Malphegor
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HGBW: Ch. 78
🕑 Added 2025-03-08 01:18:30 +0000 UTC"If you fully support me. As long as I become the Fourth Hokage, I promise that after I take power, no one will dare to put something like this on you or the Hyūga clan ever again."
Orochimaru glanced at the Konoha forehead protector placed on the table. He spoke bluntly, without any hesitation or sugarcoating.
Compared to Hiruzen, though he didn't like making empty promises, he was just as generous to those he recognized.
Like the Kusanagi Sword—if he said he'd give it, he'd give it.
"You know, I come from a civilian background, and my parents and students are already gone. I am completely different from the Third Hokage."
"If I become the Fourth Hokage, the ones who benefit from it won't be my nonexistent 'family'—it will be the Hyūga clan behind you."
"I don't have much interest in power, so after me, the Fifth Hokage will be you, Tanaka."
As soon as Orochimaru finished speaking, Hizashi's eyes burned with excitement, and his breathing became rapid.
It was clear how tempting his offer was.
At the very least, Hizashi couldn't resist it at all.
"You become Hokage, and the Hyūga clan benefits."
"You become Hokage, and I take the Fifth Hokage position."
"Then, what about Danzō?"
Tanaka's expression remained calm, his eyes as still as deep water, completely unmoved by Orochimaru's offer.
"Interesting. I didn't expect you to see through this as well."
"That only further proves that choosing you over him is the right decision."
Orochimaru's snake-like eyes narrowed slightly at Tanaka's words, but he still smiled as he spoke.
If he became the Fourth Hokage, it was obvious what Danzō would gain.
The cake is only shared with partners—who would give a slice to a disposable pawn?
Or rather… A tool.
Of course, tools and partners are not fixed roles—they can change.
Take the Hyūga clan, for example.
In the past, they weren't even qualified to be Orochimaru's tools. But now, because of Tanaka's sudden rise, they had become his partners.
"Is that so?"
Tanaka smirked slightly, as if he didn't fully believe Orochimaru.
"Of course."
Seeing that Tanaka remained unmoved, Orochimaru reached into his mouth and pulled out a wet scroll.
Tanaka wasn't disgusted by this at all—instead, he became even more interested.
If Orochimaru kept it inside his body, it definitely wasn't some common item you could find lying around. It had to be high quality.
For example, he had stored the scroll containing the Kusanagi Sword inside his body before.
"Your chakra nature is Earth, Water, Lightning, and Yang, correct?"
"This scroll contains sword techniques I've gathered over the years."
"Including the Konoha-ryū swordsmanship developed by the Second Hokage, as well as the Hatake-ryū swordsmanship of the White Fang."
After finishing, Orochimaru placed the scroll on the table.
"The swordsmanship of the White Fang… How did it end up in your hands, Orochimaru-sama?"
Hizashi stared intently at the scroll on the table.
Although the Hyūga clan was known for its Gentle Fist style, as a noble clan, they naturally had access to other techniques beyond taijutsu, such as ninjutsu, genjutsu, and swordsmanship.
However, when it came to techniques on par with the Konoha-ryū swordsmanship or the Hatake-ryū swordsmanship.
Especially the Hatake-ryū swordsmanship.
Due to the legendary reputation of Sakumo, his swordsmanship had become one of the most sought-after techniques in the Five Great Ninja Villages in recent years.
"Hizashi, you don't think that just by mastering Hatake-ryū swordsmanship, someone can become the next the White Fang, do you?"
Orochimaru responded with a question instead of answering.
Hizashi fell silent.
Indeed, just like how many Uchiha possessed the Sharingan, but only a handful could awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, and only one Madara existed.
Relying on a single bloodline ability to stand at the peak of the ninja world wasn't impossible, but it would have to be something like the Tenseigan or the Rinnegan. At the very least, it would require an Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan or Wood Release.
Not to mention trying to recreate the White Fang with just a sword style.
Sakumo wielded the White Light Chakra Sabre and was a warrior who shook the ninja world, standing above all other ninja.
Kakashi wielded the tantō and couldn't even keep it intact, allowing an Iwa jonin to break it.
"The Hatake-ryū swordsmanship, in the past, was at most a second-tier style in the ninja world... Until Sakumo appeared."
"He integrated sword techniques from various styles across the shinobi world, borrowed taijutsu techniques from Kumo, improved Hatake-ryū with the Konoha-ryū swordsmanship, and eventually created a style of his own. That was how Konoha's White Fang shook the ninja world."
"Or rather, it should be called White Fang Swordsmanship."
"As for why I have it in my possession, the answer is simple: Exchange."
After hearing Orochimaru's explanation, Hizashi finally understood.
After all, Konoha's White Fang wasn't born into a noble clan like the Senju, Uchiha, or Hyūga. To master a sword technique that could intimidate even the Five Kage, he had to study techniques from many different schools.
Exchanging sword techniques was undoubtedly an effective way to achieve that.
Tanaka glanced at the scroll in front of Orochimaru but didn't speak immediately. Instead, he carefully considered the offer.
For taijutsu, I already have the Gentle Fist and the Eight Gates. Later, when I travel to the One Piece world, I'll acquire the Rokushiki techniques.
For ninjutsu, the Hyūga clan has collected techniques covering all five chakra natures over the years—that should be enough.
As for genjutsu, the Byakugan is an eye meant for taijutsu. Unless it evolves into the Tenseigan, it won't provide much advantage for genjutsu.
But if it does evolve into the Tenseigan, even high-level genjutsu like Tsukuyomi or Kotoamatsukami would have little effect on me... probably.
But swordsmanship… It's a technique that can be combined with ninjutsu, similar to nintaijutsu, and in the One Piece world, it can also be integrated with Haki and Devil Fruit abilities.
At this thought, he had to admit Orochimaru truly had a sharp eye.
From the first time they met in the conference room, the Sannin had already been planning how to pull him into his schemes.
He saw that Tanaka used swords but lacked a great weapon. So, the first major reward he offered was the Kusanagi Sword.
He understood the foundation of the Hyūga clan, they lacked neither taijutsu nor ninjutsu, and they didn't focus on genjutsu. But they did lack a sword style that could match the Kusanagi Sword.
So, for the next big offer, he provided Konoha-ryū swordsmanship, White Fang swordsmanship, and a collection of sword techniques from various major schools that he had gathered over the years.
"Alright."
After a moment of silence, Tanaka met Orochimaru's snake-like eyes and nodded in agreement.
"I knew it, you wouldn't disappoint me."
"Of course, I will never disappoint you."
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Orochimaru left after offering a few more tempting promises.
He didn't even wait for Tanaka or Hizashi to see him off.
As always, he moved swiftly and decisively.
"What do you think about this situation? And Orochimaru's promises?"
As soon as Orochimaru left, Hizashi activated his Byakugan. He scanned everything, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. Only then did he turn to ask Tanaka.
"I don't believe a single word Orochimaru said."
Tanaka answered bluntly.
"What?"
"You mean his real intention is to collaborate with Danzō, not the Hyūga clan? He was deceiving both you and me just now?"
Hizashi's expression darkened.
He had always been wary of Orochimaru—after all, no ninja would fully trust another.
Even parents and children weren't completely honest with each other, let alone Orochimaru and the Hyūga clan.
But he hadn't considered the possibility that Orochimaru was outright deceiving them.
"Hizashi-sensei, I don't care who Orochimaru really wants to work with."
"I only know one thing—power comes from strength, and to hold power, you must first hold strength. The stronger your fist, the greater your authority."
"The title of Hokage… is decided by the strength of one's grip."
Tanaka opened his palm, slightly curling his five fingers inward, as if he wasn't just clenching a fist—but grasping the power of the Hokage itself.
