And so, the stretcher squad was formed on the spot.
"Chiba." A familiar hoarse voice came from nearby.
"Orochimaru-sensei?" Uchiha Chiba blinked. Ever since Orochimaru had become an Anbu assistant, he had been busy beyond belief. On top of that, he had been investigating the mission assigned to Chiba by the Council of Elders. Even now, Orochimaru was still holding that mission back. Chiba had felt too embarrassed to disturb his teacher.
"Mm. I've been too busy lately. Yesterday, I learned that you were going to the Land of Wind. I came for two reasons: first, to see you off; second..." As he spoke, Orochimaru glanced at the nearby Uchiha clansmen, signaling for Uchiha Chiba to follow him aside alone.
Minazuki Kokona: Guh?
Beneath an old pagoda tree
"I don't have much time. There's a problem with this Land of Wind mission. My information is that someone from the Uchiha Clan wants to make a move against you and has joined forces with Shimura Danzō. I don't know exactly who it is. In any case, I can't step in to resolve this matter. Otherwise, it would leave a blemish on the Third's record—that his grand-disciple failed to carry out a mission. This is an open scheme... One day, I'll return this scheme in kind." Orochimaru's tone was icy. He had no choice but to take a moderate approach. On one side was his teacher; on the other was his exceptionally talented disciple.
"It seems Shimura Danzō has set his sights on you. I had no choice but to transfer you into the Anbu, which kept that man Danzō from casually deploying you... But this isn't a long-term solution. When you return this time, officially join the Anbu. You must stay completely away from Danzō's whirlpool of power... The Third will