The academy courtyard had emptied for the evening.
Most students headed home.
Some lingered chatting.
Three remained behind.
Not officially together — but naturally gravitating toward the same quiet corner as usual.
Jiraiya. Tsunade. Orochimaru.
Already known around the academy as the trio everyone watched.
Future legends forming… though none of them thought that way yet.
Jiraiya stretched lazily.
"That sparring schedule today was rough. Everyone's getting serious lately."
"War rumors do that," Tsunade replied calmly.
Orochimaru said nothing at first.
Just watching the fading sunset.
Thinking.
Analyzing.
Finally he spoke.
"What do you both think about Uchiha Kaen?"
The question wasn't casual.
Both immediately understood that.
Jiraiya shrugged first.
"Quiet kid. Good instincts. Stronger than he looks. Honestly? I kinda like him — no drama."
Typical Jiraiya response.
Straightforward. Emotional.
Tsunade's answer came slower.
"He's controlled. More than most children our age."
She paused, considering carefully.
"Not just discipline… experience. Like someone who's learned caution early."
That observation landed closer to truth than she realized.
Orochimaru nodded slightly.
"Yes. Control is what interests me."
His tone remained neutral.
But his eyes held curiosity.
"Most talented students show flashes of ego or excitement when they win. Kaen doesn't."
Silence lingered.
Because that was true.
Jiraiya chuckled.
"Maybe he just doesn't care about showing off."
"Or," Orochimaru replied softly,
"he cares very much… and chooses not to."
Subtle difference.
Important one.
Tsunade crossed her arms thoughtfully.
"You suspect something?"
"Not suspicion," Orochimaru said.
"Observation."
He continued calmly:
"He never overexerts. Never panics. Never leaks emotional intent. Even when surprised."
That last part intrigued Tsunade.
"Are you saying he's hiding strength?"
Orochimaru didn't answer directly.
"Possibly. Or simply highly self-aware."
Jiraiya waved dismissively.
"So what if he's strong? Better that than unstable."
A fair point.
And one Tsunade agreed with.
Especially considering war rumors.
Reliable allies mattered more than flashy ones.
Orochimaru leaned back slightly.
"I'm not concerned. Just curious."
Which, in his case, often meant eventual deeper investigation.
But neither Jiraiya nor Tsunade knew that yet.
"Whatever his story," Tsunade added finally,
"He's not hostile. That's what matters."
Orochimaru nodded.
"For now."
Not ominous.
Just factual.
Conversation shifted after that.
War speculation. Training schedules. Future missions.
But Kaen's name lingered quietly in all three minds.
Not as threat.
Not as rival.
As a question.
Elsewhere in the Uchiha district, Kaen sat on his rooftop again, extending Observation Haki lightly.
He didn't hear their exact conversation.
Range wasn't that precise yet.
But he sensed emotional echoes:
Curiosity.
Neutral interest.
No hostility.
Enough information.
Kaen exhaled slowly.
Being noticed wasn't ideal.
But not unexpected either.
And so far…
Nothing dangerous.
Still, he reinforced his strategy internally:
Stay balanced.
Stay controlled.
Reveal nothing unnecessary.
Because mystery could protect you…
Or make you a target.
Sometimes both.
Hitomi joined him shortly after.
"You look thoughtful."
"Just planning ahead."
She smiled faintly.
"You always are."
And for Kaen…
That consistency remained the most comforting constant in a rapidly changing world.