Chapter 259: Danzo's Empty Promises
Chapter 259: Danzo's Empty Promises
"The Uchiha Clan supports Naruto Uzumaki!"
Uchiha Kaito, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up.
Previously, they hadn't even cast their votes for Orochimaru.
But now, they were openly supporting Naruto, a bold gamble.
This move could offend Orochimaru, who might seek revenge if he rose to power.
Orochimaru was known for his strict discipline, and he wouldn't take being humiliated lightly.
So, if he gained power, the Uchiha Clan could expect to face his wrath.
Following Uchiha Tomoyuki's declaration, nearly twenty Uchiha Jonin simultaneously cast their trust votes.
There were less than two hundred Jonin present, and the Uchiha Clan accounted for over ten percent of them, even without the Uchiha Main Family.
This was the true meaning of a 'Leaf Village Noble Clan' (a strategic retreat!).
Before anyone could recover from the Uchiha's declaration, another ninja clan stepped forward.
"The Hyuga Clan also supports Naruto Uzumaki!"
Hyuga Neji stood amidst countless gazes, his expression calm as he announced the Hyuga Clan's choice.
Thud, thud!
Over a dozen kunai hit the target.
With this, Naruto's votes instantly surged from less than half to over sixty percent.
Orochimaru, witnessing this, no longer maintained his previous air of calm confidence. Instead, he wore a look of astonishment.
Despite his intelligence, he hadn't anticipated being betrayed by his own teacher!
The Uchiha Clan's decision was understandable.
It could be attributed to the influence of Uchiha Mikoto and Uzumaki Kushina's relationship, leading them to take a gamble.
But the Hyuga Clan had always been incredibly low-key, content to follow whoever became Hokage.
Their sudden support made Orochimaru realize something.
Whoosh, whoosh!
The Inuzuka Clan, the Aburame Clan, and several other smaller clans cast their votes.
These clans shared a common identity.
They were all affiliated with the Hokage Lineage. Even if they weren't core clans like the Ino-Shika-Cho, their votes clearly indicated something.
Until today, Orochimaru had believed his only competitor was Jiraiya, and with his withdrawal, he assumed he was the sole candidate.
This wasn't due to naivety but because he genuinely hadn't considered that his teacher would abandon him for Naruto.
Thus, it was understandable that he would later descend into darkness.
You think I lack the Flame Will? Fine, I'll follow your orders and fall into darkness with Danzo, severing our bond.
This explains his future madness, conducting experiments on his own village, and more. It's hard to believe it wasn't intentional.
In the Ninja World, test subjects were never in short supply.
This also explained why Sarutobi Hiruzen let Orochimaru off the hook. Orochimaru's fate was entirely of his own making.
One could say,
Only by entering the Ninja World and encountering these flesh-and-blood characters could one understand why some anime plot points seemed absurd.
For instance, the Third Hokage being assassinated in the village center, Orochimaru using villagers as test subjects, and more.
"Tsk, tsk, Orochimaru just got backstabbed by his own teacher!"
Dong Ping, an avid gossip, turned away, not concerned about the consequences of his words.
There wasn't much to see below.
Danzo wanted to nominate himself, but his poor performance in the Ninja World War and his advanced age worked against him.
Under normal circumstances, anyone with a sound mind wouldn't vote for him, so he wouldn't rush to nominate himself. Instead, he'd choose to cooperate with Orochimaru.
"Backstabbing... so that's how it is!"
Yamazaka Koji's mind was sharper than his muscular appearance suggested. He immediately understood why Naruto had passed the trust vote.
Without the Third Hokage's hint or instruction, it would have been impossible.
As for their early departure, would it be disrespectful to the other candidates?
Would Dong Ping care?
His reputation in the village was that of a rebellious and untamed individual. His participation in the Hokage Election was already surprising, so leaving early was a minor matter.
But they had only walked halfway.
Whoosh!
A masked figure appeared before them.
"Uchiha Dohei, Danzo-sama requests your presence!"
This Root Ninja's attitude was extremely calm, a stark contrast to their usual domineering demeanor.
They had no choice. While others feared Root, this person dared to confront even Danzo himself.
For the sake of safety, this Root Ninja naturally knew how to behave.
"You two go first!"
Dong Ping gestured for Hyuga Cangyue and Yamazaka Koji to leave, preparing to meet with Danzo alone.
He wasn't afraid of Danzo's tricks.
With his strength, if Danzo were to play dirty, the unlucky one would definitely not be him.
So this time, Danzo must have a real issue to discuss, not trying to stir up trouble.
After letting the two of them leave, a glint of anticipation flashed in Dong Ping's eyes. He felt that his 'top-ranked brother' was about to offer him another benefit.
For his growth, the other party had invested a lot.
Even the benefits that Senju Hashirama dared not offer, as the leader of Root, he had no reservations.
For example, the Soul Transfiguration Technique!
If it weren't for Danzo's initiative, none of the others would be so decisive, and there was even a possibility of the negotiation falling apart.
Because they would place Leaf Village's interests above all else.
But Danzo was different.
He had the mindset of sacrificing his own father's land without a second thought.
After all, he wasn't the Hokage at the moment.
Dong Ping was extremely covetous of Leaf Village's abundant resources.
A starving camel is bigger than a horse.
As long as he could casually benefit from Danzo, he would be set for life.
For example, several minor ninja clans had provided him with not only a dozen ninjas but also dozens of young men with ninja potential and numerous administrative personnel.
And these minor clans were completely overlooked in Leaf Village, which showed the village's potential.
Soon, Dong Ping followed Danzo to the rooftop of a small building.
It was common for ninjas to discuss matters on rooftops, so the meeting location wasn't unusual.
"I wonder if Danzo 'Leader' summoned me here to reprimand me?"
Dong Ping was being sarcastic right from the start.
During previous meetings, Danzo would often resort to moral coercion and accusations, so his attitude wasn't surprising.
"How dare you..."
But the guiding Root ninja couldn't bear it.
In their hearts, Danzo was their only beacon, so they reached for their knives, only to be stopped.
"You go down first!"
Danzo directly ordered.
"Yes, Leader Danzo!"
This Root ninja, despite his anger, respectfully retreated.
It must be said that Danzo was truly skilled in commanding obedience. The entire Root organization was like a sharp blade in his hands, and they wouldn't even oppose an assassination attempt on the Hokage.
Once they were alone on the rooftop, Danzo finally spoke.
"Uchiha Dohei, if you're willing to join Root, this position will be yours in the future, and you understand what Root represents..."
Dong Ping was impressed.
He didn't know where Danzo had learned this tactic of dangling carrots right from the start.
He was dreaming if he thought he could easily step down from this position. According to the original timeline, it would take at least a decade or more, and by then, it would be too late.
"I don't want to be a rat that can't see the light. If you have something to say, just say it. I don't have time to waste with you!"
Dong Ping didn't give a clear answer.
He wasn't going to fall for Danzo's promises.
"You must have seen it just now. That brat, Naruto Uzumaki, is under Senju Hashirama's protection. If you support me in backing Orochimaru, you'll definitely reap great benefits in the future!"
Danzo dropped all pretense and laid his cards on the table, preparing to pull Dong Ping into supporting Orochimaru.
Once Orochimaru rose to power, he could seize a large amount of authority and then find an opportunity to kick Orochimaru out and become the true Hokage.
"If your sincerity is only this much, then I think there's nothing left for us to discuss!"
Dong Ping turned around, making a gesture to leave.
If Orochimaru were to become the Hokage, it would indeed be a hugely profitable venture.
But he was well aware that the one ascending to power wasn't Orochimaru, so he decided to let go of this empty promise.
"Fine, what do you really want?"
Danzo asked directly.
Orochimaru's rise to power was a crucial part of his plan, and he couldn't afford to let it fail.
"What I want is very simple for Leader Danzo!"
A smile flashed in Dong Ping's eyes.
He had been thinking of ways to get something from Danzo, and he never expected the opportunity to come so soon.
What he wanted wasn't an item but a person.
A woman!
(End of Chapter)
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