Several weeks passed just like that, and their assignment to guard the Fourth Hokage finally ended.
As the sun set, Zou Hyuga and Oto left the Hokage Building, discussing the reforms the Fourth Hokage might introduce.
Zou Hyuga ventured a bold guess: the Fourth Hokage would start with the Uchiha. Once he resolved their problems, he would gain the support of the village's largest clan and firmly secure his position.
Oto Uchiha merely smiled, looking at Zou Hyuga without a word. Her clansmen's behavior would not change just because there was a new Hokage. If they kept up their arrogant attitude while carrying out their Military Police Force duties, they were bound to earn the villagers' resentment.
But it would only be resentment. Surely their work and attitude alone would not put them at odds with the villagers.
Zou Hyuga shook his head slightly. There were many things he could not explain. Who could have imagined that, after a series of upheavals, the Uchiha would ultimately be wiped out by a traitor?
They passed through the village's bustling streets and bought some sweets and pastries. Suddenly, Zou Hyuga's gaze sharpened.
Following his gaze, Oto easily spotted a pale-faced figure ahead, walking toward them.
"It's Orochimaru..." Oto Uchiha said.
Zou Hyuga nodded slightly and stayed where he was. He had seen Orochimaru too.
Although Orochimaru had not yet defected from the village, Zou remained wary of him. This man would stop at nothing in his pursuit of science. Nothing he did would come as a surprise.
"Zou Hyuga, Oto Uchiha..." Orochimaru's voice was slightly hoarse. "We meet again."
"Yes, what a coincidence, Lord Orochimaru..." Zou Hyuga said cautiously.
Orochimaru nodded, smiling sinisterly. "I knew I hadn't misjudged you. You and Oto Uchiha are both excellent ninja with considerable talent..."
Zou Hyuga