Ryujin Kenichi was actually quite content with Shimura Danzo's disregard. As long as he didn't attract the old war hawk's attention, he could operate freely in the shadows.
Moreover, following Orochimaru wasn't bad either. Ryujin Kenichi had no intention of changing his allegiance for the time being, and even if he did, Danzo would not be an option. While Orochimaru was often ruthless and cold, he valued his subordinates and students in his own twisted way. Under Orochimaru's tutelage, Kenichi had mastered a variety of ninjutsu and had seen a significant increase in his combat abilities.
However, his body still lacked the necessary endurance to qualify for the Chunin rank. This was something that even Orochimaru found regrettable.
Upon arriving at the laboratory, Ryujin Kenichi steeled himself. In Orochimaru's eyes, displaying emotions such as sympathy was a sign of weakness—one that would bring suffering. Through countless experiments, he had learned to harden his heart, making it as cold as steel.
He picked up a pen and began recording the experiment's process with detached precision. His involvement had contributed to notable breakthroughs in the research on Hashirama Senju's cells, with significant progress made in experiments on mice. However, when it came to human subjects, the results were grim. The immense power of the First Hokage's cells overwhelmed every test subject, leading to gruesome failures.
Kenichi continued to jot down his observations. Page after page, he documented the failed attempts, until finally, out of seven experiments, only one subject managed to survive the initial fusion process.
But according to the physiological monitoring data, this survival was precarious at best. Unless a miracle occurred, this subject would not live to see another day.
"Why have all the experiments failed?" Shimura Danzo asked, his impatience barely concealed. Ryujin Kenichi remained silent, though inwardly, he found the situation amusing.
He understood why Danzo was growing anxious. The Third Shinobi World War had ended, and the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was aging. No one knew how much longer he would remain in power.
Danzo considered himself a strong contender for the Fourth Hokage position. This hunger for power consumed him, driving him to explore forbidden research, even desecrating the dead by experimenting with Hashirama Senju's body.
Yet, Kenichi couldn't quite recall why the Third Hokage would step down. Logically, the Fourth Hokage should only be chosen after the Third's death. While Hiruzen was getting old, he was not so frail that he had to retire immediately. Could there be another reason?
"Kenichi, bring the experimental records over," Orochimaru's voice interrupted his thoughts. Snapping back to reality, Kenichi respectfully handed over the documents. He cast a subtle glance at Danzo, noting the man's barely concealed frustration.
Orochimaru patiently explained the results, and in the end, Danzo had no choice but to accept the reasoning that "the First Hokage's cells still require further refinement." He promptly ordered Root operatives to capture additional experimental subjects—preferably individuals from outside the village to avoid unwanted attention.
Orochimaru did not object. His current position in Konoha was valuable to him, and he was careful to maintain his reputation.
By the time the experiments concluded, night had fallen. As was customary, Orochimaru took Ryujin Kenichi out for a meal. It was both a reward and a way for the Sannin to assess whether Kenichi had been fully dedicated to the day's research.
"Teacher, Danzo-sama seems very anxious," Kenichi murmured. His relationship with Orochimaru was relatively close, so the question would not be seen as intrusive.
"Yes," Orochimaru replied, a hint of mockery in his voice. "The armistice agreement that Sensei signed with the other villages to hasten the war's end came at a cost. Konoha suffered heavy losses. While few dare to openly criticize the decision, anyone with insight understands the implications. As for Danzo…" He smirked.
As they walked through the village, Kenichi observed the contrast before him. The civilians and lower-ranked ninjas celebrated the end of the war, relieved that the bloodshed had ceased. Yet, those from influential clans and the more astute shinobi understood the truth: the storm was far from over.
Though there would be no large-scale battle drawing in countless lives, an entirely different kind of war was on the horizon—one that would shape Konoha's future leadership for years to come.
What the Third Hokage did was for the sake of Konoha—at least on the surface. But no matter how many benefits there were, the increased losses Konoha suffered were undeniable.
Other shinobi might not dare to voice their dissatisfaction, but Shimura Danzo, a man with an unwavering obsession with the Hokage position, certainly wouldn't let go of this opportunity.
At that time, a storm of political strife was about to descend upon Hiruzen Sarutobi. His leadership was being questioned, and the possibility of his retirement loomed over Konoha. If he were to step down, who would become the Fourth Hokage?
"The Third Hokage has grown old. Doesn't he always say that a ninja must fight to the end to determine the outcome? But now, he acts more like a politician than a warrior."
Ryujin Kenichi spoke carelessly, only to receive a flick on the forehead from Orochimaru.
"Don't be rude to Sensei."
Feeling the slight sting on his forehead, Kenichi curled his lip. Clearly, you think the same, but I'm the one getting punished for saying it out loud.
Despite everything, Orochimaru still held some respect for the Third Hokage.
Soon, Orochimaru led Kenichi to the Akimichi clan's famous barbecue restaurant. Due to the recent conclusion of the Third Shinobi World War, the restaurant was especially crowded, with a long queue of people waiting for a seat.
However, the moment Orochimaru arrived, the rules of waiting in line seemed to disappear.
The person at the front immediately stepped aside with great respect, inviting Orochimaru to take their place. Even the restaurant's manager came out personally to greet him.
Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, had made a name for himself in the war. Alongside him, another rising star had gained widespread recognition—Minato Namikaze.
"Wow, it's really Orochimaru-sama! If it weren't for his command, we might not have made it back alive…"
"I heard Minato Namikaze-sama is incredible—the Yellow Flash! Other villages are so terrified of him that they've issued standing orders to retreat immediately if they encounter him. It's said that fleeing from him doesn't even count as mission failure…"
The ones gathered in the restaurant were mostly Genin and villagers, but their discussions reflected the reality of Konoha's shifting power structure. The war had reshaped the village, and its future now rested on the shoulders of its strongest shinobi.