I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 731 The most common mistake elders make is that they don't apologize even when they later realize they're wrong.

Hiruzen Sarutobi truly had no idea who he had offended. Ever since Orochimaru, that traitorous disciple, caused a ruckus in Konoha a few years ago, he had been dismissed by his teacher, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.

During the years he was unemployed, Hiruzen Sarutobi really didn't do anything. Even if he had suggestions for the development of Konoha or wanted to help when the village encountered problems, he would not step forward himself.

Instead, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu acted as intermediaries to convey his suggestions, while he remained completely hidden from view, for fear of interfering with Tsunade's rule over Konoha.

Even in terms of reputation, Hiruzen Sarutobi exercised self-restraint. He, who used to enjoy patrolling the streets of Konoha, never showed his true face to anyone.

Even when occasionally instructing young ninjas or students in the training grounds or ninja academies, they use transformation techniques to change into other people's appearances.

Even if he wasn't the best, Hiruzen Sarutobi was still one of the best former leaders, doing his best to help the current leader without ever trying to steal any credit or prestige.

He never refuted even the absurd rumor that the Third Hokage died in despair after the Konoha Collapse Plan, which was widely circulated in Konoha.

He wasn't in the meeting room today because he wanted to participate; he was on his way home when Jiraiya inexplicably dragged him here.

He was terrified of disrupting the meeting's proceedings, so he didn't dare say a word. He even chose to sit at the back, just so he wouldn't be distracted by sitting at the front.

As for Sakamoto Tatsuma, an outsider, Hiruzen Sarutobi had never offended him. In fact, he felt mostly grateful to Sakamoto Tatsuma, with only a slight curiosity about what the other ninja world was like.

It can be said that, except for the short period of time a few years ago when Sakamoto Tatsuma was first resurrected by Edo Tensei, he always held goodwill towards Tatsuma.

Therefore, when he saw Sakamoto Tatsuma enter the conference room, he not only did not question the outsider's qualifications to attend, but even nodded and welcomed him with a smile.

There's also Orochimaru. Hiruzen Sarutobi had very complicated feelings towards him; he considered keeping Orochimaru in Konoha and re-teaching him.

However, Orochimaru was later pardoned by Sakamoto Tatsuma, and neither the First nor the Second Hokage objected, so he naturally let Orochimaru leave.

Having not heard from Orochimaru for several years, Hiruzen Sarutobi was filled with mixed emotions, but also with relief, upon hearing from Jiraiya that Orochimaru had saved him.

In his view, Orochimaru, the student who went astray, may have matured after experiencing failure a few years ago and traveling these past few years.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi was planning to forcefully "intervene" when his body was about to give out, requesting Tsunade or the future Hokage to allow Orochimaru to return to the village and restore his legitimate status.

But what Hiruzen Sarutobi never expected was that the other Fourth Hokage, whom he had always been kind to, and his student whom he had finally put his mind at ease, would actually join forces to "ambush" him.

Seeing the intrigued smile on Orochimaru's face, Hiruzen Sarutobi's chest heaved violently. He looked at Tatsuma Sakamoto, puzzled, and said:

"Fourth Hokage, what mistake have I made this time that I must apologize to Orochimaru?"

Orochimaru became a rogue ninja, and as his teacher, he certainly bears some responsibility. But hasn't Orochimaru already learned his lesson? Did he do something wrong again?

Everyone else was also completely bewildered. Tsunade looked at her teacher with suspicion, wondering if the old man was up to something again.

As for Kakashi and other pillars of the group, they were constantly observing Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru, pondering past information, hoping to uncover some details.

Shikaku stared at Tatsuma, seemingly having already guessed why the Fourth Hokage had made the Third Hokage apologize.

If he's right, as long as the Third Hokage apologizes, Orochimaru, one of the Three Legendary Sannin, will return to Konoha, right?

The reason Orochimaru is willing to help the village now, but is unwilling to ask to return, is probably because he is still unbalanced and resentful.

"What, teacher? Don't you even know where you went wrong?"

Orochimaru's sarcastic remarks were interpreted by Shikaku as a hint from Orochimaru, since from the moment Orochimaru betrayed the village, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru were no longer teacher and student.

Orochimaru brought it up again at this point, probably to remind Hiruzen Sarutobi of the past, the time when they were still teacher and student.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, somewhat puzzled. He stroked his beard, still unable to figure out what he had done wrong. Could it be that he hadn't been showing concern for Orochimaru, who had learned so much, in recent years?

Seeing that Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't figure it out, Tatsuma thought to himself that Hiruzen Sarutobi here was indeed getting old, so he simply spoke up:

"Third Hokage, I think no one knows better than you why Lord Orochimaru betrayed the village back then? Who was the true mastermind behind the Wood Release experiments, human experimentation, and forbidden techniques?"

When Tatsuma unearthed these previously sealed taboos, many people frowned, especially Kakashi, who had personally experienced them and even compiled some of the information after Orochimaru's defection.

He instinctively wanted to answer, using the same excuse Hiruzen Sarutobi had given back then, but as soon as he straightened up, he seemed to realize something and leaned back in his chair.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pursed his lips, his eyebrows and beard trembling, and after a long while, he said, "It was me. The Wood Release experiments that I conducted, as well as the human experiments, were also permitted by me."

"I simply ended the experiment. If it had ended there, Orochimaru wouldn't have made a mistake; his mistake was following the group."

Halfway through his speech, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly stopped, and even his hands inside his sleeves began to tremble.

Yes, even if the latter part of the experiment was illegal, was Orochimaru the one in charge? No, it was Shimura Danzo.

When he drove Orochimaru away, he genuinely didn't know it was Danzo who instructed him, or rather, he had no direct evidence.

However, there is evidence. Since Orochimaru's defection, he has had this evidence for a long time, but he has never taken any action or defended his disciple.

For a considerable period, they were ashamed of Orochimaru as their student, because Orochimaru committed countless mistakes after his defection, but ultimately, the blame lay with his teacher.

"Squeak~"

The chair scraped against the floor, making a sharp, grating sound. Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, looked at Orochimaru with a sarcastic expression, and bowed, saying, "Orochimaru, I was wrong."

"Heh~"

Orochimaru's answer was very brief, and even his attitude was very ambiguous. Seeing this, Tatsuma also said, "Third Hokage, please return to your seat. I have something to announce."

Lord Orochimaru has returned to Konoha, regaining his legitimate status and rank. At the same time, Lord Orochimaru is in charge of the Root organization's experimental base.

Furthermore, I hope that all my colleagues will also express their gratitude to Lord Orochimaru, for despite his many years of hard work abroad, he has never forgotten Konoha and has built a strong research team for the village, which will soon arrive in Konoha to report and begin its work.

"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru!"

Shikaku reacted quickly, offering his congratulations the instant Tatsuma finished speaking. The others followed suit, while Tsunade and Jiraiya looked at their former teammate with complicated expressions before nodding to him.

Just as everyone was offering their congratulations, Orochimaru looked at Tatsuma and said, "The Fourth Hokage is truly a master of managing a household."

The others were puzzled, but Tatsuma's face showed a hint of embarrassment. Orochimaru was really not easy to fool, so he could only look at Tsunade and say:

"Teacher, Lord Orochimaru's research needs financial support, what do you think?"

"You can arrange it as you see fit."

Tsunade waved her hand in agreement, even showing some displeasure. Wasn't Sakamoto Tatsuma asking her such a question just trying to embarrass her? How would she know anything about funding issues?

However, she believed that her student would not betray her. Even though she had not taught Tatsuma, another version of herself had, so it was practically as if she had taught him!

With this teacher-student bond, and given that Tatsuma himself is the Hokage, he certainly wouldn't do anything that would harm Konoha's interests.

Tatsuma nodded and looked at Orochimaru, who also nodded, a somewhat chilling smile on his face. He said, "From now on, I will be working with you all. I hope you will be happy to help me if I need anything."

His gaze was focused on Mitokado Homura, who held the reins of finances, Utatane Koharu, and Shikaku, who controlled the direction of village policies; all three responded enthusiastically.

Whether there will be friction when they truly get along is a matter for the future. In today's situation, we must be enthusiastic and cater to Orochimaru. The three of them are all shrewd people, and they understand this.

After all, when dealing with someone like Orochimaru who is easily swayed by gentleness but not by force, you absolutely cannot use the "first strike, then be polite" approach, or the "make the ugly point out upfront" method. Orochimaru is truly capable of turning around and walking away.

Didn't you see how the Fourth Hokage treated Orochimaru, giving him whatever he wanted—people, land, money, and everything else?

Even the retired Hiruzen Sarutobi was dragged into this, just to appease Orochimaru. If they dared to cause trouble and prevent Orochimaru from returning, then Tatsuma Sakamoto and Hiruzen Sarutobi would not let them off the hook.

After facing the wrath of two Hokage, Jiraiya and Tsunade will also come and cause a ruckus. Why bother?

"Alright, let's get back to the topic of why I'm pushing for the so-called Ninja World War."

As Tatsuma spoke, he gave Jiraiya a look, but Jiraiya didn't care at all and said nonchalantly, "Fourth Hokage, you should apologize to everyone first."

"Haha~"

Tsunade was the first to burst out laughing. Apart from Hiruzen Sarutobi, whose face darkened, everyone else in the meeting room couldn't help but smile.

This was supposed to be a serious topic, and with Tatsuma himself hosting it, it was like he was talking with a sword hanging over his head. But Jiraiya's interruption made the topic less dangerous and allowed for a more rational discussion.

Jiraiya never lacked the talent to become Hokage, but he simply didn't want to. He didn't want to suppress his nature or restrain his free spirit.

Tatsuma smiled and nodded, saying, "I should apologize to everyone. I am not from this ninja world, but I have deliberately caused a great trouble for the entire ninja world. This is indeed my fault."

However, I want to say that even without me, this war would have come one day, because it concerns an ambitious man, Uchiha Madara, who has been planning this for decades.

(End of this chapter)