Orochimaru's intentions were simple.
Since Uchiha Kagami already possessed those eyes, he had likely amassed considerable experience in using them.
As a fellow Uchiha, Kagami could provide Kaien with valuable insights.
Besides, Tsunade had already pestered him several times over the past few hours, urging him to write a letter to Hiruzen.
Orochimaru was growing increasingly irritated by her nagging, so he decided to act now—if only to get some peace and quiet.
Kaien had already destroyed several of Chiyo's puppets. Until Sunagakure repaired them, they were unlikely to make any major moves.
And Hanzō of the Salamander needed time to regroup his forces in Amegakure. The war had reached a delicate standstill.
The recent loss of a Kage-level combatant had delayed the escalation into full-scale warfare, buying Tsunade time to work on countering the poisons of both Chiyo and Hanzō.
Without antidotes, Orochimaru didn't support launching large-scale offensives against Sunagakure or Amegakure.
He was beginning to understand just how right Tsunade had been about training medical-nin. In this situation, Konoha desperately needed more of them.
With only Tsunade holding the line, there was far too much work. Even Orochimaru, a half-time researcher, had been roped into her medical research.
Though he was well-versed in snake venom, he was far less knowledgeable about poisons than Chiyo or Hanzō.
So, in his letter to Hiruzen, he mentioned that as well.
Still, with Chiyo's puppets damaged, there was a clear opportunity. If he and Tsunade could crack just one type of poison, Konoha would gain a major edge on the battlefield.
When choosing your battles, you always pick the easier target first. Compared to Hanzō's poisons, Chiyo was clearly the softer one now—Orochimaru had already set his sights on her as their next objective.
...
"So this is where our trial ends, huh?"
Nawaki glanced back at the Konoha encampment with a trace of regret before reluctantly stepping onto the path home.
He had come here hoping to earn some war merit, taking his first step on the road toward becoming Hokage—but it had ended much quicker than he expected.
"We still got something out of it, though, right? Orochimaru-sensei even gave us an extra two weeks to experience some real battle."
Kaien had lost interest in the battlefield after his fight with Chiyo.
If he wanted to, he could instantly eliminate any enemy within his line of sight. But to him, such meaningless slaughter held no appeal.
Besides, the others wouldn't have allowed him to do that anyway.
Kaien was never someone who enjoyed killing. He was just an ordinary guy who happened to want peace in the ninja world—a cheerful bystander, really.
"When we get back, Jiraiya-sensei said he managed to get me permission to access the Scroll of Seals. I'm hoping to find a jutsu that suits me..."
Minato's voice was filled with anticipation.
Their return to Konoha went smoothly.
Kaien and the others arrived in the village without a hitch.
Inside the Hokage's office, things were unusually lively.
Hiruzen Sarutobi received two handwritten lettersi—one from Orochimaru, the other from Jiraiya.
As the jonin leading the team, it was only natural for Senju Jonin to be in charge of this escort mission.
Yes, this was another entry in their mission log:
An A-rank intel escort mission, straight from the top commander at the front lines—Orochimaru!
After reading both letters, Hiruzen turned his gaze toward Uchiha Kaien and Namikaze Minato.
The Mangekyō Sharingan... to think this child had awakened those legendary eyes at such a young age.
Orochimaru's concerns and observations in the letter also echoed Hiruzen's own thoughts.
This was the Will of Fire in action.
As expected of the disciple he had always placed his hopes in. If Orochimaru kept this up, the Fourth Hokage's mantle would surely go to him.
"I'll have Kagami continue mentoring Kaien," Hiruzen said calmly, puffing on his pipe. "He'll be able to share some meaningful insight."
The appearance of another Mangekyō Sharingan within the Uchiha clan didn't trouble him.
He was in his prime. Even if he had to face the Mangekyō himself, he was confident he could end the fight. His spars with Kagami had proven as much.
And Kaien had only just awakened his eyes.
More importantly, those who awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan were all Uchiha aligned with the Hokage's faction—deeply imbued with the Will of Fire. There was nothing to worry about.
Hiruzen smiled with satisfaction.
Both Orochimaru and Jiraiya had mentioned in their letters that Kaien awakened his Mangekyō in order to protect his comrades. That was the very embodiment of the Will of Fire.
And Minato—this young man only sought stronger jutsu so he could catch up to his friend.
This bond, this drive to push each other forward, reminded Hiruzen of his own relationship with Danzo.
Back then, the two of them were also rivals constantly driving one another to grow.
And now, Danzo was one of his most trusted aides.
"I've approved Minato's request to study an S-rank jutsu. Kaien, you can pick one too—whichever suits your style."
Hiruzen grinned and pulled out a list of jutsu from the Scroll of Seals.
For most jonin, applying to study anything from the Scroll required layers of vetting. But for someone like Namikaze Minato—clean background, good connections, and promising potential—it was a different story.
If he wanted to learn something, let him. No harm done. If he succeeded, it would only prove Hiruzen's sharp eye and add to Konoha's legacy.
Training another elite ninja for the village? No one would complain. They'd only praise Hiruzen for his foresight.
And if he didn't master the jutsu? No big deal. Just pick another next time.
After all, the Scroll of Seals was one of Konoha's greatest treasures. And with the Hokage keeping it safe, there was nothing to worry about.
As Minato combed through the list, his eyes lit up. One particular jutsu had completely captured his attention.
Flying Thunder God Technique.
Developed by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, this S-rank space-time jutsu was the ultimate form of the Body Flicker Technique.
Instead of relying on physical speed, it used specially inscribed formulas to achieve spatial teleportation—making it the pinnacle of instantaneous movement.
It eliminated the weaknesses of normal Body Flicker Techniques, enabling pure space-jumps. No other movement technique could compare.
It didn't even require leverage or footing. As long as the Flying Thunder God Formula was placed, the user could teleport at will—completely dominating all other forms of rapid movement.
Minato's eyes were glued to the page. The more he read, the more he felt this jutsu was tailor-made for him.
He made his decision without hesitation.
"Hokage-sama, I want to choose the Flying Thunder God Technique."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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