Inside the Hokage's Office
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru stood in quiet discussion, the weight of the shinobi world's shifting tides pressing on them. Shiranui Riku stood to the side, listening intently, silently absorbing every word.
After a moment of reflection, Orochimaru asked, "So, sensei, are you planning to send me to the Land of Rivers to intercept the Sand Village ninjas?"
Riku's heart skipped a beat.
He had hoped to gain experience on the battlefield eventually—but not yet. Not now.
If the Hidden Cloud Village were to make a move on Uzumaki Kushina while he was away from Konoha, there would be no way for him to return in time, even if he could fly. Whatever happened, he had to ensure Kushina's safety first.
Fortunately, Sarutobi Hiruzen's next words brought him relief.
"Leave them for now. The border forces stationed near the Land of Rivers are capable of handling the current situation. Orochimaru, for the next few days, I want you working closely with me. We need to devise a strategy—figure out how Konoha should respond to what's coming."
Orochimaru was a genius strategist.
During the Second Ninja World War, he had led squads to victory through seemingly impossible odds. With tensions rising again, Konoha needed minds like his more than ever.
Orochimaru nodded. "Understood."
Riku let out a quiet breath of relief. So long as he wasn't being sent out of the village yet, everything was still on track.
After a while, Hiruzen and Orochimaru wrapped up their conversation. Orochimaru motioned for Riku to follow him as they left the Hokage Building.
As they walked, Orochimaru suddenly asked, "Riku, you heard the situation. If all four major ninja villages turn against Konoha at once… how would you break the deadlock?"
The question came so suddenly that Riku was caught completely off guard.
He wasn't deeply familiar with all the inner workings of the Third Ninja World War. It was still mostly fragments and instinct.
After a long pause, he finally replied, "The reason those villages would unite against Konoha is because of one thing—interest. Every ninja war has started over resources, influence, or power.
So if shared interest brought the Hidden Stone and Hidden Cloud together… then conflicting interests could drive them apart."
Orochimaru's lips curled slightly into a smile. He seemed pleased. "And how would you go about creating that conflict of interest?"
Riku shook his head. "I'm sorry, sensei. I… don't know."
And he truly didn't.
How could he possibly identify leverage over the Hidden Stone and Hidden Cloud when he didn't even know what their current deal was? Maybe if he had access to intelligence reports, or insight into what each village really wanted…
Besides, even if he could propose a deal—what could Konoha possibly offer that would make either village turn on the other, when they were so clearly set on plundering the Land of Fire's wealth?
You couldn't exactly say to them: "Hey, want to join us and steal from your current ally instead?"
Still, Orochimaru wasn't disappointed. "That's a reasonable answer," he said calmly. "It's not an easy problem."
Then, Orochimaru added, "I'll be very busy soon. I won't be around the base as much. I'm giving you the day off today. But tomorrow, I'll take you to Ryūchi Cave. After that, I'll set up your training regimen—you'll be training independently for a while.
If missions come up that suit your skillset, I'll pass them to you. But most of them… you'll be handling solo."
The moment Orochimaru mentioned a day off, a smile spread across Riku's face—he couldn't help it.
Orochimaru gave him a knowing glance and said simply, "Go."
"Thank you, sensei! I'll see you tomorrow!"
Riku waved goodbye and bolted down the road.
Outside Uzumaki Mito's Mansion
Riku stood in front of the mansion's grand gate, nerves fluttering in his stomach. He was excited—but anxious.
It had been a whole month since he last saw Uzumaki Kushina.
He knocked.
Moments later, rapid footsteps echoed from inside. The front door flung open—and a blur of red hair leapt into his arms.
Riku caught her mid-pounce, laughing softly as he hugged her tight and nuzzled her hair. "It's been too long, Kushina."
Kushina pulled back and gave him a half-hearted punch in the chest. "What took you so long! I thought you forgot about me!"
Riku winced playfully. She's gotten stronger... again.
"I could never forget you," he said. "No matter how busy I get. Orochimaru-sensei's training has been intense, and I just finished a mission. He gave me today off."
"Then how'd you know I'd be home?" she asked, curious.
Riku raised a brow. "Actually, how did you know it was me at the door?"
Kushina grinned. "Granny Mito told me! She can sense chakra across a huge area—she said you were coming!"
Riku immediately realized what that ability must be—Kagura's Mind Eye, a unique sensory jutsu from the Uzumaki clan.
"Come on," Kushina beamed, grabbing his hand. "Grandma misses you too. Let's go see her!"
Riku sighed softly to himself. I just wanted to spend some time alone with you…
Still, he followed her.
Inside the Mansion
Uzumaki Mito looked older than Riku remembered—worn and wise.
Riku bowed politely. "Lady Mito."
She gave him a warm, measured look. Something in his presence had changed. There was a sharpness now—a heaviness to his aura. He wasn't a child anymore.
"You've grown up, Riku," she said softly.
"In your presence, Lady Mito, I am still just a child," he replied respectfully.
But even as he spoke, Mito could sense the distance between them—guardedness cloaked beneath courtesy.
"There's no need to be so cautious with me," she said gently.
Riku kept his eyes down. "You are my elder, Lady Mito. My respect is genuine."
Mito understood the subtext immediately. It's not fear—it's formality.
Still, she sighed.
As the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki, she possessed the ability to sense malice through the fox's chakra. The first time she met Riku, she had noticed it too—this quiet wariness.
It hadn't changed.
Though his outward manner was perfect, she could sense that Riku kept his distance, always measuring, always calculating.
And that made her worry.