Plop, plop— In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage was continuously puffing on his pipe, smoke swirling throughout the room.
On the other side, Namikaze Minato was flipping through the documents delivered by the ANBU, trying to confirm certain things.
After a long while, the Third Hokage suddenly said, "Minato, who do you think sent us this intel?"
"To be able to deliver information to both of us so silently... it must be either Elder Danzo or the two advisers, right?"
The Third Hokage fell silent at Minato's response. He already knew the answer in his heart; it was just hard to accept.
A friend he had trusted all along had turned on his own disciple—no ordinary person could accept that.
"Third, what do you plan to do with Lord Orochimaru?" Minato shifted the topic.
"Minato, you're the Hokage now. This is your decision to make."
Minato hesitated, then shook his head, "Third, Lord Orochimaru is your student. Your opinion matters."
"Technically, researching the First Hokage's cells and using children for human experiments are absolute taboos in the village. But Orochimaru conducted his research with the approval of Lady Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage.
As for the experiments... he didn't cause large-scale casualties. Only two children were harmed. I think we should try to downplay this incident and not make it a big issue."
Minato was taken aback. The Third had just redefined Orochimaru's actions, shifting the blame onto Tsunade.
Since Tsunade is a direct descendant of the First, her entrusting Orochimaru with the research made it a family matter rather than a village violation.
And as Tsunade was close to Orochimaru, she would likely cover for him.
With that, the issue of researching the First's cells was settled.
Then there was the human experimentation. Though it's taboo—especially on children—only two lives were lost.
No one would impose harsh punishment on a Kage-level shinobi over that.
The Third's light and pragmatic handling impressed Minato, who realized how far behind he was in political wisdom.
Handled this way, Orochimaru would be spared, but his standing in the village would be affected. He'd probably need to lay low for a while outside the village.
Having agreed on the story, Hiruzen Sarutobi left the Hokage office.
Minato watched him go and murmured, "A student forced to leave under such vague circumstances... as his teacher, he's bound to act somehow."
"Shall I tail the Third, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi appeared from the shadows.
"No need. We're stepping back from this. Our priority now is minimizing the fallout from Lord Orochimaru's experiments.
Kakashi, you know... since becoming Hokage, I've learned that sometimes compromise is necessary. In the past, no matter the damage, I wouldn't have let Orochimaru off so easily."
After a pause, Kakashi said quietly, "My father once said: learning to compromise is a sign of growth."
Minato smiled and said nothing more.
Meanwhile, at Orochimaru's home, Uchiha Yuan and Hyuga Asana were present.
"Asana, I'll likely be leaving the village soon. Do you want to come with me?" Orochimaru asked directly.
Asana had already guessed the village would handle things by having Orochimaru lie low outside for a while.
But she hadn't expected him to invite her to leave with him.
"Staying in the village doesn't benefit you. You're from the Hyuga branch family. These past years, you've lived with nearly main-family status only because of my influence.
Some in the Hyuga main family have long held a grudge. Once I'm gone, they'll come after you.
As long as the Caged Bird seal remains on your forehead, you can't defy their commands.
The best choice is to leave with me. The deaths of two children won't make me a missing-nin. Once the dust settles, you can always return."
Before Asana could answer, Uchiha Yuan spoke first: "Asana, go with Lord Orochimaru. Just give me some time—I promise you, next time you return, not one Hyuga will dare to threaten you with the Caged Bird."
Asana sighed, "Honestly, I'm not afraid of the Hyuga main family. Ever since my Byakugan evolved, the Caged Bird can't take my life anymore.
As for the pain... isn't it the same as getting blood drawn by you every day, Orochimaru-sensei?
Besides, you want me to leave with you because my Byakugan is very useful to your research, right?"
"That's one reason," Orochimaru admitted with a smile.
"Fine. I'll go, but I have one condition."
"What is it?"
"I want to go to Ryuchi Cave and learn Sage Mode."
Orochimaru was stunned at first, then excited. "Sure! I've been wanting to see whether someone infused with the First's cells has an advantage learning Sage Mode."
"Where do you plan to go after leaving the village?" Yuan asked.
"During our cooperation, I acquired a good amount of funds, including some I intercepted from Danzo. It's enough to build a base.
I have a few candidate locations. This departure is the perfect time to finalize the site."
Two days later, Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato publicly announced the results of the investigation into Orochimaru's experiments.
According to the village's findings, Orochimaru conducted First Hokage cell research with Tsunade's approval. No punishment would be pursued.
Regarding the human experimentation, two children were harmed. Orochimaru would be assigned two S-rank missions as atonement.
Afterward, he would leave the village to carry them out.
The announcement caused an uproar. News of Orochimaru's departure spread like wildfire.
Orochimaru held high status in Konoha and had many loyal followers. Many were dissatisfied with the outcome.
(To Be Continued...)