After parting with his companions, Orochimaru walked alone through unfamiliar streets.
He had no particular destination—he had already observed the terrain, recorded the layout, and analyzed the flow of people on the main streets of the Daimyo's Palace.
Now, he simply wanted to wander around and see another side of the city.
Before he knew it, the scenery around him gradually changed.
There were fewer shops, the walls grew taller, and the pedestrians' clothing became much plainer.
The stone-paved road stretched ahead, and at its end, the temple gate of a monastery could be vaguely seen.
Fire Temple.
Orochimaru stopped and looked up at the weathered plaque.
He had seen that name in Konoha's records—one of the oldest temples in the Land of Fire. It was said to house many ancient texts, though it had never been open to outsiders.
The library.
Those three words flashed through his mind.
His feet had already carried him inside of their own accord.
Past the temple gate, the courtyard was quiet and secluded, with the faint scent of incense drifting through the air.
A monk sweeping the ground looked up at him. His gaze fell on Orochimaru's Konoha forehead protector, and he gave a slight nod.
"Is there something you need, benefactor?"
Orochimaru explained his purpose.
The monk asked no further questions. He led him through the corridors and stopped before a quiet chamber.
Inside sat an elderly monk with white beard and brows—the abbot of the Fire Temple.
"The young benefactor from Konoha wishes to visit the library."
The monk who had guided him spoke softly.
The abbot lifted his eyes and studied Orochimaru for a moment. His gaze was calm, yet it seemed capable of seeing through a person's heart.
"The library is not open to outsiders."
The old abbot spoke