Returning to the Village

Three days later, the Hokage's Office.

[We discovered Iwagakure ninja at the border, but our squad's strength is no match for them.]

[After discovering the Mori Squad's sacrifice, we decided to prioritize the bandit extermination mission. We'll report the matter of the Iwagakure ninja back to the village after completing our current task.]

[The bandits in the Land of Grass weren't strong, and we dealt with them easily. According to our investigation, the squad that went on the mission before ours likely never reached the Land of Grass. They were attacked by Iwagakure ninja while resupplying at a Konoha border outpost.]

[On our way back to the village after completing our mission, we were attacked by heavily injured Iwagakure ninja. From him, we learned that their squad had been attacked by ninja of unknown identity.]

[Although our squad won in the end, we were all severely injured. We recovered outside until we could move, and then immediately returned to the village.]

Listening to Haku's report, the Third Hokage tapped his pipe and exhaled a puff of smoke. His kind voice emerged.

[You've worked hard, children. I understand what happened. Go to Konoha Hospital for treatment. Rest and recover first, and I'll have someone notify you if there are any further missions.]

He paused, seeming hesitant, and after a while, he spoke again.

[As for the Iwagakure ninja, you don't need to worry about it. I'll have someone investigate. Alright, children, you may go!]

Watching the Third Hokage, who seemed to have something more to say, Haku felt he was considering Orochimaru's thoughts. The young Third Hokage was still the decisive and beloved Hokage. As Orochimaru's disciple, the Third Hokage still needed to discuss it with Orochimaru.

[Understood, Lord Hokage. We'll be going now.]

After watching the three leave the Hokage's Office, the Third Hokage took a few more puffs of his pipe and, after a moment of silence, spoke again.

[Orochimaru, what do you think about this Iwagakure matter?]

The office, which had been empty, saw Orochimaru emerge slowly from the shadows as the Third Hokage finished speaking.

[Ōnoki isn't one to sit still. With our war against Kumogakure, I suspect he'll want to get involved. We must be wary.]

[According to the information I extracted during interrogation, those three Jonin were stationed there under orders, awaiting further commands. They're likely a nail Ōnoki has placed on our side.]

[Our intelligence division also failed to obtain any useful information from their minds.]

The Third Hokage knew Orochimaru had gone on a mission with the three disciples. He was supposed to head directly to the front lines, but he returned to the village because they discovered Iwagakure ninja.

Now, listening to Orochimaru's reply, the Third Hokage's forehead wrinkled even more.

[I wonder what Ōnoki's scheme is! Orochimaru, you should go to the Kumogakure front lines first and stabilize the situation there. My intelligence indicates the Raikage is heading to the front. I'll mobilize personnel and supplies as quickly as possible to end this war in one fell swoop.]

[Yes, alright! Once my disciples have recovered from their injuries, have them assigned to a supply transport mission. Deliver them to my front lines.]

The Third Hokage did not refuse Orochimaru's request. He nodded and told Orochimaru to leave.

[Go and summon the Hokage's advisors. Tell them we need to discuss matters concerning the war on the front lines!]

The Third Hokage instructed the air. A masked figure appeared, bowed, and quickly vanished.

The Hokage's Office fell into complete silence, followed by the sight of the Third Hokage continuously puffing smoke.

Training Ground 83, Orochimaru looked at his disciples.

[Do you have anything to say?]

Haku stood before Orochimaru, but instead of answering, he asked a question that surprised Orochimaru.

[You were the one who killed the Iwagakure ninja and drove the last one towards us, weren't you!]

It was phrased as a question, but Haku spoke with certainty.

[Young Haku, being so clever isn't a good trait for a child!]

[So, Teacher Orochimaru, why did you do that? That was very dangerous! I don't believe Teacher Orochimaru would save us when we're in danger.]

Haku wouldn't fall for Orochimaru's tricks, unlike those who would later be fooled by him and even help him count his money after being sold out.

[Heh heh! Me! I just wanted to see how much Haku could handle! It seems Haku's capacity is still a bit lacking! Being my disciple is very dangerous!]

[Yes, being your disciple is very dangerous!]

As Haku spoke, he tossed a scroll to Orochimaru.

[This?]

[Yes! It's the scroll found on Chunin Yagyu. The contents are quite problematic!]

Orochimaru casually opened the scroll. At first, he didn't take it seriously, but when he saw the contents, he frowned.

[You haven't shown this to anyone else, have you!]

[No, only I have read this scroll. Raccoon and Yu don't know its contents. It's something quite dangerous for us.]