There's probably nothing more chilling in this world than what the Third Hokage was experiencing at this very moment.
His name wasn't on the list of survivors.
That could only mean one thing. No explanation needed.
Though the video hadn't stated it outright, the implications were clear. Just think: in three or four years, not only would there be a Fifth Hokage already seated, but the Sixth Hokage would have been appointed or at least nominated.
And if the Fifth Hokage was the one who nominated Aoki Sora for the position, and Sora still had the leisure to refuse, that could only mean that at the time, Konoha wasn't facing any immediate crisis. The Fifth hadn't died in battle and named Sora as their successor with their dying breath.
In other words, the Fifth was still alive, probably had already enjoyed a few years in office, and was ready to pass the mantle voluntarily.
So what did that tell him?
First, that the Fifth Hokage would ascend within the next year or two, possibly even this year.
Second, that the Fifth wouldn't be his long-time rival and schemer, Danzo.
Because if Danzo ever willingly stepped down and handed over power like that, it would mean the sun rose in the west.
Which brought Sarutobi's thoughts to the most terrifying question of all.
If there's a Fifth Hokage within a year or two, and it's not Danzo, who the hell is it?
And more importantly, where the hell am I?
The first question left him uneasy. The second sent cold dread crawling down his spine.
After all, unless something unusual happened, he had no intention of giving up his seat. Not unless someone as extraordinary as Minato Namikaze came along. Someone so brilliant and beloved by the village that even he would feel no shame stepping aside.
But right now?
Was there anyone in the village as gifted as Minato had been?
The Third pondered quickly. The answer?
No.
No Minato-level genius existed today.
So why on earth would he step down?
The only reason left was that he couldn't. Because he was gone.
The logic was chilling.
And who would this Fifth Hokage be?
Asuma?
His son had prestige, sure. He'd served among the Twelve Guardian Ninja. But he didn't have the strength, let alone the political clout. If Sarutobi wasn't around, Asuma wouldn't last two minutes against Danzo in a power struggle.
Kakashi?
Now that was at least possible. He was White Fang's son and the Fourth Hokage's student. A genius, no doubt. But as of now, his strength was still a ways from Kage-level.
Hiashi Hyuga?
That actually made the most sense.
His strength wasn't bad. He was the leader of the Hyuga Clan, the most powerful clan left in Konoha after the Senju faded and the Uchiha were wiped out.
Even though Sarutobi had long suppressed the Hyuga's rise to keep them from threatening the Hokage's authority, they were still the largest, most influential clan in the village.
And with Hinata in love with Aoki Sora, a fact now known throughout the entire shinobi world, Hiashi giving the position to Sora later on would be perfectly understandable.
A father-in-law passing the mantle to his son-in-law. No wonder he'd do it willingly.
So that was it. So well hidden.
He'd thought the Hyuga had retreated completely after the Cloud incident, but no.
They were still playing the long game, aiming for the Hokage's seat all along.
Could it be that I was assassinated as part of their revenge for the old grudge?
Sarutobi's brows furrowed deeply. In that instant, he felt as if he had seen through everything.
I'll have to keep an even closer eye on the Hyuga Clan.
"So, Third Hokage, looks like you're a dead man walking…"
Far away, in the Land of Grass, a serpent-eyed man murmured with a cold, amused smile.
Orochimaru's sharp mind pieced it together instantly.
That video had revealed something critical.
The Third Hokage wouldn't live much longer.
And the reason for his death?
Orochimaru's plan to destroy Konoha would succeed.
After all, the plan was only in his mind so far. He hadn't shared it with a soul.
The Chunin Exams were still a few months away. Nothing had been set in motion yet.
But the video had all but confirmed it. The plan would work. Sarutobi would fall.
No one could have faked that. No ordinary power could have crafted such a projection.
This wasn't some human trick. It had to come from a force capable of peering into the future, a will of the world or something very much like it.
And if that future was real, that boy, Aoki Sora, not only would he truly receive those confessions from Hinata and Yugao, he would also reach Kage-level power by the age of sixteen.
Even more incredible than Minato Namikaze himself.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed.
If that boy survived the destruction of Konoha, if he rose to save the village at its darkest hour, if he was the one who would usher in a new era...
Interesting.
I never really hated Konoha, you know. All I wanted was to see the winds of change.
Aoki Sora, let's see what kind of storm you'll bring.
Orochimaru's decision was made.
Proceed with the plan. Let's see what the future holds.
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