Naruto: Uchiha Rejects Konoha

Perhaps the conversation with Danzō was too dangerous, and the Third Hokage didn't want to draw fire onto himself. Seeing that people from the Intelligence Department were arriving, he pretended to change the subject.

"Yagami, please cooperate with Haiichi and see what Orochimaru has done all these years!"

Although everyone knew what the Third Hokage was thinking, the goal of obtaining information from Orochimaru was to uncover what Danzō had been up to, so they didn't stop him.

Besides, now was not the time to investigate how deeply the Third Hokage was involved. Apart from Yagami, Tsunade, and Jiraiya, their bottom line remained the village.

Danzō's thunderous actions had already had a significant impact on the village. Fortunately, these matters were known only to a few. If other villages learned of it, Konoha would surely become a target of public criticism.

It's not that the ninja world is so righteous that they can't tolerate human experiments. In truth, most of the five major ninja villages are conducting such experiments, even if they're officially forbidden.

You can do it—just ensure it stays hidden so you don't get discovered, or face the scorn of the entire ninja world.

But the problem was, Danzō and Orochimaru had conducted human experiments to research Wood Style—and it succeeded.

Wood Style is a haunting legacy for most in the ninja world.

To eliminate this threat of power or seize Wood Style for themselves, other villages would likely push Konoha back to the situation of the Third Shinobi World War, becoming the target of the four other major villages, with even smaller villages joining in.

The reason is simple: if they have the chance, no one will allow a figure like Senju Hashirama to rise in Konoha again. If they can't destroy it, their only option is to gain this powerful ability for themselves.

"Third Hokage, I'll cooperate, but I need to make one thing clear. I'll only use the Sharingan to suppress Orochimaru's willpower, not to control or influence his thoughts. If he brings up anything related to the Uchiha, it's not my doing."

Yagami opened the cell door where Orochimaru was imprisoned and reminded the others that Orochimaru had joined the Akatsuki not long after he had been exiled from the village.

If they really began questioning him after his exile, it would inevitably involve the Nine-Tails' attack.

So it was better to clarify this in advance to prevent the Third Hokage from becoming suspicious and focusing on the Uchiha.

"I understand. Let's proceed."

The Third Hokage looked at Mingfeng, took a deep breath, and nodded.

Meanwhile, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Yamanaka Haiichi, standing beside Yagami, sighed.

That Yagami had to make such a statement was proof enough that the Uchiha no longer trusted the village.

The Intelligence Department naturally had ways to verify intelligence and could use genjutsu to manipulate individuals into creating false information. But even if this were possible, in front of so many people, did they truly believe that everyone was foolish and couldn't see through it?

Furthermore, Yagami had an exclusive file in Konoha. Although he was powerful, one fact was widely known: he was not a master of illusions.

Compared to the genjutsu masters Shisui and Itachi, Yagami's genjutsu skills among the Uchiha were only slightly above average, thanks to his Mangekyō Sharingan, but his understanding and technique were limited.

With the Third Hokage's approval, Haiichi placed his hand on Orochimaru's head, and with Yagami's cooperation, his consciousness entered the depths of Orochimaru's mind.

"Orochimaru, was your purpose in sneaking back into the village related to Danzō?"

As soon as Haiichi asked, Orochimaru's face showed signs of struggle, but under the intensity of Yagami's Sharingan, he was quickly subdued.

"Yes!"

"Why did you seek out Danzō? Have you stayed in contact over the years?"

"Danzō's transplanted Hashirama cells became difficult to control.

He contacted me a month ago, asking me to help him suppress the Hashirama cells…

We remained in contact.

I left the village after the incident.

Danzō and I collaborated multiple times for research funds and other support.

Later, I joined the Akatsuki, and our contact diminished."

Hearing this, the Third Hokage's face darkened. In addition to their studies on Wood Style, it was clear the two had collaborated extensively.

"Haiichi, ask him if it was Danzō's idea when he first began studying Wood Style!" 

Jiraiya said anxiously. Despite everything, he still believed in Orochimaru. Even though Orochimaru had betrayed the village, Jiraiya wanted to bring him back. 

"Danzō approached me first. At the time, due to Nawaki's death, I was struck by the fragility of life. After hearing Danzō's plan, I chose to work with him in hopes of uncovering the First Hokage's ability to heal without seals." 

Upon hearing her brother's name, Tsunade frowned slightly, then sighed. 

Nawaki was once Orochimaru's disciple, and after his death in battle, Tsunade was undoubtedly the most devastated. But Orochimaru, too, was deeply affected. 

Orochimaru's obsession with his experiments stemmed from witnessing countless deaths—the deaths of his parents, his comrades, and finally, his disciple—all of which drove him down the path of scientific research. 

Hearing this, Jiraiya's expression grew complex. Orochimaru might not have initiated the human experiments, but he hadn't been coerced by Danzō either. 

"What is the Akatsuki organization? And why did you have less contact with Danzō after joining?" 

Yagami asked nonchalantly, prompting Orochimaru to elaborate on the Akatsuki. Since Obito left Kirigakure, he'd been lying low, and Yagami couldn't track him in the shadows. By exposing part of Obito's intentions, he hoped to gain more watchful eyes. 

"The Akatsuki organization is a mercenary group. 

Their leader possesses the legendary Rinnegan, the Eyes of the Sage. 

The others are all S-rank rogue ninjas from across the world. 

They're powerful, and there's also a mysterious masked man who appears sporadically. 

He wears a mask, possesses a Sharingan, and can also use space-time ninjutsu..." 

At these words, everyone present lost their composure, especially the Uchiha, who began breathing more heavily. 

The Nine Tails' attack had long been a thorny issue between the Uchiha and the village. While all Uchiha knew they weren't the ones who controlled the Nine Tails, the fact that Sharingan was involved was inescapable. 

Now, Orochimaru was telling them that, beyond Konoha's Uchiha, another Sharingan user was involved. This revelation cast their long-standing suspicion in a new light. 

The Third Hokage immediately thought of the Nine Tails' attack. As part of the Hokage line, he was privy to details unknown to most of the Uchiha. 

A masked figure, wielding the Sharingan, and using space-time jutsu—it was already evident that this man was the mastermind behind the Nine Tails' attack. 

But... Uchiha Yagami seemed to have known this for some time! And he had brought up the topic just moments ago… 

The Third Hokage glanced sideways at Yagami, recalling his earlier comments before the interrogation, realizing he must have anticipated Orochimaru's revelations. 

Haiichi shook his head at the Third Hokage, confirming that Yagami had not influenced Orochimaru and that the information was genuine. 

Tsunade also looked at Yagami but said nothing. She didn't share the Third Hokage's suspicions, but she understood the Uchiha's frustration. 

After all, if you had a large, unwarranted burden on your shoulders, anyone would seek to shed it. The Uchiha were a powerful clan, so it was natural for them to investigate. 

Jiraiya, however, was puzzled. He knew of the Rinnegan, the Eyes of the Sage, and that its wielder was his disciple. Could his student be the leader of Akatsuki? 

But then, why would Nagato attack Konoha? 

"Enough of this nonsense! The Nine Tails' attack was caused by the Uchiha. All of this is fabricated by you, Uchiha Yagami. This talk of Rinnegan, this Akatsuki organization—it's all your scheme to absolve the Uchiha of blame!" 

Everyone else was processing the new information, but Danzō, seated nearby, couldn't contain himself, shouting in frustration. 

Yagami shot him an annoyed look and cast a genjutsu to silence him. 

"Third Hokage-sama, I believe the misunderstanding between the Uchiha and the village can be resolved. We've borne this burden long enough, and we won't carry it anymore." 

Yagami then addressed the Third Hokage. 

"I understand. I have always believed that the Nine Tails' attack wasn't the work of Konoha's Uchiha. Once we uncover the identity of this mysterious man, I will personally clear the Uchiha's name." 

The Third Hokage understood Yagami's intention and, wanting to ease the tensions with the Uchiha, responded accordingly. 

*Always believed the Nine Tails' attack wasn't the work of the Uchiha?* 

*Who are you fooling!* If he truly believed that, he wouldn't keep monitoring the Uchiha. Even the Second Hokage hadn't gone to such lengths. 

How could he claim he'd clarify their name after the investigation was complete? If he genuinely believed in their innocence, he'd issue an announcement now. 

It's truly... 

Yagami didn't pursue this. Orochimaru's information had only reduced suspicion toward the Uchiha; it didn't fully exonerate them from the Nine Tails' attack. This alone wasn't enough to shake off such a heavy accusation. 

"Old man, now that Danzō and Orochimaru's involvement is clear, don't you think it's time to decide Danzō's fate? I suggest a thorough investigation of all Danzō's activities and Root. If he could contact Orochimaru without your knowledge, there's no telling what else he's done." 

Tsunade spoke up, her tone firm. She'd had enough of Konoha being steered by two old men. Now that she was back, it was time to scrutinize everything the Third Hokage and Danzō had done over the years. 

"I understand. Danzō will remain detained at the Police Department until further notice. As for Orochimaru..." 

"Let's keep him locked up at the Police Department as well. With the Uchiha guarding him, he won't escape." 

Before the Third Hokage could finish, Tsunade interrupted coldly. After witnessing the conversation between the Third Hokage and Danzō, her trust in her teacher had wavered. The Third Hokage had let Orochimaru go once—he could easily do so again. 

It wasn't about the bond of master and disciple anymore; it was likely Orochimaru held incriminating knowledge about the Third Hokage. After all, he and Danzō were two sides of the same coin...

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