Since this was an official visit, there was no way they could travel in secret.
As they set out from the Hokage Building and passed through the Konoha Gate, they found a great many villagers gathered there.
When Orochimaru appeared, they burst into cheers.
Most of the cheers were filled with affection and respect for Orochimaru.
Watching the scene, Gong Yi was deeply moved.
It was hard to imagine that Orochimaru, who had once been infamous in Naruto Shippuden and feared by so many Konoha Ninja, was now so beloved by the villagers.
"Fate sure has a way of playing tricks on people!"
Gong Yi murmured.
Orochimaru, walking ahead, seemed to hear him. He turned around and licked his lips.
"Didn't Captain Gong Yi once say that we should take control of our own fate? Why lament that fate plays tricks on us?"
Gong Yi's expression turned solemn. "Precisely because fate toys with people, we must believe in our ability to shape our own destiny."
"Heh."
Orochimaru chuckled, turned back, and waved to the villagers as he strode out of the village with carefree confidence.
Gong Yi followed close behind.
In the crowd, Asuma watched them enviously.
The Third Hokage had flatly rejected his request to graduate early.
Not only that, he had given him a stern scolding.
Asuma was desperate to graduate and become a full-fledged ninja, going out on missions instead of playing ninja games at school with those clueless brats!
Stars hung in the sky as night fell.
Fireflies fluttered lazily past, utterly unaware of the two people nearby.
Ogawara quietly asked Hyuga Senso, "Senso, with Lord Orochimaru here, do we really need to keep watch?"
Hyuga Senso replied coolly, "Keeping watch is something ninjas must do whenever they go out on a mission. And since our