Chapter 434: Chapter 434: You Can’t Hide the Look in Your Eyes When You Want to Kill Someone
Who am I?
Where am I?
What am I doing?
Orochimaru, pressed into the Hokage's office and staring at the pile of documents and scrolls in front of him, found his mind still a bit stiff.
He just wanted to enjoy the show and have some fun.
Although he and the Third Hokage were master and apprentice, the nature of their relationship had always been questionable.
Orochimaru simply wanted to watch the drama unfold.
Jiraiya might be sad, and Tsunade might be angry, but Orochimaru would simply enjoy the spectacle with a smirk.
What he never anticipated was that he would get roped into the situation before even savoring the drama.
"Shinki, this is… what exactly?"
What did you mean by dragging me into the Hokage's office and forcing me into the Hokage's chair?
Don't tell me you want me, Orochimaru, to become the next Hokage of the village.
Being Hokage was never Orochimaru's dream or goal. His ambitions had always lain elsewhere.
If the opportunity to become Hokage arose, Orochimaru wouldn't mind vying for the position—if it was truly competitive.
But if the person blocking his path was Tsunade, he would give up the idea immediately.
"Don't overthink it. I'm not asking you to be Hokage. While I believe you have the capability and could be a qualified Hokage, this isn't about that. I just need you to do me a favor and handle some official business for now," Shinki said, patting Orochimaru on the shoulder. His words were clear—Orochimaru had the ability but not the chance.
"You're a temp, Orochimaru. A temp filling in to handle official business. Don't overthink it."
Who becomes Hokage wasn't up to Shinki.
If Tsunade decided she didn't want the position and insisted on appointing Orochimaru, Shinki wouldn't object, but he himself wouldn't force the decision.
Currently, however, the authority to determine Konoha's Hokage lay squarely with Tsunade.
Conscripted like this? How absurd.
Orochimaru couldn't help but laugh out of frustration.
"Don't worry about problems arising. I trust your ability; you've got this," Shinki reassured him, cutting off Orochimaru's protests. Before he could counter, Shinki changed the subject: "By the way, did you bring back any gifts this time?"
"..."
Orochimaru realized refusal wasn't an option.
His original plan upon returning to the village had been to enjoy some good gossip, rest, and then decide whether to return to his lab or take on missions.
Instead, Shinki had dragged him to the Hokage's office, forced him into the Hokage's chair, and saddled him with the paperwork.
To make matters worse, Shinki had the audacity to ask for a gift.
If I had the strength to fight back, I'd really want to stab you with a knife, Orochimaru thought.
You can't hide the murderous intent in someone's eyes when they want to stab someone.
Orochimaru closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and suppressed his frustration. Opening his eyes, he retrieved a scroll, summoned a blade from it, and threw it at Shinki before quietly putting the scroll away. With a resigned sigh, he began reviewing the documents on the desk.
It was just temporary. Once Tsunade returned, he'd be free.
The gift? Just a weapon—Orochimaru didn't care about it.
Wow!
Did I really just get a Kusanagi Blade from Orochimaru?
Shinki couldn't help but laugh as he caught the weapon.
He had been curious about when Orochimaru acquired this version of the Kusanagi Blade. Casually asking about it had led to Orochimaru handing over a blade that, in the future, he would pass to Sasuke. This particular blade wasn't a sword in the traditional sense but more of a straight-edged knife, similar in style to a Tang dynasty blade.
"Dang!!!"
Shinki flicked the blade with his finger and nodded in satisfaction at the crisp sound it produced.
"Thanks. When I have some time, I'll take you to collect some experimental materials you've probably never dreamed of."
"Oh? What kind of materials?" Orochimaru asked, his interest piqued. The documents were immediately forgotten.
"Secret. I'll tell you later."
Shinki had White Zetsu in mind.
At this time, Uchiha Madara was still clinging to life, with all intelligence gathering handled by Black Zetsu and White Zetsu. It was a prime opportunity to capture White Zetsu.
As for the Infinite Tsukuyomi Plan? Forget it.
Shinki wasn't interested in seeing a red moon hanging in the sky.
Judging by the current situation, the future was uncertain. Whether Naruto or Sasuke would grow into their expected roles remained unknown, as the butterfly effect was already at play. Shinki wasn't willing to leave the village's fate in the hands of a "prophesied savior."
It was better to kill the Infinite Tsukuyomi Plan in its infancy.
"I'm looking forward to it," Orochimaru replied. Though Shinki didn't reveal the specifics, Orochimaru trusted him. If Shinki said it was worthwhile, it would be.
For now, Orochimaru focused on the documents in front of him, leaving the rest to future planning.
When Tsunade returned to the village, her expression turned amusing upon learning that Shinki had conscripted Orochimaru as a temporary worker in the Hokage's office.
Rather than immediately assuming responsibility, Tsunade insisted on going home to eat first.
Shinki had no choice but to accompany her.
"Ah, that hit the spot…"
After devouring three bowls of rice and an array of dishes, Tsunade leaned back, patting her belly contentedly. Her typical elegance was nowhere to be seen.
"Shinki, who do you think is the most suitable Hokage for the village?" she asked suddenly.
Hearing this, Shinki set down his chopsticks, his expression serious.
"Don't you want to be Hokage?"
"No," Tsunade answered bluntly.
"I have no interest in being Hokage. If it weren't for my argument with the old man and the negotiation terms, I wouldn't have even considered being a candidate."
Tsunade was well aware of her own personality.
She believed she could perform the duties of Hokage and be a competent leader, but she lacked the commitment for the role.
"There are several candidates."
Shinki raised an eyebrow and listed a few names:
"Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and even Nawaki or Minato are potential choices. But Nawaki and Minato are too young and need more experience. Orochimaru is undoubtedly capable, but his ambitions and methods might conflict with the village's interests. Jiraiya is talented, but you know his shortcomings."
If Tsunade refused the position, the most qualified candidates were clearly Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
Between the two, Shinki preferred Orochimaru. Jiraiya's unwavering devotion to the Toads of Mount Myoboku and their ideals about a "savior" were too risky for the village's future.
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