The Hyuga clan leader, now advancing in age, had begun preparing the family heir for future responsibilities. The focus was on Hyuga Hiashi, the young clan leader, who was stepping into a more prominent role.
"Father, elders, I don't believe Shinki is lying," Hiashi stated after a brief silence, sharing his honest opinion.
"Why do you say that?" an elder asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Because he exudes an unwavering confidence and doesn't regard me or anyone from our clan as a threat. I think even if Father or the elders were to confront him personally, the outcome would be the same," Hiashi explained.
Shinki's confidence was unsettling. Lies would inevitably be revealed, and if he were lying, even the title of "God Slayer" wouldn't protect him. The main family could seize an opportunity and reassert control with the Caged Bird Seal.
"Why don't we test him?" one elder suggested, a cunning glint in his eye.
"Who will bear the consequences?" the clan leader asked sharply. "If an attempt is made against a fellow village shinobi and it's discovered, the penalty is immediate death. Who among you is willing to take that risk?"
The room fell silent as the weight of the clan leader's words sank in. Any direct attack on Shinki would not only provoke a lethal response but would also draw Tsunade's wrath. The cost of failure was death; the reward, at best, ambiguous.
The elder who had spoken first quickly backed down, shifting uncomfortably. None of them wanted to put their lives on the line.
Seeing the collective silence, the clan leader's disappointment was palpable. "We'll discuss this later. Mihui is friends with Kushina; we can have Mihui make the first contact on behalf of the family."
The meeting ended with a heavy air. Sincerity was demanded, but demonstrating it was far more complex.
Meanwhile, in the village, Shinki had returned from the front lines. Though protocol required him to report to the Third Hokage, he had no desire to face him. Instead, he handed the report to Tsunade, leaving her to deliver it to the Hokage's office.
Once his official duties were complete, Shinki began his long-overdue vacation. The F4 group supported his rest, but Orochimaru faced more resistance.
The Third Hokage, concerned with the state of the village and its defense, had repeatedly summoned Orochimaru. Finally, the young shinobi relented and came to the office.
"Orochimaru, the village needs you," the Third Hokage said, not bothering with pleasantries.
Orochimaru's smile faded. "Sensei, I just returned from the battlefield in the Rain Country. I need to rest."
"But the village needs you," the Third Hokage said, his tone hardening. "The pressure on the front lines is intense. We need a strong leader like you to alleviate it."
Orochimaru knew when he was being cornered but responded with a polite smile. "Teacher, from what I understand, the situation isn't as dire as you imply. Besides, I have many matters to attend to. If you're insistent, have Jiraiya return, and I'll join him in the Land of Rivers."
The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed. "Ahem!"
Orochimaru's statement struck a nerve. Jiraiya's recent choices, staying in the Rain Country to look after orphans instead of returning to Konoha, had already tested the Hokage's patience. But locating Jiraiya was easier said than done. He was unreachable, hiding out of sight, and getting word to him was impossible.
"Bring Jiraiya back, and I'll go with him. If you can't, I'll take my leave and rest. Let's talk afterward," Orochimaru said, stepping out as the Hokage struggled to respond.
Watching Orochimaru leave, the Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of the village's burdens. "Why, Jiraiya... why are you prioritizing war orphans over your own village?"
Tsunade appeared in the hall as Orochimaru exited. "The old man wanted to see you?"
"He did. He asked me to return to the battlefield, and I declined," Orochimaru said, smirking.
Tsunade chuckled and gave him a thumbs-up. "Nice. I need to drop off Shinki's report. He and the old man aren't on speaking terms now."
Raising the report file, she nodded at Orochimaru and continued inside.
Orochimaru watched her retreat, deep in thought. "Shinki obtained Hanzo's salamander and the demigod's corpse. He'll need assistance crafting a puppet..."
He was becoming increasingly fascinated with the idea of puppetry—not to work for free, but to uncover the secrets of Shinki's unique chakra. He knew Shinki would refuse a direct request for research, so offering to assist with puppet-making could be the perfect cover. Watching how he infused life into his puppets would be the key.
Researchers' determination was unmatched when driven by curiosity, and Orochimaru was prepared to push himself to satisfy it. Beyond the puppetry and Shinki's chakra, he was also deeply intrigued by the study of senjutsu.
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Up to Chapter 280 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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