Just as Xin had predicted, with someone like Tsunade at the helm of either logistics or finance, Danzo and the elders were effectively neutered.
They were stuck, unable to advance or retreat comfortably.
Danzo should consider himself fortunate that the Third Hokage insisted on retaining control over the finance department.
Had Tsunade taken over finances, Danzo's life would have been far worse.
Compared to finances, the logistics department was almost insignificant.
If Tsunade controlled the finances, Root would have no future, and the elders wouldn't be able to do anything.
Logistics might inconvenience them, but controlling the finances would be their death sentence.
"Danzo, you're going to regret underestimating him," Orochimaru muttered to himself.
Danzo still underestimated Xin. Orochimaru believed this was foolish and that Danzo would pay the price eventually.
He needed to make preparations.
Currently, he was in competition not just with Sakumo Hatake but with Danzo as well.
Orochimaru wouldn't stoop to slandering Sakumo Hatake, but Danzo definitely would.
Which meant his true competition was Danzo-a man who operated from the shadows. And for the time being, Danzo wouldn't pose much of a threat. Orochimaru felt that his goal of becoming the Fourth Hokage wasn't as difficult as it seemed.
As long as the Third Hokage was willing to step down, he had a significant chance.
Sakumo Hatake's reputation was tarnished. Danzo lacked the standing and had too many weaknesses.
Jiraiya had no interest in becoming Hokage.
And Tsunade? She showed no desire for the position either. That made Orochimaru the best candidate for the Fourth Hokage.
The thought of becoming Hokage and finally being able to conduct his experiments freely filled Orochimaru's cold heart with anticipation.
He believed that he could grasp the secret of immortality. The cells of Hashirama Senju were the key to opening the door to eternal life.
Orochimaru wanted to become Hokage, which for Danzo meant yet another potential enemy. But Danzo had no intention of targeting Orochimaru. On the contrary, he would help Orochimaru eliminate his rivals, eventually pushing him into the position of the Fourth Hokage.
Orochimaru, like Danzo, operated in the shadows. They were like insects tied to the same thread-neither could easily shake off the other. For Orochimaru to secure the Hokage seat, Danzo's assistance would be crucial. In return, Danzo would receive some benefits, allowing him to solidify his influence and start laying down his plans. And once the time was right, Danzo would ensure that Orochimaru was taken down.
Taking down Orochimaru wouldn't be difficult; after all, his activities were far from clean. If the truth about their deeds was ever exposed, no matter if Orochimaru was Hokage or not, there would be no place for him in Konoha. The bigger threat to Danzo was if Sakumo Hatake managed to take the role of Hokage. Thus, discrediting Sakumo was necessary, regardless of whether Orochimaru was involved or not-Danzo was determined to do it.