Hiruzen-sensei, Who Is Your Most Trusted Disciple?

Early the next morning, Orochimaru, stationed at the front lines, was the first to receive word from his followers regarding Danzo's defection from Konoha.

As one of the few who knew the truth, Orochimaru guessed what had actually transpired the moment he finished reading the intelligence.

Danzo had made a move against his own teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Orochimaru burned the report, his gaze shifting to the ring worn on the middle finger of his right hand.

Ever since Shiraishi had imparted the Visualization Diagram to him the night before last, Orochimaru had persisted in his meditation for two days, feeling the initial strengthening of his soul brought about by the Visualization Idol.

Such a wondrous method of cultivation made Orochimaru increasingly curious: did gods truly exist in this world?

Orochimaru channeled chakra into the ring for a moment, and Shiraishi's voice echoed in his mind.

"Orochimaru, I hope you aren't calling just to chat."

"Danzo has made a move against my teacher. He has declared that the teacher attempted to assassinate the Hokage and has listed him as an S-rank missing-nin."

Thousands of miles away, in the Land of Rain, Shiraishi—who was busy forging ancient temple ruins underground—heard the message from Orochimaru and a smile appeared on his face.

"Orochimaru, do you want to help your teacher?"

The corners of Orochimaru's mouth curled upward. "I am simply curious: what will the teacher do after defecting from Konoha?"

"Why not try making contact with your teacher?"

"What is your plan?"

Orochimaru felt a sudden surge of curiosity; he felt that ever since he met Shiraishi, everything had become increasingly interesting.

"Tell me, after your teacher defects, who will he go to?"

Orochimaru did not answer immediately. After a brief analysis, he speculated, "Either he comes to the front lines to find me and Jiraiya, or he goes to find Tsunade. Those are likely the only three disciples he can trust right now."

"Then let's wait and see! Out of the three of you, who will be the one he trusts the most?"

Shiraishi was not intentionally stirring up trouble, but his words made Orochimaru pay even closer attention to Hiruzen Sarutobi's subsequent actions.

Teacher Hiruzen, when you fall into a desperate situation, who will be the disciple you trust the most? Who will you choose to help you? And what methods will you use to persuade us?

"I shall look forward to the teacher's choice," Orochimaru said with a mocking tone.

"Then let us wait and see!"

After Shiraishi finished speaking, he disconnected the link and continued his forgery project. This was a grand gift he had prepared for the Akatsuki and for Kakashi.

On a flat stretch of land behind the Akatsuki base building, the members had cleared out a training ground.

Asuma, whose injuries were gradually healing, was currently in the training ground performing simple exercises.

His current body was in poor condition. Even with the soul of a ninja like Asuma in control, becoming a ninja was no easy task.

Yesterday, Asuma had attempted to refine chakra, but after struggling for a long time, he had only managed to extract a faint wisp.

That tiny bit of chakra had nearly caused Asuma to collapse from exhaustion.

Therefore, after resting for the night, Asuma decided to start with basic physical training to gradually improve his physique.

High above the training ground, Asuma, who was jogging, did not notice that Sakumo's soul was constantly monitoring him from the sky.

The surveillance had been ongoing for two days, and from Asuma's small movements—especially the chakra refinement from last night—Sakumo had confirmed that there was something deeply wrong with this boy.

How would an ordinary boy from a merchant caravan know how to refine chakra?

During his exercises this morning, the boy had also displayed great discipline; even his breathing rhythm while running utilized professional techniques.

All signs indicated that this boy was highly proficient in ninja training.

Yet, at the same time, the boy's physical condition showed absolutely no traces of having undergone ninja training.

The contrast between these two facts left both Sakumo and Kakashi unable to determine his origins.

Inside the base building, Kakashi blocked Konan as she came down from the third floor.

"Lady Konan, I heard that Kazusuke wants to become a ninja?"

"That child just went through a tragedy and wants to gain the power to protect his companions."

When speaking of Asuma, a look of pity appeared on Konan's face.

"Leave him to me! I will train him to become a qualified ninja," Kakashi offered proactively.

Facing Kakashi's request, Konan said with some concern, "Kazusuke's injuries haven't healed yet. I'm worried he can't handle ninja training."

"Rather than letting him train blindly and ruin his body, it's better to let me guide him. Since I just joined the organization and haven't made any contributions, let this be my first mission!" Although Kakashi looked young, his expression and tone revealed a maturity far beyond his years.

After a moment of hesitation, Konan agreed. "Then I'll leave it to you, Obito. That child Kazusuke just experienced the tragic death of his companions, so please take good care of him."

Kakashi nodded, signaling that he understood.

Having secured a suitable excuse, Kakashi went straight to the training ground and called a halt to Asuma, who was exercising alone.

"Ka... cough, cough, Obito! What do you want with me?" Asuma had instinctively almost let his tongue slip and quickly covered it with a cough.

Kakashi remained calm on the surface, but inwardly, he keenly noted Asuma's initial mistake. He confirmed once more that the boy before him knew him, and even knew his real name.

"You want to become a ninja?" Kakashi asked calmly.

Asuma did not understand Kakashi's intention, but he nodded nonetheless.

"I have just reached an agreement with Lady Konan; from now on, I will be responsible for your training."

Asuma instinctively frowned. "I don't need your guidance."

"You come from a merchant caravan and know nothing of ninja training. If you practice blindly on your own, you will only ruin your body," Kakashi said, his words carrying a hidden warning.

Asuma reacted immediately. Given his current identity, he had to act defiant to avoid raising suspicion. "I don't need your guidance. I will ask Sister Konan for advice instead."

"Konan has already handed the task of training you over to me," Kakashi said coldly.

Asuma put on a look of reluctance and lowered his head. "I understand."

"Follow me."

Kakashi turned and walked toward a deserted forest in the distance.

Watching Kakashi's back, Asuma curled his lip in annoyance, clasped his hands behind his head, and followed after him.

That guy Kakashi is still as aloof as ever; it's really hard to like him.

The two walked into the forest one after the other, the scene behind them gradually obscured by tangled branches.

Kakashi stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Asuma, who was following behind.

Asuma stopped two meters in front of Kakashi and asked, "Hey! Why did you bring me here?"

With a Body Flicker, Kakashi appeared at Asuma's side, his right hand drawing a kunai and pressing it against Asuma's throat.

"What is your true purpose for joining the Akatsuki?"

Feeling the chill against his neck, the caught-off-guard Asuma widened his eyes, his peripheral vision sweeping toward Kakashi at his side.

"What are you trying to do?"

"You were secretly practicing the Chakra Extraction Technique in your room last night. As a child from a merchant caravan, how could you possibly know such things?" Kakashi continued to press him.

Asuma's heart skipped a beat; he had not expected to be exposed in front of Kakashi so quickly. He carefully tilted his head slightly to look at the stern-faced Kakashi.

He hesitated, wondering whether he should reveal his true identity and circumstances to Kakashi.