Reborn as Danzō’s Grandson, Must I Offend the Entire Ninja World?

Konoha.

During the more than one month that Yami was away, a major event occurred.

Orochimaru, the disciple of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the only remaining Sannin in Konoha, was confirmed to have conducted human experiments using villagers to test a Forbidden Technique.

When the Third Hokage personally led the Anbu to pursue him, Orochimaru escaped from the village, becoming the most high-profile missing-nin since Konoha's founding.

The news sent shockwaves through the village, and Sarutobi Hiruzen's reputation took a serious hit.

---

Hokage Building – Hokage's Office.

The atmosphere was tense as Hiruzen stared at a composed Danzō.

Although Danzō had not shown himself throughout the entire incident, as if it had nothing to do with him, Hiruzen could sense his involvement. That familiar stench of manipulation was unmistakable.

"Danzō, what are you trying to do? Are you trying to destroy Konoha by forcing Orochimaru out?"

Hiruzen adjusted his Hokage hat and questioned him in a sharp tone.

Konoha was at its weakest in history.

White Fang had committed suicide, the Fourth Hokage was dead, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was still just a baby, two of the Three Sannin had left, and only Orochimaru remained.

At such a vulnerable time, Danzō had forced Orochimaru away—an action that directly challenged Hiruzen's authority.

"Did I do something wrong?"

Danzō countered without hesitation, not even bothering to deny the accusation. "Should I have done nothing and simply let Orochimaru use the villagers as experimental subjects for his Forbidden Techniques?"

Hiruzen's face turned red, but he had no words to refute.

Did he not know what his apprentice had been doing?

Of course, he knew.

Ever since Orochimaru lost the Hokage succession to Namikaze Minato, he had withdrawn more and more from village affairs. Each time they met, Sarutobi Hiruzen could feel the changes in him.

He was no longer… human.

Yet Hiruzen had turned a blind eye, hoping that once Orochimaru completed his research, he would come to his senses and return.

But now, he could not openly admit this.

If he so much as hinted at agreeing with or condoning Orochimaru's actions, his position as Hokage would be in jeopardy.

"I don't need you making decisions for me, Danzō!" Hiruzen stated firmly. "I am the Hokage."

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen."

Bang!

Danzō left, but unlike before, he was in an exceptionally good mood.

Forcing Orochimaru out was a direct attack on the Hokage's authority. He had shaken Hiruzen's reputation, exposed his weakness, and set the stage for a decisive strike.

Yami was growing stronger, and as his grandfather, Danzō could not sit idly by.

If Yami reached his full potential before Danzō became Hokage, how could he ensure his own ascension?

Thus, without hesitation, he had sacrificed Orochimaru, his long-time ally.

Of course, Danzō was not without consideration for the future.

As compensation, he had promised Orochimaru something, one hundred ninja test subjects.

With this assurance, Orochimaru abandoned any thoughts of revenge, and their partnership remained intact.

However, acquiring one hundred test subjects was no simple task. Given Konoha's recent turmoil, they could not be taken from within the village.

"Yamanaka."

A kneeling ninja appeared behind him in an instant.

"Take the Third and Fourth Squadrons to the Land of Water. Capture as many as possible—alive."

"Understood."

With that, the Root ninja vanished.

---

When Yami returned to the village, the people were still abuzz about Orochimaru's defection and his inhumane experiments.

At the Root base, Danzō proudly revealed the details of his scheme.

"Old man, aren't you afraid that other nations will catch wind of this and start making moves?"

"Besides, weren't you on good terms with Orochimaru? He even gave me a sword. Betraying your own ally like this don't you think that's a bit much?"

Yami looked at his grandfather in exasperation.

Danzō truly lived up to his reputation. He was the type who could not sit still without stirring up trouble.

Wouldn't it be easier to just wait until Yami was strong enough to dominate the entire ninja world?

Danzō gave him a sidelong glance with his single eye and snorted.

"You think I didn't consider that?"

"The Five Great Nations are in no position to start another war. They need at least several years to recover. Orochimaru's defection won't change the balance of power."

"Hiruzen is simply deceiving himself. He never had the heart to deal with Orochimaru properly."

Then, Danzō's tone became more solemn.

"Yami, remember this, there are no friends in this world. Only eternal interests."

"As long as it benefits me and protects Konoha, I wouldn't hesitate to betray even Hiruzen himself."

"What about me?"

Yami met his gaze without flinching. "If the benefits were great enough, would you betray me too?"

Danzō was momentarily taken aback but quickly shook his head.

"No. You and the village are my greatest interests."

Yami chuckled.

"You old schemer."

"Let's drop the subject. I brought back a lot of supplies this time..."

---

Danzō's plan ultimately fell short.

Hiruzen's reputation had indeed taken a hit, but he had underestimated the power of bonds.

Not long after Orochimaru's defection, a hero returned to Konoha.

---

Konoha – A Certain Rooftop

On the roof of a women's bathhouse, Jiraiya frowned.

"Old man, what's this about Orochimaru?"

If not for the telescope in his hands and their current location, the scene might have felt more serious.

"He… lost his way," Hiruzen said wearily.

In just a few days, he looked much older.

"Do you still remember his dream?"

Jiraiya's expression softened as he recalled their younger days.

"Of course. That stubborn snake wanted to learn every jutsu in the world. As if that were possible."

"Yes. But he lost himself in the pursuit of jutsu." Hiruzen sighed.

"You're all grown now. I can't control you anymore."

"Jiraiya, help this old man. Konoha needs you."

Jiraiya was silent for a moment. Looking at Hiruzen's pleading eyes, he finally relented.

"One year. I'll stay in the village for one year."

"After that, I'll bring him back to you."

For the first time in days, Hiruzen smiled.

"Alright."

(To be continued.)

***

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