Early the next morning, Orochimaru, who was stationed at the front lines, was the first to receive word from one of his followers that Danzo had defected from Konoha.
As one of the few people in the know, Orochimaru had a good idea of what had happened after reading the report.
Danzo had made a move against his own teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Orochimaru burned the report and turned his gaze to the ring on his right middle finger.
Ever since Shiraishi had taught him the Visualization Diagram two nights ago, Orochimaru had kept up his meditation for the past two days. He had also begun to feel the strengthening effect the Visualization Idol had on his soul.
This wondrous method of cultivation only made Orochimaru more curious: did Deities really exist in this world?
Orochimaru channeled Chakra into the ring for a moment, and Shiraishi's voice rang out in his mind.
"Orochimaru, I hope you're not contacting me just to chat."
"Danzo made a move against my teacher. He announced that my teacher had tried to assassinate the Hokage and listed him as an S-rank rogue ninja."
Thousands of miles away in the Land of Rain, Shiraishi was underground, fabricating ancient temple ruins. When he heard Orochimaru's message, a smile appeared on his face as well.
"Orochimaru, do you want to help your teacher?"
Orochimaru's lips curled upward. "I'm just curious what my teacher will do after defecting from Konoha."
"Why not get in touch with your teacher?"
"What's your plan?"
Orochimaru's curiosity was piqued. Ever since he had met Shiraishi, he felt that everything had become more and more interesting.
"Who do you think your teacher will go to after defecting?"
Orochimaru didn't answer right away. After thinking it over, he replied, "He'll either come to the front lines to find Jiraiya and me, or go to Tsunade. The three of us disciples are probably the only people he can trust now."
"Then let's wait and see! Let's find out which of you three he trusts most."
Shiraishi wasn't trying to stir up trouble, but his words did make Orochimaru more interested in Hiruzen Sarutobi's next move.
Teacher Hiruzen, when you're backed into a corner, which disciple will you trust most? Who will you choose to help you? And what will you do to convince us?
"I'll look forward to my teacher's choice," Orochimaru said playfully.
"Then let's wait and see!"
After Shiraishi spoke, he ended the call and continued his work, fabricating the ruins. This was a grand gift he was preparing for the Akatsuki and Kakashi.
On a stretch of flat ground behind the Akatsuki base building was a training field the Akatsuki members had cleared.
As his injuries gradually healed, Asuma was doing some simple exercises on the training field.
His body was in poor shape. Even with the soul of Asuma, a ninja, in control, becoming a ninja wouldn't be easy.
The day before, Asuma had tried to refine Chakra. After working at it for a long time, he had managed to produce only a faint wisp of Chakra.
Even that tiny amount had nearly left Asuma so exhausted that he passed out.
So after a night's rest, Asuma decided to start with basic physical training and gradually improve his condition.
As Asuma jogged around the training field, he didn't notice Sakumo's soul watching him from above.
Sakumo had been monitoring him for two days. From Asuma's little movements, especially his attempt to refine Chakra the previous night, Sakumo had confirmed that there was something very wrong with the boy.
How could an ordinary boy from a merchant caravan know how to refine Chakra?
The boy's exercise that morning had also been remarkably well structured. Even his breathing rhythm while running showed professional technique.
All signs pointed to the boy being very familiar with a ninja's training.
At the same time, though, the boy's physique showed no sign that he had ever undergone ninja training.
The contradiction left both Sakumo and Kakashi unable to determine where he had come from.
Inside the base building, Kakashi intercepted Konan as she came down from the third floor.
"Lady Konan, I heard Kazusuke wants to become a ninja?"
"That child has just been through a terrible tragedy. He wants the strength to protect his companions."
At the mention of Asuma, a look of pity appeared on Konan's face.
"Leave him to me! I'll train him to become a capable ninja," Kakashi offered.
Konan regarded Kakashi's request with some concern. "Kazusuke's injuries haven't healed yet. I'm worried he won't be able to handle ninja training."
"Better to let me guide him than have him practice recklessly and ruin his body. I just joined the organization and haven't contributed anything yet, so let this be my first mission." Kakashi looked young, but his expression and tone showed a maturity well beyond his years.
After hesitating for a moment, Konan agreed. "Then I'll leave him in your hands, Obito. Kazusuke has just watched his companions die. Please take good care of him."
Kakashi nodded to show he understood.
Once he had a suitable excuse, Kakashi went straight to the training field and called a halt to Asuma's solo exercise.
"Ka... cough, cough, Obito! What do you want?" Asuma had nearly let the name slip on instinct, and hastily covered it with a cough.
Kakashi kept his expression calm, but keenly noticed Asuma's initial slip. It confirmed once again that the boy in front of him knew him—and even knew his real name.
"You want to become a ninja?" Kakashi asked calmly.
Asuma didn't understand Kakashi's intentions, but he nodded anyway.
"I just spoke with Lady Konan. From now on, I'll be in charge of your training."
Asuma instinctively frowned. "I don't need you to teach me."
"You're from a merchant caravan and know nothing about ninja training. If you keep practicing blindly, you'll only hurt yourself," Kakashi said, subtly warning him.
Asuma immediately understood. His identity was different now, and he had to avoid arousing suspicion. So he put on an unwilling expression and retorted, "I don't need you to teach me. I'll ask Big Sister Konan for help."
"Konan has already put me in charge of your training," Kakashi said coldly.
Asuma lowered his head, feigning reluctance. "I understand."
"Come with me."
Kakashi turned and walked toward a deserted patch of woods in the distance.
Watching Kakashi's retreating figure, Asuma curled his lip in annoyance, clasped his hands behind his head, and followed.
Kakashi was still as aloof as ever. He really was hard to like.
The two walked into the woods, the view behind them gradually hidden by a tangle of branches.
Kakashi stopped and turned to face Asuma, who had followed him.
Asuma stopped two meters in front of Kakashi and asked, "Hey! Why did you bring me here?"
Kakashi used the Body Flicker Technique to appear beside Asuma, then drew a Kunai and pressed it against his neck.
"What exactly are your reasons for joining the Akatsuki?"
Feeling the cold against his neck, Asuma—who hadn't been quick enough to react—widened his eyes and glanced sideways at Kakashi.
"What are you doing?"
"You secretly practiced Chakra extraction in your room last night. How does a boy from a merchant caravan know how to do that?" Kakashi pressed on.
Asuma's heart jolted. He hadn't expected to expose himself to Kakashi so quickly. He cautiously turned his head a little and looked at Kakashi's stern face.
He hesitated, wondering whether to tell Kakashi about his identity and what had happened to him.
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