"Qinglong Pill! You mean the secret medicine that boosted Gen's strength so dramatically?"
Hatake Seikū looked at Uchiha Yuan with unconcealed excitement, desire written plainly across his face.
"Seikū, don't rush. I've already prepared your share. But you shouldn't take it yet. Your chakra isn't condensed enough, and your body hasn't reached its breakthrough point."
"I see…"
A hint of disappointment crossed Seikū's face, but it quickly turned to determination. "Then I'll double my training from now on."
Senju Gen stepped forward solemnly. "Yuan, thank you for the secret medicine."
"There's no need to thank me."
"No, Yuan. You don't understand how much it helped. Not only did it push me past my previous limit and greatly increase my chakra, I can also feel my bloodline being tempered. Perhaps… one day I might awaken the Great-Grandfather's Wood Release."
Yuan smiled faintly but said nothing.
Gen scratched his head. "About the medicine… my sister would like to speak with you at our home."
"I understand. I'll choose a time to visit. I'll have Izumi inform you in advance."
—
Konoha, Shopping Street.
Yuan walked along the street with a squad of Police Force members. Discussions about the missing-ninja incident echoed from both sides of the road. His expression remained indifferent.
Everything was unfolding exactly as he had predicted. Public opinion within the village had reached a boiling point.
Orochimaru still had not responded to his message. Whatever he was preparing, he was doing it in silence.
But one thing was already clear—Orochimaru's chances of becoming Fifth Hokage were gone.
The net cast around him was tightening.
The only way to reverse the situation would be a coup. But since the Third had dared to set this trap, they had undoubtedly prepared every countermeasure in advance.
Suddenly Yuan halted. He turned to the patrol squad. "You take the next street. I have something to attend to."
Before they could respond, he vanished in a Body Flicker.
—
Second floor of a tavern.
Yuan appeared in a flash, lifting the curtain and entering a private room.
"Yuan-sama, long time no see."
Inside sat three men drinking.
Yamanaka Kino was the first to greet him—the one who had contacted Yuan through the Yamanaka clan's sensory technique.
The other two were Akimichi Kai and Gekkō Hayate. They nodded in greeting as well.
"Gentlemen."
Yuan sat beside Kino and asked, "You summoned me for a reason?"
Kino's expression turned serious. Even Kai set aside his skewers of roasted meat. Hayate's gaze sharpened.
"Yuan-sama, I've heard you're close to Lord Orochimaru. Something may happen to him soon. You should prepare."
Yuan fell silent briefly before replying, "Thank you for the warning. I understand."
Seeing no surprise on his face, Kino frowned. "You already suspected?"
Yuan let out a low chuckle. "The moment the rumors began, I sensed something was wrong.
"Another Hokage election. Another sudden rumor. Considering what happened to Konoha's White Fang… it's hard not to suspect an organized plot against Orochimaru."
The three exchanged looks.
Kino, through clan intelligence, had already grasped parts of the truth.
Kai, meanwhile, seemed more concerned that the meat on the table was nearly gone.
Hayate frowned. "Are you accusing the village of framing Lord Orochimaru?"
"I'm merely speculating based on irregular signs."
Hayate drank in silence. Though loyal to the village, he could not deny Yuan's reasoning. And Kino's warning spoke volumes—Ino–Shika–Chō were deeply trusted by the Hokage. If Kino had hinted at danger, then the rumor was undoubtedly aimed at Orochimaru.
Yuan rose. "Kino, I'll take my leave. If it's discovered you've met with me, it may bring trouble."
"Take care, Yuan-sama."
Yuan nodded and disappeared.
—
Night. The sky was dark, no stars visible. A crescent moon lingered faintly behind drifting clouds.
Yuan escorted Uchiha Tsukine to her home.
"Yuan-kun, I had a wonderful time today."
She smiled brightly at the doorway.
"I did as well."
He studied her seriously. "You look especially beautiful tonight."
A blush spread across Tsukine's cheeks. She wore a red-and-white yukata, dignified yet subtly charming.
After parting ways, Yuan returned home alone.
As he opened the gate, a small white snake slithered from the grass and spat out a scroll.
He opened it. Orochimaru summoned him to the laboratory.
—
Inside the silent laboratory, Orochimaru stood before various instruments, still working. A cold, powerful chakra permeated the air.
Footsteps approached. Yuan appeared at the entrance.
"Orochimaru-senpai. I'm here."
Orochimaru turned slowly. "Yuan-kun… I'm afraid this outcome has disappointed you."
Yuan smiled faintly. "I expected resistance from the beginning. But I didn't think they would truly move against you. For power… even the bond between teacher and student means nothing."
The chill around Orochimaru intensified. A cold smile spread across his face.
"Yuan-kun… absorbing the loyal forces within the village will not be easy."
Some people die…
But they don't die completely.
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