Hearing Orochimaru's words, Hiruzen raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"What are you trying to do?"
"I plan to handle at least half of the remaining eighty procedures within the next three days," Orochimaru replied, lifting a finger. "But right now, I'm running low on medical supplies."
Hiruzen was pleased to hear this—Konoha was still short on reinforced shinobi—but the sudden change in Orochimaru's attitude piqued his curiosity.
"What made you come to this decision so suddenly?"
"Many of the White Zetsu clones surrounding the village have withdrawn. Only a few remain underground," Orochimaru explained, showing him a marked map of Konoha. "I suspect the Akatsuki are shifting their attention elsewhere. Whatever the case, this is our window."
There were fewer than ten markers on the map. Clearly, Orochimaru had been gathering intel beyond just running surgeries.
Hiruzen gave a small nod. Even now, he wasn't surprised by Orochimaru's continued devotion to the village.
"I'll arrange for the medical stores to be restocked immediately."
Orochimaru smiled.
"There's one more thing... It would be best if this were kept from the two advisors. We can't afford another leak like the one in the war council."
Hiruzen's face stiffened slightly.
"Don't worry. I've already taken precautions."
Unbeknownst to the public, the White Zetsu clones embedded in Koharu and Homura still hadn't been discovered or removed. Their influence was subtle—likely intentional. As long as they remained unaware of their compromise, the Akatsuki likely would too. It was a strange advantage, but one Konoha could use.
"There's something else," Orochimaru said, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm going to check in with the Nine-Tails next."
"On your own? Wait—" Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "You're not just going there to observe, are you?"
"After watching what happened with One-Tail's extraction, I've had some thoughts," Orochimaru replied, licking his lips. "Don't worry—it won't hurt him. It might even help the boy."
Hiruzen sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Just... be careful."
"Always, old man." Orochimaru smiled—and in the next instant, vanished in a puff of smoke.
"A shadow clone..." Hiruzen muttered, a little amused, a little unsettled.
He hadn't even noticed.
"This man... he's becoming more terrifying by the day."
---
Uzumaki Residence
When Orochimaru arrived, Naruto and Karin had just finished dinner and were chasing each other through the living room, full of energy. Their lives were stable—borderline noisy—but healthy. Thanks to the presence of Uzumaki Aoi and protection from the Sannin, they hadn't grown up as bitter or traumatized as one might expect of orphaned jinchūriki.
Uzumaki Aoi walked over with a cup of tea.
"Lord Orochimaru, please have some."
"You've done well raising Naruto and Karin," Orochimaru said, watching the two children play. "Have they started their training yet?"
"Yes, under Lord Jiraiya's guidance," Aoi replied quickly, then added nervously, "It wasn't my idea..."
"Relax. I'm not blaming you."
Orochimaru walked over to Naruto and Karin. His presence was sharp enough to make even energetic children freeze.
Naruto, sensing danger, stepped protectively in front of Karin.
"I don't know who you are!"
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
"You may not remember me, but I'm the first person who held you—aside from your parents."
Naruto's eyes widened.
"You knew them? Who were they? Where are they now?"
"Come with me," Orochimaru said, reaching out.
Naruto hesitated only a second, then nodded. Orochimaru gave Aoi a nod, then vanished with the boy in a swirl of smoke.
---
Hokage Rock – Night
The wind howled as the two stood atop the great stone heads of the Hokage. The moon illuminated the village below. Despite their stone forms, the faces of the Hokage seemed to gaze solemnly upon their home.
Naruto crossed his arms.
"Why'd you bring me here? You haven't answered my question!"
Orochimaru looked at him with a faint smile.
"You really don't know yet, do you?"
Naruto tilted his head.
"So I have to pass a test or something to find out? Like in the stories?"
Orochimaru chuckled.
"Something like that." He reached out and tapped Naruto gently between the eyes.
---
Naruto's Mindscape – The Seal
The next moment, Orochimaru opened his eyes to find himself in a vast, damp sewer. Cold. Dark. The atmosphere reminded him of Gaara's mental world—a place of isolation and grief.
"So this is where he hides all that pain..."
He glanced around. The layout made it clear—this wasn't just Naruto's mind.
The voice of the Lamp God echoed beside him.
"Their chakras are linked. Naruto's body is cared for, but the Nine-Tails... he's still a prisoner. A grieving widow of war, trapped in a cage."
Orochimaru chuckled at the metaphor.
"Time to visit the prisoner, then."
Following the surge of chakra, he soon arrived at a massive gate with a sealing tag. Behind it loomed the Nine-Tails—its body immense, its presence suffocating.
"As expected of the strongest tailed beast," Orochimaru murmured.
Nine-Tails stirred.
"Orochimaru...!"
It narrowed its eyes, steam rising from its nostrils.
"You still recognize me despite the seal? Seems the Fourth didn't cut you off completely," Orochimaru said, smirking.
"Spare me the jokes. If we're talking now, then that damn raccoon's probably already being devoured by the Demonic Statue."
"You don't seem too upset about it," Orochimaru noted.
"I don't care about that flea-bitten mutt."
The cold indifference surprised Orochimaru—until he realized something.
"So you do know what the Demonic Statue is. Have you heard of the Ten-Tails?"
The cell pulsed with oppressive chakra. Red energy seeped through the bars.
"Where did you hear that name?" the Nine-Tails asked, its voice low and dangerous.
"Relax. I'm not your enemy—at least not today," Orochimaru replied, grinning.
The fox scoffed, clearly unconvinced.
"You don't have to trust me," Orochimaru continued. "But you'd better listen closely. You may hate this village, but the Ten-Tails... it will destroy everything. You included."
He turned to leave—until the Nine-Tails called out.
"Wait. How much do you know about it?"
"No questions unless we're trading answers," Orochimaru said, glancing back. "But I'll give you a hint—pay attention to a group called 'Akatsuki'."
Nine-Tails growled the name under its breath.
Just as Orochimaru was about to leave, a familiar voice echoed behind him.
"So this is where you went!"
Naruto's small figure materialized beside him, then froze at the sight of the massive fox behind the bars.
"Whoa... what a big cat!"
The Nine-Tails visibly twitched.
A gust of chakra exploded from the bars, knocking Naruto back.
"Strong cat!" he muttered in awe.
"It's not a cat, it's a fox," Orochimaru chuckled. "His name is the Nine-Tails—or Kurama."
Kurama blinked, surprised.
Very few remembered his true name.
Orochimaru smiled.
"I know you hate being in here. But in return for my warning, don't take it out on the kid. Neither of you had a choice in this."
Kurama sneered but didn't argue.
"Besides," Orochimaru added slyly, "growling at children just makes you look small."
"Tch. I don't need your advice."
Orochimaru gave him a short wave.
"Then do what you want."
Looking around the mindscape one last time and seeing no interference, he allowed his consciousness to slip free.
---
Back atop Hokage Rock, the night wind rustled Naruto's hair as Orochimaru gently flicked his forehead, waking him up.
_____________________
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