The mask fell.
At the same time, the Transformation Technique dissolved like mist under the morning sun.
Standing before Ren was a man with pale skin, long black hair, and eyes that glowed with a cold, unsettling light.
Orochimaru
The moment his true form appeared, the air itself seemed to grow colder.
A suffocating, venomous aura—like that of a coiled serpent ready to strike—wrapped around Ren's body. His breathing hitched, his instincts screaming danger. Every nerve in his body tightened.
This was no ordinary opponent.
"I originally wanted to play a little longer," Orochimaru said softly, his tongue flicking across his lips in a disturbingly casual manner, "but… let's stop here for today."
His gaze locked onto Ren, sharp and predatory.
"Mr. Ren… you have far more talent for being a ninja than I imagined."
Ren forced himself to remain calm.
Even though his heart was pounding wildly, he bowed his head slightly in respect.
"—Thank you for the praise, Lord Orochimaru. I don't deserve such recognition."
Inside, however, his thoughts were racing.
So it really was him…
That explained everything.
At this point in time, Orochimaru was not yet the infamous rogue ninja obsessed with forbidden jutsu. He had not fallen into madness through experiments like the Cursed Seal or Living Corpse Reincarnation.
Right now—
He was still at his peak.
A veteran of the Second Great Ninja War. A prodigy among prodigies. A true Kage-level powerhouse.
Even someone like Jiraiya might not be able to defeat him in a direct confrontation.
So Ren being completely suppressed in their brief clash?
That was only natural.
But that wasn't the real issue.
What does he want from me?
Orochimaru seemed to read the question directly from his expression.
"Well," he said lightly, "you seem to have quite a few questions for me. Unfortunately… this isn't the right place for a long conversation."
His golden eyes flicked briefly toward the distance.
"Your signal flare has already attracted attention. Someone will be arriving soon."
Ren's heart sank.
So he noticed that too…
Orochimaru continued casually:
"I'll tell you one thing before I leave."
"That mask I wore—it belongs to someone else. That person is the one truly targeting you."
"I merely happened to pass by… and borrowed his identity for a little amusement."
Ren's eyes narrowed slightly.
So this wasn't just random?
Before he could ask further—
Orochimaru smiled faintly.
"If you want to know the truth…"
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"Come find me at the Research Institute."
"I'll be waiting."
And then—
He sank into the ground like a shadow dissolving into darkness.
Gone without a trace.
---
Half an hour later…
Ren stepped out of the Konoha Police Force building with a long sigh.
Yes.
The "reinforcements" drawn by his signal flare had arrived—
Konoha Military Police Force
And, by extension—
The Uchiha Clan.
Since his training ground was near the Naka River, it made sense they were the first to respond.
What didn't make sense… was what came next.
Even though Ren carefully explained the situation—conveniently omitting Orochimaru's involvement—and claimed the signal flare had been triggered accidentally…
They still dragged him back for questioning.
A long, detailed, painfully thorough questioning.
Statements. Clarifications. Cross-checks.
It felt less like a simple inquiry and more like an interrogation.
Ren was speechless.
What was I supposed to say?
"Sorry, I accidentally ran into Orochimaru?"
That would only make things worse.
In the end, he could only accept the blame and insist it was his own mistake.
Fortunately…
His background worked in his favor.
Top graduate of the Ninja Academy.
Personally taught by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Student of Minato Namikaze.
Recognized by Tsunade.
Teammate of an Uchiha—Obito Uchiha.
And a father who had died fighting for Konoha.
A perfect, spotless profile.
In the end, the "punishment" amounted to nothing more than a symbolic lecture.
Still…
It had cost him half a day.
---
Outside the Police Building
A tall man stood waiting.
Uchiha Fugaku
He stepped forward and personally escorted Ren out.
"Ahem… Genin Ren," Fugaku said with a light cough, his tone slightly awkward. "That was just procedure. Don't take it to heart."
After a brief pause, he added:
"Actually… Minato and I are friends. We often eat together."
Ren blinked for a moment—
Then instantly understood.
Ah… networking time.
He smiled politely.
"—So you're Uncle Fugaku. I've often heard Teacher Minato mention you. He says you're one of the top Fire Release experts in Konoha."
Fugaku froze.
"…Minato really said that?"
"Of course," Ren replied smoothly. "He admires you very much."
Silence.
Then—
Fugaku's expression visibly brightened.
"Haha! It's just empty reputation," he said modestly, though the satisfaction in his eyes betrayed him. "With Lord Third and Lord Jiraiya around, how could I be considered an expert?"
He paused, then looked at Ren with renewed interest.
"But I heard from Minato that you're quite talented in Fire Release… and Kenjutsu?"
Ren hesitated briefly.
Fugaku continued:
"Our Uchiha clan specializes in both. There are several children around your age. If you're interested, you could spar with them sometime."
Ren immediately bowed slightly.
"I wouldn't dare. I'd be honored to learn from the Uchiha."
Fugaku laughed.
"You've got a silver tongue, kid. Much better than Obito."
His tone softened, becoming more genuine.
"You and Obito are teammates. Come visit the clan sometime. I'm usually there on weekends—I can arrange a sparring session for you."
"Thank you, Uncle Fugaku."
---
Moments later…
Ren stood alone on the streets of Konoha.
The sunlight shone brightly overhead.
For a while, he simply stared at the sky.
Then he let out a long breath.
"…What a day."
Everything that had happened—Orochimaru's appearance, the mysterious masked figure, the police interrogation—
It all fit together now.
At least partially.
But one thing was certain.
He had no choice.
He turned and began walking.
Toward—
The Konoha Research Institute.
Because if he didn't go…
That would raise even more suspicion.
And besides—
With Minato and Tsunade backing him, Orochimaru shouldn't dare to do anything too extreme.
…Right?
---
At that very moment…
Deep within the Konoha Research Institute.
A laboratory filled with glass containers, instruments, and strange experimental samples.
A tense atmosphere filled the room.
Leaning on his cane, his expression dark and cold—
Danzo Shimura
"Orochimaru!"
His voice was sharp with suppressed anger.
"You'd better give me a reasonable explanation."
"Why did you interfere with Root's evaluation and contact with Ren?"
Standing with his back turned, Orochimaru didn't even bother to look up from the microscope.
"Oh?"
His lips curled slightly.
"So it's Lord Danzo… coming here so aggressively over such a trivial matter."
"Trivial?"
Danzo's grip tightened on his cane.
"I am selecting suitable 'roots' for Konoha's future! Guiding them onto the correct path!"
"This concerns the future of the village!"
His voice grew colder.
"And you dare interfere?"
"Are you challenging Root's authority?"
A pause.
Then, sharply:
"Don't forget who helped you reach your current position."
Finally—
Orochimaru turned around.
His golden eyes gleamed.
"—You exaggerate, Lord Danzo."
His tone was calm… almost amused.
"We are both people who operate in the shadows. There's no need for such grand speeches."
Then he smiled.
"I'll be direct."
"That boy—Ren—has the potential to become a researcher."
"To send him to Root… as a tool… would be a waste."
His voice dropped slightly.
"Only under me can his true value be uncovered."
Danzo's expression darkened.
But Orochimaru wasn't finished.
"And…"
He paused deliberately.
"Don't forget—his team leader is Minato Namikaze."
"The so-called 'Yellow Flash'… whose reputation is rising rapidly."
"It seems Jiraiya intends to pass his legacy to him."
"And even Teacher Hiruzen favors him."
Silence filled the room.
Then Orochimaru's voice cut through it like a blade.
"If he earns great merit in the upcoming war…"
"What do you think will happen?"
Danzo's eyes narrowed sharply.
Understanding dawned.
"…You're saying…"
"Minato Namikaze might compete with you… for the position of the Fourth Hokage?"
---
The air froze.
A storm was quietly beginning to form beneath Konoha's peaceful surface.
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