Chapter 32: Plans for the Future
After finishing dinner, everyone returned to the inn, exhausted both physically and mentally. As soon as they lay down, they quickly drifted into a deep sleep.
However, Uchiha Douhuan remained seated by the window, brewing a pot of tea and savoring it slowly.
Late into the night, a white snake slithered through the moonlight, gliding into his room.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting, Lord Douhuan."
With a puff of smoke, the snake transformed into its human form—Orochimaru.
"Sit."
Douhuan gestured to the seat across from him, pouring Orochimaru a cup of tea.
"You did well," he remarked casually. "Producing so much convincing evidence in such a short time must have been difficult."
"It is my honor to serve you, my lord." Orochimaru bowed slightly.
Looking at this version of Orochimaru—so compliant, so obedient—Douhuan couldn't help but marvel at the power of Kotoamatsukami.
Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan was terrifying.
Kotoamatsukami didn't simply brainwash someone. It implanted absolute loyalty directly into the subconscious, making the victim believe their actions were of their own volition.
That was why it had a ten-year cooldown.
It was simply too powerful.
That said, Douhuan wasn't foolish. Even the legendary Izanagi had its flaws, and Kotoamatsukami was no different.
He knew that a genius like Orochimaru would eventually realize something was wrong.
After all, Orochimaru was someone who defied death itself.
Even the likes of Shikamaru and the Nara clan could detect discrepancies in the Omnipotent God Jutsu (Shin Uchiha's Genjutsu) in the future timeline.
Orochimaru?
It was only a matter of time before he figured out he'd been manipulated.
But that didn't matter.
Douhuan never planned to control Orochimaru forever.
What he needed was a short window where he could secure the genius scientist's resources and research without resistance.
His next power-up depended on it.
---
Douhuan estimated his current combat strength as follows:
Without using Mangekyō Sharingan abilities, his combination of Susanoo, Lightning Release, and Kenjutsu placed him above mid-tier Kage level.
His right eye ability was effective against illusion-based opponents.
His left eye's Yasakani no Magatama (Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack) could allow him to fight above his level, but only once—because using it would blind him permanently.
And most importantly—he was at a dead end.
Unlike other Uchihas, he had no blood relatives left.
Which meant...
He couldn't evolve into the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
And if he couldn't surpass his current limits, how could he take control of the village?
How could he deal with Jiraiya?
With Sage Mode and the Two Great Toad Sages, Jiraiya was a massive threat.
For Douhuan to match him, he had only two options left:
1. Integrate Hashirama Cells (potentially stabilizing his Mangekyō)
2. Master Sage Mode
Both paths led to Orochimaru.
That was why this mission had been so important.
That was why Douhuan unleashed large-scale jutsu after jutsu—to clear the field and make Orochimaru think he was worthy of investment.
And that was why—despite using Kotoamatsukami—he had no intention of relying on Genjutsu forever.
He would earn Orochimaru's loyalty by giving him what he wanted most—research.
"The Contract?"
Douhuan finally turned his attention back to the matter at hand.
"Did you bring the Ryūchi Cave summoning contract?"
Orochimaru nodded. "Of course, my lord."
A small serpent coiled up onto the table, opening its mouth and revealing a scroll.
Orochimaru carefully wiped away the snake saliva before presenting it to Douhuan.
Taking the contract, Douhuan unrolled it and, without hesitation, signed his name in blood.
"Inform Ryūchi Cave that I will be visiting soon," he commanded.
"Understood, my lord. Anything else?" Orochimaru inquired.
"Cultivate Hashirama Cells for me."
Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with scientific curiosity. "An interesting request."
Douhuan smiled.
"And... keep a close eye on Akatsuki. I need updates on their movements."
"Consider it done."
With a nod, Orochimaru vanished in a puff of smoke.
---
The Return to Konoha
Unlike their leisurely journey out, the group rushed back to Konoha at full speed.
Instead of two days, they made it back in one.
By sunset, they had arrived at the village gates.
Heading directly to the Hokage's office, they submitted their mission report.
"So... he escaped."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was unreadable—somewhere between relief and disappointment.
After a pause, he sighed. "Regardless, you all worked hard. Good job."
Douhuan took a step forward.
"Hokage-sama, during the mission, Kakashi and I discovered classified intelligence. We request a private audience."
Sarutobi's brows furrowed slightly but nodded.
The rest of the squad was dismissed.
As the room emptied, Douhuan and Kakashi exchanged a glance.
Then, without a word, they placed the documents on the Hokage's desk.
---
As Sarutobi read through the documents, his face darkened.
By the time he finished, the room was thick with tension.
He set down the final page, reached for his pipe, and took a long drag.
Smoke filled the air.
A long silence followed.
Finally, after emptying his pipe, Sarutobi looked up.
"What do you propose we do?"
Kakashi lowered his gaze.
Douhuan, however, stepped forward.
His voice was firm.
"The solution is simple, Hokage-sama."
"Give the order. The Konoha Military Police and ANBU will move immediately. We will arrest every single implicated member of the Shimura, Mitokado, and Utatane clans. Ninety-three people in total."
"Under your leadership, the Fire Will guides Konoha. We must root out these traitors before they cause further harm!"
Sarutobi inhaled deeply, refilling his pipe.
Then—
BOOM!
A loud commotion erupted outside the Hokage's office.
Shouts and hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.
Douhuan and Kakashi exchanged glances before turning toward the door.
Something big was happening.