Inside the Hokage's office within the Hokage Building.
Right now, Shindai stood alone under the gaze of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru-sama.
Shindai forced a strained smile and greeted nervously, "G-good morning, Hokage-sama, O-Orochimaru-sama!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced out the window, puzzled. "It's almost evening already. And why are you so nervous, Shindai? You used to be so much more laid-back."
Shindai wanted to cry but couldn't—it was different before Orochimaru came around!
Orochimaru's serpentine eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Shindai. "Is it because of me that you're nervous?"
Shindai shivered involuntarily and immediately protested, "N-no way! Orochimaru-sama is my lifelong idol! I'm just excited—that's all, really!"
Chuckling, Hiruzen said, "Excited, huh? That's good then. As I mentioned before, I suggested Orochimaru make you his apprentice. He actually spoke highly of you. I just discussed this with Orochimaru-sama earlier, though he hasn't given me a definite answer yet. So, Orochimaru-sama, you can tell Shindai the result yourself."
Shindai anxiously stared at Orochimaru-sama.
Orochimaru-sama regarded Shindai with an ambiguous smile. "Indeed, my evaluation of you has been quite positive. Your abilities are passable, and your talent for research is rather impressive too. However, becoming my apprentice… Well, that's not enough anymore, since my current criteria no longer focus on those aspects."
Upon hearing this, Shindai's eyes lit up.
Orochimaru-sama didn't want to take him as a disciple? Perfect!
Hiruzen asked, "Orochimaru-sama, what exactly are your current criteria for taking apprentices? You should at least give Shindai some goal to strive toward."
"My standards aren't something achievable through effort alone," Orochimaru replied. "In fact, it's more about my whims. Still, I'm willing to grant him an opportunity. He can temporarily remain by my side as one of my subordinates. If he meets my standards in the future, then I'll accept him as my apprentice."
Orochimaru fixed his gaze on Shindai once more. "Well then, are you willing to serve under me temporarily and accompany me on my endeavors?"
There was absolutely no way for Shindai to refuse—doing so would severely offend Orochimaru-sama, potentially inviting all sorts of subtle retaliation.
With thoroughly insincere *joy*, Shindai responded, "Of course I'm willing! I'm truly honored and grateful to you, Orochimaru-sama!"
Encouragingly, Hiruzen told Shindai, "You must work hard, Shindai! Orochimaru-sama makes an excellent teacher. Like Jiraiya, he devotes himself fully to teaching and possesses exceptional instructional capabilities. Strive to gain Orochimaru-sama's approval!"
Shindai loudly declared, "I will definitely work hard!"
There was no way to outright sabotage this arrangement!
Nodding approvingly, Hiruzen puffed on his pipe before saying to Orochimaru-sama, "Orochimaru-sama, there are many people in Konoha like Shindai who admire you greatly. They look up to you, so you must set a proper example."
There are lines you shouldn't cross. I know you understand this deep down. Keep yourself in check and never step over that boundary.
You're still part of Root, aren't you? Let Danzo know you're leaving, and I'll find you another position."
Shindai sensed something strange in Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.
They carried an undertone—like there was more left unsaid.
Orochimaru looked at Hiruzen for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "I understand."
Hiruzen suddenly burst into loud laughter again: "Alright, you two should head immediately to the border between the Land of Fire and the Grass Country."
Shindai was taken aback: "To the border? What are we supposed to do at the border?"
Hiruzen answered Shindai: "Guard against Rock ninja."
Shindai asked confusedly: "Huh? We still need to guard against Rock ninja? Isn't the war already over?"
Hiruzen explained to Shindai: "There won't be any large-scale battles anymore. But since the Five Great Nations haven't reached an agreement yet, the war is still officially ongoing. Conflicts will keep happening.
Now we're just waiting for the Daimyos of the Five Great Nations to come to an agreement. Only after announcing the outcome publicly will the war truly end.
So until they reach a conclusion, we must continue demonstrating Konoha's strength and cannot let others detect even the slightest sign of fatigue. That's why Jiraiya, Minato, and others have already gone to the border on guard duty.
Originally, you were supposed to join Kakashi and the others to meet up with Minato's group, but now that you've become Orochimaru's subordinate, you'll just go with Orochimaru to guard the border between the Land of Fire and the Grass Country."
Shindai broke out in a cold sweat. He knew there wouldn't be a quick resolution anytime soon.
What if Rasa tried to secretly eliminate Pakura while he was stationed at the border?
That would be an absolute disaster!
What should I do? How can I fix this?!
Hiruzen looked puzzled at Shindai, whose face had suddenly turned pale with sweat pouring down, and asked, "What's wrong, Shindai?"
Now Shindai felt he couldn't solve this matter alone anymore—it was time to seek help, and the one most likely able to assist him was Hiruzen himself.
Taking a deep breath, Shindai said gravely to Hiruzen, "Hokage-sama, I... I need your help!"
Hiruzen placed his pipe on the table and said, "Tell me what kind of help you need. If I can help, I will. Just say it directly."
Shindai asked, "Hokage-sama, I wonder whether there are any undercover agents from Konoha inside Sunagakure?"
Hiruzen responded curiously, "Hmm? Why are you asking about that?"
Shindai pulled out a small square box: "I need to get this to someone in Sunagakure."
"Who?"
"Pakura."
Hiruzen Sarutobi regarded Shindai with a hint of astonishment and sought clarification. "Do you mean Pakura of the Scorch Release Kekkei Genkai from Sunagakure?"
Shindai nodded. "Exactly, that's her!"
Hiruzen became even more puzzled. "What relationship do you have with her?"
Shindai suddenly didn't know how to respond.
A friend?
That seemed too casual. If he said it like that, what if Hiruzen only helped half-heartedly?
He needed to describe their relationship as closer, something that would make Hiruzen eager to help.
Without blinking or showing any change in expression, Shindai said, "We made a childhood promise to marry each other when we grew up! That makes her my betrothed!
I was framed by Sunagakure and became a missing-nin, but Pakura still believed in me. In fact, I was the one who had her spread those rumors back then.
Pakura wants to bring Rasa down and become the Kazekage to clear my name. But since Rasa has Chiyo and Ebizō backing him up, I think Pakura probably won't succeed and might even be targeted by Rasa. As her fiancé, I can't just stand by and do nothing!
I'm really worried about her. This small box is a signal device. If Rasa actually attacks Pakura, I'll be able to pinpoint her location instantly using this device. And afterward, I'm very confident I can convince Pakura to join Konoha!"
When Hiruzen heard this, his eyes immediately lit up.
The Scorch Release Kekkei Genkai, combined with an elite ninja currently shining on the battlefield possibly joining Konoha—this was definitely good news!
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