Boom!
A deafening explosion suddenly interrupted Naruto's impassioned speech.
"What was that?!" Everyone turned toward the sound.
"That came from the arena... Is that Lord Third Hokage?!"
"Such a massive shockwave did something happen to him?"
"No way. The Hokage would never fall so easily."
"Right! We must stay focused. No matter what, we can't let the enemy break through!"
As the crowd buzzed in confusion, they failed to notice one person had already vanished Neji Hyūga.
In the village, though the Four Violet Flames Formation had been dispelled, Guy and the others were still scattered across Konoha, fighting off enemy incursions. None of them had made it to the arena yet.
At that moment, Kidōmaru and the others stood protectively around Orochimaru, warily eyeing Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Though he had already used the Reaper Death Seal and was nearing death, he was still the Hokage an opponent they dared not underestimate.
"Don't just stand there. He's spent all his strength," Orochimaru said coldly. "Get me out of here."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!"
The Sound Four quickly moved to carry him away.
But just as they turned to leave, a sharp sound sliced through the air someone had landed on the rooftop.
The moment he appeared, Orochimaru's face darkened.
"Neji Hyūga!"
Neji ignored him. Instead, he strode straight to Hiruzen.
"Still a step too late," he muttered, looking at the fading life in the old man's face.
With Hiruzen's death, Neji knew he'd have to confront Danzō Shimura sooner than expected.
Say what you will about Hiruzen, the man was shrewd. From just a few words, he'd gleaned quite a bit about Neji. The fact that Orochimaru feared him said enough this was no ordinary genin.
Still, there were many questions Neji had yet to answer. But now wasn't the time to get distracted.
"Neji," Hiruzen said heavily, "will you take my place… as the Fifth Hokage, and protect the village?"
"What?!" Orochimaru's eyes widened, jealousy surging.
Years ago, he had been a candidate for Hokage too. But the old man had deemed him too twisted and rejected him.
And now, this suspicious little brat this genin was entrusted with the village? Orochimaru's hatred flared.
Even Neji was stunned.
What kind of logic is this old man using?! Why me?!
Before Neji could respond, Orochimaru smirked and said with mocking sweetness:
"Oh, how insightful, sensei. You really have an eye for talent. This little genin isn't so simple he recognized me in the Forest of Death, and he even suspected the Kazekage's identity before anyone else."
"His abilities make me wary. Entrusting Konoha to him? Perhaps it really is a wise move."
The implication was clear: A genin with this many secrets? Are you sure he's the one you want?
Sure enough, Hiruzen's face stiffened.
But then, he smiled.
"Neji, I'm proud. Entrusting the village to you… brings me peace."
Orochimaru was dumbfounded. What?! That's not how this is supposed to go!
He had misunderstood Hiruzen.
With the Third Hokage dying, only Danzō, Tsunade, and Jiraiya had the strength of Kage-level shinobi.
But Danzō's ambition and shady dealings especially his secret alliances with Orochimaru were no secret to Hiruzen. He could never hand the village over to someone like that.
As for Jiraiya, his temperament made him ill-suited for leadership, and he had no desire to rule anyway.
Tsunade? She had long since turned her back on Konoha no, on the position of Hokage itself.
Neji, though still young, could challenge even a Kage-level shinobi. That talent could not be wasted.
He was calm. Driven. Mature. Everything a Hokage should be.
Even if Neji had his own agenda, he wouldn't harm Konoha. That, Hiruzen believed.
A true Hokage even on his deathbed would think only of the village.
"So, Neji," Hiruzen asked again, "will you protect Konoha in my stead?"
"I-"
Neji was about to reply when another voice interrupted him.
"Neji… do you even know what kind of man that old fool really is?"
Hiruzen's face turned ashen.
Orochimaru glared at him, then slowly said, "Back then, Konoha's upper echelons launched a series of human experiments to recreate the First Hokage's Wood Release. I'm sure you've heard about that much."
"And after they were banned?" he continued. "Do you know what happened next?"
Wasn't that when Danzō continued the experiments in secret? Neji wondered. But his gut told him there was more. He turned to Orochimaru, urging him to go on.
Orochimaru sneered. "That so-called ban was a farce. Behind the scenes, your 'beloved' Hokage and Danzō never stopped."
"With Hiruzen's silent approval, Danzō desecrated the graves of both Hashirama and Tobirama Senju, using their corpses for experiments."
"And worse he had the entire Senju clan rounded up. Every last one, except for Tsunade, was captured."
"Wait!" Neji cut in. "Didn't the Senju hide their surnames and intermarry under Tobirama's orders?"
"Ah, Neji," Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "That's exactly what made it so easy. Because they were forced to hide their names, all of their records were kept in one place. Guess who had access to those?"
Neji's eyes widened in horror. So that's how…
"And now," Orochimaru continued, "what do you think happened to the Senju?"
Neji opened his mouth, but no words came.
"But why? Why go after an entire clan when they already had the First's cells?"
"Because you're too naive," Orochimaru said coldly. "One man's cells? The success rate was abysmal."
"So what would you have done?"
Neji turned sharply to Hiruzen. "Is it true, Lord Hokage?"
Hiruzen closed his eyes in anguish.
"Yes," he admitted. "The Wood Release was powerful. If there was even a chance to recreate the First Hokage's strength, it was worth it if it could end the wars, bring peace faster…"
"Danzō led the effort. But yes I gave my silent approval."
"As Hokage, it was my duty to strengthen the village."
Guilt flooded Hiruzen's voice, but there was no trace of regret.
"And the result?" Neji asked, voice trembling.
"All that… for what? Just to gain more power?" His tone rose. "Does that justify wiping out an entire clan, Lord Hokage?!"
Neji wasn't born in this world. He didn't grow up bearing the weight of leadership. He couldn't understand what drove a Hokage to do such things.
But still he couldn't accept it.
"So then, Neji…" Orochimaru smiled.
"What are you going to do now?"
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