Orochimaru’s Magic Lamp

Given the current situation, under normal circumstances, no one here would complain about being wronged or enduring hardship.

Everyone understands that Danzo had his own difficulties. After all, dealing in shadows is never simple—some dirty and ruthless methods are to be expected.

But understanding that fact doesn't mean they truly accept it.

At least right now, compared to the vague excuse of "Danzo's burden," the moral weight they're experiencing feels far more real and heavy.

The issue of sacrificing spies—like Kabuto and Nono—can't be resolved anytime soon. It's the kind of topic that might take years before it can even be properly discussed.

So, what do you do when a problem can't be solved? Do you deal with the person who exposed it?

What a joke. Orochimaru isn't someone you can reason with easily.

Especially now—when he's already taken advantage of the situation—trying to retaliate against him would only bring disaster.

You'd be lucky if he doesn't smash you with that metaphorical mallet labeled "love and justice."

Since they couldn't fix the problem, the heads of the ninja clans and village elders chose the easier path: blaming Danzo for causing the mess and handling it poorly.

Of course, that doesn't mean they truly oppose Danzo's methods.

If they had known in advance what Kabuto would become, they'd probably have supported Danzo in eliminating him, all in the name of the village.

Things only escalated to this point because it had to.

Kabuto's attack on Root had two very clear targets: Danzo, who ruined his life, and Orochimaru, who rescued and empowered him.

Naturally, Orochimaru is at fault too. No matter his intentions, he shouldn't have granted such power to someone clearly filled with resentment.

This chain of choices led directly to today's incident.

But blaming Orochimaru openly? Impossible.

They can't just say, "Orochimaru should've killed Kabuto outright—use him to death and never give him a chance to turn."

Even if they think that, they can't say it.

After all, Kabuto may be weaker than Danzo or Orochimaru, but in a way, he's no different.

Teaching someone to be cruel, manipulative, and disloyal? What if those same teachings are used against you one day?

Deep down, they wished Orochimaru had been a good mentor—someone who passed on knowledge properly. Maybe they couldn't learn it themselves, but surely their students or children could.

So, no—Orochimaru can't be blamed.

The village can't be blamed. The innocent self can't be blamed. Kabuto can't be blamed. Orochimaru can't be blamed...

That leaves only one scapegoat: Danzo.

Even though he and Root suffered the most in this affair, he stood in the wrong place at the wrong time—and so he has to carry the blame.

There was no discussion, no collusion, no whispered agreement. But everyone present—except Danzo—reached the same silent conclusion.

---

"What kind of looks are those?"

Danzo couldn't understand why everyone was staring at him like that.

Orochimaru hadn't said anything unexpected—just the same old facts everyone already knew. They knew! All of them!

Danzo slammed the table and roared, "Kabuto and Nono deserved to die! I did it all for the village!"

But no one responded.

Expressionless faces. Cold eyes. The silence was like ice water, draining the fire from Danzo's heart. His expression darkened further.

"Hehehe…"

Orochimaru chuckled, sinister as ever.

Danzo really was as narrow-minded as he'd thought. Even now, he couldn't understand what he did wrong.

Not everyone takes pride in being "dirty." The so-called "dark will" of Root is just a lie—a self-delusion by people who get their hands dirty but don't want to face it.

Most people still long to walk in the sun. They want to be seen as noble, righteous.

At the very least, they don't want to be mistaken for Root shinobi.

In the end, Root was just… toilet paper. Necessary, yes—but disposable. It serves a purpose, and then it's tossed aside. No one worships it just because it kept things clean.

Danzo didn't understand this. Or maybe he refused to.

Because he wanted to be Hokage, he clung to his delusion even harder.

Self-hypnosis is more powerful than any Uchiha illusion.

Orochimaru had seen through his dream long ago. He just never bothered to expose it.

But after today… Danzo won't be able to keep dreaming.

And Orochimaru? He didn't apologize. If this particular piece of toilet paper gets flushed, there are always others.

The external threat is gone. The internal unrest is almost settled. Can't fix the spy problem? Fine. But the Root problem? That's solvable. There's time to deal with it.

"Hmph."

Danzo rose from the table, face stormy, and stormed off under Orochimaru's mocking gaze.

And with that, the attempt to shift blame onto Orochimaru ended in failure—and Danzo's disgrace.

Everyone present had a different reaction. No one expected things to turn out like this.

But in the end, it wasn't just Orochimaru who dragged Danzo's reputation through the mud.

It was them—they willingly helped.

Could it be that Orochimaru had even predicted this?

The thought chilled them. There were too many "coincidences" in this entire ordeal. Even if Orochimaru hadn't orchestrated everything, his masterful response alone was terrifying.

---

"Regarding the Kabuto incident," the Third Hokage said, tapping the table with his pipe, "Danzo and Root clearly made grave errors and violated village policy."

"As Hokage, I hereby order the complete dissolution of Root. All Root shinobi will be reassigned as standard ninjas. Danzo will temporarily retain his advisory position—pending review."

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances but said nothing.

They felt the punishment was harsh, but with how messy things had become, someone had to be held responsible. Since the Third had made his decision, they could only accept it.

"Additionally," the Third continued, scanning the room, "to compensate for the village's weakened defense force…"

"Each clan will resubmit a revised roster of shinobi within three days. Deliver it to the Hokage's office."

Everyone's eyes lit up.

The Third Hokage had acted with calm precision—removing Root while also strengthening his grip.

Many Root members came from the major clans. Danzo had conscripted them, but now, with Root dissolved, those clans could reclaim their own.

And with the Hokage facilitating the transition, the power of Root would be quietly absorbed back into the village—under his control.

_____________________

The story is Finished on patreon (394 Chapters)

Join my patreon To Read it

patreon.com/Silver757

Or Tip me on

coff.ee/silver7959

http://buymeacoffee.com/silver7959