The Konoha Crush—a fated confrontation between Orochimaru and the Third Hokage. Even though the history of this world had diverged significantly from the original "manga" timeline, Shiraishi felt that this event was an inevitable collision of ideals.
Drawing upon Yamato's intelligence and the fragmented plots within the memory mirrors, Shiraishi was able to cross-reference the details, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the event's trajectory.
Having been the Kazekage for many years, Shiraishi had developed the habit of deep calculation. He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk, mentally simulating the variables to see what benefits he could extract from this coming storm.
Even Orochimaru admired Shiraishi's depth and composure. The Sannin sat leisurely, sipping his prepared tea, seemingly untroubled by the gravity of their discussion.
Currently, Orochimaru had not yet officially defected from the Akatsuki, but his preparations for the Hidden Sound Village (Otogakure) were well underway.
Massive reserves of strength stored in bases across the Land of Rice Fields were being funneled into Otogakure, which was destined to become his sovereign stronghold.
The Hidden Sand had provided substantial aid in the construction of the Sound Village. For instance, Shiraishi had gifted Orochimaru four of the Sand's strongest Dragon Puppets, ensuring Otogakure was armed to the teeth.
These Dragon Puppets, capable of firing Tailed Beast Bombs, were the ultimate weapons of war. While Konoha and the Hidden Cloud had attempted to replicate similar puppets, the Sand versions—augmented by Dragon Vein technology—boasted superior regenerative capabilities and flexibility.
Beyond the Dragon Puppets, the Sand had developed a comprehensive legion of specialized war puppets. As one of Shiraishi's most vital allies, Orochimaru enjoyed the full breadth of the Sand's military-industrial support.
In truth, Orochimaru was already aware that Shiraishi had refined the four White Snake clones.
However, unlike the White Snake Princess, his obsession with the Yamata no Orochi Sage Art was secondary.
His primary interests lay in the peerless bloodline powers of the Rinnegan and the Sharingan. As his biological engineering progressed, he had touched upon secrets that filled him with a dark, scientific ecstasy.
As a lover of forbidden arts, he was constantly moving forward. While he had inherited the memories and power of a Sage, his current physical form did not satisfy him; he craved the transcendent bodies of the Uchiha and the Sage of Six Paths.
And Orochimaru only settled for the best. Ordinary Sharingan held little appeal to him. Though he had long since left the Leaf, he maintained various black-market dealings with Danzo—one of which involved the eyes of the Uchiha.
Danzo had contacted him multiple times to discuss the possibility of transplanting more eyes into his arm.
For Orochimaru, this was trivial; with his cell-cloning technology, he could essentially "mass-produce" standard three-tomoe Sharingan.
But eyes grown in a lab were merely ornaments on Danzo's arm. To unleash true power, one needed a superior bloodline and a potent soul.
Itachi Uchiha and Kaede Uchiha were the "vessels" Orochimaru truly coveted. He had probed Shiraishi multiple times regarding Kaede's origins, but the Kazekage never gave him a straight answer.
After a long silence, Shiraishi finally looked up. "The Sound Village's strength still needs to be bolstered. The Hidden Stone is currently Konoha's ally; it will be difficult to convince them to join such a plan."
"Ohnoki may cooperate with the Leaf, but he fears them just as much," Orochimaru replied with a cold smirk. "As long as he feels he can use the Sound as a tool to cripple Konoha, the possibility of an alliance exists."
Orochimaru knew Ohnoki's nature well and had full confidence in manipulating the old Tsuchikage.
"And what about the Akatsuki? Do you plan to remain there?"
At the mention of the organization, Orochimaru sneered. "I intend to stay for a few more years. I haven't finished collecting all the data on the Rinnegan."
"How strong is Pain?"
"His abilities require further investigation. Records on the Rinnegan are scarce. However," Orochimaru looked at the young man across from him with a look of genuine appraisal, "I believe that in the current shinobi world, no one is your match."
He couldn't help but feel a sense of irony. The brat who was once hunted across the world by Tsunade had grown into a figure that even the Sages of the Three Great Regions looked upon with awe.
Pain was formidable, but in terms of sheer atmospheric pressure, he paled in comparison to the Kazekage.
The Naval Assessment
The selection for the three Marine Admirals was still in progress. While other departments could theoretically recommend candidates, the process was effectively gatekept by Ryoji Morimoto.
To ensure fairness—and perhaps to stir the pot—Shiraishi had arranged for Shikasa, head of the Jonin Commander's office, to conduct the final assessment. Morimoto's arrival on the scene turned the atmosphere heavy and tense.
"Ryoji, the assessment method was personally set by the Kazekage," Joyu said.
"I understand. But since this is for the Marine Department, I felt my presence was necessary."
Morimoto stood tall, clutching a black blade, radiating a pressure so intense it made the staff nearby find it hard to breathe.
Behind him, the three Jonin candidates emitted a chilling killing intent. As one of the earliest masters of the Eight Gates of Breath, Morimoto's presence was overbearing. Shikasa's brow furrowed. This guy is intentionally trying to humiliate me.
"The Marine Department is getting far too arrogant," Shikasa muttered. He stood up, and the air instantly filled with countless chakra threads.
They surged from all directions, forming a massive, spherical containment zone that trapped Morimoto and the three candidates within a confined space.
The staff marveled, "As expected of the Jonin Commander. That level of chakra thread control is incredible."
Morimoto watched Shikasa calmly. He knew that if Joyu got serious, those three wouldn't stand a chance. He was there to ensure Shikasa didn't "accidentally" sabotage his recruits.
Suddenly, a streak of fire roared into the arena. It manifested as a tide of raging flames. Shikasa's chakra threads instantly spiraled into a water vortex to counter it, but the intense heat of the flames flash-steamed the water into a blinding mist.
The domineering fire carved a scorched path right between Shikasa and Morimoto. A figure stepped slowly into the mist.
Wearing an orange cowboy hat and a red bead necklace, Ace walked forward casually, a Sand forehead protector tied around his upper arm.
"Who are you?" Shikasa demanded.
"The name's Ace. I'm a new Jonin in this village. Your Kazekage told me to come here for some 'Marine Admiral' interview..."
Ace felt a bit awkward saying it. He was a great pirate—how the hell did he end up in another world applying to be a Marine?
In reality, Shiraishi had sent Ace specifically to check the Marine Department's growing ego and to remind Morimoto to curb his temper.
Looking at this unknown "punk" claiming to be an Admiral candidate, Morimoto's face darkened with fury. He swung his black blade, sending a hurricane-like slash toward the newcomer.
"I don't know where you came from, kid, but you've got some nerve impersonating a Sand shinobi!"
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