Chapter 110: Chapter 110: The End of an Era
Behind Nagato, a few emissaries from Akatsuki Village followed closely.
On Konoha's side, it was unclear whether these visitors were allies or enemies, leaving everyone hesitant to act.
Observing the tense situation, Obito jumped down from the tree and approached the Konoha team.
A squad leader leaned in and whispered to him.
"The man ahead claims to be from Akatsuki Village. What should we do?"
Obito smiled lightly.
"Stay calm. I'll verify their identities."
The squad leader reminded him cautiously, "Please be careful."
"Don't worry."
Obito walked toward Nagato, who stepped forward to meet him. Clearing his throat, Obito feigned seriousness as he asked,
"Are you truly emissaries from Akatsuki Village?"
Nagato stifled a laugh and nodded repeatedly.
"Yes, yes! That's correct!"
Hearing this, Obito turned back to the Konoha squad and confidently declared,
"Everyone, no need to worry. They're indeed emissaries from Akatsuki Village sent to escort us."
Someone in the Konoha team exclaimed with relief,
"So they're allies after all!"
With the misunderstanding cleared, both sides merged into one group and proceeded together toward Akatsuki Village.
...
Arrival at Akatsuki Village
The journey passed uneventfully. Upon arrival, Yahiko and a group of Akatsuki core members personally came out to greet the delegation from the Land of Fire and the Princess of the Land of Rain.
Watching from the shadows, Obito sighed.
"Sigh, the coming days are bound to be boring..."
The delegation from the Land of Fire was scheduled to stay in the Land of Rain for a month-long inspection. During this time, Obito and his squad were tasked with ensuring their safety.
Yahiko and the others would certainly be preoccupied, and Lady Yuki… probably wouldn't have time for him either.
But that was fine.
Glancing at his teammates, Obito's eyes lit up.
Their squad had four members—just enough for a round of mahjong!
Or, they could call over another squad and play a game of Mafia.
...
Back in Konoha
While Obito was away, significant events unfolded in Konoha.
In the Hokage's office, an ANBU knelt before the Third Hokage, reporting in a deep voice.
"Third-sama, the thorough investigation of Root is complete. Aside from the issues I previously reported to you..."
The ANBU hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and continued.
"We discovered a child within Root… one who has mastered Wood Release!"
"Wood Release?!"
The Third Hokage's expression was a mix of shock and delight. He snapped the pipe in his hand with a loud crack.
His reaction was understandable. The significance of a Wood Release user to Konoha was immeasurable.
Firstly, the First Hokage, the founder of Konoha, was most renowned for his mastery of Wood Release.
Secondly, its sealing techniques were instrumental in controlling jinchūriki—crucial for the village's stability.
Finally, the innate power of Wood Release as a kekkei genkai made it a formidable asset.
With proper training, a Wood Release ninja could become a powerful protector—or perhaps even a successful real estate developer.
When the Third Hokage calmed down, his expression grew grim. He turned to the ANBU and asked sharply,
"Where did this Wood Release user come from?"
The ANBU hesitated before answering,
"Based on our intel, it seems the child was created through human experimentation…"
Before he could finish, the Third Hokage slammed the desk, shattering it in two.
"Danzo!"
Years ago, in pursuit of Wood Release, both the Third Hokage and Danzo had initiated a series of experiments involving willing volunteers, many of whom carried Senju blood.
However, due to the high mortality rate from cellular rejection, the project was halted under the Third Hokage's orders.
"But that bastard dared to continue in secret..."
The Third Hokage's face darkened further, his anger barely contained.
It wasn't just Danzo. Someone had to be aiding him in these experiments. And in Konoha, only one person could have provided the necessary expertise: his own disciple—Orochimaru.
Suppressing his fury, the Third Hokage barked,
"Bring Orochimaru to me. Now!"
"Understood!"
Orochimaru's Betrayal
Half an hour later, the same ANBU returned, kneeling before the Hokage with a grim expression.
"Third-sama, we've searched every corner of the village, but we couldn't find any trace of Orochimaru."
The Third Hokage took a drag from his pipe, his voice heavy.
"Are you saying… my disciple has defected?"
"Yes," the ANBU replied reluctantly. "It seems Orochimaru has abandoned the village."
The Third Hokage said nothing. Smoke from his pipe obscured his face, masking his emotions.
After a long silence, he finally spoke in a calm, measured tone.
"Orochimaru's knowledge, intelligence, and techniques are invaluable to Konoha. If this information falls into enemy hands, the village will suffer immeasurably.
"Place Orochimaru on the S-rank rogue ninja list. We must not let him escape the Land of Fire."
"Understood."
The ANBU hesitated before asking,
"And the Wood Release child? Should we recruit him?"
The Third Hokage shook his head.
"Assign him to the Fourth Hokage's personal ANBU team. There's an opening he can fill."
"Yes, sir!"
The ANBU departed swiftly. Left alone in his vast office, the Third Hokage sighed deeply.
Danzo… Orochimaru…
He let out a bitter laugh, throwing his broken pipe to the ground.
...
A New Generation
The next morning, the Third Hokage resumed his duties as usual. An ANBU captain knelt before him, reporting the previous day's developments.
"…The Fourth Hokage is fully cooperating. I believe we'll intercept Orochimaru before he leaves the Land of Fire."
The Third Hokage rubbed his temples wearily.
"Good work. You may leave."
The captain hesitated before adding,
"One more thing, Third-sama. Uchiha Shisui has applied to join the ANBU. The Fourth Hokage is unsure and wishes to seek your guidance."
The Third Hokage's eyes softened with nostalgia.
"Shisui… He's like Kagami back in the day—a fine young man who embodies the Will of Fire."
Smiling faintly, he waved a hand.
"Let the Fourth Hokage decide. He's the current leader of Konoha."
"Understood."
As the captain departed, he glanced back at the aging Hokage.
Once a proud and vigorous warrior, the Third Hokage now seemed worn down by the passage of time, his shoulders stooped under the weight of betrayal and loss.
Still, the captain thought, he was also witnessing the birth of a new era.
Shaking off his melancholy, he quickened his pace toward the ANBU headquarters.
All for Konoha.
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