Chapter 32: Meeting Orochimaru Again—Early Graduation?
PLOP—
The sound of heavy objects hitting water mixed with crackling sparks in the quiet forest.
Then fish after fish leaped from the water surface to the shore as if jumping excessively, caught by Yoru and Kushina Uzumaki.
The two skillfully killed fish with kunai, removed organs, washed them clean, then skewered them beside the campfire to roast.
Only after using all the bamboo skewers did fish stop flying from the water.
As a massive bubble surfaced, the shadow clone serving as a tool automatically dispelled at the pond bottom.
Currently dusk, neither Yoru nor Kushina returned home, instead solving dinner with outdoor cooking.
They'd often done this these past two months.
After Mito Uzumaki's death, Kushina rarely ate dinner at the mansion anymore.
Though both Tsunade and Nawaki treated her very kindly, Kushina still felt guilt in their presence.
Because Mito Uzumaki could actually have lived longer. Kushina had caused her to end her own life prematurely.
So Kushina felt somewhat afraid of facing them.
Moreover, before this sibling pair, Kushina—who wasn't even a relative—always felt out of place.
Previously, Mito Uzumaki—her clan member—had been there. Now Kushina only felt like a parasite.
She didn't want to, and even felt somewhat afraid of, returning to that mansion that had grown cold and empty.
Noticing this, Yoru had attempted changing the situation by allowing Kushina to give the Rasengan to Nawaki as a birthday present.
This would not only strengthen their relationship but also help Kushina smoothly obtain Senju clan secret techniques.
The Rasengan was one of the most suitable jutsu for both Uzumaki and Senju clans. Yoru didn't believe Nawaki—who strongly resembled Naruto Uzumaki—wouldn't be tempted.
However, Nawaki's birthday was still some time away. Kushina hadn't yet decided or acted.
"Smells delicious. Can I join you?"
The grilled fish quickly turned golden on both sides, sizzling with oil.
After sprinkling seasoning, Yoru and Kushina prepared to eat.
Then a familiar yet strange voice suddenly reached their ears.
Both jumped in surprise.
After seeing the speaker's appearance clearly, Yoru's face lit up with delight: "Orochimaru-sensei!"
"Sensei?!" Kushina jumped again, hurriedly re-examining the speaker.
Black long hair, purple eye shadow and golden vertical pupils, handsome features, pale skin, plus the jonin vest representing his status.
So Yoru had a teacher too—and a jonin at that. This was Kushina's first time knowing.
Thinking this, Kushina couldn't help pouting slightly, feeling a bit emotional.
She'd thought they'd completely opened up to each other. She even knew the Gojo family vault's location.
Yet unexpectedly, Yoru had still concealed things from her.
Seeing Yoru blurt out "sensei" rather than "sir," Orochimaru's lips curved slightly upward, his mood quite pleased.
"Long time no see. You've grown taller again." Orochimaru smiled, walking over.
"Yeah, it's been a while."
Yoru stood up, giving his seat to Orochimaru and sitting beside Kushina instead. He introduced: "This is one of the Hokage's personal disciples and Lady Tsunade's companion. The nature transformation scroll we've been studying was gifted by Orochimaru-sensei."
Yoru shamelessly maintained that form of address.
Kushina jumped up in shock, somewhat incoherently saying: "O... Orochimaru-sensei, h... hello."
Coming to her senses, Kushina's small face instantly turned as red as the evening sunset.
So embarrassing! She'd also called him "sensei" instead of "sir." This, this, this...
"Hello. No need to be nervous. Please sit first."
Orochimaru wouldn't mock a young girl's innocence and shyness like Jiraiya would. Instead, he smiled politely in response, his voice filled with warmth.
Not yet having joined Root or pursued immortality, Orochimaru was the perfect inheritor of the Will of Fire in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
Same all-attribute affinity, same excellent ninjutsu talent, plus powerful combat achievements—in many people's eyes, Orochimaru was the most powerful candidate for Fourth Hokage.
A certain pot-loving figure who also dreamed of becoming Hokage had long regarded him as the greatest enemy.
In Yoru's eyes, current Orochimaru was an even better connection than Jiraiya.
Not only comprehensive in strength and treasure-laden, but also representing the Hokage's will.
If he could become Orochimaru's disciple rather than subordinate, combined with Kushina Uzumaki's bond, Yoru could walk sideways through Konoha afterward.
With Orochimaru's generous personality, as long as he earned recognition, Yoru would never lack ninjutsu, forbidden techniques, or sage techniques.
So Yoru felt quite curious about Orochimaru's purpose here.
As for chance encounter? Impossible.
"Orochimaru-sensei, please try my cooking."
The moment Orochimaru sat down, Yoru handed over seasoned grilled fish.
"Not bad craftsmanship."
Orochimaru accepted and tasted, giving decent evaluation.
As for eyes lighting up or finding it surprisingly amazing? Naturally impossible.
Someone of Orochimaru's status had tasted every delicacy imaginable.
Seeing Orochimaru merely eating fish silently, Yoru handed Kushina a seasoned grilled fish, then proactively sought conversation: "Orochimaru-sensei, did you just return from a mission?"
"More or less. I went to the border to hand over work." Orochimaru smiled meaningfully. "For quite some time going forward, I'm on vacation status."
"Really?" Yoru's eyes immediately brightened. "Then could you guide me and Kushina's training?"
Kushina also looked expectantly at this personal disciple of the Hokage.
"You've already called me sensei once. Of course that's no problem."
Orochimaru placed his finished fish bones in the earth pit, smiling at Yoru: "Actually, I came looking for you this time representing the principal's will."
"Don't tell me..." Yoru instantly grasped Orochimaru's meaning.
Orochimaru nodded, proactively persuading: "Since your concealment has already failed, don't waste time at the Ninja Academy anymore. Why not graduate early and come with me?"
Before Yoru could speak, Kushina excitedly asked: "Does the academy want me and Yoru to graduate early together?"
"Though I'd very much like to take you as a disciple too, you should know that's impossible." Orochimaru shook his head, his expression turning grave. "Your special status means until you can suppress the tailed beast inside, you cannot freely leave the village."
Kushina's expression instantly darkened.
To prevent Kushina's emotions from swaying Yoru's decision, Orochimaru added fuel: "So the higher-ups hope I'll train Yoru, rapidly raising his strength so he can help you suppress the tailed beast inside. Moreover, graduating early doesn't separate you two. As long as Yoru trains in the village, you can join us anytime."
Kushina's eyes brightened. She no longer felt Orochimaru had come to separate them.
Yoru—who'd been about to say something—also fell into thoughtful contemplation.
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