After returning to the village, a necessary welcome ceremony was in order. Orochimaru had repelled the Sand Shinobi multiple times. While initiating battles on his own had somewhat tarnished Konoha's reputation, the achievements he garnered were undeniable.
The Fourth Kazekage, along with Chiyo and a contingent of Sand Shinobi, failed to breach the Land of Rivers. Orochimaru's contributions were nothing short of remarkable.
With Tsunade quietly absent and Jiraiya perpetually unreliable, Orochimaru, by successfully repelling the Sand Shinobi invaders, had become a hero in the eyes of Konoha. News of his return spread quickly, prompting many shinobi and civilians to gather spontaneously to celebrate his arrival.
Hyuga Mirai, however, wasn't interested in such fanfare. He returned alone this time, while Kiyo Hyuga and Kurenai Yuhi were scheduled to arrive with a team three days later.
Upon his return to the Hyuga clan, Mirai recounted the events of the mission to the four elders of the Main House, emphasizing Kiyo Hyuga's performance. While other Hyuga clan members remained on the frontlines, Kiyo was one of the most active participants alongside Kurenai.
After reporting his experiences, Mirai endured yet another session of indoctrination. His growing reputation on the battlefield as a future medical prodigy concerned the elders. Fearing they could no longer control him through the Caged Bird Seal alone, they subjected him to relentless sermons about the Hyuga clan's ancient mission and the necessity of the Branch House.
In addition to the four elders, Zosuke Hyuga, a Branch House Jonin who had spent most of his life within the clan's confines, joined the session. Ignorant of Mirai's exploits on the battlefield, Zosuke still viewed him as the dependent boy of old and even reprimanded him harshly during their conversation.
Mirai, however, tuned it all out. He had more pressing concerns—specifically, the hostility Uzumaki Naruto from the future held toward him.
Hostility alone wasn't the problem; what truly worried him was whether Namikaze Minato would learn of future events and act against him.
"That man is as much a zealot for the Will of Fire as his mentor. Coupled with his mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique, being targeted by him would spell trouble," Mirai thought grimly. "I need to prepare countermeasures."
Determined to stay ahead, Mirai resolved to make plans and headed to Orochimaru's research base to discuss potential changes the future might bring.
Orochimaru had just left the Hokage's office when Jiraiya intercepted him.
"Orochimaru, wait! I've got something to ask you," Jiraiya said, casually placing a hand on his old teammate's shoulder. "You just got back—how about we grab a drink? My treat, as a celebration!"
"No need. If you have something to say, say it. You've never been one to beat around the bush," Orochimaru replied coldly, brushing off Jiraiya's hand.
Feigning nonchalance, Jiraiya persisted. "Come on, what could you possibly be busy with right now? Let's have a drink."
"I'll leave if you keep stalling. I already have plans," Orochimaru said, turning to go.
"Fine, fine! I just wanted to ask you something," Jiraiya said hurriedly, blocking his path again. "No one in Konoha—or the whole shinobi world, for that matter—knows more about snakes than you. Have you ever come across a snake with wings and limbs, entirely purple?"
Orochimaru's expression shifted ever so slightly as he gave Jiraiya a sidelong glance. "Jiraiya, if this is for your next novel, I'm not interested."
"I'm serious, Orochimaru!" Jiraiya retorted earnestly. "Have you ever seen such a snake?"
A faint smile crept across Orochimaru's face. He could tell Jiraiya wasn't lying, but knowing his old teammate's track record of peculiar pursuits, Orochimaru didn't take the question seriously.
"If you're that keen on finding such a snake, try looking in children's storybooks," he said dryly, before walking away without a backward glance.
"Children's storybooks?" Jiraiya muttered, frustrated. Stomping his wooden geta in irritation, he swore under his breath. "Damn Orochimaru! Someday, I'll find that snake and prove I wasn't making it up!"
Unbothered by Jiraiya's outburst, Orochimaru dismissed the encounter entirely. With his experiments on his mind, he quickened his pace, eager to return to his lab.
Upon arrival, he found that Hyuga Mirai was already there, reviewing growth data for the clones. When Orochimaru entered, Mirai handed over the data. After a quick inspection, Orochimaru glanced at the developing clones, which now resembled children of about two or three years old.
"It seems the clones will reach full maturity in another two years," Orochimaru mused, a glint of ambition in his eyes. "Soon, eternal life and infinite knowledge will be within my grasp."
His raspy chuckle echoed through the lab. He was already formulating plans for his forbidden Soul Transfer Jutsu, convinced that each reincarnation would further strengthen his body and soul.
Mirai, visibly impressed, asked, "Orochimaru-sama, you must have made quite a profit this time, right?"
"Not much. Just enough to fund another clone," Orochimaru replied nonchalantly.
"Not much?" Mirai repeated, his envy undisguised. "Only Orochimaru-sama could rake in funds so easily."
Switching to a serious tone, Mirai suggested, "Orochimaru-sama, since your finances are in good shape, why not build a lab outside the village? Operating under constant scrutiny is risky."
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed slightly. "Mirai-kun, have you heard something I should know?"
"Sarutobi-sensei may have his misgivings about you, but I doubt he'd go this far. There must be another reason," Orochimaru surmised.
Mirai nodded. "On my way back, I encountered the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
"Kushina Uzumaki left the village? That's unusual…"
"Not Kushina Uzumaki. Uzumaki Naruto. Blond hair, blue eyes, strikingly similar to Namikaze Minato."
Orochimaru froze for a moment, momentarily unable to process the revelation. The concept of someone traveling through time was entirely unprecedented.
"Yes, a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki from about twenty years in the future. He's come to this era through some unknown means," Mirai continued.
"And why does that concern us?" Orochimaru asked, now deeply intrigued.
"The three individuals from the future harbor significant hostility toward me. From their conversations, I also learned some startling information—such as both of us being considered rogue shinobi," Mirai revealed, omitting specific details about his interest in the Roran Dragon Vein.
Even with limited information, Orochimaru's curiosity was piqued, and the implications of the future became impossible for him to ignore.
(End of Chapter)
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