Part Time Employee in Konoha

Orochimaru had no way to resist.

Both Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke were particularly effective against him. On top of that, the betrayal by his subordinate, Yakushi Kabuto, made Orochimaru feel as if he had truly fallen into a trap!

If only…

He hadn't come looking for Danzo!

He shouldn't have come to watch Danzo's downfall alongside Sasuke, just because Danzo was being hunted by the Uchiha brothers. And now…

The target of this kid had shifted to him.

Orochimaru had previously placed a curse mark on Sasuke. As he donned the Shinigami mask, a trace of helplessness flashed in his eyes as he, following the guidance of Kabuto and Sasuke, summoned the Shinigami...

Now…

He could only place his trust in Sasuke.

The Shinigami's spectral form appeared!

Orochimaru, being ruthless, gritted his teeth and used a kunai to slice open his own abdomen, showing no regard for the pain of his flesh being cut open!

A long wound appeared on the Shinigami's spectral body as well, from which a soul began to emerge!

In the next moment!

The Shinigami reached out to grab Orochimaru's soul!

However, Orochimaru's soul transformed into a small white snake and slithered out of his body, causing the Shinigami's spectral form to fade away in vain…

"Seal release."

Sasuke wasn't immoral; he hadn't planned to capture and use Orochimaru under these circumstances. Instead, he kept his word and used the seal release technique to undo the curse mark that Orochimaru had left on him. A large serpent emerged from the spot where the curse mark had been.

This serpent opened its mouth and spat out a new Orochimaru, while the small white snake also entered Orochimaru's mouth, merging their souls.

"My hands… they're back…"

Orochimaru immediately sensed his restored hands, his face filled with excitement and joy. He was even genuinely grateful to Sasuke, grinning as he said, "Sasuke-kun, I really owe you one this time…"

"You're welcome."

"However…"

"I need to say this in advance…"

Orochimaru glanced at Sasuke and gently advised, "If you want to seize power in Konoha, hunting me down alone won't be enough. You're too young…"

Twelve years old.

At this age, it was impossible to be part of Konoha's higher-ups.

Perhaps Sasuke could be exceptionally promoted to Jōnin, or even become an Anbu captain, but he could never become part of Konoha's higher-ups.

"Moreover…"

"You're an Uchiha…"

The regret in Orochimaru's tone was evident.

Compared to the age issue, the Uchiha name was more likely to be the key factor. Konoha's higher-ups would never willingly let an Uchiha ascend to a high position!

After speaking, Orochimaru smiled and tried to persuade him: "Leave Konoha, Sasuke-kun. Let's create a new ninja village together…"

"Don't worry."

Sasuke's gaze shifted to Itachi, who had been standing nearby, his tone light: "Indeed, the Uchiha name makes it hard to gain the trust of the higher-ups, but there's one Uchiha who can certainly do it…"

"..."

Orochimaru looked at Itachi.

What did this mean?

Could it be…

Sasuke wanted to bring Itachi back to Konoha?

That was impossible—Itachi had massacred the entire Uchiha clan. Konoha could never forgive him!

No…

Wait!

There is one department that could!

Orochimaru subconsciously glanced at Danzo, who was lying on the ground.

"All right."

Sasuke's eyes shifted to Kabuto, who was standing nearby, and he softly said: "Kabuto-senpai, the soul of the Third Hokage has also been released from the Shinigami. The rest is up to you—let's begin our real plan!"

"Huh?"

Orochimaru was still a bit puzzled.

But Kabuto took out a scroll, retrieved a sample of Hashirama cells from it, and immediately implanted them into Danzo's body!

"You…"

Danzo felt the Hashirama cells consuming him in terror!

"It will be over soon…"

Kabuto then pulled out a lock of white hair from his pocket, his eyes flashing as his hands quickly formed hand signs: "Ninja Art: Edo Tensei!"

"So, you've secretly learned my Edo Tensei technique, Kabuto…"

Orochimaru chuckled softly, shaking his head as he quietly said: "However, this amount of material isn't sufficient…"

"For Orochimaru-san, it might not be enough…"

Sasuke, gazing nonchalantly at the lock of white hair on the ground, continued: "But for the improved version of the Edo Tensei, it's more than enough. In fact, the addition of the First Hokage's cells can even enhance control over the reincarnated…"

The wind.

It rose.

The lock of white hair turned to dust, clinging tightly to Danzo's body. In an instant, the dust completely enveloped Danzo, and a small, armored elderly man emerged from Danzo's body!

"That's…"

Orochimaru's eyes flashed with shock.

"The Third…"

Itachi's heart tightened.

This was something neither Itachi nor Orochimaru had anticipated—they hadn't expected Sasuke to use the Edo Tensei to revive the recently deceased Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen!

"No…"

Accompanied by Danzo's wailing, the resurrected Third Hokage emerged from Danzo's corpse!

"Huh?"

"What is…"

"The Edo Tensei?"

Hiruzen quickly grasped his situation. He immediately spotted Orochimaru nearby and asked in a slightly uneasy tone: "Orochimaru? Didn't I seal your hands…"

"Teacher."

Orochimaru sneered suddenly, interrupting Hiruzen as he took a step back, making way for Sasuke: "This time, it's not my doing…"

"Sasuke…"

Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat.

Uchiha Sasuke…

Why is he with Orochimaru!

Could it be that what I feared before my death has come true? Has this boy become another Uchiha menace to Konoha?

"No…"

"Why is Itachi here…"

Hiruzen's mind filled with confusion as he instinctively placed his trust in Itachi, softly asking: "Itachi, what's going on…"

"Let me explain."

Sasuke stood in front of Itachi, his face cold as he said: "I know the truth about the Uchiha clan's massacre…"

"!!!"

Shock filled Hiruzen's eyes!

This…

This can't be happening.

If Sasuke knew the truth, would he still stay in Konoha? Or would he, like the rest of the Uchiha, turn against Konoha's higher-ups?

Sasuke was a true genius. At twelve, he had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and could even use it proficiently. If he went astray, he would become as dangerous as Madara, a threat to Konoha…

But…

Konoha no longer had the First Hokage to stop another Madara…

"Sasuke, did Itachi tell you?"

Hiruzen sighed inwardly, but he had no choice but to speak, trying to win Sasuke back for Konoha: "It was my mistake. I thought more time was needed for a peaceful resolution, but I didn't expect Danzo to act in secret, forcing Itachi to commit such extreme actions…"

"It's okay."

Sasuke let out a cold laugh, his face indifferent: "I know it was Danzo who did it, but I've already forgiven him."

"..."

Hiruzen was stunned.

This kid… how is he so forgiving?

Regarding the matter of the Uchiha clan, even Sarutobi Hiruzen himself has not forgiven Shimura Danzo. So how could the victim possibly forgive Danzo?

Could it be...

Shimura Danzo is truly a genius at dealing with the Uchiha?

No, that doesn't seem to be a bad thing...

If this little Uchiha Sasuke can forgive Danzo, the one who orchestrated the massacre of the Uchiha clan, then it's unlikely he would oppose the village's leaders...

But...

Is this kid really that magnanimous?

"Alright."

Sarutobi Hiruzen could only assume that Uchiha Sasuke was telling the truth. He sighed deeply and said, "Since you have forgiven Danzo, there's nothing more I can say... I'm already an old man with one foot in the grave, and you resurrected me using the Edo Tensei technique..."

"Wait a moment..."

When Sarutobi Hiruzen mentioned the Edo Tensei, he suddenly realized something and instinctively tried to educate Uchiha Sasuke, "The Edo Tensei is a dangerous and evil technique. Every resurrection requires a living person as a sacrifice..."

"It doesn't matter."

Uchiha Sasuke waved his hand dismissively, showing no concern for the sacrifice's life, "After all, the one used as the sacrifice to resurrect you was Danzo."

"Oh, so the sacrifice was Dan... Danzo?!"

Upon hearing the name Shimura Danzo, Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock!

Wait...

Danzo is dead, and I was resurrected?

My old friend Shimura Danzo was the sacrifice for my resurrection?

What on earth are young people thinking these days? Not only did they resurrect me, a former Hokage, but they even used my old friend as the sacrificial offering!

No wonder...

No wonder Uchiha Sasuke was 'generous' enough to forgive Danzo...

"Enough."

"Let's not talk about that despicable scoundrel anymore..."

Uchiha Sasuke casually insulted the deceased Danzo and then fixed his gaze on Sarutobi Hiruzen, his voice becoming firm and resolute, "I need someone to reveal the truth of what happened back then!"

"!!!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen instinctively wanted to refuse, his brows furrowed as he began to persuade, "Sasuke, the events of the past belong to the previous generation..."

"What about... Itachi?"

Uchiha Sasuke glanced at his brother beside him and spoke coldly, "My brother, Uchiha Itachi, is an unforgivable sinner to the Uchiha; to you all, he should be considered a hero of Konoha, right?"

"..."

A trace of pain appeared on Uchiha Itachi's face.

"Of course..."

After saying that, Sarutobi Hiruzen abruptly fell silent, then sighed, "I understand now. Do you want Itachi to return to Konoha?"

Once the truth behind the Uchiha clan's massacre is revealed, everyone will understand the sacrifices Uchiha Itachi made for Konoha and realize how unreasonable it was to brand him as a traitor.

If that happens...

Konoha would likely accept Uchiha Itachi back.

In fact, everyone might recognize him as an exceptional Konoha ninja.

"There's no need for that..."

Uchiha Itachi shook his head. He never dared to imagine he could return to Konoha. After killing his entire clan, how could he have the face to stay in the village?

Moreover...

He felt that even living was a stroke of luck.

"Actually..."

"Itachi…"

"I owe you an explanation."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Uchiha Itachi and gently consoled him, "Itachi, you bore the burden of killing the Uchiha for the sake of Konoha and Sasuke. Now Sasuke wants to seek justice for you, and indeed, the village should..."

"Teacher..."

"There's no need for such meaningless words..."

Orochimaru, who was standing nearby, suddenly spoke up, interrupting his teacher's empty talk. He knew his teacher all too well; such words carried little weight.

The same old routine.

Orochimaru was more than familiar with it by now.

This teacher liked to go in circles, saying pitiful things and mentioning what should have been done, but in the end, due to unavoidable circumstances, he always ended up standing by and doing nothing about what happened to others.

"But..."

Orochimaru chuckled mockingly, "Even if Itachi-kun returns to Konoha, what then?"

"Could it be..."

Orochimaru's smile became somewhat playful as he glanced at Uchiha Itachi, then at Sarutobi Hiruzen, and finally at Uchiha Sasuke, "Would he be able to get along with the village's ninjas? Are you planning to make him spend the rest of his life in the shadows?"

"..."

The question immediately created a barrier between them.

None of the people present were foolish; they all vaguely understood what Orochimaru was implying, and even Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but start thinking.

"Let me think for a moment..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen abruptly stopped thinking and changed the subject, his gaze becoming sharp, "But, could you all tell me, Orochimaru, Sasuke, Kabuto, Itachi, why are you all together?"

"Who do you think made our dear Danzo-sama control me?"

"That bastard took Shisui's Kotoamatsukami Mangekyo Sharingan..."

Uchiha Sasuke touched his own eyes, a trace of manic killing intent appeared on his face, "He used that eye to control my will, making me eternally loyal to him..."

Uchiha Sasuke's expression was slightly crazed, leaving no trace of deception, "If Itachi hadn't used the other eye to correct my will, I might have been under his control for the rest of my life. He thought he could use my power to kill Itachi, kill Orochimaru-sensei, and kill all who opposed him..."

"..."

Uchiha Itachi's eyes twitched.

This brother of his...

He is becoming quite skilled at lying with a straight face.

"How dare Danzo do such a thing?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face was filled with anger and shock.

Wait...

Shisui's eye was in Danzo's hands?

Moreover...

How could he dare do such a thing!

Even if he merely plotted against Uchiha Shisui and stole Shisui's eye, how could he go so far as to manipulate Uchiha Sasuke, a Mangekyo Sharingan user...

Shimura Danzo could control anyone...

But he should never control someone who poses a threat to Konoha!

That bastard...

What was his plan in controlling Uchiha Sasuke?

He clearly wanted to use Uchiha Sasuke's power to become Hokage!

No...

No, even plotting against Shisui was unacceptable!

It was Shisui's death that cost Konoha the first chance for peaceful negotiations with the Uchiha, eventually leading to the tragic annihilation of the Uchiha clan...

Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a little relieved; luckily, that old friend was killed, otherwise dealing with him would have been troublesome!

"Of course..."

"To Sasuke-kun, this is intolerable."

"But for Lord Third Hokage, the real trouble is yet to come…"

Yakushi Kabuto no longer held back. After casting a glance at Orochimaru beside him, he turned back to Sarutobi Hiruzen and, with a sly smile, delivered another blow: "In the incident during the Chūnin Exams, Danzo-sama conspired with Orochimaru-sama with the intent of killing the Hokage..."

"..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen found himself unable to refute it.

Because…

This was indeed something Danzo would do! Hiruzen didn't even need evidence; he was already convinced that Shimura Danzo had colluded with Orochimaru and once again committed the heinous crime of attempting to assassinate the Hokage!

To put it bluntly...

When the intelligence about Orochimaru infiltrating Konoha reached his desk, Hiruzen was already somewhat suspicious of Danzo, which is why he insisted on not allowing Shimura Danzo to come out of retirement.

"What a pity..."

"He almost succeeded..."

Orochimaru squinted his eyes, laughing softly as he said, "Teacher, I helped him kill you, but after Danzo became Hokage, he wanted to send Sasuke to eliminate me as a threat. Do you think I should kill him?"

"..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a bit helpless.

This...

Was also something Danzo was capable of doing.

What was going on with this old friend?

It seemed that in the short time since his death, Shimura Danzo had already made enemies with the entire world?

"Wait a moment..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly realized another problem.

"Danzo..."

"How did he become Hokage?"

"That's the most glaring issue."

Uchiha Sasuke's lips curled into a mocking smile as he said coldly, "Danzo-sama colluded with the Akatsuki organization, secretly using them to create a threat by attacking Konoha..."

"In order to keep the village functioning under the emergency, the village advisors were forced to let him succeed as the Fifth Hokage. If Itachi hadn't discovered Danzo's plot, by now, our Danzo-sama would likely be holding the Hokage inauguration ceremony..."

"This matter..."

"I've already reported it to Kakashi-sensei and the Hokage's advisors."

"If nothing unexpected happens..."

"The Anbu in the village should already have received the information."

"..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart was filled with shock.

That scoundrel...

He actually colluded with outsiders again for the Hokage position!

"I see."

After hearing about Shimura Danzo's actions, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not have much doubt, as he could easily verify it from the Anbu in Konoha.

However...

Sarutobi Hiruzen thought about the events that transpired after his death, and for a moment, he felt a chill. He subconsciously looked at Uchiha Itachi.

"Itachi, thank you..."

Fortunately...

Fortunately, Uchiha Itachi joined the Akatsuki organization.

Otherwise...

Shimura Danzo's conspiracy might have succeeded!

It wasn't that Sarutobi Hiruzen looked down on Shimura Danzo at this moment, but he feared that if Shimura Danzo became Hokage, it could undermine the foundations that allowed Konoha to endure for so long...

Konoha's foundation...

Was not powerful ninja...

Nor was it strong ninjutsu or a well-developed system...

But rather the Will of Fire that drove Konoha's ninja to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the next generation. Shimura Danzo embodied only darkness, and never the spirit of sacrifice.

"Let's get to the main point..."

Uchiha Sasuke's expression became more serious as he said in a deep voice, "Third Hokage, I want Itachi to return to Konoha, even if he has to live his life in the darkness of the Root..."

"The Root? Wasn't it disbanded?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, but then seemed to realize something, as his eye twitched, and his old voice carried a hint of desolation: "So, after my death, the Root was re-established?"

"..."

The looks in everyone's eyes spoke volumes.

"Danzo is already dead..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind was racing, his eyes shifting between Uchiha Sasuke and Uchiha Itachi, silently contemplating the possibility of bringing Uchiha Itachi back to Konoha.

To be honest...

Uchiha Itachi was a trustworthy person.

At least more trustworthy than this young Uchiha Sasuke.

If circumstances allowed, Sarutobi Hiruzen would also hope that Uchiha Itachi could find a place in Konoha, continuing to protect the village...

The Root...

Was actually a good choice.

Shimura Danzo was dead...

The Root could either be abolished or handed over to someone else...

If Sarutobi Hiruzen were still alive, he would undoubtedly choose to trust Uchiha Itachi and immediately let Uchiha Itachi, the ninja who once massacred his own clan for Konoha, take charge of the Root. Uchiha Itachi had already proven his loyalty and, having been a former Anbu captain, lacked nothing when it came to protecting Konoha from the shadows...

Frankly speaking...

This would be a great thing!

If Uchiha Itachi could return to Konoha, not only would the village gain a powerful ninja, but there would also be someone to guide this unruly Uchiha Sasuke. Sarutobi Hiruzen was well aware of the peace-loving spirit within Uchiha Itachi!

As long as Uchiha Itachi could teach his brother Uchiha Sasuke and pass on the Will of Fire to him, there would be no fear of Konoha's strength declining in the future, and other villages would pose no threat to the current Konoha!

"Unfortunately..."

"I am already dead."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed helplessly, looking at Uchiha Sasuke, who seemed slightly dissatisfied, but then he abruptly changed his tone: "However, Sasuke, since you used the Edo Tensei to revive me, you must be hoping I can help you accomplish this..."

"If I could return to the village..."

"I would speak to Homura and Koharu about these matters..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Uchiha Itachi beside him: "Itachi, are you ready to once again take up the responsibility of protecting the village?"

"Thank you..."

Uchiha Sasuke didn't even wait for Uchiha Itachi's response. He clenched his fists and slightly lowered his head, his voice full of gratitude: "Thank you, Third Hokage..."

Hmph...

What an...

Old politician's trick.

Clearly, this was something entirely reasonable and beneficial, yet the other party had to pretend it was difficult to agree, making it seem like they were making a significant contribution and deserved gratitude...

People...

Couldn't they learn from Akihara Kagura?

That man had contributed so much to the ninja world, yet he never spoke of it, nor did he ever seek anyone's gratitude...

"The Second Head of the Root..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly began to speak of his plans, as if his arrangement was bound to succeed: "Itachi, I hope you can change the already darkened Root..."

"I..."

Uchiha Itachi felt uneasy.

Because he hadn't even sorted out his own affairs yet, and here his brother was already planning his future, cutting him off before he could even get a word in.

"The second head of the Root, huh?"

Uchiha Sasuke thought about this title that was about to fall upon Uchiha Itachi through his own scheme, and he recalled the past competition between Uchiha Itachi and Akihara Kagura.

A hint of nostalgia appeared in Uchiha Sasuke's eyes as he remembered that man who had once shone like the summer sun over the ninja world, ultimately changing the future of the entire ninja world.