Yuhi Kurenai could feel that Aragaki Yasushi's strength was growing at an ever-increasing pace, and the gap between them was getting wider and wider.
She secretly made up her mind.
Once she returned to the village, she would train as hard as she could and become a jōnin as soon as possible.
Otherwise, she might truly be unable to keep up with Aragaki Yasushi, and might not even be qualified to carry out missions alongside him as a teammate.
When that happened, she would never be able to stay by his side again.
After a noisy journey, the group soon arrived at Konoha Camp.
Aragaki Yasushi exchanged a few words with Kurenai, Asuma, and the others, then turned and headed toward Uchiha Yashiro's tent.
As soon as he lifted the tent flap and stepped inside, Aragaki Yasushi came to an abrupt halt, a flicker of surprise passing through his eyes.
At the center of the tent, a pale young man stood with his back to him, talking with Uchiha Yashiro.
The young man wore a kimono, and his long hair fell to his shoulders. He was slender.
Even from behind, he gave off a strange, chilling air.
It was none other than Orochimaru, one of the famed Legendary Sannin of the Ninja World.
Hearing someone enter, Orochimaru slowly turned his head. His snake-like pupils narrowed slightly as his gaze settled on Aragaki Yasushi. He extended his red tongue and leisurely licked his lips without saying a word.
That look was like someone sizing up an amusing plaything. It made Aragaki Yasushi feel a little uneasy.
Seeing this, Uchiha Yashiro hurriedly introduced them with enthusiasm. "This is Orochimaru, a senior of ours. He's one of the famed Legendary Sannin and a disciple of the Third."
Then he introduced Aragaki Yasushi to