An Unexpected Discovery

"The Akatsuki Organization still has an unfinished mission."

Orochimaru said with a smile.

Shikaku was taken aback by Orochimaru's words. His sharp mind instantly processed a series of events. Orochimaru had been allowing the Akatsuki Organization 'Akatsuki Organization actions to continue unchecked, indicating that their current actions would ultimately benefit him greatly. Orochimaru had taken Konoha's strongest fighters during the Kage Summit. Orochimaru had been attacked by the Akatsuki Organization —Konoha all of this flashed through Shikaku's mind. At that moment, seeing Shikaku's smile, a chill ran down Orochimaru's spine. He quickly recalled if he had done anything to disobey Orochimaru. Finding nothing wrong, he breathed a sigh of relief. Never offend Orochimaru; he was like a snake lurking in the shadows, waiting for you to make a fatal mistake.

"Why is Shikaku sweating so much?"

Orochimaru noticed the change in Shikaku's gaze and knew he had probably guessed something.

"What a brilliant mind!"

Orochimaru couldn't help but admire the Nara Clan's genes. He even wondered if he should capture a few Nara Clan members to study how to make them smarter.

"It's nothing, I probably just have a fever! I'll go to the hospital to get it checked out after get off work."

Shikaku said respectfully. He wasn't stupid; he knew Orochimaru was signaling him. Playing dumb was the only way to survive.

"You still need to take care of yourself. I can't do without you."

Orochimaru was quite pleased to see Shikaku being so understanding. After all, Shikaku was very capable, and with Shikaku helping him with official duties, Orochimaru could dedicate more time to experiments. It's important to remember that Hokage Orochimaru; his primary profession was as a scientist.

"Minato, your job from now on is to protect Kushina."

Orochimaru turned to Minato and said, "Although I know that the Akatsuki Organization has a substitute for the Nine-Tails, the others don't! Orochimaru still needs to show concern for the village's Jinchuriki. At the same time, he also needs to win over Minato. A hard-working person like Minato who doesn't complain, enjoys the benefits of his superiors, and is also good-looking is someone that leaders really like."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Minato wholeheartedly agreed with Orochimaru's order. Right now, Minato wished he could stay by Kushina's side 24/7. The last enemy attack had given him quite a fright. He couldn't imagine what he would do without Minato. And Kushina, you Naruto! Right now, Minato's mind was completely filled with thoughts of Naruto.

"Am I superfluous? I'm disturbing your loving relationship."

This proves the old saying true: parents are true love, children are just an accident.

"Orochimaru, if the people we sent out find Konan, could we bring her to Konoha?"

Jiraiya looked at Orochimaru with pleading eyes. It could be said that Konan brought Jiraiya into the world of ninjas. Without Jiraiya teaching them Ninjutsu and imparting his own philosophy, those children might never have entered this treacherous world of ninjas. They might have lived ordinary lives like civilians. Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs." Jiraiya now only wanted his students to survive, even under the heavy surveillance of Konoha.

Orochimaru stared straight at Jiraiya, and finally sighed.

"Okay, as long as she doesn't cause trouble in Konoha in the future."

Orochimaru still agreed to Jiraiya. He hadn't expected Jiraiya ask him for help. It could be said that Jiraiya the only gentle person in Orochimaru's heart. Orochimaru could be cruel to anyone, but he reserved his gentleness only for Jiraiya.

Having received Orochimaru's guarantee, Jiraiya overjoyed. He knew that Orochimaru never failed to keep his promises. Taiseki was lifted from his heart.

Orochimaru then announced the contents of the Five Kage Summit, giving them time to prepare. Jonin meeting would follow, as the support of the Jonin was essential to uniting Konoha as a team. However, given the Akatsuki Organization's attack on Konoha, Orochimaru believed they would make the "right" choice. If they didn't, Orochimaru would help them make the right one.

The meeting finally ended in the evening. Karot emerged from the ninja building, yawning.

"Karot."

Karot suddenly heard someone call his name from behind. He turned around and saw Kazumi running towards him.

"It's Kazumi!"

Seeing that Kazumi was carrying a stack of books, Karot casually took the books from Kazumi hands. His movements were very practiced.

"Thanks."

Kazumi thanked her.

Where to?

The two walked side by side, Karot asked a question. As the sun set, its afterglow shone on them, as if they were wearing new clothes.

"Go to the hospital."

Kazumi looked at Karot's profile and said.

Is there something dirty on my face?

Seeing that Kazumi kept glancing at his profile, Karot asked in confusion. If he had a free hand, Karot would definitely have touched his face.

"No, no."

Kazumi quickly denied it, she hadn't expected herself to be so bold. Ever since Karot saved her last time, Karot's image had become even more important in Kazumi's heart. In the past, her love for Karot was subtle, but now it was intense. Anyone with eyes could see it. But Karot, on the other hand, hadn't thought about it in that way at all. He still regarded Kazumi as a good friend.

"Thank you, Karot."

"You already thanked me, why are you doing this again?"

"This time, I'm thanking you for saving me. If you hadn't appeared in time, I would already be..."

Before Kazumi could finish speaking, Karot said...

"With me here, I won't allow you to die in front of me. I will protect you."

Karot was fully capable of saying those words. But Karot didn't realize was how much of an impact his words would have on a girl.

"Karot"

Kazumi looked at Karot with sparkling eyes. Her beloved had told her to protect her.

"Could it be that Karot is also interested in me?"

Kazumi thought to herself.

"Just treat me to a meal."

Then, Karot's words brought Kazumi back to reality. Karot was still the same Karot!

Karot suddenly realized that Kazumi hadn't followed, and turned around to say something.

"Hurry up! Let's go eat after we drop you off!"

"They've arrived."

Kazumi answered with a smile.

"That's fine too, as long as I can stay by his side."

Kazumi jogged to catch up with Karot, and the two of them chatted and laughed as the sun set.

"Kakashi-sensei, look."

Naruto pointed at Karot and said to Kakashi, "Kakashi's mission now is to protect Naruto and prevent him from being captured by the Akatsuki Organization."

"Follow them."

Kakashi made the decision instantly.