Silence fell absolute within the council chamber.
Hyuga Yu raised his head, his gaze sweeping slowly across Orochimaru's face before finally landing upon the Daimyō of the Land of Fire.
"Lord Orochimaru's proposal is quite insightful."
He spoke, his voice flat, devoid of any discernible emotion.
The expressions of everyone present varied.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. The smile at the corners of his mouth remained unchanged, yet a glint of vigilance flickered deep within his pupils.
He had anticipated that Hyuga Yu might object, grow angry, or even turn hostile on the spot—the only thing he hadn't expected was for him to agree.
"The changes within the Land of Lightning began with the Hidden Cloud. Spearheaded by ninja, they developed new technologies in order to engage in an arms race with Konoha."
Yu's gaze swept over the gathered crowd before he continued calmly:
"From this perspective, the future direction of development for both Konoha and the Land of Fire lies precisely here as well."
"If the Land of Fire can catch up from behind in this transformation, not only can it resolve our current predicament, but it will also stand on invincible ground for the next thirty years."
The Daimyō's eyes lit up. He first glanced at Orochimaru, then turned to look at Yu, lightly tapping his folding fan against his palm:
"Tennin thinks so as well? Then it seems great minds think alike."
"However—"
Yu shifted the conversation, turning his gaze back to Orochimaru, his tone remaining undisturbed:
"Lord Orochimaru says he needs only 50% of the rearmament budget to be confident in developing technology superior to the Land of Lightning's."
He paused, tilting his head slightly as if performing a calculation.
"With all due respect, that is impossible."
Orochimaru's smile stiffened slightly.
"The Land of Lightning originally possessed an advantage in basic industry. Subsequently, they absorbed the bio-modification technology that the Hidden Stone specialized in from the Land of Earth, and their civilian sector used this as a foundation to develop entirely new theories. Only through these three conditions were they able to gain a technological gap of at least two generations over the Land of Fire."
Yu said indifferently, "Even though Lord Orochimaru is a natural genius, setting out single-handedly with a mere 50% budget expecting to catch up from behind—isn't that taking this revolution far too lightly?"
"Heh." Orochimaru licked his lips. "Is Tennin doubting my capability?"
"I trust Lord Orochimaru's capability." Yu glanced at him, speaking flatly, "Precisely because of that, your talent cannot be allowed to go to waste on a project destined to fail."
He turned toward the Daimyō, his tone definitive:
"To emerge victorious in this technological competition, what is needed is not half the budget, but rather—integrating all of Konoha's research power, coordinating all of the Land of Fire's industrial resources, and pushing forward with a mobilization of the entire nation."
"This..." Shōta Ōnishi frowned. "All resources? Then what about other areas—"
"Other areas remain as usual," Yu interrupted him. "What I spoke of was the integration of 'research power,' not the diversion of military funds. The 50% budget that Lord Orochimaru desires can still be allocated—as a part of this integration plan."
He paused, adding a sentence:
"Of course, the prerequisite is that this plan must be led by me."
The moment these words were uttered, the council chamber plunged into dead silence once more.
Everyone exchanged glances, looking at one another in mutual astonishment; they seemed to want to refute it, yet pressed their lips together, muttering nothing aloud.
Not long ago, right in front of everyone in Konoha, Yu had single-handedly suppressed the Giant Tenseigan beneath that black tower in the Forest of Death.
His strength had indeed, just as Danzō Shimura claimed, reached the level of the First Hokage.
In the ninja world, he who possesses the bigger fist holds the stronger voice.
At this point, let alone stepping over Orochimaru to claim leadership of this project, even if he demanded something even more outrageous—like forcing everyone present to dig into their family coffers to invest in his project—no one would dare refuse him at a time like this.
Orochimaru's smile vanished completely.
He stared at Hyuga Yu, his gaze becoming deep and dangerous. Only at this very moment did he truly realize—the fourteen-year-old youth before him wasn't trying to compete with him, but intended to swallow him, Orochimaru, whole in a single bite!
Agreeing with Orochimaru's premise was meant to seize the moral high ground;
Pointing out the insufficient budget was meant to negate his scheme;
Proposing the integration of resources was meant to absorb his demands;
And that final, offhanded phrase—"led by me"—was thrusting the blade directly into the vitals while leaving him with no way to argue back.
Because Yu had not denied him from start to finish, nor had he suppressed him, nor had he even opposed his budget request—
He had simply gathered everything under his own banner under the premise of "acting in his best interest."
It sent a chill straight down one's spine.
"What Tennin means..." Hiruzen Sarutobi broke the silence, speaking slowly, "is for you to lead Konoha's scientific research affairs?"
"No." Yu shook his head. "It is to coordinate all resource investments of the Land of Fire in this technological revolution. Scientific research is merely one link in the chain; industrial support, talent cultivation, intelligence gathering, and technology introduction—all of these require unified dispatching."
He looked toward the Daimyō, his tone sincere:
"Lord Daimyō, Orochimaru's proposal gave me an inspiration: What the Land of Fire needs is not the genius of a single individual, but a system capable of continuously producing geniuses. If you trust me, I am willing to take on the responsibility of constructing this system."
The Daimyō fell silent for a moment, lightly tapping his chin with his folding fan. His gaze narrowed slightly as he focused his attention on the fact that Yu was still willing to address him as 'Lord Daimyō' at this moment. This caused his heart—which had practically leaped into his throat upon hearing Tennin speak—to instantly settle back down.
Looking at it this way, did this seem... to be another Hashirama Senju?
The Daimyō's eyes shifted slightly, and he suddenly laughed:
"Tennin's appetite is much larger than I imagined."
Yu did not dodge his gaze, replying calmly:
"Lord Daimyō, what I desire is not power, but victory. The Land of Fire cannot afford to lose this technological revolution, nor can Konoha. If there is anyone more suited to bear this responsibility than I, I am willing to step down and yield to them."
He looked around at everyone present, his gaze pausing briefly on Danzō Shimura's face, sweeping past Minato Namikaze, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, before finally falling back onto Orochimaru:
"Among everyone present, is there anyone who believes they are more suited than I?"
No one responded.
Danzō Shimura revealed a subtle, gratified smile;
Minato Namikaze's brow furrowed slightly, but he did not speak;
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged glances, maintaining their silence;
Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a sigh, taking no stance.
Orochimaru stared at Hyuga Yu, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.
He wanted to speak, to refute, to point out Yu's youth, lack of seniority, and lack of experience—yet when the words reached his lips, he discovered he could say nothing at all.
Because Yu's track record stood right there:
Distinguished with glorious military exploits in the Third Shinobi World War, the name of Tennin revered across all nations;
Subduing the Giant Tenseigan during the Hyūga clan's internal upheaval, having achieved absolute control over the entire clan in practice;
Add to that Danzō's favor, standing as the crown prince of the Foundation, wielding Konoha's most elite intelligence and assassination forces;
What was even more crucial—everyone in the Forest of Death had witnessed that miraculous scene earlier, which had likely spread throughout all of Konoha by now.
In terms of military merit, strength, or factional power—
What did his own past glory have to compete against him?
What was even more terrifying was that Yu had not threatened anyone from start to finish, had not used any violence, nor had he even spoken a single harsh word. He had simply stated the facts, and then waited—waiting for everyone present to make the "correct" choice themselves.
And this waiting itself was the greatest deterrent.
Because everyone knew full well what the consequences of refusing him would be.
Orochimaru suddenly realized one thing:
Without anyone noticing, the youth before him was no longer that newcomer in the Foundation who needed to rely on Danzō and act with extreme caution.
He was Tennin.
He was the true ruler of the Hyūga clan;
He was the future master of the Foundation;
He was the military pillar that the Land of Fire had no choice but to rely upon;
He was the existence in this council chamber right now whom no one dared easily offend!
His momentum had already reached its peak.
"It seems no one objects."
Yu nodded, as if this outcome had been entirely within his expectations.
He turned to the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, using a calm tone and respectful address, yet uttering words that were exceedingly blunt—almost akin to issuing orders to a subordinate:
"Then, Lord Daimyō, regarding the specific planning for this project, I will require a detailed industrial distribution map of the Land of Fire, import and export trade data from the past five years, as well as a production capacity checklist of the major merchant guilds and noble domains. As soon as possible."
"How nostalgic~ My father collaborated with the Senju clan in just this manner back in the day." The Daimyō laughed, lightly fanning his folding fan. Turning toward the other side of the conference table, he addressed the man wearing black round-framed glasses and a black kimono:
"Shōta Ōnishi, you handle this matter. Moving forward, you will also be the one to coordinate with Tennin."
"Yes." Shōta Ōnishi bowed in agreement.
Yu turned his gaze back to Orochimaru.
"Lord Orochimaru."
Orochimaru's eyelids twitched, and he looked toward him slowly.
"Your research capacity and vision are major reasons why I decided to take over this project." Yu spoke with sincere tone, "Technology introduction and assimilation, reverse engineering, original research and development—all these stages require a talent like you to lead them."
He paused:
"I plan to establish a 'Technology Development Headquarters,' where I will concurrently serve as Chief, while you serve as Deputy Chief and Chief Researcher. As for the budget, the 50% you desired will be fully allocated under the Technology Development Headquarters' name for you to handle with total autonomy. Furthermore, if there are talents, equipment, or documents you set your eyes on, you can apply to me at any time with the highest priority."
Orochimaru froze.
He had anticipated that Yu might sideline him, marginalize him, or even seek an opportunity to eliminate him—the only thing he hadn't expected was for the other party to offer him such generous terms.
Deputy Chief and Chief Researcher;
Full budget allocation;
Highest priority resource allocation rights;
Aside from nominally having to report to Hyuga Yu, almost nothing had changed, and he had even gained the backing of an official title.
Yet precisely because of this, Orochimaru grew all the more vigilant.
Because Yu was offering far too much.
So much that he couldn't refuse, nor did he dare refuse.
If he refused right now, it would be equivalent to confirming that he was "too self-serving and ignored the bigger picture"—how would everyone present view him? How would the Daimyō view him? How could he continue to stand within Konoha in the future?
If he accepted, it meant that from now on, his research would be integrated into Yu's system, his results reported to Yu, and his direction influenced by Yu—even if the budget and authority remained unchanged, the difference between "obeying orders" and "acting independently" was something he understood better than anyone.
Brilliant.
Truly brilliant.
Looking into Yu's eyes—which were so calm they lacked a single ripple—Orochimaru suddenly thought of a phrase:
An overt scheme.
Using an upright, open momentum to execute something that could not be refused.
Giving him what he wanted so he would have nothing to say;
Giving him even more so he would have no choice to make;
Giving him high nominal status to secure his actual obedience.
And all of this had occurred within the span of just a few sentences, taking place inside the very game of chess that Orochimaru had initiated with his own hands.
"Lord Orochimaru?"
Yu's voice pulled him back to reality.
Orochimaru raised his head, meeting those Byakugan that were as splendid as gemstones—still wearing that calm expression, as though merely waiting for a response that was only natural.
He suddenly laughed.
A raspy, low laughter leaked from deep within his throat.
"Heh... Hahaha..."
Everyone present turned their heads one after another, expressions filled with confusion.
Having laughed his fill, Orochimaru licked his lips and looked toward Yu with a shadowy gaze:
"What do I need to pay?"
Yu's expression remained unchanged. Only now did he calmly voice the chip he truly desired:
"In this project, I need you to prioritize the development of biological cloning technology. That is precisely your area of expertise, isn't it?"
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. With a raspy laugh, he stood up and bowed slightly to Yu—an action that caused Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was sitting to the side, to contract his pupils sharply. He understood Orochimaru's personality far too well; there was virtually no one in this world who could make Orochimaru bow his head.
And yet... right now?
"Technology Development Headquarters, Deputy Chief and Chief Researcher... Heh, with such great favor, how could I dare decline?"
Orochimaru raised his head, his gaze deep and snake-like:
"In that case, I'll be in your care, Lord Tennin."
Yu nodded, as if everything were as it should be:
"You are too polite. In the future, regarding technical matters, let us exchange ideas often."
The gazes of the two met in midair—one calm as an ancient well, the other deep as an abyss.
Inside the council chamber, no one uttered a sound.
Until the Daimyō of the Land of Fire clapped his folding fan and laughed:
"Good! Excellent! Harmonious unity and working together with one heart—this is precisely the demeanor the Land of Fire should have!"
He stood up and looked at Yu:
"Tennin, I leave this matter to you. Whatever you need, go directly to Shōta Ōnishi. The Daimyō's Manor will support you with full force."
"Thank you for your trust, Lord Daimyō." Yu nodded slightly.
With that, the meeting concluded, the dust settling.
After the meeting adjourned, everyone left the council chamber one after another.
Danzō Shimura walked by Yu's side, remaining silent the entire time. Only after stepping outside the Daimyō's Palace did he suddenly speak:
"Orochimaru won't accept this tamely."
"I know."
"You give him budget, give him personnel, give him authority—he will still find ways to sideline you and start a new setup elsewhere."
"I know."
"Then why did you—"
Yu stopped in his tracks, turning to look at Danzō:
"Lord Danzō, what do you think Orochimaru desires most?"
Danzō frowned. "Immortality. That fellow's obsession with immortality borders on madness."
"Besides that, it's freedom—the freedom of scientific research."
"Right." Yu nodded. "So I gave it to him."
"Gave it to him?" Danzō paused slightly, quickly catching on. "You mean—"
"This project falls under the Yang Release project that I oversee overall. He will understand what this project signifies. Furthermore, aside from the research directions I designate, whatever else he wants to research, how he wants to research it, and using whom to research it—I won't interfere at all."
Yu paused, adding flatly:
"Once a person receives what they desire most, they won't think about rebelling. At least, not for the time being."
"He wants immortality, so I give him immortality; he wants resources, so I give him resources; he wants freedom, so I give him freedom. When everything a person desires has been satisfied, he will begin to ponder—how should this favor be repaid?"
"And as long as he begins to ponder this question, he is already on my boat."
Danzō took a deep look at him, speaking no further.
In the distance, Orochimaru stood alone beneath the Hokage Rock, gazing at the receding figure of Hyuga Yu.
Minato Namikaze walked over to his side, speaking softly:
"Senior Orochimaru... are you alright?"
Orochimaru didn't answer. He simply licked his lips and let out a raspy laugh:
"Minato, tell me... from what point onward does a person suddenly become unfathomable to others?"
Minato remained silent for a moment, replying softly:
"Perhaps he has always been like this. It's just that we failed to notice it before."
Orochimaru said nothing.
The wind swept across Hokage Rock, lifting his black hair to reveal those narrow golden pupils.
After a long while, he murmured softly:
"Tennin... huh."
The voice scattered with the wind, heard by no one.
Orochimaru then turned and walked toward the secret laboratory where his research achievements were kept.
————
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