I understand.”

Hiruzen smiled, pleased, and placed his pipe back in his mouth.

“That’s settled then. Organize our forces and crush Kirigakure.”

“Yes!”

With that, Orochimaru and Danzo exited, followed by the others, leaving Kakashi behind.

Hiruzen looked at the lingering Kakashi with curiosity.

“Kakashi, what’s wrong?”

Kakashi clenched his fist, looking somber.

“Hokage-sama, I want to go to the Kirigakure front and kill Naoki Kaguya.”

Hiruzen, puffing his pipe, sighed and spoke with a hint of sorrow.

“Kakashi, I permit you to go.”

“But remember, only by forgetting the darkness can you live the life your comrades wished for you.”

“Yes, Third Hokage.”

Kakashi bowed his head.

Darkness, huh?

Was my father’s world dark?

And Obito, even if he’s alive, must be living in a darkness deeper than anyone’s.

Kakashi lifted his head, turned, and walked out of the Hokage building, eyes filled with resolve.

So.

For Obito’s sake, Naoki Kaguya, you must not die.

. . . . .

“Orochimaru!”

Danzo’s sharp voice stopped Orochimaru in his tracks, who turned with a mysterious smile.

“Yes, Lord Danzo?”

“What is it?”

Danzo’s tone became slow and deliberate, asserting his authority.

“Orochimaru, after defeating Naoki Kaguya, ensure his body and those eyes are well-preserved.”

Orochimaru’s smile widened with less pretense.

Danzo, eyeing new materials again?
I can secure more funds.

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