Heading to the Border

The Hokage's office.

A month had passed since Orochimaru was last here. His return made him feel almost like a rare guest.

He held a list and handed it to the Third Hokage.

As pressure along the borders mounted, Konoha began gradually sending more personnel to the front.

The fighting wasn't as intense as the large-scale battles two years ago. But Konoha had been badly weakened by the Fourth Hokage's death. With Tsunade gone and Jiraiya spending most of his time away, Orochimaru was the only one they could truly rely on.

The Third Hokage studied the report carefully, tapping his index finger against the desk.

"The situation is developing badly. Even the Land of Earth, which signed an agreement with us, has started making moves. According to Jiraiya's intelligence, Iwagakure has stationed more than ten squads in the Land of Birds and the Land of Grass."

Orochimaru said evenly, "Their numbers aren't large."

"That's right. The Land of Earth is waiting to see who comes out on top. Our main enemy is still Sunagakure's special forces. After losing on the main battlefield, they switched to harassing our borders, leaving us at a loss."

"Rats do like to scurry around."

Orochimaru gave a scornful assessment.

During the Third Shinobi World War, Minato had been in charge of the Kumogakure front. The Hyuga and Uchiha had repelled Kirigakure's surprise attack, while Jiraiya had initially held off Iwagakure before Minato took over.

As for the long Battle of Kikyo Pass, Orochimaru had commanded the entire operation.

He was very good at dealing with these enemies.

The Third Hokage wanted Orochimaru to go precisely because of that experience. He hoped to end the matter quickly and eliminate the threat.

Otherwise, if things took a turn for the worse, the consequences would be unthinkable.

The Land of Earth, with its troops massed at the border, would certainly make a move, and the restless Kumogakure would find an excuse to cause trouble.

In the end, a peace agreement was nothing but a scrap of paper.

Only powerful military strength could ensure peace.

Konoha had to show the Shinobi World that it still had the strength to sweep away its enemies.

The Third Hokage took a puff of his pipe. "Orochimaru, I'm counting on you this time."

"What about Jiraiya? Didn't he come back once before? I didn't expect you'd let him leave again."

"Alas, he has his own ideas. Besides, he's the one who sent back a lot of the intelligence. You could say he's carrying out a special mission." The Third Hokage shook his head helplessly.

The village had been at the height of its power. Somehow, it had suddenly begun to decline.

In just a few short years, some had died and others had left.

There was no one left he could confide in, either.

Orochimaru sneered. "Does he still believe in that so-called Child of Destiny? What a pointless prophecy."

"Everyone makes different choices." The Third Hokage sighed softly and looked at his most valued student. "The supplies are already being transported. I can assign a few Anbu squads to your command. Also, I saw Uchiha Akashi's name on the list you submitted. You're taking him to the front?"

"That's right. He's my subordinate, so there shouldn't be a problem, should there?"

"If he has no objection, of course not. But the Uchiha..."

The Third Hokage trailed off, unsure what to say.

The conflict between the Uchiha and the village?

As part of the village, it was every shinobi's duty to help defend peace and stability at a time like this. But the tension between them still lingered.

Hadn't the Uchiha suspected Orochimaru of stealing the Sharingan?

If that led to an argument, it would put him, as Hokage, in a difficult position.

Orochimaru picked up on his concern. "Don't worry. If anything goes wrong, I'll take full responsibility. If there's nothing else, I'll go make preparations."

How could he not worry?

The Third Hokage watched Orochimaru leave the office, then got up and walked to the window.

"Send for Uchiha Akashi."

"Yes."

An Anbu Ninja's voice came from somewhere unseen.

A short while later, Akashi arrived at the office. The Third Hokage questioned him in detail, but his answer remained the same: he wanted to go. The reason was simple. Fugaku had instructed him to keep an eye on Orochimaru.

Given the awkward situation, the Third Hokage couldn't ask Fugaku what he was really thinking.

Besides, from Fugaku's point of view, Akashi was a spy. Naturally, whatever he said or did would be in the Uchiha's interests, so Fugaku couldn't very well refuse to support him.

In reality, Akashi had a great deal of independence.

Even after hearing him out, the Third Hokage merely nodded and reminded him, "Stay alive."

Akashi wasn't making everything up, though.

He had plenty of reasons for wanting to go to the battlefield. Some had to do with Orochimaru, and some with himself.

He wanted to sharpen his blade on the battlefield.

During the Third Shinobi World War, he'd been young. Though he had gone to the battlefield, his missions had been low-level and barely dangerous. As a rookie sheltered by his clan, he'd made it through without incident.

Later, after being assigned to Orochimaru, he'd mostly followed the strategy of keeping his head down.

After returning to the village, he'd held back in every fight.

The wandering shinobi he encountered on missions couldn't withstand more than a few moves before they were done for.

This time, he wanted to hone not only his strength but also the mindset to match it, while gaining more combat experience.

It would be even better if he could find an opportunity to advance to the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

After dealing with the Third Hokage, he returned home.

The table was laden with delicious dishes, and they were just about to eat.

After washing his hands and taking his seat, Akashi ate the fragrant food. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell them the truth and explain that he was about to be sent to reinforce the border.

As expected, both his parents were greatly surprised.

Under the usual order of assignments, Akashi shouldn't have been sent to the front at all. Was it really just because he had once served under Commander Orochimaru? That seemed far too arbitrary!

Hiromi looked at Akashi, worried. "Why are you going to reinforce the border? It's very dangerous there."

"I know, but this time it's an order from the Hokage," Akashi said.

"Getting some experience is a good thing. It just seems rather rushed..."

She broke off. Uchiha Munakata suddenly understood. "I get it. That girl from the Hyuga Clan is going, isn't she?"

"Pfft!"

Akashi spat out a mouthful of rice and coughed repeatedly.

"See? I called it." Munakata looked smug, as if no one knew his son better than he did. He turned to Hiromi. "Back then, I kept fighting at the front and refused to withdraw because I couldn't bear to leave you."

"That's why I had to treat you afterward. What a waste of resources." Hiromi rolled her eyes at him, her cheeks faintly pink.

The longtime couple seemed to be remembering the tender feelings of their youth.

Akashi had no idea what had happened back then, but judging by their expressions, there was probably a melodramatic story behind it.

"Ahem." Akashi interrupted the lovely moment. "No, it has nothing to do with her. We haven't seen each other in a while."

At that, Hiromi moved closer to Akashi and gently stroked his head. "Even though our clans have deep-seated differences, I'm happy you know how to protect her..."

Come on, you two were taking this way too far!

Akashi responded with silence and kept his head down, eating, while the two of them let their imaginations run wild.

In the end, his parents gave him their full support. Uchiha Munakata even wanted to ask if there were any spare spots, but Akashi hurriedly stopped him.

Still, his father's words gave him an idea.

Taking Hyuga Shingetsu along might not be a bad idea.

"Dad, Mom, I'm done with lunch. I'm heading out for a bit."

"Go on, go on!" Hiromi said with a knowing smile, as if she'd seen through everything.