NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33: Chapter 34
To be honest, Orochimaru wasn't particularly impressed by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
During his time in Konoha, Orochimaru had rarely seen the Second Hokage in person. The only time was when he accompanied Sarutobi to the front lines. The day-to-day tasks of their squad were mostly delegated to Hiruzen, their direct instructor.
As for Orochimaru, other than seeing the Second Hokage give the occasional large lecture from a distance, he had no direct interactions with him. The demands of the war kept the Second Hokage busy, and it was rare for Genin like Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade to even get close to the Hokage, unless it was a matter of utmost importance.
Because of this, Orochimaru didn't feel particularly connected to the Second Hokage. So, when he pieced together that Tobirama was about to meet his tragic end at the hands of the Gold and Silver Brothers, he could only offer a silent apology in his heart.
Would Orochimaru try to prevent the Second Hokage's death? Not likely. He would have liked to alter the course of history, sure, but certain things were beyond his control. Some events were meant to happen, and others weren't worth the risk of changing.
Even though Orochimaru had grown stronger far beyond the average Genin he was still only nine years old. No one would take a child seriously if he suddenly ran up to them, declaring that the Second Hokage would be killed in a coup orchestrated by the Gold and Silver Brothers.
They'd look at him like he was crazy, and he might even end up locked away in a cell or worse, subjected to interrogation and experimentation for how he possessed such knowledge. Even if Hiruzen backed him up, the higher-ups might still view him with suspicion. After all, how would a boy know something like that?
Besides, if he were completely honest with himself, what did Senju Tobirama's life or death have to do with him? Orochimaru wasn't the person he used to be not after everything he'd gone through.
The hard lessons from his previous life had taught him that good people often meet unfortunate ends, while those who are ruthless survive. Orochimaru had no interest in playing the hero or meddling with fate. He had no personal attachment to the Second Hokage, and getting involved would only endanger his own future.
Sure enough, Orochimaru's predictions came true. Seven days after the ninja had returned to the village, Hiruzen and the other higher-ups returned as well. But with them, they brought Uchiha Kagami's body.
Then, just three days later, Konoha received the Second Hokage's body, transported back from the Land of Lightning.
With that, the winds of change swept through Konoha Village.
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First, there was the grand funeral for the Second Hokage. Every Konoha ninja, Orochimaru included, was present. The atmosphere was somber, with an overwhelming sense of disbelief hanging in the air.
Many of the villagers couldn't wrap their heads around what had happened. How could the Second Hokage have died in battle when they had won the war? Hadn't the Land of Lightning already surrendered?
What most didn't know was that the Land of Lightning was also a victim of treachery. Their Second Raikage had also perished during the negotiations, a result of the coup led by the Gold and Silver Brothers.
Next came the official appointment of Hiruzen as the Third Hokage. The Second Hokage had named him his successor in the final moments of his life, making it clear who would carry on the mantle of leadership in Konoha.
However, despite the Second Hokage's dying wish, Hiruzen's ascension to the position of Hokage was not without opposition. Within Konoha, power struggles simmered beneath the surface. Many were dissatisfied with Hiruzen becoming the next Hokage. Among those who harbored resentment was none other than Shimura Danzo, Hiruzen's long-time friend and rival.
Danzo had always dreamed of becoming Hokage himself. Ever since their days as students, he and Hiruzen had been locked in fierce competition. But now, due to a single order given by the Second Hokage before his death, Danzo's hopes were crushed. He had no chance of claiming the title of Hokage as long as Hiruzen was alive.
And it wasn't just Danzo who was disgruntled. The Uchiha clan, one of the founding clans of Konoha, was also deeply dissatisfied. The village had been built through the combined efforts of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, yet not a single Uchiha had ever been named Hokage.
They could understand the First Hokage being a Senju, since Hashirama and Madara had fought side by side to create the village. The Second Hokage's position was also accepted, given his bloodline as the younger brother of Hashirama.
But Hiruzen? He had no such lineage. He wasn't a Senju or an Uchiha. So why should he be named Hokage?
Unfortunately for the Uchiha, their discontent was muted. After years of harsh treatment under the Second Hokage's rule, the clan had grown quiet, unwilling to voice their grievances too openly. Fear of further persecution kept them in check.
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With the funeral behind them, it was time for Hiruzen to solidify his position as Hokage.
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One morning, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen sat wearing the Hokage robe for the first time, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders. Behind him stood Danzo, his closest confidant, though the tension between them was palpable.
"Danzo," he said, his tone soft yet apologetic, "I'm truly sorry about what happened. The Second Hokage appointed me, and I had no choice but to accept the position. I know this is something you've always wanted…"
Danzo's face twisted in anger, his hands clenched tightly at his sides. "Don't apologize, Hiruzen. It's meaningless now. Our teacher made his decision, and I will respect it. But tell me this: how do you plan to keep your position as Hokage?"
Hiruzen frowned, sensing an underlying hostility in Danzo's words. "What do you mean by that, Danzo?"
Danzo sneered. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed the voices of dissent in the village? Do you think everyone is going to sit back quietly while you take the title of Hokage?"
Hiruzen chuckled confidently, waving off Danzo's concerns. "I believe that with time and effort, I can earn the trust of everyone in Konoha. I'll show them that I'm worthy of this position."
But Danzo's patience snapped. He slammed his fist on the table, glaring at him. "Stop being naive, Hiruzen! Konoha was founded by the Senju and the Uchiha. Your last name is neither! If you don't quell this opposition, you won't last long as Hokage."
Sarutobi's expression darkened. "And what exactly are you suggesting, Danzo?"
"Give me control of ANBU," Danzo said coldly. "I'll make sure to silence anyone who dares to oppose you."
Hiruzen looked at him with a mix of disbelief and anger. He knew Danzo was ruthless, but was this really the solution?