"Could it be...?"
The Third Hokage's expression darkened as realization struck.
The ninjas present also seemed to come to the same conclusion, their faces shifting in alarm.
The reason why Orochimaru had not acted thus far was likely because the figure before them wasn't his real body—it was just a shadow clone.
A shadow clone's combat capabilities are far inferior to the original, but if it doesn't engage in combat, even the Byakugan, known for its unparalleled insight, cannot discern it from the real body.
"Sarutobi-sensei, you're slow as ever. Age has truly caught up with you!"
Orochimaru's voice was laced with mockery, his smirk as sharp as a serpent's fangs.
Then, his body dissipated into a puff of white smoke.
It was a shadow clone!
In reality, after summoning the giant purple snake, Orochimaru had quietly swapped himself with the shadow clone.
While his clone wreaked havoc in Konoha with the giant snake, the real Orochimaru had already taken advantage of the chaos to slip out of the village unnoticed.
This strategy was only successful because of the sheer power and presence of his summoning beast, Manda. For anyone else, both the summon and the clone would have been defeated too quickly to serve as an effective distraction.
"Damn it!"
The Third Hokage's face was grim, and frustration was evident in the faces of the clan heads and ninja leaders around him.
Orochimaru had tricked them all.
By now, the real Orochimaru had likely escaped far beyond Konoha's borders.
"He got away..."
Uchiha Fugaku, observing the scene, was unsurprised.
Catching Orochimaru was never an easy task; he was a cunning adversary who had survived countless attempts on his life.
"Chief Fugaku!"
The Third Hokage suddenly turned toward Uchiha Fugaku, his gaze icy and accusatory.
"…"
Uchiha Fugaku sensed trouble brewing. The Third Hokage's expression made his hostility clear.
Sure enough, the Hokage spoke in a cold, authoritative tone.
"This time, Orochimaru infiltrated Konoha, and the Security Department failed to detect or respond in time, resulting in significant losses to the village. As captain of the Security Department, you bear an undeniable responsibility."
"That's where this is going," Fugaku thought bitterly.
The accusation was not entirely baseless. As the department responsible for maintaining security in the village, the Security Department's failure to detect Orochimaru's presence did indeed constitute a lapse.
But Fugaku also knew this was more than just an assignment of blame—it was a direct challenge.
While he had detected Orochimaru, he had been unable to report it due to their covert transaction. Any exposure of Orochimaru's presence would have inevitably led to the revelation of their deal, which Orochimaru would not hesitate to use in retaliation.
"Orochimaru hasn't gotten far. The Security Department is hereby ordered to pursue and apprehend him—consider it an opportunity to atone for your failures!"
The Third Hokage's tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument.
Uchiha Fugaku's expression turned dark.
The Hokage's intent was clear: sending the Uchiha clan to chase Orochimaru, an S-rank rogue ninja with Kage-level strength, was nothing short of a ploy to weaken the Uchiha family.
"Hokage-sama, this is..."
The heads of various clans and elite jonin exchanged glances, some hiding amused smiles. They, too, recognized the Hokage's veiled motives.
The Third Hokage, usually known for his fairness and calm demeanor, seemed uncharacteristically aggressive.
They couldn't help but wonder: Was this the same man they had known for so long?
Orochimaru's infiltration was understandable—he was a Kage-level ninja who knew Konoha intimately. The failure of the Security Department to detect him was not a glaring oversight under the circumstances.
Yet the Hokage seemed unwilling to forgive, instead choosing to mete out harsh punishment.
"If Danzo were still here..."
The Third Hokage lamented silently.
Had Danzo Shimura been alive, he would have taken charge of targeting the Uchiha clan, allowing the Hokage to maintain his image of impartiality. Without Danzo, however, the Hokage was forced to act directly, sacrificing his own reputation.
"Hokage-sama, the Security Department's primary responsibility is to maintain public order within the village. Pursuing a rogue ninja outside its jurisdiction seems inconsistent with our mandate, does it not?"
Uchiha Fugaku's voice was cold, but his reasoning was sound.
"This isn't about mandates; it's a punishment for your department's negligence," the Hokage retorted, his voice icy.
"Hokage-sama, with all due respect, this is not reasonable," Fugaku countered, his tone sharp.
"The Security Department operates primarily within the village. Its members rarely engage in field operations and are not equipped for tracking or pursuit missions—"
"Enough!"
The Third Hokage's fury erupted.
He fixed Fugaku with a cold, piercing glare.
"Captain Fugaku, I am the Hokage. This is an order. Comply immediately!"
His words carried the weight of absolute authority, and the atmosphere turned heavy.
The clan heads and jonin present held their breath, sensing the escalating tension.
For a moment, the two men locked eyes—one with unyielding authority, the other with restrained defiance.
After a long silence, Fugaku finally spoke.
"Understood."
He had no choice. The Hokage had framed his command as an order, and outright refusal would amount to rebellion—a move Fugaku could not afford unless he was ready for an open confrontation.
Turning sharply, Fugaku left without another word.
As his figure disappeared from view, the oppressive tension in the room began to lift.
"That man dares to question the Hokage's decision. Outrageous!"
Advisor Utatane Koharu's voice broke the silence, her tone filled with indignation.
Yet her words felt hollow, belated. She hadn't voiced her anger while Fugaku was present, likely because she had been intimidated by his demeanor.
The remaining clan heads and jonin exchanged uneasy glances.
The Third Hokage, typically known for his diplomacy, had displayed an unusually forceful and confrontational side.
Similarly, Fugaku, often perceived as cautious and reserved, had shown remarkable defiance.
Both men had revealed new facets of their personalities, shattering preconceived notions and leaving an undercurrent of unease among the gathered leaders.
Something deeper was brewing in Konoha—something that made everyone feel unsettled.
(End of this chapter)
Want to read 70 more chapters check out my patreon!!!
https://www.patreon.com/john_smith_
Every 300 Power Stones+1 (5 ⭐ Review) = 1 Chapter+1Chapter