More suspicious were the Village Hidden in the Sand's recent actions.
While the other four great nations were intensively expanding their military forces and strengthening border defenses, the Village Hidden in the Sand's ninjas were instead behaving abnormally, moving in large numbers within the Land of Wind and even in neighboring small countries, their movements secretive and their purpose unclear, as if urgently searching for something important.
Thus, speculation about the disappearance of the third Kazekage spread without restraint, and as time passed, various details and insider information were exaggerated and circulated, making the rumors seem increasingly convincing.
Over these past few months, the Village Hidden in the Sand's higher-ups, seemingly anxious and almost irrational, appeared to finally realize the disastrous consequences that the growing external suspicion could bring.
So just a few days ago, they hastily arranged a so-called public appearance for the third Kazekage, allowing him to appear and deliver a brief speech to all the villagers and ninjas.
However, this performance, intended to stabilize morale and dispel outside doubts, had the exact opposite effect in the eyes of many observant individuals, especially intelligence agents from various factions lurking within the Village Hidden in the Sand, because during the entire appearance, the third Kazekage did not display even a trace of his signature Magnet Style Ninjutsu.
This act of trying to cover things up only confirmed the outside world's suspicions.
The third Kazekage, the pillar of the Village Hidden in the Sand, had most likely really encountered trouble, and with a very high probability, had met with misfortune.
Shinichi silently walked through the streets filled with whispers and worry, taking in all this information, yet nothing showed on his face.
What was meant to come had finally arrived.
Shinichi thought silently, his steps unpaused as he turned into a relatively quiet path leading to the training ground.
Just as he passed a corner, a tall, thin figure suddenly appeared head-on without warning, and the two looked at each other at the same time.
Standing before him was a man dressed in a light white kimono, with a Jonin vest worn over it.
He was tall and thin, with long black hair draped over his shoulders, his complexion an almost sickly pale, as if he rarely saw sunlight, and a faint, elusive smile habitually hung at the corner of his lips.
His golden, vertically slit eyes, like those of a snake, now carried a hint of surprise as they quietly examined Shinichi.
Orochimaru.
"Oh?"
A trace of interest flashed through Orochimaru's golden snake-like pupils, and the smile on his lips deepened slightly. His voice was low, hoarse, and magnetic. "It's Shinichi-kun. What a coincidence."
"Orochimaru-sama."
Shinichi stopped, a polite and slightly surprised expression appearing on his face as he gave a slight bow.
"I've finally met you, Shinichi-kun."
Orochimaru took half a step forward and chuckled softly. "Come to think of it, I've long heard of your great reputation. That wonderful performance in the arena last month was truly impressive. It's a pity I wasn't there to witness your brilliance in person."
Orochimaru licked his lips and continued, "However, your talent and ability, hehe, truly keep bringing surprises."
"You flatter me."
Shinichi replied calmly. "I merely did my best. I dare not claim such praise."
"Excessive modesty can sometimes cause one to miss interesting things."
Orochimaru looked at him with interest, those eyes seeming to pierce through appearances.
"I've heard that you're also quite accomplished in Medical Ninjutsu. At such a young age, you can already take charge on your own at the Konoha Hospital. Even Tsunade praises you often."
At this point, Orochimaru tilted his head slightly, as if mentioning it casually. "Recently, I've been conducting some interesting research, and I just happen to need a careful assistant with considerable medical knowledge. I wonder, Shinichi-kun, would you be interested in helping me for a while?"
"Perhaps you might see some sights that you wouldn't encounter in conventional medical courses. Hehe…"
Hearing this, Shinichi was momentarily stunned, an expression of surprise appearing on his face.
After a brief silence, he answered, "I am honored by Orochimaru-sama's regard. However, I would like some time to consider this matter, and I would also need to obtain Tsunade-sensei's approval."
"Hehe, of course."
Orochimaru did not seem surprised by this answer, nor did he appear anxious. He simply smiled lightly. "Then take your time to think it over, Shinichi-kun. For a genius like you, I have great expectations."
With that, he said no more, brushing past Shinichi and continuing forward along the path, his black hair swaying slightly with his steps.
After walking for a while, a tall figure with golden hair appeared at the corner ahead.
"Orochimaru?"
Tsunade crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "What a rare guest. I hardly see you all year round, and yet I run into you here today."
Orochimaru stopped. Facing his former companion, his smile became a bit more genuine.
"Likewise. As for you, Tsunade, you look much more spirited than you did a few years ago. It seems you've returned to the Tsunade I once knew."
Tsunade snorted lightly and did not pursue that topic. She simply said, "Cut the act. What were you saying to my student just now?"
"Nothing much, just a few words. Shinichi-kun is indeed a very interesting kid."
Orochimaru said casually. "Alright, Tsunade, I have matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave first."
After saying that, he nodded in acknowledgment and left on his own.
Tsunade watched his departing figure, her brows slightly furrowing, then turned and walked toward Shinichi.
"What did that guy say to you?"
She asked directly as she approached him.
Shinichi did not hide anything and answered truthfully, "Orochimaru-sama said that he's been conducting some research recently and needs an assistant with medical knowledge. He asked if I was interested and told me to think it over carefully."
"An assistant?"
Tsunade repeated, arms crossed, looking thoughtful. "He sure knows how to pick people, choosing you as an assistant."
She then glanced at Shinichi and asked casually, "So what do you think?"
Shinichi pondered for a moment before saying, "Orochimaru-sama's talent and ability are top-tier. If I could learn under him, it would naturally be a rare opportunity. It's just that this came so suddenly, and I find it difficult to make a decision right away. What do you think, Tsunade-sensei?"
Hearing this, Tsunade thought for a moment before speaking. "It's your own matter, so it depends on what you want. Orochimaru's talent and ability are indeed top-notch. If you can learn something real from him, it will definitely help your future path."
Her tone shifted as she added, "However, that guy's research style and ideas can sometimes be quite… unique, even a bit off the conventional path. If you really go, keep your eyes sharp and your mind alert. Learn what should be learned, ask what should be asked, but also maintain your own judgment."
As if recalling something, Tsunade added with a hint of disdain and helplessness, "And remember this! Absolutely do not pick up his creepy, eerie mannerisms and strange habits! You're a good child, don't get led astray."
"I understand."
Shinichi nodded.
"As long as you understand."
Tsunade waved her hand. "Let's go. Shizune and Kurenai are probably getting impatient waiting."
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