Chapter 136: New Appointment
The tall Konoha gate was still wide open as usual. Though a total lockdown wasn't enforced due to the start of the Second Great War, it was clear that the checks and interrogations at the entrance were much more numerous than before.
Through the open gate, the familiar architecture and layout of the village were clearly visible, giving Orochimaru a long-missed, faint feeling of a traveler returning home.
The two men walked slowly up to the gate, where they encountered an old acquaintance.
Hyūga Harano still looked like the same kindly old man. His dyed-black long hair was tied back with a ribbon, resting naturally on his back. A benevolent smile was constantly on his kind face. Although over sixty years old, he was alert and energetic.
On duty for a village patrol that day, he recognized Orochimaru and grew very excited. He grabbed Orochimaru's arm, patting his shoulder repeatedly, and said with a look of relief: "Haha, the news about the Rain Village has spread throughout Konoha! I've read the official intelligence myself! Good, well done! Time flies quickly; in a blink, another three years have passed. Ah, I'm truly old now. The future belongs to you young people! Haha!"
Orochimaru and Sakumo took off their hoods. Unaccustomed to Hyūga Harano's sentimentality, Orochimaru was at a loss for words and could only manage a helpless smile.
Suddenly, the villagers who were undergoing exit checks around them gathered, whispering and discussing.
"Hey, dear, isn't that Lord Orochimaru?"
"Lord Orochimaru! Where is he, where? Has Lord Orochimaru returned?"
"It's the Serpent Lord! The Serpent Lord! Lord Orochimaru has finally returned! Is this a directive from Lord Hiruzen? Is Konoha finally going to counter-attack?"
Reporting to the Hokage
Hyūga Harano clearly noticed the crowd growing closer and larger. He smiled at Orochimaru and said: "Well, I'm just a useless old man, and I won't bother a celebrity like you any longer! Haha! Go report to the Hokage first, or it will only get more troublesome to leave once the crowd gets bigger!"
Orochimaru nodded, offered a gesture of respect to the elder Hyūga Harano, and then, along with Sakumo, activated their enhanced movement. After a few leaps, they jumped onto the rooftops and raced toward the Hokage Tower.
Knock, knock, knock. A knock sounded on the door.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped the pen he was using to grade battle reports. He looked up, blinking his strained eyes, eased the look of fatigue on his face, and replaced it with a solemn yet kind expression before saying: "Come in!"
Orochimaru and Sakumo slowly walked in.
Seeing Orochimaru's familiar face and much-taller figure, the joy that instantly hit Hiruzen's expression caused it to freeze for a moment, and his eyes reddened slightly: "When the news about the Rain Village reached Konoha, I figured you'd be back soon. Good. It's good that you're back. It's good!"
Sakumo met Hiruzen's gaze, bowed respectfully, and then stepped out without saying much. He knew the Sensei and student, reunited after a long time, would have much to discuss. He figured the news of his return had also reached his father.
With that thought, Sakumo's mind naturally conjured the image of that tall, resolute back, and he quickened his pace.
Inside Hiruzen's office, Orochimaru selectively recounted his experiences over the past few years, naturally glossing over the details of the secret base and the Kurogane-hebi Group.
As Hiruzen listened, he offered his perspective. The two talked for a full three hours until they neared the end.
Hiruzen lifted his porcelain cup, slowly took a sip to clear his throat, and then asked gently: "You've reached the Jōnin rank, haven't you?"
"Yes, Hiruzen-Sensei!" Orochimaru replied without hiding anything, laying out his full strength level: "I've pretty much mastered the series of combination Ninjutsu techniques and essences you've continuously taught me through encrypted files over the past three years."
Hiruzen knew Orochimaru's nature. If he said he had pretty much mastered it, he must have reached a stage of profound comprehension and immense proficiency.
Smiling with satisfaction, Hiruzen's demeanor shifted slightly, becoming serious and solemn. His eyes grew deeper as he said slowly and deliberately: "Very well. Now that you've returned, I plan to transfer you to the Anbu, appointing you as the Captain of the Second Anbu Squad. You will lead your team to reinforce the Western Front and participate in the Third War Zone battles. Tsunade and Jiraiya will also go with you; they are now at Elite Chūnin level. Furthermore, the Anbu subordinates assigned to you are the two teams who participated in the confidential mission in the Land of Rivers before. Since they are already familiar with you, I believe your work will proceed more smoothly."
"So, do you feel you can take on this responsibility?"
"Yes, Sensei!" Orochimaru affirmed. His calm tone carried a strong sense of confidence and pride in his own strength and ability.
"Mm," Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction: "You had already completed one A-rank and one confidential S-rank mission shortly after graduating from the Academy, so your qualifications are certainly not an issue. As for your capabilities, the village has also been informed of your achievements outside these past few years, especially since the village has reaped tangible benefits annually. That's proof enough of your ability."
"Orochimaru, you are my most brilliant student. I trust in your ability and potential. A Great Ninja War is far more dangerous than ordinary missions, so you must be extra careful!"
Before Orochimaru could respond, Hiruzen spoke again, sounding slightly anxious and agitated: "The situation on the front lines is not optimistic. Although the Sand Ninja initially caught us off guard, they did gain a considerable advantage. But after we reorganized and sent elite ninja corps to reinforce, the battle quickly devolved into a stalemate."
"Since the battlefield is on our own soil, the situation is dire. My hope is that when you arrive, you not only help the Third War Zone hold back the Sand Ninja's attacks, but that you go as the final straw to tip the scales of victory, changing the entire dynamic of the battlefield! If your position can achieve a breakthrough and bring about change, it will undoubtedly influence the situation across the entire Western Front!"
Orochimaru nodded. His dark-golden eyes reflected confusion at Hiruzen's urgency and agitation. He instinctively sensed that there might be some underlying, internal reason, and he asked suspiciously: "Sensei, has some other bad news arrived?"
Hiruzen was not surprised by Orochimaru's sharp intuition and confirmed his suspicion: "A spy transmitted intelligence that the Kage from the Land of Water on the Eastern Front seems to be getting restless. The Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning are still playing the long game, waiting for the tigers to fight so they can profit as the fishermen. The current situation is extremely volatile and not optimistic!"
Orochimaru frowned. The Land of Water entering the Second Great War seems to be a few years earlier than in my previous life. Is Konoha going to be dragged into a two-front war right at the start of the Second Great Ninja War?
A heavy silence fell over both Orochimaru and Hiruzen.
🗒️NOTE:
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
Explore the Finished Work in advance!