With a glance, Tagorihime immediately understood why she had sensed that familiar aura.
"Isn't that... Orochimaru?"
"Long time no see. It seems you still refuse to accept the inheritance of Ryūchi Cave?"
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed sharply as he looked at the Snake Princess in front of him.
He had been to Ryūchi Cave and naturally recognized who she was. Tagorihime was one of the high-ranking figures there.
"Hehehe... Tagorihime, you jest. I'm quite fine as I am."
"As for Senjutsu, I have my own plans."
Seeing the two staring each other down, Kazuyama quickly spoke up.
"Tagorihime, I called you here because I was hoping—on my account—you could modify my sensei's summoning seal."
"My sensei originally signed with Manda, but as you know, Manda's status in Ryūchi Cave isn't all that high."
"Please connect Kinrin to the summoning seal. I'll explain things to her later."
"I'll need her help moving forward."
Turtle Island's location had to be kept extremely secret. No one else could know about it. If Orochimaru wanted to reach the island, he would definitely need the assistance of another serpent.
Kazuyama had decided to entrust this task to Kinrin. With her help, it would all go much more smoothly.
"Hmph. Normally, those who haven't passed Ryūchi Cave's trial can't have their summoning seals altered."
"But for your sake, I'll make an exception—just this once."
Though slightly displeased, Tagorihime extended her pale hand and tapped Orochimaru's arm.
A faint green glow shimmered as the pattern on Orochimaru's arm subtly changed.
He felt it immediately—an entirely new sensation. A connection to a powerful being unlike anything he'd experienced before.
"I've modified your technique. You can now summon Kinrin."
"But I suggest you don't let Manda find out. After all, Kinrin bullied him pretty badly. If he learns that his summoner signed with her..."
"I can't say whether he'd still accept you as his master."
"Kazuyama, anything else?"
Kazuyama shook his head. He had brought Tagorihime here solely for Orochimaru's sake.
She nodded and gave a soft smile, her already gentle features now even more radiant.
"I'm not helping for free, you know."
"It may be a small favor, but Kazuyama, you do know I'm quite fond of snake berries."
Kazuyama laughed and promised he'd send her some. At that moment, Orochimaru suddenly spoke.
"Snake berries?"
"Hold on."
He pulled out a scroll from his robe and handed it to Kazuyama.
"This contains all the snake berries I've collected. When you cleared out the village's entire stock, I thought you'd made some new discovery."
"So every time I went out, I kept an eye out and bought some."
"But after studying them, I realized they're just pungent little fruits. No research value whatsoever."
"If you hadn't brought it up, I would've forgotten all about them."
"There's about 10 kilograms in that scroll. Since Tagorihime likes it, give it to her."
Kazuyama: ...What a thoughtful sensei...
Tagorihime: Twenty kilograms!!!
A flash of green light and the scroll appeared in Tagorihime's hand. She looked at Orochimaru with newfound respect.
"Orochimaru, you're not bad. If you ever need my help, just ask."
"As long as it doesn't violate Ryūchi Cave's principles, I'll lend you a hand—just once."
"Only once. I'm off, Kazuyama."
Poof!
With her prize secured, Tagorihime vanished in a puff of white smoke.
Kazuyama stood there, blinking in confusion.
"Sensei, let's head back. I'll have Turtle Island start moving and detour toward the North Sea."
"Alright."
With the Flying Thunder God activated, Kazuyama and Orochimaru returned to the outskirts of the village.
Back in the lab...
"Kazuyama, you still haven't told me—why the Land of Waterfalls?"
"It's a long story."
Faced with the question, Kazuyama recounted everything that had happened recently.
Of course, he left some details out—like Yugito, for example.
After hearing it all, Orochimaru's expression turned serious.
"So, you sent the Amegakure group to Takigakure and helped them gain a foothold."
"You're planning something with Takigakure?"
Kazuyama nodded without hesitation.
"Sensei, Takigakure isn't weak. Sure, they don't have anyone on par with Hanzō of the Salamander, but the village has always stayed out of worldly affairs."
"All those resources and manpower are just going to waste."
"I sent Yahiko and the others there because I want them to take over from within."
"That way, Takigakure becomes our base. Once you leave the village, you can head to the Land of Waterfalls."
"If you need test subjects, just grab a few from Amegakure. Honestly, if Yahiko finds out, he might even thank you."
Orochimaru thought for a moment, then quickly agreed.
Kazuyama had a point.
Takigakure was one of the few villages that remained neutral in the wars—an ideal hiding place.
And if Kazuyama had already planted the seeds, everything would proceed much more smoothly.
Even for his experiments, having people to help or gather materials would be far easier. He could just post missions in Takigakure.
...
The master and student talked late into the night.
By the time Kazuyama left the lab, it was already dark. He headed straight home.
...
At the Gekkō residence, dinner was unusually quiet.
Since Kazuyama had been declared missing, Pakura hadn't smiled once. Even Ebisami was unusually silent.
"Sis Pakura, Mom, you've been like this for days."
"Big bro Kazuyama will be fine, come on, cheer—ow ow!"
Ebisu, now a Genin, felt helpless seeing both adults like this.
But the moment he opened his mouth, two icy glares shot straight at him, shutting him up instantly.
"If you're done eating, go train!"
"Don't just stand there getting in the way!"
"Wanna get smacked?!"
Ebisami snapped, waving her fists and ready to discipline her son.
Terrified, Ebisu bolted out the door—only to be hurled back in the next second.
"Ahhh!!!"
He screamed as he flew across the yard.
"You brat, you're way too careless."
"You almost ran into me. Looks like someone needs a good lesson."
The voice rang out without revealing the speaker, but it was unmistakably familiar.
That teasing, slightly wicked tone—with just a hint of warmth.
Pakura and Ebisami's eyes widened in shock.