After noticing Naruto's gaze, Orochimaru turned to look over.
When he saw Naruto, Shisui, and the others concealing their identities, Orochimaru instinctively frowned. He then looked away and led his Sound ninja subordinates toward the inn.
He was not surprised that Uzushiogakure had sent people to participate in the Chunin Exams.
But the fact that the leading Jonin was Shisui Uchiha made one question Uzushiogakure's intentions. It might even affect his plans this time.
Seemingly noticing something, Kimimaro quietly asked, "Lord Orochimaru, those shinobi are watching you. Do you need me to end their lives?"
Orochimaru glanced at his "adopted son," Kimimaro, then shook his head. "Remember what they look like. Do not provoke Uzushiogakure's shinobi under any circumstances. They are shinobi even I cannot afford to provoke."
Kimimaro looked startled. What kind of monsters were shinobi that even Lord Orochimaru did not dare provoke?
Not long ago, he and Lord Orochimaru had joined forces to kill the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure, the leader of one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
Orochimaru had no interest in explaining further. His gaze turned toward the Hokage Building.
So many years had passed. Even that foolish Jiraiya from back then had become Hokage. As his close friend and a rogue ninja, how could he not send Konoha a grand gift?
Still, the presence of Uzushiogakure's shinobi had added many variables to his plan.
After revisiting his old haunts, Naruto deliberately brought Shisui to Ichiraku Ramen and ordered four bowls of ramen.
It was still the familiar recipe, still the familiar taste. But the once-young Uncle Teuchi had grown old, and Ayame had become a graceful young woman.
As they ate their ramen, they reminisced about the past.
Uncle Teuchi suddenly poked his head out and asked in confusion, "Your voice sounds