Naruto: Reincarnated with a programmable system core.

Konoha,

Orochimaru and the Uchiha elders approached the agreed-upon final meeting spot—before they moved towed Uchiha clan.

Orochimaru's snake-like eyes scanned the area, ready for any sign of betrayal. Danzo was not someone to be trusted. The man operated like a shadow—always in the background, always scheming. And yet, here they were, seeking his help...

Suddenly Ten Root operatives stepped into view, at the center stood Danzo,

"Danzo," Orochimaru greeted smoothly, his voice like silk sliding over a blade. "Punctual as ever."

Danzo didn't respond immediately. His single eye swept over the group, lingering briefly on Orochimaru before turning to the Uchiha elders. "You've brought them?"

One of the elders stepped forward, his expression stiff. "We're here because you promised results, Danzo. Do not waste our time."

Danzo's mouth twitched into what might have been a smirk. "Patience, elder. All will be revealed in time."

Orochimaru was about to say something cutting when another figure stepped into the clearing.

Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The Third Hokage emerged from the shadows, his robes flowing gently in the night breeze.

Orochimaru froze for the briefest of moments. A thousand thoughts raced through his mind, each more paranoid than the last. Why is he here? Does he know? Is this a trap?

He forced a smile. "Sensei," he said, his voice as calm as a still pond, though his stomach churned with unease. "What an… unexpected surprise."

Hiruzen's gaze settled on him, unflinching. "Orochimaru," he said, his tone neutral but firm. "It seems you've been busy."

The Uchiha elders shifted uncomfortably, clearly unsettled by the Hokage's presence. One of them whispered harshly to Danzo,

"What is the meaning of this? You didn't say the Hokage would be here."

Danzo raised a hand, silencing the elder. "Relax," he said, his tone clipped. "Hiruzen is here because he understands the necessity of what we're doing."

Orochimaru studied his former sensei with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "I see,"

Hiruzen's eyes met his, and for a moment, there was an unspoken tension between them. Finally, the Hokage spoke. "Minato has been making decisions without consulting the council," he said, "His vision for the village is… admirable, but naive. The stability of Konoha requires more than idealism. It requires strength."

Orochimaru's mind raced. So, that's it. He's feeling sidelined by his golden boy.

"Strength," Hiruzen continued, "requires sacrifices. Sacrifices I believe you're uniquely qualified to provide, Orochimaru."

The snake-like shinobi blinked, genuinely surprised. He had expected condemnation, not validation. For a moment, he almost forgot himself, his smirk slipping into something more genuine.

"Well, sensei," Orochimaru drawled, recovering quickly, "I must admit, I didn't expect you to be so…."

Hiruzen's expression didn't change. "I do what is necessary for the village."

Danzo stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "We all do. That's why we're here." He gestured to the Root operatives.

"With your help, Orochimaru, we can ensure Konoha's future remains secure."

…

"Lord Fourth," the ANBU said, bowing in front of Minato–who was buried under the paperwork,

"We've detected unknown shinobi moving toward the Uchiha compound. Their identities and intentions are unclear."

Minato's expression hardened. "How many?"

"Around twenty-five, sir," the ANBU replied.

"Their movements are precise. They're highly skilled."

Without hesitation, Minato stood, grabbing his iconic white cloak with its red flames.

"Summon Jiraiya and Tsunade," he commanded. "And gather additional ANBU units. We're moving out immediately."

In just a few minutes, Minato arrived at the Uchiha clan with Jiraiya, Tsunade, and a squad of ANBU.

The group moved swiftly and silently, their presence concealed by years of training.

Minato's keen senses were on high alert, and he could feel the faint chakra signatures ahead—two distinct presences moving deliberately toward the heart of the compound.

"It's too quiet," Jiraiya muttered in a low voice. His usual carefree demeanor was absent. "Even for the Uchiha."

Tsunade nodded, her sharp amber eyes scanning the area. "Whoever they are, they're not amateurs. This feels deliberate."

The group halted suddenly as they rounded a corner, coming face-to-face with the two unknown shinobi.

Both figures stood in the middle of the road, illuminated by the moonlight. They wore long, dark cloaks and featureless oni masks. The sight of the masks alone was enough to put everyone on edge.

The ANBU instantly formed a defensive line in front of Minato, weapons at the ready. Tsunade clenched her fists, her chakra surging, while Jiraiya's hands moved subtly, preparing for any sudden attack.

"Who are you?" Minato demanded, his voice calm but authoritative. The unknown shinobi remained silent, their posture unmoving, but their presence exuded an aura of power and intimidation.

Jiraiya frowned. "Not much for conversation, are they?"

One of the masked figures tilted his head slightly as if amused by the situation. The other raised his hand slowly, a deliberate motion that set everyone on edge. The ANBU tightened their grips on their weapons, and even Minato shifted his stance slightly, ready to react.

Suddenly, the air grew heavy with chakra pressure. The oppressive force pressed down on the group, making the weaker ANBU falter for a moment. Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged quick glances.

"That chakra..." Tsunade whispered, narrowing her eyes. "It feels... familiar."

Minato's eyes narrowed as well, his mind racing.

The chakra emanating from the masked figures was indeed familiar, yet... twisted somehow, as if cloaked or altered. But there was no mistaking it—the power belonged to people he knew.