Late November, Year 46 of Konoha.
Higashino Shinichi walked along the familiar main road of Konoha, heading toward the small training ground where Team Ten usually gathered.
Today, the streets and alleys were filled with an atmosphere unlike before—tense, oppressive, and restless.
Villagers clustered in small groups, leaning in close to one another, lowering their voices as they exchanged information. Fragments of hushed conversation drifted through the air.
"Have you heard? Over in Sunagakure…"
"The Third Kazekage hasn't been seen for three months…"
"They've been searching everywhere lately—something's off…"
"Apparently he's missing. No one knows if he's alive or dead…"
"Alive or dead? Good. That means he's dead!"
The Third Kazekage had gone missing.
This news, like a heavy bombshell, had yet to receive any official confirmation, yet it had already spread like wildfire across the major nations of the shinobi world.
Three months had passed, and the man known as the strongest Kazekage in history had not appeared in any public setting.
At first, Sunagakure claimed he was in secluded training. Later, their explanations grew vague, even contradictory.
Even more suspicious were Sunagakure's recent movements. While the other four great nations were rapidly expanding their military forces and reinforcing their border defenses, Sunagakure's shinobi were instead unusually active within the Land of Wind and even in surrounding minor countries—moving frequently, acting covertly, their purpose unclear, as if desperately searching for something of great importance.
And so, speculation about the Third Kazekage's disappearance spread on its own, and as time went on, various "details" and so-called insider information were exaggerated and embellished, making the story seem increasingly credible.
After months of frantic, almost irrational behavior, the upper ranks of Sunagakure seemed to finally realize the disastrous consequences that these growing suspicions could bring.
So, just a few days ago, they hastily arranged a so-called public appearance, allowing the "Third Kazekage" to show himself and deliver a brief speech to the villagers and shinobi.
However, this performance—intended to stabilize morale and dispel doubts—had the exact opposite effect in the eyes of those paying close attention, especially the various intelligence agents lurking within Sunagakure.
Because during the entire appearance, that "Kazekage" did not display even the slightest hint of his signature Magnet Release.
This attempt at concealment only confirmed the outside world's suspicions.
The Third Kazekage—the pillar of Sunagakure—had likely met with misfortune, and with a very high probability, something had gone terribly wrong.
Shinichi walked silently through the streets filled with whispers and unease, taking in all of this information, yet his expression showed no change.
What was meant to come had finally come.
With that thought, he continued forward without slowing, turning into a relatively quiet path that led to the training ground. Just as he passed a corner—
A tall, slender figure suddenly appeared from the opposite direction without warning. Both of them looked at each other at the same time.
Standing before him was a man wearing a pale white kimono with a jōnin flak jacket over it.
He was tall and thin, with long black hair draped over his shoulders. His complexion was unnaturally pale, as if he had not seen sunlight for years. At the corner of his lips rested a faint, unreadable smile.
His golden, vertically slit pupils—like those of a snake—were currently fixed on Shinichi, carrying a trace of curiosity.
Orochimaru.
"Oh?" A hint of amusement flashed through Orochimaru's snake-like eyes. The smile on his lips deepened slightly, his voice low, hoarse, and magnetic. "So it's Shinichi-kun. What a coincidence."
"Orochimaru-sama." Shinichi stopped, his expression appropriately showing politeness and a touch of surprise as he gave a slight bow.
"I've finally met you, Shinichi-kun."
Orochimaru took a step forward, chuckling softly. "I've heard quite a lot about you for some time now. That performance you gave in the arena last month—quite impressive. It's a pity I wasn't there to see it with my own eyes."
He licked his lips and continued, "But your talent and ability, hehe… you truly keep surprising people."
"You flatter me," Shinichi replied calmly. "I merely did my best. I'm not worthy of such praise."
"Excessive humility can sometimes make one miss interesting opportunities." Orochimaru looked at him with keen interest, those eyes seeming to pierce through appearances. "I've heard you're also quite accomplished in medical ninjutsu. At such a young age, you're already capable of handling things independently at the hospital—even Tsunade praises you frequently."
At this point, Orochimaru tilted his head slightly, as if mentioning it casually. "I've been conducting some… interesting research lately, and I happen to need a careful assistant with solid medical knowledge. I wonder, Shinichi-kun, would you be interested in helping me for a while?"
"Perhaps you might see things you would never encounter in standard medical courses… who knows? Hehe…"
Hearing this, Shinichi froze for a moment, a look of surprise appearing on his face. After a brief silence, he replied, "I'm honored by Orochimaru-sama's regard. However, this is rather sudden. I would need some time to consider it—and I should also seek Tsunade-sensei's approval."
"Hehe, of course." Orochimaru did not seem surprised, nor did he appear impatient. He simply smiled lightly. "Then take your time to think about it, Shinichi-kun. For a genius like you, I have high expectations."
With that, he said no more. He passed by Shinichi and continued down the path, his black hair swaying gently with his steps.
After walking a short distance, at the next corner ahead, a tall blonde figure appeared.
"Orochimaru?" Tsunade crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You're a rare sight. I hardly see you even once a year. Didn't expect to run into you here today."
Orochimaru stopped. Facing his former companion, his smile became a bit more genuine. "Likewise. As for you, Tsunade—you seem much more spirited than a few years ago. It's almost like you've returned to the Tsunade I used to know."
Tsunade snorted lightly, ignoring the comment. "Cut the nonsense. What were you saying to my student just now?"
"Nothing much. Just a few words. Shinichi-kun is quite an interesting young man." Orochimaru replied casually. "Well then, Tsunade, I have matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."
With a slight nod, he departed.
Tsunade watched his back, her brows faintly furrowed, before turning and walking toward Shinichi.
"What did that guy say to you?" she asked directly as she approached.
Shinichi did not hide anything. "Orochimaru-sama said he's conducting some research and needs an assistant with medical knowledge. He asked if I'd be interested and told me to think it over."
"An assistant?" Tsunade repeated, arms crossed, thoughtful. "He does know how to pick people—choosing you as an assistant."
Then she glanced at Shinichi and asked casually, "So, what do you think?"
Shinichi pondered for a moment. "Orochimaru-sama's talent and ability are top-tier. Being able to learn under him would certainly be a rare opportunity. But this came too suddenly, and I find it difficult to decide right away. What do you think, Tsunade-sensei?"
Tsunade thought for a moment before replying, "It's your decision. Orochimaru's talent is undeniable. If you can learn something real from him, it'll definitely help your future path."
Her tone shifted slightly as she added, "But his research style and way of thinking can be… unconventional. Even a bit extreme. If you decide to go, keep your eyes open. Stay sharp. Learn what you should learn, ask what you should ask—but make sure you keep your own judgment."
As if recalling something, Tsunade added with a hint of disdain and helplessness, "And remember this—don't pick up his creepy, weird habits! Don't let yourself get warped by him."
"I understand." Shinichi nodded.
"Good." Tsunade waved her hand. "Let's go. Shizune and Kurenai are probably getting impatient."
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