It was Ōnoki and the Third Raikage.
But very soon, their presences stopped somewhere and did not advance any farther.
Orochimaru subconsciously looked toward the Third, hoping he would send him to receive them at once—
He would rather face the two Kage who had still been enemies just days ago alone than keep facing Hiroki.
Yet the Third merely waved his hand and had Hatake Sakumo take Minato to receive them. Instead, he watched Orochimaru with great interest, as though watching two children boast.
Seeing that even the Third did not object, Hiroki looked at Orochimaru even more teasingly, making him realize that he probably could not escape this ordeal.
Fortunately, Orochimaru had always known when to bend and when to stand firm, when to be soft and when to be hard. Like a snake, he was skilled at lying low.
"You are now a Shadow Candidate. You should follow Lord Hokage and learn what matters a Hokage ought to handle—
"Your status is naturally different from before."
"Oh~ Comrade Little Snake, please explain in detail?"
"—" Orochimaru stared at Hiroki, choked up and unable to think of anything to say.
What was with this person? Why would he not let up even after gaining the upper hand? He had already yielded!
"When you are out and about, you must mind your status. You must take on the Hokage's burden—" Orochimaru racked his brains for words, but could not think of many phrases suitable for praising a child.
Luckily, Hatake Sakumo and Namikaze Minato arrived at that moment, bringing the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki and the Third Raikage with them.
"So you've arrived too! Sarutobi Hiruzen! In that case, there's no need to find another place!"
"Sarutobi Hiruzen, we have come in person to show our sincerity, and we have