NOVEL NEXT Chapter 161: Orochimaru
However, faced with this situation, they couldn't immediately think of any good ideas. After all, it was a private matter; the Hokage couldn't openly intervene either. As for secret measures, those weren't suitable to use against the Uchiha Clan.
Moreover, they had recently spent a great deal of effort dealing with damaging rumors. At first, when these rumors targeted Sakumo Hatake, they hadn't paid much attention. But now, things were burning their own backsides, making them feel extremely annoyed.
Even worse, Hiruzen Sarutobi and others kept blaming Danzō Shimura for all this—he was considered the one who had stirred up the entire mess. This greatly affected internal unity and prevented the issue from being resolved promptly, leading to its escalation.
Shimura Danzō tried to explain several times, but the situation was like having mud stuck on your pants—no matter how hard he tried, it wouldn't wash off. Thus, seizing the opportunity, he quickly came up with an idea to shift the blame elsewhere, immediately speaking up: "That business must have been done by the evil Uchiha Clan! Therefore, Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura, we must prepare ourselves for the possible reaction from the Uchiha Clan!"
After hearing Shimura Danzō's words, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu both rolled their eyes inwardly, silently cursing him in their hearts as that old fox. How could they not see through Danzō's intentions? He just wanted to pass the buck, then downplay big issues into small ones, and finally make everything disappear—his usual old tricks.
Yet in their minds, this also presented an opportunity. After all, the two of them had been at odds for days without reaching any resolution. Perhaps it was better to use this chance to smooth things over.
When they looked toward Hiruzen Sarutobi, they found him deep in thought as well. Their hearts lifted slightly—they knew he likely shared the same thoughts—and so they began to persuade him further.
After listening to their reasoning, Hiruzen remained silent for a moment before nodding and saying, "Since that's the case, let's go with that."
Although Hiruzen said this, he followed up with one final instruction: "Danzō, have Root cooperate with Anbu to eliminate all these rumors as soon as possible. Understand? And I expect results quickly."
Upon hearing this, Danzō felt a surge of relief inside—he knew the burden had finally been lifted from his shoulders. Although dealing with the rumors would still be necessary, that was a minor matter. He immediately replied cheerfully, "No problem, Hiruzen. Leave it to me."
Shortly afterward, upon Hiruzen's signal, Danzō immediately left the office to get to work, secretly thinking to himself: *Damn it, don't let me find out who did this.*
Of course, he clearly understood that with his current capabilities and resources, finding the real mastermind behind it all was practically impossible. Even so, Danzō had no intention of giving up easily, deciding instead to hold a grudge against everyone who might possibly be capable of such an act.
In particular, the Uchiha Clan and Sakumo Hatake topped Danzō's list of key suspects. Additionally, Yuhi's companion Torifu Akimichi also found himself on Danzō's blacklist.
Following that, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu continued discussing matters concerning infiltration into the Police Force alongside Hiruzen Sarutobi.
After talking it over, the three of them considered the possibility that Shiyu Uchiha might be rebuilding the Public Security Division and discussed some countermeasures for such a scenario. Eventually, they left the office building, leaving Hiruzen Sarutobi alone in his office, quietly smoking.
Finally, Hiruzen stood up and gazed through the window at the Hokage Rock in the distance. He muttered softly to himself, "So it really wasn't you, Danzo…" He sighed.
Hiruzen naturally understood that Danzo Shimura had been carrying heavier thoughts in recent years. However, due to their deep friendship spanning many years, he still decided to forgive him once again. And he told himself it was okay—for the sake of Konoha, and to handle pressure from clans like the Uchiha.
Additionally, during one of his training sessions with Kurenai Yuhi, Shiyu Uchiha came across her close female friend—the lovely young girl named Anko Mitarashi.
According to records, she would later become the favored apprentice of Orochimaru, one of the Sannin. At this time, however, Orochimaru had yet to formally take her as his student. Maybe it was because Orochimaru had been busy with missions outside the village for over a year and hadn't returned yet.
Fascinated by this future prodigy destined for one of the Sannin, Shiyu Uchiha couldn't help feeling intrigued and wanted to know why she would be chosen and trained by Orochimaru. So when she faced off against Kurenai Yuhi, Shiyu secretly activated his Sharingan and used a special sensing technique to observe Anko Mitarashi closely.
The result surprised him greatly. The amount of chakra within Anko Mitarashi was, for someone her age, nothing short of "massive." Just this single observation was enough for Shiyu to regard her seriously.
Later, during Anko Mitarashi's intense battle with Kurenai, Shiyu personally witnessed her adept use of Fire Release ninjutsu, clearly showcasing exceptional talent and combat skill beyond her years.
Furthermore, Shiyu keenly sensed an unawakened Yang Release trait hidden within her. With so many outstanding talents combined in one person, Anko Mitarashi truly was a gem-like girl, something that deeply intrigued Shiyu Uchiha.
After careful consideration, he decisively made up his mind—to intercept her before Orochimaru could claim her—and bring this promising apprentice into his own tutelage. After some persuasion, and with help from Kurenai Yuhi, Shiyu successfully convinced the inexperienced young girl to become his disciple.
Having successfully gained such a promising student, Shiyu felt thrilled and was already thinking about celebrating later. Yet just then, he suddenly noticed Orochimaru standing before him.
A slight sense of guilt rose in his heart, but he quickly adjusted his demeanor and politely greeted Orochimaru, saying, "Senior Orochimaru, it's a pleasure to meet you here unexpectedly."
Orochimaru responded with his signature smile to Shiyu Uchiha: "Ah, so it's you, Shiyu… As expected of a genius of the Uchiha Clan—you're so young yet already possessing such power. Compared to us back in our day, you're far more outstanding indeed."
Shiyu Uchiha gave a modest smile upon hearing Orochimaru's praise and replied, "Thank you, I won't turn it down!"
However, Shiyu's unabashed attitude genuinely surprised Orochimaru. Usually, whenever he complimented someone, they'd offer a few polite refusals. But Shiyu had accepted the compliment directly and without hesitation. Surprisingly, it didn't bother Orochimaru at all—in fact, it made him want to keep talking with Shiyu even more.
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