Chapter 311: Chapter 311: The Real Problem Lies in Konoha’s Relationship with the Daimyo's Office

Chapter 311: Chapter 311: The Real Problem Lies in Konoha’s Relationship with the Daimyo's Office



While both the Third Hokage and Danzō have their dark sides, Orochimaru's darkness is comparatively straightforward. Orochimaru strayed for specific reasons, but with Danzō and the Third Hokage, darkness seems omnipresent. They may act in secrecy, but their actions are always in the name of the village. They claim everything is "for the good of Konoha," all while plotting in the shadows.

After Takuya left, Jiraiya was left visibly conflicted. His goal had been to rally Takuya to support Tsunade, but the situation had spiraled beyond his expectations. The animosity between Takuya and the higher-ups was worse than he had realized.

"Would Takuya really prefer supporting Orochimaru just to see the Third Hokage step down?"

Who was truly at fault here? Takuya? No, even if Jiraiya tried to fool himself, he couldn't deny the facts. Takuya had always treated Konoha as his home and had never acted against the village. Yet, because of his lineage and status, he was repeatedly targeted. The roots of all this started at the top.

Did the Third Hokage make mistakes? Jiraiya couldn't deny it, and they weren't minor, either. But confronting his teacher wasn't an option. Supporting Tsunade's rise was already an unorthodox move for him. Openly opposing his sensei wasn't in Jiraiya's nature.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Damn it! How did it come to this?"

Anger welled up inside Jiraiya, and with no outlet, he was left wanting to shout, without knowing who to blame.

As Takuya returned to his tent, he was met with the eager gazes of both Minato and Nawaki. He couldn't help but laugh at their curious expressions.

"Go on and ask. Whatever I can say, I won't keep from you."

Minato and Nawaki had been with him for a long time and were already aware of most of the relevant details, so there was no harm in sharing a little more.

"What did Jiraiya-sensei want to talk about?" Minato asked.

"It was about Orochimaru."

"Orochimaru's situation is more complex," Takuya replied, shrugging again. "I think he's working with Danzō, experimenting with things he shouldn't be. You know how he loves his research and most of it falls under village bans."

Nawaki's eyes widened. "You're saying... Orochimaru-sensei is doing forbidden research?"

Takuya nodded. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

Nawaki drew a sharp breath, feeling a chill run through him. If that were to be exposed, the shock would shake the entire village.

"Enough for now. Get some rest. We're heading to the coastal encampment at dawn."

Takuya was unconcerned that Nawaki might rush off to confront Orochimaru. The younger Nawaki might have done so, but the Nawaki of today was wiser, even if the situation involved Orochimaru himself.

Back at the base, Orochimaru set aside a scroll with a satisfied smile.

"Takuya didn't disappoint. I imagine Yagura will lose his mind when he hears about this. It'll be quite the spectacle."

Across from him, Nara Shikaku looked on with curiosity, eyeing the intelligence report on the table. Orochimaru gave a slight nod, tossing the scroll over to Shikaku, who fumbled to catch it. Opening it, his eyes widened in disbelief.

"This... am I dreaming?"

To think that Takuya and Minato had quietly pulled off something of this magnitude!

Here is the bonus chapter as promised! I'm truly impressed by how quickly you all clicked the power stone button, managing to give over 500 power stones within just two hours. Congratulations on reaching that milestone! I hope these five chapters were enjoyable and worth the effort.

(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 360+ at Patreon com/ Emiko1.