"Knock, knock."
Orochimaru knocked on the door, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Come in," Third Hokage's voice called out.
The shouting inside stopped as Orochimaru entered the office, his sharp eyes quickly taking in the tense atmosphere. Koharu and Homura Mitokado were there, both looking furious, though there was no sign of Danzō.
Odd. With something this significant, Danzō should've been there too.
"Old man, the mission was a complete success. You'd better keep a close eye on the returning spies and make sure the information is sealed. If word gets out, the Third Raikage might come after you personally," Orochimaru quipped, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Did he always have to joke around like this? The Third Hokage cleared his throat.
"We've already handled the return of the spies. As for your mission, well done. I'll make sure your contributions are duly recorded," Hokage assured him.
"Not just mine-Xin's as well," Orochimaru added.
"Of course, I won't overlook his contribution either. Don't worry, the village won't forget those who serve it well," the Hokage promised, but Orochimaru's grin only grew wider as if he had heard something amusing.
Seeing the sly look on Orochimaru's face, the Hokage suddenly realized what he had just said. He had promised not to overlook those who contributed, but that had always been a point of contention. Orochimaru's expression said it all.
Realizing his slip-up, the Hokage's gaze faltered. Homura Mitokado, sensing the awkwardness, quickly interjected, "Orochimaru, since you're back, we need you to return to the Land of Rivers as soon as possible. Some troubling events have occurred there recently."
As he spoke, Homura handed Orochimaru a scroll containing intelligence.
"I will," Orochimaru said with a nod, taking the scroll before leaving the office.
"Sarutobi now is not the time to grow soft."
"We've come too far. Even if you want to change things now, it's too late. Don't forget, he has Uchiha blood, and right now, the Uchiha clan is still trying to recruit him," Koharu Utatane reminded the Third Hokage, her tone firm. Sarutobi's soft heart had always been a problem, and both Koharu and Homura Mitokado couldn't let him slip now.
The dirty work was already done. Regret had no place here, and they couldn't afford to turn back now.
"That's right," Homura Mitokado chimed in. "Besides, all of this was Usagi Xin's own doing. We thought he could become another Kagami Uchiha, but he rejected our offer."
"Enough about that," Sarutobi cut in. "Regardless, the credit he deserves can't be denied. Both he and Orochimaru did a remarkable job. I'll make sure it's recorded in the archives."
.....
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