In the camp, several shinobi who knew of Xin whispered among themselves.
Nawaki leaned in close to Xin and muttered, "I didn't expect you to be so well-known. Hardly anyone recognizes me or Minato."
"So, do you want to become famous?"
Xin's eyes glinted mischievously as he asked.
"Of course! Who wouldn't want that?"
Besides basic needs, isn't what people live for power, ideals, and reputation?
Nawaki was no different.
"That's easy then. Just shout that Yagura is a shortie, and I guarantee you'll be famous immediately. Your intel will be on Yagura's desk in no time."
"..."
Screw you. What kind of lousy idea is that?
Do you think I'm that gullible?
Nawaki shot Xin a look that said, "Are you kidding me?"
"Hahaha..." Minato couldn't help but laugh.
Previously, Xin had indeed mocked Yagura for being short, but Yagura had wisely chosen not to engage and withdrew instead.
Despite his retreat, Minato was sure Yagura must have been furious with Xin.
People like Yagura certainly hated it when others pointed out their flaws.
Height was always a sore spot for Yagura's clan-all the men were short and looked like children.
"Xin, Orochimaru wants you all to head directly to the command post."
Nara Shikaku, who had been waiting, approached them.
"Looks like Orochimaru is eager," Xin joked, patting Shikaku on the shoulder.
"Working with Orochimaru, he hasn't tried saying or doing anything weird to you, has he?"
As he spoke, Xin circled Shikaku, as if trying to confirm whether Shikaku was missing any parts.
"..."
Several black lines appeared on Shikaku's forehead.
Minato and Nawaki also pretended to check Shikaku over, making a show of scaring him.
"You should be careful. Orochimaru-sensei likes to conduct strange experiments, such as..."
"..."
"Am I really that scary?"
While Xin and the others were busy teasing Shikaku, a familiar, somewhat amused voice spoke up.
Xin and Minato remained calm, but Nawaki immediately let go of Shikaku and turned, grinning sheepishly at the sight of Orochimaru not far away.
"Sensei, when did you get here?"
You're the commander of the front lines-aren't you supposed to be at the command post?
Why are you out here?
"I've been here since you all started joking about me."
Orochimaru wasn't upset, smiling as he said, "I didn't realize I was that terrifying-enough to make even my students worry about losing something."
Now it was Shikaku's turn to watch the show.
Nawaki: "....."
I didn't think Orochimaru-sensei would suddenly show up! This is so awkward-what should I do?!
I'm about to die of embarrassment.
"Hahaha..."
Xin and Minato laughed so hard they could barely stand.
You two are still laughing?!
Nawaki's face flushed red with embarrassment, and he glared at them, but his attempt at being fierce didn't scare anyone.
"Alright, follow me," Orochimaru said after a moment, not wanting to embarrass his student too much. He turned and led the way to the command post, the group falling in behind him.