There was about a day's journey left to the village. If we didn't rest, we should arrive around noon tomorrow.
Lord Chiba's final task for me was to return to the village directly with Orochimaru, avoiding everyone else, and report to him.
It was better not to rest.
Moreover, Lord Chiba had specifically instructed me to return with Orochimaru. He probably wanted me to keep an eye on Orochimaru.
No need to invite trouble here.
Orochimaru was one of the Sannin, and the most gifted among them. He was also the Third Hokage's most favored disciple, even the Fourth Hokage's strongest rival. If we really stopped, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to keep watch over him.
Following behind the speeding Orochimaru, Uchiha Fugaku's eyes glowed scarlet as he began to ponder.
After all, the man before him was one of Konoha's strongest. Even he was not confident he could emerge unscathed from the hands of a Sannin. As for surpassing the Sannin, Uchiha Fugaku knew his own limits. At least for now, it was impossible.
At present, he could only be considered one of the village's first-rate combatants. Watching over one of its strongest was no easy task. If Orochimaru truly intended to do something—or scheme in secret—even with his Sharingan, he had no absolute confidence.
The best way to ensure the mission was completed was to keep traveling without stopping.
Furthermore, Uchiha Fugaku was deeply wary of Orochimaru. In private, he had even used his authority as captain of the police force to conduct considerable investigations into him.
Recently, Orochimaru's movements had been highly suspicious.
Although Orochimaru had remained in the village ever since the Hokage election, the front lines had stabilized, and leaving someone of his strength there would have been somewhat wasteful. Besides, the war