"It seems Xin doesn't want to go to the Land of Iron," A voice said as Xin stepped out of the Hokage's office.
He was stopped by none other than Orochimaru.
"Aren't you supposed to be at the front lines?" Xin asked, always on his guard around Orochimaru.
This guy was dangerous. Once he snapped, there was nothing he wouldn't do.
As the saying goes, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Xin had no intention of getting involved in Orochimaru's schemes, but he knew better than to completely trust him either.
Especially when it came to certain dangerous individuals like Orochimaru.
"It seems Xin-kun is still wary of me," Orochimaru said with a slight smile as if he could read Xin's mind.
Xin didn't bother to deny it.
"Can you blame me? You're dangerous," he replied bluntly.
"Hahaha..."
Orochimaru let out a laugh, though his soft voice made it sound unsettling rather than joyous.
As Xin had grown older, he'd noticed the dark aura around Orochimaru intensifying.
And that was before anything had happened to Nawaki. Xin couldn't even imagine how Orochimaru might change if something did happen to him.
Wait, no!
Xin shook his head, scolding himself. Nawaki isn't going to get hurt. What kind of friend would I be to think something like that?
If people heard, they'd probably think I was cursing my own friend.
Whatever makes you happy.
Xin shrugged. If Orochimaru wanted to laugh, let him laugh.
When the laughter died down, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
"Shall we talk somewhere more private?"
"I've got an interesting and rather thrilling mission for you. I believe you'll find it worth your time."
He glanced up toward the direction of the Hokage's meeting room.
"Follow me."
Xin thought for a moment but didn't refuse. He was genuinely curious about what kind of mission would prompt Orochimaru to personally extend an invitation.
Whatever it was, it clearly wasn't an ordinary task.
As for the mission the Third Hokage had offered him? Whoever wants to go can go.
If joining Orochimaru on this mission upset the Hokage and the elders, that wasn't Xin's problem. Orochimaru would have to handle that.
After all, since Orochimaru had invited him, it was his responsibility to negotiate and get approval from the higher-ups.
The two of them headed to a nearby restaurant.
"Xin, you're here," a cheerful voice called out as they entered.
Mikoto's mother Sayuri Uchiha greeted him with a smile, teasing him a bit.
Xin scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed.
"Auntie, Orochimaru, and I need to discuss something. Could you ask the kitchen to prepare some food for us? I'm starving."