"You have a point."
The Third Hokage nodded slowly, eyes heavy with unspoken frustration. "We really can't let them exclude us this time. We must intervene."
With the Pharmaceutical Research Institute already out of their grasp—earning millions of ryo monthly—and controlled tightly by Uzumaki Mito, Senju, the daimyo, and Uchiha Ren Takashi's inner circle, Hiruzen had been left out in the cold. The only thing he could claim was a basic purchasing quota.
That wasn't just a blow to his pride—it was political irrelevance in the making.
No more. Not this time.
"Summon Orochimaru," he ordered.
In moments, Anbu was dispatched. At the research site on Senju land, Orochimaru was quick to understand the summons. He excused himself from Ren Takashi and the others and departed in a blur of body flicker.
"It seems the Third Hokage is getting restless," Uzumaki Mito chuckled.
Ren Takashi responded with a faint smile. "Of course he is. But he won't be investing in the research institute. We'll let him compete for factory and distribution shares later—but only in Konoha's name, not his own or his faction's."
He paused, voice firm in the barrier's soundproof seal.
"If we let them get their hands into the institute, nothing will remain secure."
Mito raised a brow, amused. "Cunning move. When the Fourth and Fifth Hokage succession plans you're cultivating come into play, the Third will be powerless—his faction completely ousted."
"He deserves it," Ren said coldly. "He betrayed too many. And don't think death will be the end for him. That man will learn what true punishment looks like."
Mito gave a soft laugh, but a chill traced her spine. "I must never get on your bad side, little Ren."
"I'm fair. I repay kindness with kindness. And I never forget a debt."
In the Hokage office, Orochimaru arrived to find both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo Shimura waiting.
"You summoned me, teacher?" Orochimaru's expression was unreadable, though the glint in his eyes warned of sharpness beneath his calm.
"Yes," Hiruzen said, measured but tense. "You've been seen cooperating with Uchiha Ren Takashi… even helping him establish a technology institute. Are you aware of what kind of tension this causes?"
"I'm aware," Orochimaru replied easily. "But is it so terrible? We're all part of Konoha, aren't we? I'm merely assisting research that benefits the village."
Danzo frowned, but Hiruzen's tone turned sterner. "This is not about petty concerns. You know as well as I do that Uchiha Ren and the factions backing him have grown dangerously powerful. Should we not be united, Orochimaru?"
Orochimaru tilted his head slightly.
"United? You speak of unity while questioning my loyalties. Tell me, teacher—are you trying to create two camps in the village?"
Hiruzen faltered.
"You were the one who taught us the Will of Fire, the legacy of the First Hokage. And now, you're branding anyone working with Ren Takashi as a traitor? Isn't that a betrayal of Hashirama's vision?"
Danzo's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.
"Orochimaru…" Hiruzen finally muttered, voice low, "surely you realize how this looks. The Pharmaceutical Institute already slipped from our fingers. If this research institute follows, the village's leadership will be excluded from all core advances."
"If you're worried about being excluded," Orochimaru said, sharp tongue flicking over his lip, "perhaps you should ask Uzumaki Mito or Ren Takashi yourself. I have no control over who joins. I'm merely a researcher."
"You mean," Hiruzen said through gritted teeth, "you won't even offer us your shares?"
Orochimaru shrugged. "They already designed it so that if I try to sell, the shares are revoked. They anticipated this. They don't trust you."
"And you're okay with that?" Danzo finally snapped.
Orochimaru smirked. "Trust is earned. Clearly, you haven't earned theirs."
Silence stretched.
Finally, the Third spoke again, defeated yet persistent. "Can you at least tell me what this institute is researching?"
"Basic technology," Orochimaru replied. "Thermal energy. Home appliances. Some Chakra-adapted versions. It's public enough that even Cloud Shinobi is experimenting with it. Nothing too secret—at least not at first glance."
He conveniently left out the Chakra batteries, purification tech, energy storage, and potential to commercialize Chakra as a resource. That knowledge, he knew, would break Hiruzen.
Danzo grumbled. "We can't let this stand. Not again. Not like the last time."
"I suggest you focus on what you can influence," Orochimaru said coldly. "Factories. Sales companies. Bid for shares like everyone else. But the research institute? That door's already closed."
He didn't say it, but his eyes did: "You've already lost this war. You just haven't realized it yet."
As he left the room, the shadows deepened.
Danzo turned to Hiruzen. "You've lost him. Completely."
Hiruzen exhaled heavily, eyes dull. "I know."
And in the halls of Konoha, another nail was hammered into the coffin of the old regime.