Three days later, at the Hokage's Office.
[We found Iwagakure ninja at the border, but our squad wasn't strong enough to take them on.]
[After discovering that Mori Squad had been wiped out, we decided to carry out the mission to eliminate the bandits first. As for the Iwagakure ninja, we would report them to the village after completing the mission.]
[The bandits in the Land of Grass weren't very strong, and we dealt with them easily. According to our investigation, the squad that had been sent on the mission before us probably never made it to 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 the mission, we were attacked by a badly wounded Iwagakure ninja. From him, we learned that his squad had been attacked by ninja of unknown identity.]
[In the end, our squad won, but we were all seriously injured. We stayed outside the village until we could move, then returned as soon as possible.]
As Haku gave his report, the Third Hokage tapped his pipe and let out a puff of smoke. His kind voice rang out.
[You've worked hard, children. I have a general idea of what happened. Go to Konoha Hospital for treatment. Rest until you've recovered, and I'll have someone notify you if there are any further missions.]
He paused, seeming uncertain. It was a long while before he spoke again.
[As for the Iwagakure ninja, you don't need to concern yourselves with them. I'll send someone to investigate. All right, children, you may go.]
Seeing the Third Hokage hesitate, Haku sensed that he was concerned about Orochimaru's opinion. The young Third Hokage was still the decisive, well-loved Hokage he had always been. Since Orochimaru was his student, the Third Hokage still needed to discuss things with him.
[Of course, Lord Hokage. We'll be going now.]
After the three left the Hokage's Office, the Third Hokage took a few more puffs of his pipe and sat silently for a while before speaking again.
[Orochimaru, what do you make of this matter with Iwagakure?]
The office had been empty, but as soon as the Third Hokage finished speaking, Orochimaru slowly emerged from the shadows.
[Ōnoki isn't one to sit still. With our war against Kumogakure underway, I suspect he wants to get involved. We can't let our guard down.]
[According to what I learned during the interrogation, those three Jonin were stationed there under orders, waiting for further instructions. They were probably a pawn Ōnoki had placed on our side.]
[The Intelligence Division couldn't find anything useful in their minds, either.]
The Third Hokage knew that Orochimaru had accompanied Haku and the others on their mission. He had originally intended to go straight to the front lines, but had returned to the village after discovering the Iwagakure ninja.
Now, as he listened to Orochimaru's answer, the wrinkles on the Third Hokage's forehead deepened.
[Who knows what Ōnoki is plotting! Orochimaru, head to the front lines against Kumogakure and keep things stable there. The intelligence I've received says the Raikage is heading to the front lines. I'll gather personnel and supplies as quickly as I can, then we'll bring the war to an end in one decisive push.]
[All right. Once my students have recovered, give them a mission to transport supplies. Send them to the front lines where I am.]
The Third Hokage didn't refuse Orochimaru's request. He nodded and sent him on his way.
[Have the Hokage Advisor come here. Tell them we need to discuss the war on the front lines!]
The Third Hokage gave the order to the empty air. A masked figure appeared, bowed, and quickly vanished.
The Hokage's Office fell completely silent. Only the Third Hokage remained, steadily puffing out clouds of smoke.
At Training Ground 83, Orochimaru looked at his students.
[Is there something you want to say?]
Haku stood before Orochimaru. Instead of answering his question, Haku asked one that caught Orochimaru by surprise.
[The mysterious ninja who killed the Iwagakure ninja and drove the last one toward us was you, wasn't it?]
It sounded like a question, but Haku's tone was certain.
[Haku, being so clever isn't a good thing, you know.]
[So why did you do it, Orochimaru-sensei? It was dangerous. I don't believe you would have rescued us if we were in danger.]
Haku wasn't going to fall for Orochimaru's tricks—not like those who came later, whom Orochimaru could fool into counting his money even after selling them out.
[Heh heh! I just wanted to see how much mettle you had, Haku. Looks like you still have some growing to do. Being my student is a dangerous business!]
[Yes, being your student is a dangerous business!]
As Haku spoke, he tossed a scroll to Orochimaru.
[This?]
[Yes! The scroll we found on Chunin Nobi. The contents aren't pleasant.]
Orochimaru opened the scroll casually, not thinking much of it at first. But as soon as he saw what was inside, his brow furrowed.
[You haven't shown this to anyone else, have you?]
[No. I'm the only one who's seen the scroll. Raccoon and Yu don't know what's in it, either. It's something very dangerous for us.]
Before you continue