Chapter 73: Orochimaru is Not in Konoha

“Hand it over?” Before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, could voice any objections, Koharu Utatane furrowed her brows. Danzo’s presence here was, of course, arranged at her behest. Koharu knew full well that with Hiruzen’s stance uncertain, the strength of the two elder advisors alone could not contend with Orochimaru. Thus, despite Danzo’s poor showing during the Mangekyo Sharingan incident, he remained an indispensable force, one they needed to win over.

Her judgment had proven sound. Through Danzo’s methods, they had uncovered the true nature of the so-called “physical enhancement surgery,” and, despite the difficulty of infiltrating the Uchiha compound, found clues that Orochimaru was conducting human experiments there. Yet Danzo’s current attitude was unsettling; his opposition to destroying the experimental data was tantamount to betrayal.

“Don’t misunderstand. When I say ‘hand it over,’ I mean it’s a last resort.” Danzo, having noticed Koharu’s subtle shift in demeanor, concealed his amusement behind a stoic face and continued, “Unless we lock Orochimaru away, he will inevitably conduct human experiments. Besides, they claim these are surgeries, consented to by both parties—there’s simply no way to prevent it.”

His words were measured, analyzing from a human nature perspective, perfectly fitting both Orochimaru’s and the Uchiha’s established personas. One disregards life; the other craves power.

The two advisors’ brows furrowed further. Having spent years among Konoha’s leadership, the special power structure and ideological conditioning had made them accustomed to grand narratives, to wielding authority. Even after being bested by Orochimaru twice, their age had left their thinking rigid. Faced with someone powerful and deeply self-interested, they found themselves at a loss.

In contrast, Hiruzen and Danzo, each firmly seated in their respective positions, possessed far more cunning. Now, to achieve his aim, Danzo spoke with earnest conviction: “Call it surgery or call it experimentation, unless we push Orochimaru into becoming a rogue ninja, it cannot be stopped. Do you truly wish to take action against him at this critical juncture?”

This rhetoric matched Hiruzen’s earlier approach: in writing, it would read, “Let’s put the greater good first.” Against the rigid-minded Hokage advisors, it was a devastating blow.

After all, the longevity of their positions owed not only to the political capital inherited from the Second Hokage’s era, but to their genuine dedication to the public good. Were that image to crumble, their status would vanish with it. Take Orochimaru—though he had garnered considerable benefit in the village of late, at best he was a “weapon” used in times of war; unless he seized power by force, he would never join the village’s elite. No one wished a selfish man to rule over them.

Having suffered successive blows from Hiruzen and Danzo, the advisors’ fervor waned noticeably. Danzo strode to the long table, pulled out a chair, and sat. He continued, “In my view, the key issue isn’t stopping Orochimaru’s surgeries, but controlling their risks and preventing casualties. ‘Handing over’ serves precisely that purpose.”

Koharu, though conceding Danzo’s logic, couldn’t help but stress, “These are human experiments, not surgeries.”

“If there’s no danger, it’s a surgery—and one that can greatly enhance our ninja’s abilities.” Danzo shook his head, his raspy voice slow and deliberate. “Orochimaru has performed three procedures; even the least successful patient survived, and the other two saw marked improvement in their abilities.”

He turned his gaze to Shisui. Though Shisui held a poor opinion of Danzo, he recognized that Danzo now advocated for Orochimaru and the Uchiha, and nodded, “Lord Danzo is correct. The clansman who failed the procedure suffered no danger to his life, only needing two or three months’ recuperation.”

Now, Koharu and Homura Mitokado wore expressions of hesitant contemplation. They had come to discuss matters with Hiruzen for the sake of the village, to prevent a disastrous scenario where a failed surgery resulted in death, forcing Orochimaru into exile. If Orochimaru handed over the surgical data and the experiments became an official village project, it seemed to resolve the core issue.

With other medical ninja assisting, the risks would surely be reduced compared to Orochimaru working alone; perhaps the procedure could truly become safe. In that case, all the village’s ninja—including possibly themselves—might benefit.

With this realization, the advisors ceased their objections, their eyes brightening. Nearby, Shisui also found Danzo’s idea remarkably sound, surprised by the man whose face was half hidden beneath bandages.

At the head of the table, Hiruzen sat impassively, observing coldly. Noting the expressions around him, he sneered inwardly.

Danzo’s actions seemed contrary to his usual nature, but as long as one understood his underlying motive—the desire to seize Orochimaru’s experimental data—it all became clear. Even so, Hiruzen did not intend to intervene. First, Danzo was waving the “for the village” banner, having won the elders’ support. Second, given Orochimaru’s temperament, this forced handover could not possibly proceed smoothly. Hiruzen could afford to wait, seeking a more opportune moment to mediate, suppress Danzo, and maximize the village’s interests. Orochimaru’s interests were no longer Hiruzen’s concern; his student was mature enough now.

After a moment, seeing Hiruzen offer no objection, Danzo said calmly, “It seems you have no qualms, Hiruzen. I have already sent people to the Uchiha compound to summon Orochimaru. I’ll need you, as his teacher, to speak to him yourself.”

Not long after, a ninja from the Foundation appeared in the Hokage’s office and reported, “Lord Danzo, Lord Hokage, according to the Uchiha clan head, Lord Orochimaru has been out of the village for over a day. Only an assistant remained in his medical lab.”

At this news, those present reacted with varying expressions.

“Hiruzen, you weren’t aware of this either?” Koharu glanced at the Third, her brows knitting. “Orochimaru is too much.”

As a Konoha ninja, one was forbidden from leaving the village without permission, except when on an official mission. Even someone of the “Legendary Sannin” level ought at least to perform the proper formalities.

“He left behind an assistant?” Danzo barked, “He must have some way to contact Orochimaru. Why didn’t you bring him here?”

The Foundation ninja raised his head, voice tinged with difficulty. “Lord Danzo, the assistant refused your summons, and he has the backing of the Uchiha Police Force.”

“How insolent, the Uchiha.” Danzo turned, casting a dark glance at Hiruzen and the others. “I’ll go myself.”

The two advisors had no objection; Hiruzen’s eyes betrayed a hint of suspicion. As Danzo rose and left the Hokage’s office, a glint of calculation flashed in his eyes.