That day, Tianyi returned to the Senju Clan Grounds.
The last rays of the setting sun fell over the old houses of the Senju Clan Grounds, turning their blue-gray roof tiles dark gold.
Tianyi slowly descended from the sky and landed in the courtyard of his residence.
He walked to the center of the courtyard, crouched, and pressed his right hand to the ground. Chakra surged from his palm, activating a mark hidden beneath the soil.
Several seconds later, space warped slightly, and a golden figure appeared before him out of thin air.
"Master."
Tianyi waved a hand.
Minato straightened, his gaze settling on Tianyi's face. He noticed that the seal on his master's forehead was almost invisible now. Only by looking closely could he make out a few faint traces.
He opened his mouth to ask, but ultimately said nothing-if his master wanted him to know, he would tell him.
Tianyi went over to sit beneath the eaves, then patted the spot beside him, motioning for Minato to sit as well.
"What has Orochimaru been doing while I've been away?" Tianyi asked calmly.
Minato's expression grew serious. He spoke unhurriedly, choosing every word with care:
"Orochimaru has been visiting the heads of the major clans lately, including the Hyuga and the Uchiha Clan.
He's made a few promises-positions in ANBU, Jonin promotions, staffing arrangements in certain departments, preferential treatment under future policies, and the like."
Tianyi's brow shifted slightly. "The Hyuga and the Uchiha Clan? How did Fugaku and Hiashi respond?"
Minato shook his head. "Clan Head Fugaku didn't take a position. He received him politely but made no promises. Clan Head Hiashi did the same. But some of the smaller clans have already openly declared their support for Orochimaru. The major clans, like the Ino-Shika-Chō, are still neutral."