The Third Hokage's words might have been hard for the ANBU to hear, but they were undeniably true.
While the ANBU were charged with protecting the Hokage, there were limits to their capabilities.
And the opponent this time… was Orochimaru.
This was someone who could fend off countless enemies and injure three Kage even when besieged by three major ninja villages.
Against such overwhelming power, any shinobi below the Kage level wasn't qualified to stand before him.
If Orochimaru wanted to strike, the ANBU's presence would be meaningless.
Once Tsunade and the ANBU had retreated, Orochimaru broke the silence.
"I've already heard about Konoha, Tsunade told me," he began, his tone calm yet cutting. "Four major ninja villages have surrounded the village, and now you need reinforcements?" He chuckled darkly. "Let me ask you this, Sarutobi: in what capacity have you come to see me today?"
"Are you here as the Hokage of Konoha? Or as my former teacher?"
The Third Hokage took a deep breath, his voice trembling as he replied, "Orochimaru… I know what happened back then. I know I made a mistake."
Tears welled in his eyes as he continued, his words spilling out in a rush. "For years, I've lived with regret and self-blame. But at the time, my hands were tied. You know the situation we were in. If I hadn't made that decision, Konoha would have—"
"And isn't it the same now?" Orochimaru's smile vanished, his tone turning cold as he cut Hiruzen off. "You've made the same mistake again, Sarutobi. Only this time, there's an additional village attacking Konoha."
Orochimaru's voice dripped with disdain as he continued, no longer even addressing Hiruzen as "teacher."
"You knew the conflicts between the major nations couldn't be resolved. You knew the peace you'd achieved was only temporary. And yet, without hesitation, you chose to sacrifice me."
He sneered, his golden eyes narrowing. "Should I call you weak? Or should I call you cruel?"
Hiruzen was rendered speechless by Orochimaru's words.
Because Orochimaru was right.
He had shown weakness to his enemies and cruelty to his own people.
If he had been stronger, if he had refused to sacrifice Orochimaru, perhaps Konoha wouldn't have found itself in this position.
But now, it was far too late for regrets.
And when he tried to put himself in Orochimaru's shoes, the depth of Orochimaru's resentment became painfully clear.
"Forget it." Orochimaru sighed, his expression softening slightly. "There's no point in dwelling on the past. Let's talk about the matter at hand."
His sharp gaze locked onto the Third Hokage.
"Sarutobi, it's not impossible for me to help Konoha… but I have a condition."
"Hand over your position as Hokage."
The Third Hokage wasn't surprised; he had expected this.
"Is that all?" he asked quietly.
Orochimaru's smirk returned, curling across his lips. "Think about it. Why would I have any reason to help Konoha?"
"From the moment you chose to sacrifice me, my ties to the village were severed. Not even Tsunade could change that. But if this village became mine…"
He didn't finish the sentence, but his meaning was clear.
Helping a village he had no connection to? Impossible.
Helping a village that belonged to him? A different story entirely.
The Third Hokage sighed. "But you know very well that with your current reputation, even if I relinquish my title, you won't be able to inherit it."
"Becoming Hokage isn't about holding the title. It's about being accepted by the people," he continued. "And right now, you're seen as a traitor. That perception, whether true or not, is deeply ingrained in the hearts of Konoha's people."
"If I announce you as Hokage now, not only will the daimyō and the advisors oppose it, but the citizens themselves won't accept it. Forcing it would only lead to chaos."
Orochimaru chuckled lightly, unconcerned. "I don't care about inheriting the title myself," he said. "Instead… after the war, pass the position to Tsunade."
"Tsunade?" Hiruzen repeated, startled.
"That's right," Orochimaru said with a smile. "Tsunade's contributions and reputation in Konoha are more than enough to qualify her for the role."
"Her connection to me might complicate things slightly, but as long as you handle it properly, those are just minor issues."
He paused, his smile sharpening.
"Of course, you don't have to agree. You can refuse me, or change your mind later. But if you do, you'll have to bear the consequences. I won't care either way."
"This is my only condition and the only reason I'll help Konoha. How you decide is up to you."
Orochimaru's tone was calm, but there was a trace of amusement in his eyes, as if he were enjoying the dilemma Hiruzen now faced.
"Well, Sarutobi? Do you need a few days to think it over? Or will you give me an answer now?"
"Oh, and just so you know," he added with a smirk, "I'm very busy. I'll wait for ten minutes at most. After that, I won't accept any answer."
The Third Hokage clenched his fists. "Do you really have to push things this far?"
"I wasn't always ," Orochimaru replied indifferently. "But you know better than anyone why I've changed."
Hiruzen fell silent, his mind racing.
He thought back to when Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade had been his proudest students. All three had been strong candidates to succeed him as Hokage.
But Orochimaru's heart had long since left Konoha.
The idea of him becoming Hokage now was unthinkable.
Passing the role to Tsunade was a more viable option but her connection to Orochimaru as his wife complicated matters.
Still, what choice did he have?
If he refused, Konoha would fall.
Taking a deep breath, Hiruzen finally spoke. "Alright. I agree."
Leaving Konoha in Tsunade's hands was far better than seeing it fall into complete ruin.
And perhaps, in some small way, this decision could ease the guilt that had plagued him for so long.
Orochimaru's smile widened. "Congratulations on making a wise decision, Sarutobi-sensei."
"But," he added, "to prove your sincerity, I have one more request: until Tsunade officially takes over, I'll take custody of the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki."
"The Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki?" Hiruzen's eyes widened. "When did you—"
"Relax," Orochimaru interrupted with a sly grin. "I don't have her yet. But I'll be going to Konoha to retrieve her shortly."
His tone turned cold. "If she's not there when I arrive… well, you'd better start preparing for Konoha's destruction."
With that, Orochimaru turned and walked away, his robes billowing behind him.
He didn't look back, leaving Hiruzen standing there, teeth clenched in frustration and despair.
Checkout my new ff: Starting With The Sefirah Castle In The Anime World