In those days, it wasn't just Konoha where significant events were unfolding.
The Akatsuki organization and the shadow of Uchiha Madara loomed like twin mountains over the Five Great Shinobi Nations, constantly reminding them of their vulnerability.
As Hokage, Minato Namikaze was relatively fortunate—at least compared to the other Kage, who had suffered greatly.
The recent incident involving the Hyuga clan had dealt a heavy blow to the other villages. The Byakugan bearers they had secretly acquired—most likely through illegal slave trades or espionage—had unexpectedly died. The loss was immense, amounting to billions in investments, and for the already impoverished Hidden Sand Village, it nearly choked their operations entirely.
Though generating revenue in the current shinobi world had become easier with wartime economies and contracts, rebuilding those losses would take time. Not all daimyō or nobles could be easily persuaded again. Some even began suspecting foul play from Konoha.
Among the most paranoid was the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, who believed there might be collusion between Konoha and the Akatsuki. If he had found a shred of proof, he might have already proposed a united assault on the Leaf.
Despite the lack of hard evidence, Ōnoki didn't stop scheming. He discreetly continued to target Konoha through backdoor diplomacy and covert moves. After all, the Hidden Leaf was still "borrowing" a tailed beast—likely referring to Kurama—and that alone kept tensions high.
> Asuma: "Aoba asked me to bring you a message."
No one was surprised that hostility toward Konoha remained. But these were still considered minor skirmishes on the surface.
Amid such unrest, the shinobi world quietly welcomed a new year: Konoha Year 48.
To Kawaki Aoba, this year carried monumental significance. In the original timeline, it was marked by events worthy of historical record. It was the year when the remaining members of the so-called Konoha 12 rookies were born. It was also the year that saw the deaths of Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze—and supposedly, Uchiha Madara.
Only this time, things were different.
Uchiha Madara was still alive, and in the past few days, Kawaki Aoba had sensed his presence growing stronger again. The increase wasn't dramatic compared to Kawaki Aoba himself, but it served as a chilling reminder: the shinobi world was not a scripted game. Enemies were not static NPCs with fixed power levels.
Kawaki Aoba was fascinated by the way Madara kept growing stronger, but he wasn't reckless. He knew better than to provoke someone like Madara at this stage. Stability within the Hidden Leaf was excellent, and maintaining that peace was more important than chasing danger.
Unfortunately, while Kawaki Aoba had chosen caution, not everyone in Konoha was content with peace.
Some of the old guard were plotting beneath his feet—literally.
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Konoha's Underground – Root Headquarters
"Shimura Danzō, can't you just give it a rest?" Kawaki Aoba muttered to himself. "I just cleaned up the mess with the Hyuga situation, and now you crawl out again? You just won't let me rest, will you?"
In the darkened Root base, Danzō sat stiffly across from the pale figure of Orochimaru.
Danzō scowled. "Orochimaru, it's been days. Still no progress on improving the Impure World Reincarnation technique?"
Orochimaru's lips curled into a cold smile. "Heh… Don't be impatient, Danzō. The Impure World Reincarnation was a forbidden jutsu crafted by the Second Hokage himself. It's not something that can be upgraded overnight. I need more time."
He paused before adding, "Speaking of which… when do I get the Byakugan you promised me?"
That was a veiled threat—and Danzō heard it loud and clear. If he didn't deliver what Orochimaru wanted, he shouldn't expect anything in return. The days when Orochimaru followed orders without bargaining were long gone.
Danzō gritted his teeth. His political capital had diminished. Even someone like Orochimaru dared to haggle with him now. It was infuriating.
Worse still, he had to admit he was cornered. Minato might not have wielded power as ruthlessly as Hiruzen, but he was no fool either. And now Kawaki Aoba had eyes everywhere. If Danzō slipped up, that kid wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him.
Still, Danzō couldn't let this opportunity go. The improved version of the Impure World Reincarnation—one free of its original drawbacks—was too valuable. It could bring him the army he needed, especially since he was short on manpower.
"I can't give you the Byakugan right now," Danzō admitted, holding back his frustration. "You know how closely Kawaki Aoba is monitoring that bloodline. But… I recall you mentioned needing certain lab equipment."
Before he could finish, Orochimaru cut him off.
"I've acquired most of it myself. But there are still a few advanced pieces I lack," he said, his voice almost playful.
He then began listing obscure names and specifications of specialized equipment—stuff even most medical-nin wouldn't recognize.
Danzō stared, expression tightening. He didn't understand half the jargon, but he didn't need to. One of his aides leaned in and whispered the implications.
Orochimaru was fleecing him. The cost of gathering those items would be astronomical—far more than what Root could pull together easily, especially under the new surveillance environment. Some of the tech wasn't even purchasable with money alone.
Danzō's jaw clenched. If it were the old days…
But those days were gone.
"…Fine," Danzō finally spat. "I'll get you what you want. But the upgraded Impure World Reincarnation better be everything you promised—without the original flaws. Or else…"
He let the threat hang unfinished.
Orochimaru didn't flinch. He simply smiled, eyes glinting.
This wasn't because he was doing it on purpose, but simply because he couldn't find a way to threaten Orochimaru effectively.
"Heh heh." Perhaps noticing Danzo Shimura's awkwardness, Orochimaru kindly eased the tension and said:
"Don't worry, Elder Danzo. As long as you can get me what I want, the improved version of the Impure World Reincarnation will not disappoint you."
In Orochimaru's eyes, Danzo was a convenient tool now—one he didn't mind treating with feigned politeness.
"Hmph. It had better not," Danzo replied coldly, though his voice lacked conviction.
Orochimaru didn't mind. He had long seen through Danzo's character.
Now that they had reached an agreement, there was no need for Orochimaru to linger in the Root headquarters any longer. His time was too valuable to waste on idle talk.
However, as Orochimaru returned to his hidden laboratory, he encountered an unexpected visitor at the entrance.
"Elder Aoba, what a rare guest. You're not busy with your official duties and actually came to visit a man like me? Truly surprising."
Orochimaru chuckled, though his cold, reptilian eyes were locked onto the Tenseigan glowing faintly in Kawaki Aoba's sockets.
Under Orochimaru's probing gaze, Kawaki Aoba found himself speechless for a moment.
He hadn't expected that a casual conversation—disguised under the alias of Smoker—about the Byakugan's potential to evolve would end up digging a hole for him.
Orochimaru's instincts, as always, were sharp.
So far, only Hiashi Hyuga, with access to the clan's deepest secrets, had even hinted at the possibility of an evolution of the Byakugan. No one else suspected that the eyes in Aoba's sockets were something far beyond standard dōjutsu.
To most, they looked like a well-synchronized transplant—nothing extraordinary.
But Orochimaru was clearly suspicious. Not enough to confront him directly, but enough to raise his guard.
Still, Kawaki Aoba wasn't overly concerned. In terms of political status and power, he had long surpassed Orochimaru.
Even so, Orochimaru's brilliance and scientific value made him someone worth taking seriously.
"You flatter me, Orochimaru-san. You're hardly a free man. I suspect that even the workload Lord Minato and I handle can't compare to yours."
Kawaki Aoba's tone was polite—after all, he was here for a reason.
Orochimaru, though outwardly indifferent, was secretly pleased by the compliment. He gestured for Aoba to enter.
"Elder Aoba, you're too kind. Apologies for the mess—I don't exactly keep a place fit for guests. Please, make yourself at home."
Aoba didn't mind. He found a seat and immediately pulled a sealed test tube from his pocket, handing it to Orochimaru.
The moment Orochimaru laid eyes on the contents—a pair of Byakugan preserved in fluid—his pupils narrowed. A second later, he looked sharply at Aoba.
"Elder Aoba... you do realize this isn't something to be shown around so casually."
The Byakugan in the test tube belonged to a member of the Hyuga main family—an unmistakable trait of high-level chakra purity and dojutsu inheritance.
Kawaki Aoba had slaughtered a large portion of the Hyuga's main branch. As a result, these eyes had naturally fallen into his possession.
"This is what you've been looking for, isn't it?" Aoba said with a smile. "No need to rely on Danzo. That old man has been hesitating, watching the last few main family members without daring to act.
Instead of waiting for him to get you the Byakugan, why not work with me? I have more than enough to spare."
He casually shook the test tube in his hand, the Byakugan glinting faintly in the fluid.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, mentally reviewing all he knew about Kawaki Aoba.
After a moment, he chuckled. "I didn't expect Aoba-kun to have such a voracious appetite. Not only did you eliminate the Hyuga main branch, but now you intend to push Danzo aside too.
I wonder—who will you turn your sights to next?"
Raising an eyebrow, Aoba asked with amused interest, "Why? Is Orochimaru-san interested in giving me suggestions?"
"Heh heh... not at all. I'm merely curious."
He turned his gaze back to the Byakugan. Though a flicker of desire appeared in his expression, it wasn't overwhelming. Clearly, even the potential evolution of the Byakugan wasn't enough to truly entice Orochimaru.
He's not obsessed, Aoba thought to himself. Even the Tenseigan won't push him into desperation.
"Let's speak frankly then," Orochimaru said. "I assume you didn't bring me the Byakugan for free. So tell me—what do you want in return?"
Kawaki Aoba didn't hesitate. He looked directly at Orochimaru and stated his request.
Upon hearing it, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed in genuine surprise. "The Impure World Reincarnation?"
Aoba tapped the table with a finger. "To be specific, the improved Impure World Reincarnation. You were going to offer it to Danzo in exchange for the Byakugan, weren't you?
Well, now I've brought them to you—already prepared."
Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. The Byakugan was my goal... but Danzo turned out to be a disappointment.
If you wish to make this deal instead, Aoba-kun, I'm open to it—but I'll need you to sweeten the pot."
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