Shiro's latest simulation had ended in unexpected disaster—he had fallen victim to Orochimaru's twisted desires. His fury knew no bounds.
The system's reward choices were presented to him, and without hesitation, he eliminated the "Orochimaru's Bosom Friend" title.
"Like hell I'm taking that! I swear, in this world, as long as I live, there will be no room for snakes! Any creature with 'snake' in its name will be exterminated within three minutes of meeting me!"
Shiro carefully analyzed the remaining choices. Dissection techniques were of no immediate use. Pharmaceutical knowledge was tempting, but without resources, it would be wasted. However, the truth serum seemed custom-made for his current predicament.
"This could be my way out."
—System reward claimed: Special Truth Serum. System entering recovery mode for 23 hours.
A bold plan took root in Shiro's mind.
The next morning, Shiro was once again summoned before Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura.
Danzo wasted no time. "Come with me."
Shiro's sharp eyes caught Hiruzen's silence. So, the deal was already made in secret.
As Danzo reached out to pat Shiro's shoulder, he swiftly dodged.
"Hmm?" Danzo narrowed his eyes.
Before he could react, Shiro suddenly fell to his knees, his face filled with anguish.
"But... I don't deserve it!" he wailed dramatically.
Hiruzen and Danzo exchanged confused glances.
Shiro clenched his fists. "How can a monster like me be worthy of Lord Danzo's personal guidance?!"
Danzo blinked. What?
Tears streamed down Shiro's face. "For years, everyone believed Naruto was the demon fox. But no! I am the true monster! And Lord Danzo has risked his noble reputation to protect me!"
Hiruzen nearly choked on his pipe smoke.
"I have sinned! I have shamed Naruto! I have wronged the village! I deserve only death!"
Shiro bowed deeply, his shoulders trembling.
"If Lord Danzo truly values the village, then please—end my miserable life with your own hands!"
Danzo was stunned. The young boy's devotion moved him deeply.
Hiruzen, however, frowned. This brat… he's up to something.
Shiro sobbed harder. "Lord Danzo, please use my death to cement your great legacy!"
Danzo hesitated for a long moment before stepping forward and lifting Shiro to his feet.
"Shiro, you are not the demon fox," he reassured him.
"Really?" Shiro asked, eyes wide with false hope.
Hiruzen sighed. "Yes, it's true."
Shiro sniffled. "Then... I still can't go with Lord Danzo. The villagers don't know the truth. My presence will only taint his great name!"
Danzo was touched. Such loyalty!
"Don't worry," he said firmly. "I will personally clear your name before the entire village!"
Shiro's eyes glistened. "Lord Danzo, you are too kind!" He threw himself into Danzo's embrace, wiping his tears, snot, and saliva all over the old man's robe.
Danzo smiled, ignoring the mess.
That afternoon, a large crowd gathered before the Hokage Tower as Danzo stood at the rooftop, preparing to speak.
Shiro, standing beside him, politely handed him a cup of water.
"Lord Danzo, please drink this before your speech."
Danzo, touched by the gesture, downed the water in one gulp.
"Thank you, Shiro. This water… truly warms my heart."
Shiro smiled innocently.
"Enjoy the truth serum, you old fossil."
Danzo turned to the villagers, clearing his throat.
"Ahem! Citizens of Konoha, I have summoned you all here to explain the recent events regarding the demon fox attack—"
A voice interrupted from the crowd. "Where is the Hokage?!"
Danzo's eye twitched. He had prepared a speech filled with deceit and misdirection, but instead, what came out was—
"Sarutobi Hiruzen is absent."
Silence.
"Without the Hokage present, I am the Hokage!"
The villagers gasped.
Danzo suddenly found himself unable to stop speaking. "Interrupting a Hokage's speech is a crime! Whoever just spoke—I'll have Root agents raid your house tonight!"
What the hell am I saying?!
The audience murmured in shock.
Shiro suppressed a grin.
"Let's see how you talk your way out of this, you old bastard."