Utatane Koharu sighed softly, while Homura Mitokado and Danzo Shimura stood in silent thought.
They all understood the same truth—if the First Hokage himself possessed Wood Release, then why would Konoha need to fear the Jinchūriki of other villages?
After a short discussion, the two advisors and the Hokage departed from the Root base, leaving only Danzo and Orochimaru behind.
"Orochimaru, what are you thinking?"
Danzo's single visible eye turned toward the pale man beside him, his tone sharp with curiosity.
"I've heard of the Wood Release," Danzo continued, "It was the secret art once used by the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, to bring an end to the Warring States era."
From the shadows stepped Orochimaru, his serpentine features half-hidden beneath a robe woven from white snakeskin.
"Danzo-sama," he said with that familiar silken tone, "I don't believe trying to forcibly recreate Wood Release is wise."
At that time, Orochimaru had not expected that Konoha's higher-ups would even consider such an idea—reproducing the powers of Senju Hashirama through experiments. He disapproved, especially since those experiments would involve living test subjects.
He already knew the outcome.
Those who volunteered for the experiments, hoping to awaken the legendary Wood Release, all met gruesome deaths. Instead of gaining power, their bodies were devoured from within by the Hashirama cells, transforming them into monstrous figures with wooden spikes bursting from their flesh.
"Instead of wasting time chasing the impossible," Orochimaru said, his golden eyes gleaming, "I suggest that we establish a Konoha Sealing Team—a specialized unit designed to restrain the Jinchūriki of other villages."
He paused, letting the idea sink in. "Sealing Techniques remain the most effective counter to Tailed Beasts. If Konoha formed a team of shinobi proficient in such arts, we could easily suppress hostile Jinchūriki before they caused chaos."
Orochimaru was not the man from the "original story." He refused to conduct cruel experiments on humans—especially on children.
If he had been willing to cross that line, his advancements in biotechnology would have far surpassed their current pace.
Danzo's expression softened with interest. "A Sealing Team, you say? That might be possible… but if we start training them now, would we have enough time?"
He was intrigued. Orochimaru's logic was sound—if Tailed Beasts were too dangerous to kill outright, then sealing them was the best alternative.
After all, the Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques were proven to be exceptionally effective against such creatures.
"Danzo-sama," Orochimaru replied, "while it's difficult for one person to perform a complex sealing on their own, the process can be divided into multiple parts. Each ninja can handle a specific step. This way, the technique becomes easier to master, requires less chakra per individual, and is far more powerful when performed as a group."
Danzo's visible eye widened slightly, impressed. He had never considered that sealing techniques could be broken into steps and distributed among a team. It was a simple but revolutionary concept.
Orochimaru continued calmly, "There's no one in Konoha more skilled in sealing than Grandma Mito. Even when Uzushiogakure still existed, there was no one who could rival her."
He thought briefly of Uzumaki Chigusa, still recovering in the Land of Waves. He had already arranged for her to meet with Mito Uzumaki in secret. It would ease both their minds.
"Learning these techniques isn't just about power," Orochimaru added. "It's about ensuring Konoha's safety. Grandma Mito will understand that—and she will not refuse."
He had always wondered why, despite possessing someone as gifted as Uzumaki Mito, Konoha had never established an official Sealing Team.
Even now, the decision baffled him. Why rely on a few experts when they could train an entire division?
Danzo's lips curled into a rare smile. "Orochimaru, you've solved yet another problem for Konoha! I knew seeking you out would pay off."
Orochimaru didn't respond. He merely gazed back silently, aware that Danzo's compliments were as hollow as his motives.
He knew that sealing a Tailed Beast was possible—but using those same techniques on a Jinchūriki? That was something few dared to attempt.
In fact, the Orochimaru of the "original timeline" had once used the Five Elements Seal to disrupt Naruto's control over the Nine-Tails.
"Danzo-sama," Orochimaru finally said, his tone polite but distant, "if that's all, I'll take my leave. I have much research to do."
"Of course," Danzo said with a grin. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Just… don't make too much noise while you work."
"I understand," Orochimaru replied with a faint smile before vanishing into the shadows.
When he was gone, Danzo folded his hands behind his back.
He mulled over how to present Orochimaru's idea to the Third Hokage in a way that would favor himself.
If he told Hiruzen that the concept came from Orochimaru, it might plant seeds of jealousy and doubt between master and student—an outcome Danzo would happily welcome.
After all, as long as the situation didn't harm him, everything was acceptable.
Sometimes, the right choice was more powerful than effort—and Danzo always knew how to make the right choice.
---
The Hokage's Office
"Hiruzen, why the long face?" Danzo asked as he stepped into the office.
The Third Hokage looked up, weary and irritable, his temples aching from endless paperwork. Seeing Danzo's smug expression only made it worse.
"Danzo… what do you want now?" Hiruzen muttered, rubbing his forehead.
"This time, I've brought good news," Danzo said, pretending to sound humble as he presented Orochimaru's proposal.
"A Sealing Team…?" Hiruzen murmured, his eyes widening slightly. "That's actually… a reasonable idea. It could indeed be an effective countermeasure against enemy Jinchūriki."
But even as he spoke, suspicion flickered in his eyes. Danzo wasn't known for innovative thinking, and this idea seemed far too refined to be his.
"Danzo," he asked quietly, "was this… your idea?"
Danzo smiled slyly. "No, it was Orochimaru's."
Hiruzen's hand clenched into a fist under the desk. His talented student had come up with such a brilliant plan—yet he had told Danzo instead of him.
Danzo gave a patronizing pat to his shoulder and said, "I understand how you feel, old friend," before walking out, leaving Hiruzen seething.
Hiruzen stared after him, face flushed with anger and frustration. He didn't know whether to laugh or scream.
Thousands of words condensed into a single sigh.
"Ah…" he muttered, staring at the Hokage hat on his desk. "Being Hokage is… exhausting."
He looked up at the portrait of Tobirama Senju on the wall. "Lord Tobirama… why did you choose me?"
---
Orochimaru's Laboratory
Meanwhile, inside a dimly lit laboratory illuminated by pale green light, Orochimaru examined the scrolls his serpents had retrieved from the ruins of the Sky Fortress.
"This…" he whispered, eyes narrowing.
The scroll contained a Forbidden Technique—a method that could reverse cellular decay and remove the natural limits on cell division. It was known as Flesh Rebirth.
However, the technique relied on the chakra and life force of the Zero-Tails. In essence, it drained the creature's power to sustain the user's life—an exchange of vitality for immortality.
No wonder Shinno, during his battle with Hiruzen and the others, had survived for so long.
He couldn't be killed easily, because his body continuously absorbed the Zero-Tails' chakra and life force.
It was a brutal, parasitic cycle—"If you can't kill me, then I'll consume you."
Yet even such a dangerous technique had its merits.
The reversal of cellular aging, the removal of division limits—these could be the keys to true regeneration.
Unfortunately, Shinno had only achieved it by exploiting the Zero-Tails. Once the creature was lost, his body reverted to its fragile human state, as thin and frail as an old reed.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with fascination. "So the key to overcoming the limit of cell division… might be this."
If he could unlock that limit, then his Regeneration Technique would no longer consume the user's lifespan.
There were two possible research paths—one involving the Zero-Tails, and the other involving his own altered body.
Though he appeared human, Orochimaru's cells had long ceased to be ordinary. His physiology was closer to that of the White Snake Sage itself, capable of near-infinite regeneration.
---
The Whirlpool Village's End
Over half a month had passed since the combined operation of the Four Great Ninja Villages against Uzushiogakure.
Though many had scavenged the ruins, few realized the importance of one particular structure—the Mask Storage Temple. To most, it seemed like just another ancient shrine.
Then, one night, the temple vanished completely, leaving behind only a massive crater, as though something had been dug out.
When the news spread, all the villages immediately accused one another of the theft.
The fragile cooperation that had once existed between them shattered overnight.
Each believed the others were responsible for their own shinobi's deaths during the invasion.
Tensions rose; suspicion turned to open hostility. The peace maintained by the Five Great Nations began to crumble.
Friction escalated rapidly among the hidden villages—and soon, conflict would be inevitable.
---
White Snake Pharmaceutical Company, Land of Waves
Orochimaru sat casually on a sofa, a cold smile curving his lips as he read a scroll of intelligence reports. With a flick of his fingers, the scroll burst into flames and crumbled into ash.
"How predictable…" he murmured.
It didn't surprise him that the alliance between the Four Great Villages had dissolved so quickly. Their cooperation had always been driven by profit. Once those shared interests vanished, betrayal became inevitable.
Their campaign against the Land of Fire and the Land of Whirlpools had been the spark—the prelude to the Second Shinobi World War.
Even without Hanzo openly declaring war, it was only a matter of time before the flames consumed the world once again.
---
White Snake Pharmaceutical Rooftop
The rooftop of the White Snake Pharmaceutical building was a beautiful space filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers. On one side stood a landing platform for vehicles; on the other, a shimmering swimming pool beside a sleek modern bar.
Most of the staff belonged to the Iburi Clan, loyal to Orochimaru.
Under the warm sunlight, Uzumaki Chigusa reclined lazily on a beach chair, a mature-themed book resting in her hands.
Without looking up, she murmured, "Bring me a drink… thank you…"
A familiar voice answered, cold and smooth as silk.
"Hmm? You're well enough to drink already?"
Chigusa's body froze. She lifted her gaze to see Orochimaru standing before her, his golden eyes gleaming like those of a predator.
"O–Orochimaru?!"
Her expression stiffened, and she forced an awkward smile. "Just joking! Just joking, that's all…"
"How's your body?" he asked, his tone calm but observant. Her complexion had color again, and her chakra felt stable. The vitality of the Uzumaki bloodline truly was extraordinary.
"I'm… fine now," she replied softly, rising to her feet. She had gained some strength—and perhaps a bit of weight—since her recovery began.
"Good," Orochimaru said, his voice almost gentle. "When you're ready, I'll take you to see Grandma Mito."
Chigusa's eyes flickered with hesitation. Her hands tightened around the book.
"Orochimaru… do you really think I should see her?"
She looked down, her voice trembling. "Don't get me wrong. I just… I don't know how to face Lady Mito after everything that happened."
Orochimaru rested a hand on her shoulder. "Chigusa, you did everything you could. Without you, even more people would have died in Uzushiogakure."
He sighed. "In this world, aside from Senju Hashirama himself, there's hardly anyone who could single-handedly change the course of fate. Go see Grandma Mito. Let her know you're safe—that will ease her heart."
He turned his gaze toward the horizon. "If not for that man's madness, none of this would have happened. Black Zetsu's schemes are nothing without a pawn to act them out."
"Orochimaru," Chigusa said after a moment, "Konoha… they know about us."
"Konoha is far too busy," Orochimaru replied with a faint smirk. "They're repairing the damage from the Sky Ninja attack and searching for the remains of the Sky Fortress. No one has time to look for you. You're safe here in the Land of Waves."
Indeed, Hiruzen Sarutobi was currently buried under endless duties—reconstruction, diplomacy, and reports to the Fire Daimyō.
Orochimaru couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
Only a fool, he thought, would willingly accept the title of Hokage. So much power—and yet so many burdens.
At that moment, a soft voice called out behind him.
"Orochimaru!"
He turned to see Uzumaki Naino approaching with a bright smile. Her long crimson hair fluttered in the breeze, her expression delicate but warm.
"Naino," Orochimaru greeted. "How are you feeling?"
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)