Orochimaru, the major antagonist from the early stages of the Hokage era, is a character Linton is quite familiar with. His initial appearance was full of prestige, terrifying the protagonist team to the point of sheer panic. However, it seems that the current version of Orochimaru appears somewhat younger compared to what Linton remembers.
Based on the current situation, it seems Orochimaru is the highest-ranking commander here. This gives Linton an idea of the current time period. Firstly, Orochimaru hasn't defected yet, which means this is definitely before the original story began—probably a time when the main characters hadn't even been born. Secondly, since Orochimaru is already the highest-ranking commander, it suggests that the "Legendary Sannin" already hold their titles. If Linton remembers correctly, the "Sannin" gained fame during the Second Shinobi World War when they fought Hanzo of the Salamander, which indicates that the current time should be around the Third Shinobi War.
Regarding the Third Shinobi World War, Linton doesn't know much because the original story didn't elaborate much on it either. The main focus was on Kakashi's arc, but Linton remembers that they fought the Iwagakure (Hidden Stone) ninja then. Currently, their enemies are from Sunagakure (Hidden Sand), suggesting they are not on the same battlefield, or perhaps that battle has already passed, given how long the war lasted.
As Linton is pondering, Sarutobi Shinnosuke is reporting the intel they gathered to Orochimaru and the others. While Linton is watching Orochimaru, the latter suddenly turns his head and asks, "Uchiha Linton?"
"Uh? Yes, Lord Orochimaru," Linton responds with a slight hesitation.
"This is the first time I've heard that name," Orochimaru says as he examines Linton up and down. "You killed a Jonin with a special ninja tool?"
"Yes," Linton replies, feeling a bit troubled. He doesn't want to stand out, but there was no other way. While speaking, Linton hands over his handgun. Orochimaru, of course, wants to take a look at it.
Orochimaru takes the handgun, examines it briefly, and quickly seems to figure out how it works. With a casual movement, he disassembles the gun, which is something a layman could never do. Orochimaru's talent as a scientist is truly astonishing.
"So that's how it works? Is there a device similar to an exploding tag inside?" Orochimaru asks, holding a bullet.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru. I got the inspiration from exploding tags to create this ninja tool," Linton explains.
"This is quite ingenious," Orochimaru says, clearly impressed as he looks at Linton. But his gaze makes Linton uncomfortable, like being stared down by a venomous snake. "Unfortunately, such craftsmanship requires very high precision, making it impossible to mass-produce."
"Indeed, Lord Orochimaru. In fact, it took me quite some time to make just this one," Linton replies. "And I only managed to kill that Sand ninja by surprise. If he knew about this beforehand, I doubt I could have killed him."
Orochimaru nods, understanding the point. He wanted to see if this could be used in warfare, but given the high level of craftsmanship required and its limited effectiveness once the enemy knows about it, its value in war is low.
While the tool itself doesn't seem to impress Orochimaru much, he quickly turns his attention to Linton. The ability to create such a device suggests Linton has significant talent in this area, and Orochimaru is very much in need of such talents. He is so obsessed with his research now that he's even conducting human experiments. A talent like Linton seems perfect for him.
"You're quite good; I have high hopes for you," Orochimaru says with a smile. "If you survive the war, come find me."
This is clearly an invitation, possibly to take Linton as his disciple or something similar. However, just after Orochimaru finishes speaking, Sarutobi Shinnosuke says, "Lord Orochimaru, Linton has already awakened the Sharingan."
"Oh?" Orochimaru looks over at Linton, who immediately understands and activates his Sharingan skill, though he doesn't quite see the point of showing it.
"I see," Orochimaru says, looking even more excited. The Sharingan—that's even better. He's been researching this recently.
He also understands why Sarutobi Shinnosuke mentioned this. The Uchiha clan may have a bloodline limit, but not everyone can awaken it. Given Linton's age and the fact that he already has the three-tomoe Sharingan, he must be a key figure for cultivation in the Uchiha clan. If Orochimaru wants him, the Uchiha might intervene.
"When did you awaken your eyes?" Orochimaru asks. If he had already awakened his eyes, it's unlikely Orochimaru wouldn't have heard of him, especially since Linton has the three-tomoe at such a young age. So he guesses that Linton's awakening might not have been long ago.
"Just now, during the attack," Linton replies.
"So, your clan doesn't know yet?" Orochimaru asks.
"No, they don't," Linton confirms.
"Then..." Orochimaru is about to say something when another long-faced Konoha ninja interrupts, "Let's discuss this after the war, Lord Orochimaru. Right now, the priority should be the battle."
"Hmm," Orochimaru nods, seemingly putting his thoughts away for now. He walks to the map and says, "If the information from the Sand ninja is true, their camp should be here."
"The question is whether it's a trap," the long-faced ninja adds.
At this moment, Linton roughly guesses the identity of this long-faced ninja. The first clue comes from a particularly overweight ninja nearby, whose identity Linton now deduces as Akimichi Chouza, the father of Akimichi Chouji. Since the "Butterfly" from the Ino-Shika-Cho trio is here, it's possible to infer the identities of the others nearby. The long-faced ninja who keeps giving advice is likely Nara Shikaku, while the quiet one should be Yamanaka Inoichi.
Linton isn't too worried about Akimichi Chouza and Nara Shikaku, but Yamanaka Inoichi is a problem. The Yamanaka clan's secret techniques seem to involve mind-reading skills, so if Linton is suspected, he could be exposed at any time. However, perhaps due to his display of the Sharingan, he hasn't felt any suspicion from Yamanaka Inoichi yet. Still, he must be careful with his words.
"We could send someone to scout over there to be safe," Yamanaka Inoichi suggests while Linton is watching him.
"One got away, and he's probably gone to report back. If the enemy camp is really over there, they might change positions immediately. If we don't act now, we might be too late," Nara Shikaku says.
Currently, it's hard to determine whether this is the enemy's strategy or genuine information. They face two choices. After a brief discussion, everyone turns to Orochimaru, as he is the highest commander. This decision is his to make.
Orochimaru squints his eyes for a moment, clearly struggling to decide. After thinking it over, he looks to Sarutobi Shinnosuke. "Lord Sarutobi, you've fought them directly. Do you think this information is genuine or fake?"
"In my opinion, the possibility of it being genuine is quite high," Sarutobi Shinnosuke replies after some thought.
"Hmm," Orochimaru nods and then turns to Linton. "What do you think? Your squad was the first to make contact with this Sand ninja squad. Did you notice anything?"
What does Linton know? He knows nothing. Of course, he can't say he knows nothing, but if you ask for details, he can't provide them.
While Linton is racking his brain over how to respond, suddenly the tent flap opens, and someone steps in. One look at the newcomer and Linton recognizes him. This guy is very recognizable—around twenty years old, with spiky, sunburst yellow hair and a sunny appearance. Yes, this must be the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato.
"Minato? What brings you here?" To Linton's slight surprise, the first person to greet Minato is Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Then he understands. Namikaze Minato has a good relationship with the Sarutobi family. Jiraiya is the Third Hokage's disciple, and Minato is Jiraiya's disciple, so the Third Hokage is practically Minato's grandmaster. Sarutobi Shinnosuke must be closely connected to Minato.
"Brother Shinnosuke," Minato responds warmly, indicating their close relationship. "The Hokage ordered me to come here and provide support."
From his words, Linton realizes Minato hasn't become the Hokage yet. Thinking back, Minato probably becomes the Hokage after this battle. If Linton recalls correctly, Konoha won the Third Shinobi War.
"With the 'Yellow Flash of Konoha' joining us, we can be quite reassured," Orochimaru says, licking his lips.
"Lord Orochimaru," Minato responds respectfully with a bow. After all, Orochimaru and his master, Jiraiya, are of the same generation.
"Since Lord Namikaze is here, I think we can try attacking," Nara
Shikaku now supports the idea of a direct assault. With reinforcements arriving, and Minato's remarkable track record, even a single person's support is worth a thousand troops. This gives them confidence in launching an offensive.
"What's the situation?" Minato asks.
Nara Shikaku quickly explains the current situation to Minato, mentioning Linton as well. Minato looks curiously at Linton because he has never heard of an Uchiha named Linton. This piques his curiosity, as someone with such distinct characteristics shouldn't be unknown.
"I also support a direct attack," Minato states, giving his opinion in favor of an attack. "I think the terrain near Kikyo Mountain is not suitable for setting traps. It is more likely to be a campsite, not a trick by the enemy."
"I agree," Nara Shikaku says.
"In that case, let's attack," Orochimaru decides.
"Kikyo Mountain?" The mention of this location rings a bell for Linton.
*(End of Chapter)*