Chapter 37:
Hokage Conference Room!
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, sat at the head of the table, draped in his Hokage robe, signifying his role as Konoha's leader. Flanking him were the three elders of the village: Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo Shimura. Together, these four individuals held significant influence over the village's governance.
However, missing from the group were two prominent figures: Akimichi Tōfū and Uchiha Kagami, both disciples of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. Akimichi Tōfū, though respected, represented the interests of his clan, making him unsuitable for Konoha's upper political echelon. As for Uchiha Kagami he had perished on the battlefield. Even in life, despite his loyalty and being trusted by Tobirama, his Uchiha heritage would have barred him from truly entering Konoha's highest ranks. The Uchiha clan, long viewed with suspicion, was always kept at arm's length from positions of ultimate power.
The subject of today's discussion had finally shifted to Orochimaru, Hiruzen's prized pupil. After resolving the finer points of Danzo's newly established division, "Root," the focus turned toward the young prodigy's groundbreaking research.
"You're telling me that the potion developed by Orochimaru can give people an extraordinary recovery ability?" Danzo's expression was one of deep skepticism as he addressed Hiruzen. His voice, typically calm and collected, now betrayed a hint of incredulity.
Having been entrenched in diplomacy following the peace agreement with the Land of Lightning, and then dealing with the funeral arrangements for the Second Hokage, Danzo and the others had only just returned to normalcy. Now, Hiruzen was speaking of Orochimaru's latest discovery something that echoed the legendary regenerative powers of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
"Indeed. I wouldn't believe it myself if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes," Hiruzen said, his tone serious. "The recovery rate of ANBU members using Orochimaru's serum was remarkable. It didn't just heal minor wounds; it expedited the healing of deep injuries."
Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, clearly unsettled by the news. If true, this potion could revolutionize Konoha's medical practices and bolster its military might.
Danzo, however, remained unconvinced. "It's impossible. Hashirama's healing power was the result of his unique bloodline. Many researchers, even Orochimaru's seniors, have tried and failed to replicate that kind of ability. How could an eight-year-old boy accomplish what seasoned experts could not?"