Hokage's office.
"Did that bastard Jiraiya get arrested because you caught him peeping on women bathing?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage. According to the Security Division..."
"Enough, enough. Deduct it. Letting him learn his lesson is fine, too."
Hiruzen clearly did not want to owe the Security Division a favor because of Jiraiya.
He knew exactly what kind of person his student was.
His fondness for women and alcohol had delayed plenty of matters.
If this could make him break that bad habit, it would actually be a good thing.
Hiruzen was concerned about something else.
"Are you sure it was Orochimaru?"
"According to Lord Jiraiya's intelligence, Orochimaru has never stopped conducting human experiments all these years. I think it's highly likely."
Hiruzen clenched his fists. What exactly was that bastard Orochimaru trying to do?
If he had known this would happen, he should have killed him himself back then.
"Lord Hokage, since Orochimaru is highly suspect, and Lord Jiraiya has returned, I believe this is the best opportunity to act."
This time, Hiruzen did not hesitate.
"In that case, set out as soon as possible. Make sure you investigate this matter thoroughly."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
With Hiruzen's approval, a temporary action team was assembled.
Hiruzen had originally arranged for Jiraiya to lead the team, with Eiji and the other two assisting him.
However, Eiji refused. His reason was that Orochimaru was an extremely cunning ninja. If they acted with too much fanfare, they would certainly attract his attention.
If they split up, they could improve their efficiency in capturing Orochimaru.
Jiraiya was still upset about being detained in the Security Division for several days, so he did not miss the opportunity to mock Eiji.
"Kid, don't think you're so great. Orochimaru is a hundred times more troublesome than you imagine."
"Please rest assured, Lord Jiraiya. Running away is what I'm best at."
Jiraiya curled his lips, not wanting to waste words with Eiji.
"Then good luck."
After saying that, he handed the scroll to Eiji and left.
Before setting out, Eiji once again sought out the clan member in charge of logistical supplies.
"I'd like to apply for some supplies. Sorry for the trouble, senior."
The moment that clan member saw Eiji, his head began to buzz.
"Why are you here again? You took several years' worth of supplies last time."
Eiji scratched his head awkwardly. "Senior, I really need them urgently."
"Need them, my ass. Do you think you're the clan head? Can you take as much as you want?"
"Ahem, ahem, ahem."
The moment he finished speaking, Fugaku emerged from the corner.
"C-Clan Head, that's not what I meant..."
"Enough." Fugaku did not hold it against him. "Open the warehouse door. This mission is dangerous, so preparing a little extra won't hurt."
"Understood."
An hour later, Eiji came out carrying several scrolls.
"Eiji, this is your first mission. Be careful with everything."
"Please rest assured, I will definitely..."
Eiji thought about it and decided not to make any reckless promises.
"I will definitely eat breakfast on time every day."
"?"
Fugaku could not follow Eiji's train of thought at all. What did that even have to do with anything?
Several hours later, Eiji, Senior Kakashi, and Tenzo set out.
Their first destination was a small town located on the border of the Land of Fire.
Jiraiya believed that since Orochimaru was eyeing Konoha covetously, he would certainly maintain a relatively suitable distance from Konoha.
This small town was perfect for that.
The three of them carried their packs and walked toward their destination.
On the way, Senior Kakashi and Tenzo explained a few tricks to Eiji.
For example, how to reduce physical exertion, make a small trap in the shortest possible time, and catch cute little animals to stave off hunger.
Those tricks were not particularly useful to Eiji, though.
He crooked a finger, and little whirlwinds sent fish flying straight into his face.
He never came home empty-handed.
That night, the group gathered around the fire and roasted fish.
Eiji took some seasonings out of his backpack, along with several bottles of Sake.
"Eiji, we're on a mission, not out on a picnic!"
"Drinking a little won't hurt, right? Or I could add some while cooking. It would make the flavor much better."
Senior Kakashi's temples throbbed. "Cooking, too? Should we find a few geisha to dance with you?"
Eiji suddenly widened his eyes, a shy expression appearing on his face.
"I'm still underage, so wouldn't that be inappropriate? Of course, if Senior Kakashi insists on doing that, I suppose I can accept it."
Senior Kakashi did not want to speak anymore.
"Tenzo, use Wood Style to build a house."
"Yes, Senior."
Honest Tenzo formed several hand seals, and a rather decent little house rose from the ground.
Eiji was extremely envious. "Senior Tenzo, this technique is amazing. Doesn't that mean you won't need to buy a house in the future?"
Tenzo thought about it seriously. "This isn't really a matter of the house. First, we need to apply for a plot of land..."
Senior Kakashi painfully swallowed a piece of fish.
He was starting to regret carrying out this mission with Eiji.
Inside a cave, the Masked Man received a report from Zetsu.
"There is some bad news. Konoha has issued a Wanted Notice for you throughout the Shinobi World."
"They have also sent out a team to investigate your whereabouts. Senior Kakashi is among them."
The Masked Man looked thoroughly disdainful. "What could that useless Kakashi possibly find? He fought me face-to-face and still couldn't recognize who I was."
Zetsu thought the Masked Man really was an idiot.
If Kakashi could have recognized him, what level would Kakashi's Sharingan have to be?
"Also, they seem to believe that Orochimaru was behind the invasion of Konoha, and that you're one of Orochimaru's subordinates."
"He deserves to be?" the Masked Man snorted.
The Masked Man knew Orochimaru's name. He was one of the former Legendary Sannin, and Hiruzen had even said that he might become the man who would inherit the position of Hokage in the future.
But the Masked Man had no interest in any of that.
They were all fools whose eyes had been blinded by a false world.
Still, the Masked Man now felt that Orochimaru was quite useful.
Useless Kakashi had focused his efforts on hunting Orochimaru, which relieved a great deal of pressure on his side.
After all, the Moon Eye Plan still needed a long time to complete.
"So what should we do?"
"While they're running around like headless flies, let's recruit some more people."
"Good."
In the laboratory, Orochimaru was washing his hands, which could never be cleaned no matter how much he scrubbed.
A Little White Snake flicked its tongue beside him, as if conveying some information.
"Even the crime of invading Konoha can be blamed on me?"
Orochimaru had no interest in invading Konoha, at least not for now.
He still wanted to obtain Eternal Life and learn every ninjutsu in the world.
But now, he had discovered something even more important.
Uchiha Eiji seemed to be an excellent body.
Orochimaru licked his lips and let out an unpleasant laugh.
In Konoha, he had a spy named Kabuto.
Through Kabuto, he had learned quite a bit about the village.
Orochimaru was especially interested in Eiji, the genius ninja who had suddenly appeared.
He dreamed of taking over Eiji's body.
And now, the opportunity had arrived.
"An Uchiha with pure blood, a Sharingan, and a Wood Style Ninja. This is simply too interesting."
Orochimaru could barely contain the excitement in his heart.
Had they come to capture him?
They had clearly come to deliver warmth!
Before you continue