Inside a Konoha field command tent, Uchiha Yoru sat with a troubled expression, his brows knit as if weighed down by difficult decisions.Across from him, Uchiha Shisui stood stiffly, guilt written plainly on his face. It was the look of someone who wanted to help but felt powerless.
"Shisui," Yoru said quietly, "Orochimaru-sensei's research has reached a critical stage. He needs rare materials. And you know as well as I do… right now, the only universal currency on the front lines is hard assets."
Shisui nodded without hesitation. "I understand, Night-brother. I'll contact the clan immediately. This is the funding allocated for now."
He slid a heavy metal case across the table.
Yoru accepted it but did not smile. Instead, he let out a slow breath, his expression remaining tense.
Shisui frowned. "Is it still not enough? If Orochimaru-sama needs more, I can report directly to the Clan Head. The clan won't hesitate."
The Uchiha had already committed an enormous amount of resources. Their goal was clear.Trust.
Not favors. Not promises.Trust from a future Hokage.
Yoru hesitated, then spoke as if choosing his words carefully.
"Shisui… Orochimaru-sensei devoted years to dangerous research for the village. He finally achieved progress with Wood Release, and now…"He paused. "It seems Danzō is using that achievement against him."
Shisui stiffened. "Against him? How?"
For the first time, doubt flickered through his eyes.
"In Orochimaru-sensei's words," Yoru continued, voice low, "Danzō doesn't want him to become Hokage."
The tent fell silent.
Shisui's breathing slowed as the implication sank in.
"Then… the Third Hokage-sama?" he asked carefully. "Does he know?"
The question lingered unanswered.
Yoru gave a bitter smile. "That, I don't know."
But Shisui did.
Of course the Hokage knew.How could he not?
And yet, he did nothing.
In Shisui's mind, something shifted. Not shattered. Just… dulled.
Orochimaru was still the shining figure he believed in. A man burdened with responsibility, advancing forbidden research for the village's sake. A future Hokage bearing the village's darkness alone.
By comparison, the glow around the current leadership dimmed.
"Danzō may delay him," Yoru said firmly, "but he can't stop him. Orochimaru-sensei has already restarted Wood Release research. Once another subject succeeds, no one will be able to deny him the Hokage seat."
The words were calm. Certain.
And devastatingly convincing.
No one believed a man like Orochimaru would defect.A Sannin.The Third Hokage's disciple.A former Hokage candidate.
The idea was unthinkable.
Shisui clenched his fist. "I'll report this personally to the Clan Head. We'll support Orochimaru-sama without reservation."
At some point, he realized, he had stopped questioning human experimentation itself.
The Second Hokage had done it.The Third Hokage had allowed it.Orochimaru was merely continuing the same path.
For the village.
Yoru nodded solemnly. "This is our chance. If Orochimaru becomes the Fifth Hokage, the Uchiha will regain the village's trust. We'll return to the center of power."
Shisui straightened, resolve replacing uncertainty.
"The Uchiha may lack many things," he said, voice steady, "but funds are not one of them."
Yoru lowered his gaze in agreement, hiding the quiet calculation behind his eyes.