Chapter 123 - The Righteous Gain Support, the Unjust Stand Alone
Kazane's words immediately drew everyone's gaze toward Uchiha Fugaku.
As members of Konoha's Three Legendary Sannin and direct successors to the Hokage, they naturally knew some of the ninja world's deeper secrets.
They knew how Uchiha Madara once dominated the shinobi world—through the Mangekyō Sharingan of the Uchiha clan.
Could it be… that Uchiha Fugaku had awakened the Mangekyō too?
"Kazane-sama, how did you know? I haven't told anyone yet."
Even Fugaku himself was surprised. But since Kazane had already called it out, there was no point in hiding it any longer.
He lifted his slightly bowed head, and the tomoe in his Sharingan spun rapidly, quickly merging into a whirling windmill pattern—the unmistakable Mangekyō Sharingan.
Everyone present looked on in astonishment. They hadn't expected him to actually awaken the legendary eyes.
This meant that Fugaku now stood shoulder to shoulder with the others—not by relying on his clan's power, but through his own strength.
Only now did the others in the room begin to view Fugaku as an equal.
That's how the shinobi world worked. Without personal strength, no matter your background, no one would truly treat you as an equal.
But now, Fugaku had truly stepped into the core leadership of the new Konoha.
Just as Kazane was about to answer him, a knock suddenly came from outside.
Fugaku signaled the ninja to come in. A member of the Uchiha clan entered and delivered surprising news:
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had arrived.
Though they were surprised by the visit, Orochimaru motioned for Fugaku to let them in.
Moments later, the two elders were led into the meeting chamber.
Though Homura and Koharu held little real power, as elders of the village, they could easily learn of Orochimaru's movements.
And Orochimaru had no intention of hiding. If he was going to win, it would be fair and square. If he was going to take power, it would be openly and undeniably.
It wasn't in his nature to gain the upper hand only to sneak around like a coward.
"I wonder, what brings you two elders here so late at night?" Fugaku asked with curiosity. This was, after all, his home.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru and the others remained seated, sipping tea and chatting as though the elders didn't exist.
What's she trying to pull with this silent act? Homura thought irritably, glancing at Koharu, who stood quietly with a stiff expression.
"If you didn't want to come, you shouldn't have. But since you're here, drop the act already."
"I'm here to see Orochimaru," Homura said at last, responding to Fugaku—but his eyes remained fixed on Orochimaru.
"Oh? Then may I ask what business the two elders have with me?" Orochimaru replied casually.
Of course, he already knew they were here for him. It wasn't like this visit could be a coincidence.
But up until now, they'd had no contact—and considering the animosity between their factions, Orochimaru was curious why they would show up now.
Homura glanced sideways at Koharu, who still said nothing. Realizing she wouldn't be any help tonight, he steeled himself and said directly:
"I've come to report Fire Shadow Advisor Shimura Danzo. I have evidence that he was responsible for pushing Sakumo to suicide. And those rumors that recently swept through the village? He was behind them, too. I have all the proof."
Everyone in the room froze.
They had long suspected Danzo was the one responsible for those incidents, but no one had ever been able to produce evidence.
And yet here it was—offered by the last person they would've expected.
Weren't the four of them old comrades-in-arms? Why would Homura show up here, offering the very evidence that could destroy Danzo?
Inciting rumors and pushing a fellow shinobi to suicide—if proven, even Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't be able to protect Danzo.
Danzo might not be executed, but he'd definitely be stripped of his elder position and leadership over Root.
"You want to report Elder Danzo? Shouldn't you take that to Lord Hiruzen? He's the Hokage. What do you want from me?" Orochimaru asked, feigning disinterest even though he already knew their purpose.
He wanted to see how far they were willing to go.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, as Hokage, has knowingly indulged Danzo's crimes—turning a blind eye and even helping him cover his tracks. He no longer deserves to hold the title of Hokage."
"I propose that, upon Hiruzen's return, we immediately convene a jōnin council and remove him from office. Orochimaru, I believe you should take his place."
Now was the moment to declare allegiances—and Homura, a seasoned political player, was not about to miss his chance to show loyalty.
Even Koharu stepped slightly away from him, unable to hide her disdain.
How did I end up knowing such a shameless man? she thought to herself.
Even Orochimaru and the others couldn't help but laugh at Homura's grandiose performance of righteousness.
"Alright, Elder Homura. I understand your purpose here," Orochimaru said with a light chuckle, clearly unimpressed. He waved his hand dismissively. "You may return now. If I need anything, I'll let you know."
"And… Danzo?" Homura asked cautiously.
He knew Orochimaru had understood the message, but without a clear answer, he wasn't about to leave.
He feared that after betraying Hiruzen, Orochimaru might use him and then discard him once he outlived his usefulness.
He needed a token—a visible sign of allegiance that would let the whole village know he had chosen a side. That way, if Orochimaru ever wanted to act against him, it would send a chilling message to all his supporters.
"Everything will proceed as usual. Don't worry—Danzo must die. But you two will be fine."
Orochimaru's smile faded as he gave Homura his assurance. It was a promise—of sorts.
If they could help bring down Danzo, they'd be allowed to live. But if Danzo survived…
Well, their fates would be uncertain.
"Yes, yes! Then we'll take our leave. If there's any news from Hiruzen and the others, I'll keep you informed."
Finally receiving the promise he needed, Homura and Koharu let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Homura quickly pulled along the still-unwilling Koharu, flashing awkward smiles as they left the room.
"Orochimaru, why'd you even accept those two?" Tsunade asked with a frown once they were gone. "If they can betray the old man, they can betray you too."
"I know," Orochimaru replied, the corner of his lips curling into a sinister smile. "But those two will come in handy, sooner or later."
Since freeing himself from his former restraints, Orochimaru had grown noticeably darker in personality.
'Sensei… even the two people you trusted most have now turned against you. What will you do now?'
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The Next Morning
Orochimaru received word from Homura that Hiruzen Sarutobi would return to the village that afternoon. Fearing any potential disruptions…
Kazane reached out to Hyuga Hizashi at first light to give the go-ahead: it was time to activate the plan.
Hyuga Clan Compound
Dozens of Hyuga jōnin had gathered in the clan's main courtyard.
Kazane stood beside Hizashi, flanked by a crowd of Branch House jōnin.
Opposite them stood the Main House elders, led by Hyuga Hiashi. Alongside him were more than a dozen Main House members.