Marvel: Trading with Worlds

A few days later, news from the battlefield began trickling into Konoha Village. Reports confirmed Orochimaru's decisive victory over Sand Shinobi Village, and soon the story spread throughout the Land of Fire.

At the same time, an issue of Ninja Weekly emerged, glorifying Orochimaru. The article detailed the events of the War, heavily emphasizing Orochimaru's role while exaggerating the military strength of Sand Shinobi Village. 

It downplayed the support Konoha provided, portraying Orochimaru as a lone warrior overcoming insurmountable odds.

The narrative, filled with metaphors and praise, painted Orochimaru as a cunning strategist and unparalleled fighter. 

Readers couldn't help but marvel at his wisdom and strength, and many became ardent admirers after reading the article.

This was all part of a carefully crafted campaign—momentum building.

Only a select few in Konoha Village saw through the exaggeration and manipulation. However, their skepticism was futile. 

The Konoha Newspaper had been authorized by the daimyo himself, leaving even Sarutobi Hiruzen powerless to shut it down.

And it wasn't just the Konoha Newspaper. The Land of Fire had four or five other prominent publishers. Could Hiruzen possibly control every publication outside of Konoha Village?

Moreover, the Konoha Newspaper had done nothing but praise Orochimaru. Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision to hastily ban the publication of Ninja Weekly in Konoha was too obvious in its intent.

Hokage Office

Though he had received news of victory from the front lines, Sarutobi Hiruzen's face showed no joy.

When he first received the battle report, Sarutobi Hiruzen had breathed a sigh of relief. If Sand Shinobi Village could withdraw from the battlefield, Konoha would have more resources to focus on the other two fronts. 

But the public opinion in the village made him uneasy. Before Orochimaru returned, his reputation had been rising steadily, clearly orchestrated by someone behind the scenes.

"Ninja Weekly"

This newspaper had been specifically approved by the Fire Nation's daimyo, and the person behind it was Kain, the Minister of Propaganda, who had the authority to interview all ninjas. 

Sarutobi Hiruzen had also learned of a private connection between Orochimaru and Kain. 

With the abnormal public sentiment spreading throughout the village, it was clear that the two were working together. Orochimaru's ultimate goal might be the position of the Fourth Hokage.

'Orochimaru, you've changed.'

Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke and made a decision in his mind. 

He turned to Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Danzo and asked, "What do you think of the situation on the battlefield, and the praise for Orochimaru in the village?"

Mitokado Homura hesitated for a moment before responding, "In my opinion, we should first confirm whether Sand Shinobi has really withdrawn from the battlefield. As for Orochimaru… Hiruzen, is the news that Anbu found true?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head slightly and spoke slowly, "There is no clear evidence, but it's highly probable. If I'm not mistaken, Orochimaru intends to become the Fourth Hokage."

"Fourth Hokage?"

Turning to Danzo, Koharu frowned slightly and said, "With Orochimaru's achievements and status, no one in the village could match him. He is still your disciple. Hiruzen, are you planning to abdicate?"

'Abdicate?'

Sarutobi Hiruzen thought to himself, but this was not a decision he could make alone. He had been Hokage for ten years. 

He was about the same age as Orochimaru when he became the Third Hokage. And Konoha had suffered too many losses in the war this time. Someone needed to take responsibility for the war's outcome.

"Orochimaru is not fit to be the Fourth Hokage. Even though he is my disciple, I will not entrust the village to someone who does not belong in this position."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said bluntly, his decisive attitude causing Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Danzo to glance at each other. 

They couldn't help but recall the once high-spirited Sarutobi Hiruzen of earlier days.

Utatane Koharu asked, "Then who are you planning to appoint as Hokage? Jiraiya or Tsunade?"

"I'm still considering it, but for now, the priority is to resolve the war. Even if a new Hokage is chosen, it will have to wait until after the war."

If possible, Sarutobi Hiruzen thought, perhaps the war would end quickly, and he wouldn't have to abdicate. Through this war, he hoped to secure his position as Hokage for the long term.

"Let's focus on peace first. We need to ensure Sand Shinobi doesn't re-enter the war. As for Orochimaru, the other two battlefields aren't at risk. You can have him transferred back to the village and put him on hold for a while. In a few months, no one will be talking about Orochimaru anymore."

Danzo spoke flatly. He actually had other methods, but once he proposed them, they would likely be carried out by his roots. 

As an old teammate of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo could tell that Sarutobi had no intention of abdicating. 

Even if the Fourth Hokage position was filled, it had nothing to do with him—a weakened, semi-disabled old man.

This, however, wasn't enough, Sarutobi Hiruzen thought, frowning slightly. It seemed that Danzo had endured many setbacks, which had made him more cautious. 

Sarutobi realized he could afford to loosen the reins on the roots a bit, but otherwise, their influence would become negligible.

"I understand. I'll leave the envoy to Sand Shinobi in your hands. Once we confirm Sand Shinobi's withdrawal and sign the peace agreement, send them back to the village immediately. Danzo, I'll have two Anbu teams accompany your roots to the Land of Grass battlefield. Wait for further orders."

After Sarutobi Hiruzen issued his orders, he sent the three of them off. Regaining his earlier, decisive style, his tone became much firmer.

However, deep down, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed as he thought about Orochimaru, who was growing increasingly strange.

'Orochimaru, you shouldn't have done this.'

…

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