As Satoru and Orochimaru talked inside the barrier, the Konoha ninja outside observed them intently, their expressions a mix of worry and confusion.
"What are they talking about?" one ninja asked.
"I don't know," another replied. "Why hasn't anyone made a move yet?"
"Hokage-sama…" someone muttered anxiously.
"This time, we can't let Orochimaru escape," another said firmly.
Meanwhile.
"This is the end," Orochimaru said coldly, glancing at the four Otogakure ninjas maintaining the barrier.
"There's no need to keep the barrier up anymore. Let's retreat."
Though things hadn't gone exactly as planned, Orochimaru was satisfied with the result. At least he had found an intriguing potential vessel.
The four sound ninjas exchanged glances, then began dissolving the Four Purple Flame Formation with a series of hand seals. The barrier vanished, revealing Orochimaru and his allies to the Konoha ninja.
As soon as the barrier fell, Konoha ninjas rushed forward, surrounding them from all sides.
Among the incoming reinforcements were Kakashi and Might Guy, who had just finished their battles and were now converging on the scene.
"Let's go," Orochimaru said to Satoru, glancing at the advancing Konoha forces. "If we don't leave now, things will get troublesome."
Satoru looked around, his pale blue eyes scanning the scene. He yawned lazily, his white hair swaying as he stretched.
"Alright," he said nonchalantly.
"Don't let them escape!" shouted one Konoha ninja as they charged forward.
But before they could get close, Kidomaru, one of Orochimaru's subordinates, stepped forward with a sneer.
"Spider's Web Unleashed!"
A massive, sticky web shot out, tangling up the Konoha ninjas and stopping them in their tracks.
"Damn it!" Might Guy growled, his eyes narrowing. He was about to leap forward to pursue when a hand rested on his shoulder.
It was Kakashi.
"Now's not the time," Kakashi said, his voice calm but firm. "We have more pressing matters to handle."
Might Guy clenched his fists in frustration but nodded reluctantly.
"Fine," he muttered.
Elsewhere.
In a shadowy corner, Black Zetsu received a report from White Zetsu.
"It's really him," Black Zetsu said in a low voice.
"And those eyes…"
He recalled the details White Zetsu had provided, his expression growing serious.
Those eyes are special. I can't ignore their significance. What are they capable of? Could they disrupt my plans?
Black Zetsu's gaze darkened as he considered his next move.
If I can bring Satoru into the Akatsuki, I'll have the opportunity to observe him more closely. That would simplify things.
Meanwhile, on the road to Otogakure.
Satoru followed Orochimaru toward the hidden village. Despite its status as a newly established settlement, Otogakure had surprisingly well-developed infrastructure.
Satoru casually observed his surroundings, noting similarities to Konoha in some of the village's architecture.
The ninjas they passed treated Orochimaru with clear respect, almost reverence.
"Not bad," Satoru murmured to himself, resting his chin on his hand. If only this guy's ideals weren't so twisted, he might've had what it takes to become a Hokage.
His pale blue eyes curved slightly with amusement as he continued to take in the sights.
Soon, his attention was drawn to a hidden structure near the village's center.
"That must be it," Satoru thought, eyeing the underground lair. It was clearly the most secure location in Otogakure—the infamous Snake Den that housed Orochimaru's lab.
The lab must be there, he surmised, his interest piqued.
Satoru's decision to follow Orochimaru hadn't been arbitrary. He was particularly interested in the research conducted in Orochimaru's lab, especially concerning the Wood Release cells and other experiments.
He recalled a key aspect of the original events. The chakra reincarnations of Indra and Asura could potentially awaken the Rinnegan by combining their powers. While the Rinnegan wasn't guaranteed for everyone, this process had sparked his curiosity.
Moreover, Satoru knew that the use of Hashirama's cells could balance the yin and yang chakra, potentially counteracting the drawbacks of using the Mangekyo Sharingan, such as its deteriorating vision.
If this works, it could solve a lot of problems, Satoru thought, his lips curving into a faint smile.
That was the real reason he'd agreed to Orochimaru's proposal. The snake's persuasive arguments alone would never have been enough to sway him.
Back in Konoha.
After the Third Hokage's memorial service, the village elders convened to discuss the critical issue of appointing the Fifth Hokage.
Konoha's strength had been severely depleted, and the village needed a strong, capable leader to navigate the crisis and restore order.
"It's clear we need a leader we can trust," Koharu, one of the advisors, said gravely.
"The current state of Konoha is precarious. We must prepare for the possibility of bold moves from neighboring nations. Until the village regains its strength, we need to form an emergency executive committee."
"But first," she continued, "we need to select a Hokage."
The elders fell silent, deep in thought.
Finally, one of them spoke.
"What about Jiraiya? He's a disciple of the Third Hokage and one of the Legendary Sannin. He has the strength and experience to lead."
After some discussion, the elders agreed that Jiraiya was the best choice available.
However, when approached, Jiraiya refused without hesitation.
"No, no, no," he said, waving his hands dismissively. "I'm not cut out for that job."
He paused thoughtfully before continuing.
"But if you're looking for someone, why not Tsunade? She's a much better fit than me."
The elders considered Jiraiya's suggestion and agreed. As a member of the Senju clan, Tsunade had the qualifications and strength to become Hokage.
Jiraiya then volunteered to bring Naruto Uzumaki along on the journey to find her, and the elders approved his plan.
Before leaving, they reminded Jiraiya of one more concern.
"That white-haired ninja who assisted during the barrier incident..."
"Ah, you mean Satoru?" Jiraiya asked, already guessing their thoughts.
"He helped Hokage-sama, but his identity remains a mystery. And in the end, he left with Orochimaru. We need to learn more about him."
Jiraiya nodded casually. "I'll keep an eye out."
A month later.
Satoru emerged from Orochimaru's lab, his pale blue eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
I got everything I needed, he thought, stretching leisurely.
Orochimaru had left for Tsunade with Kabuto, leaving Satoru free to explore the lab without interference.
He really left me alone? Does he think I'm not going to uncover his secrets?
Satoru's lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Well, his loss is my gain.
With a contented sigh, he adjusted his robe.
"Time to find some sugar," he muttered to himself, already craving his next treat.