Late November, Konoha Year 46.
Higashino Shinichi walked along the main street toward Team 10's usual training ground. The atmosphere in the village felt different today—tense and restless.
Villagers clustered in small groups, speaking in low voices.
"Did you hear? About Sunagakure…"
"The Third Kazekage hasn't shown up in three months…"
"Word is he's missing. Alive or dead, no one knows for sure."
"Missing? That probably means he's dead."
The Third Kazekage was missing.
The rumor had spread like wildfire across the shinobi world, even without any official confirmation. For three months, the man known as the strongest Kazekage in history hadn't appeared in public. Sunagakure's explanations had gone from "closed-door training" to vague and contradictory statements.
Meanwhile, while the other great nations were openly preparing for war, Suna's ninja had been unusually active inside the Land of Wind and neighboring countries—searching for something.
A few days ago, Suna had hastily arranged a public appearance for the "Third Kazekage." He gave a short speech to calm the village. But the performance only made things worse. The man on stage never once used Magnet Release.
To anyone with eyes, it confirmed what many already suspected.
The Third Kazekage was most likely dead.
Shinichi moved through the anxious streets, taking in every whisper without changing his expression.
It's finally happening.
He turned down a quieter side path leading to the training ground. As he rounded a corner, a tall, slender figure appeared in front of him.
The man wore a pale white kimono under a jonin vest. His long black hair hung loosely over his shoulders. His skin was unnaturally pale, and a faint, unreadable smile curved his lips. Golden, slit-pupiled eyes studied Shinichi with mild surprise.
Orochimaru.
"Oh?" Orochimaru's golden eyes lit up with interest. His voice was low, slightly hoarse, and carried a magnetic quality. "Shinichi-kun. What a coincidence."
"Orochimaru-sama," Shinichi stopped and offered a polite, slightly surprised bow.
"I've finally run into you," Orochimaru said, taking half a step closer. "I've heard quite a lot about you, Shinichi-kun. That performance in the arena last month was… impressive. A shame I couldn't attend in person."
He licked his lips. "Your talent keeps surprising people."
"You flatter me," Shinichi replied evenly. "I only did what I could."
"Excessive modesty can make you miss out on interesting things." Orochimaru tilted his head, those golden eyes seeming to see straight through him. "I've also heard you're quite skilled in medical ninjutsu. Even Tsunade speaks highly of you despite your age."
He smiled faintly, as if the next words were an afterthought. "I've been conducting some rather interesting research lately. I could use a careful assistant with solid medical knowledge. Would you be interested in helping me for a while, Shinichi-kun?"
"You might see things you won't find in any standard medical class… hehe."
Shinichi paused, letting a flicker of surprise show on his face. After a moment, he answered, "I'm honored that you'd consider me, Orochimaru-sama. But I'll need some time to think it over… and I'll have to get Tsunade-sensei's permission first."
"Of course," Orochimaru didn't seem surprised or pushy. He simply chuckled. "Take your time. I have high expectations for talented people like you."
With that, he stepped past Shinichi and continued down the path, long black hair swaying lightly with each step.
He hadn't gone far when a tall blonde figure turned the corner ahead.
"Orochimaru?" Tsunade stood with her arms crossed, one eyebrow raised. "Rare sight. I barely see you once a year."
Orochimaru stopped. His smile grew a little more genuine. "Likewise. You, on the other hand, look much better than you did a few years ago. Almost like the Tsunade I used to know."
Tsunade snorted but didn't take the bait. "What were you talking to my student about just now?"
"Nothing much. Just a short chat. Shinichi-kun really is an interesting young man." Orochimaru waved a hand. "Well then, Tsunade. I have things to do. I'll be going."
He nodded and walked past her without another word.
Tsunade watched him leave with a slight frown, then turned and walked over to Shinichi.
"What did that guy want?" she asked directly.
Shinichi didn't hide anything. "Orochimaru-sama said he's doing some research and needs an assistant with medical knowledge. He asked if I'd be interested in helping him."
"Assistant?" Tsunade repeated, arms still crossed. She looked thoughtful. "He really knows how to pick people."
She glanced at Shinichi. "So? What do you think?"
Shinichi considered his words. "Orochimaru-sama's talent and ability are top-tier. Learning from him would be a rare opportunity. But it came out of nowhere, so I'm not sure how to answer yet. What do you think, Tsunade-sensei?"
Tsunade thought for a moment. "It's your decision. Orochimaru really is exceptionally gifted. If you can actually learn something useful from him, it'll help your future. But…"
Her tone shifted. "That guy's research style and way of thinking can be… unconventional. Sometimes it crosses lines. If you do go, keep your eyes open and your head clear. Learn what's worth learning, but don't lose your own judgment."
She added with clear distaste, "And for the love of god, don't pick up any of his creepy habits or weird mannerisms. You're a good kid. Don't let him corrupt you."
"I understand," Shinichi nodded.
"Good." Tsunade waved a hand. "Let's go. Shizune and Kurenai are probably already waiting."