Naruto: Starting with Creating a Genius Persona

Chapter 117 Encountering a Snake

Late March, Konoha Year 46.

Shinichi Higashino walked along the familiar main road of Konoha, heading towards the small training ground where Team 10 usually gathered.

Today, a different kind of oppressive and restless atmosphere permeates the streets and alleys.

The villagers gathered in twos and threes, close together, exchanging information in hushed tones, and whispers of conversation arose.

"Have you heard? What about Sunagakure...?"

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"The Third Kazekage hasn't been around for three months..."

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"I've heard that Sunagakure has been searching everywhere for the past few months, and something seems amiss..."

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"They're said to have gone missing, and their fate is currently unknown..."

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"His fate is unknown? Fine, then he's dead!"

The Third Kazekage has disappeared.

This bombshell news, though not yet officially confirmed, has already spread like wildfire throughout the major ninja nations.

For three months, the man who was hailed as the strongest Kazekage in history did not appear in any public setting.

Sunagakure's initial explanation for this was that they were in seclusion for spiritual training, but later it became vague and even contradictory.

What raises even more suspicion is the recent actions of Sunagakure, while the other four great nations are busy expanding their armies, preparing for war, and strengthening their border defenses.

The ninjas of Sunagakure were unusually active in large numbers within the Land of Wind and even in surrounding small countries, their movements secretive and their purpose unclear, as if they were urgently searching for something important.

As a result, speculation about the disappearance of the Third Kazekage spread like wildfire, and as time went on, various details and inside information were embellished and spread, making it seem increasingly plausible.

In the past few months, the Sand Village's high-ranking officials, who had been anxious and seemingly lost their minds, finally realized the potentially disastrous consequences of the escalating suspicions from the outside world. So, a few days ago, they hastily arranged a so-called public appearance for the "Third Kazekage" to give a brief speech to all the villagers and ninjas.

However, this performance, intended to reassure the public and dispel doubts, had the opposite effect in the eyes of many with ulterior motives, especially intelligence agents from various factions lurking in Sunagakure.

Because the "Kazekage" who appeared did not display any of his signature Magnet Release ninjutsu during his entire appearance.

This attempt to cover up the truth only confirmed the outside world's speculation.

The Third Kazekage, the pillar of Sunagakure, has likely met with some serious trouble, and most likely, he has met with a terrible fate.

Shinichi walked silently through the streets filled with whispers and worries, taking in all this information without showing any change on his face.

What was bound to happen has finally happened.

Shinichi thought silently, his steps unwavering, as he turned into a relatively quiet path leading to the training ground. Just as he passed a corner...

A tall, thin figure appeared out of nowhere and approached them. The two men looked at each other at the same time. Standing in front of them was a man dressed in a light white kimono and wearing a Jonin vest.

He was tall and thin, with long black hair cascading over his shoulders. His face was an almost sickly pale, as if he had never seen the sun in years. A faint, enigmatic smile habitually lingered at the corners of his mouth.

His long, golden eyes, with pupils like those of a snake, were now quietly observing Shinichi with a hint of surprise.

Orochimaru.

"Oh?" A hint of amusement flashed in Orochimaru's golden snake eyes, his smile deepened, and his voice was low, husky, and magnetic: "It's Shinichi-kun. What a coincidence."

"Lord Orochimaru." Shinichi stopped in his tracks, his face showing a mixture of politeness and slight surprise, and bowed slightly.

"I'm so glad to finally see you, Shinichi-kun."

Orochimaru took a half step forward and chuckled, "Speaking of which, I've long admired Shinichi-kun. His amazing performance in the arena last month was truly impressive. It's a pity I wasn't there to witness Shinichi-kun's brilliance firsthand."

Orochimaru licked his lips and continued, "However, Shinichi-kun's talent and abilities, hehe, truly keep surprising people."

"You flatter me," Shinichi said calmly. "I only did my best; I don't deserve such praise."

"Being overly modest can sometimes cause you to miss out on interesting things." Orochimaru looked at him with great interest, his eyes seemingly able to see through appearances: "I've heard that Shinichi is also quite accomplished in medical ninjutsu, able to work independently in the hospital at such a young age, and even Tsunade often praises him."

At this point, Orochimaru tilted his head slightly, as if it were just a casual remark: "I'm currently conducting some interesting research and happen to need a meticulous assistant with considerable medical knowledge. I wonder if Shinichi-kun would be interested in helping me for a while?"

"Perhaps you'll see some sights you wouldn't see in regular medical courses, who knows, haha..."

Upon hearing this, Shinichi was taken aback, his face showing surprise. After a moment of silence, he replied, "It is my honor to be valued by Lord Orochimaru. However, I need to consider this matter and obtain Tsunade-sensei's consent first."

"Hehe, of course." Orochimaru didn't seem surprised by the answer, nor did he appear anxious. He simply smiled and said, "Then think it over carefully, Shinichi-kun. I have high expectations for a genius like you."

Having said that, he said no more, passed by Shinichi, and continued walking along the path, his long black hair swaying gently with each step.

Not far ahead, around the corner, a tall, blond figure emerged.

"Orochimaru?" Tsunade crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "What a rare guest. I hardly ever see you all year round. I never expected to run into you here today."

Orochimaru stopped and faced his former comrade, his smile becoming more genuine: "Likewise. As for you, Tsunade, you look much more energetic than a few years ago. It seems you've become the Tsunade I used to know again."

Tsunade snorted lightly, ignoring the topic, and simply said, "Don't give me that crap. What were you saying to my student just now?"

"It's nothing, we just chatted for a bit. Shinichi-kun is indeed a very interesting young man." Orochimaru said casually, "Alright, Tsunade, I have something to do, so I'll take my leave first."

After saying this, he nodded and left on his own.

Tsunade watched his retreating figure, her brows furrowing slightly, before turning and walking towards Shinichi.

"What did that guy say to you?" She walked up to Shinichi and asked directly.

Shinichi didn't hide anything and answered truthfully, "Lord Orochimaru said that he is currently conducting some research and needs an assistant with medical knowledge. He asked if I was interested in going and told me to think it over."

"Assistant?" Tsunade repeated, arms crossed, deep in thought. "He certainly knows how to pick people, choosing you as his assistant."

She then glanced at Shinichi and asked casually, "So, what do you think?"

Shinichi pondered for a moment and said, "Lord Orochimaru's talent and abilities are both top-notch. It would be a rare opportunity to learn from him. However, this matter is sudden, and I am not sure what to do right now. What does Tsunade-sensei think?"

Upon hearing this, Tsunade thought for a moment and said, "It's your own business. It's up to you. Orochimaru is indeed a top-notch talent. If you can learn something real from him, it will definitely help your future path."

Changing the subject, she added, "However, that guy's research style and ideas can be quite unique at times, even a bit unconventional. If you really want to go, keep your eyes open and your mind sharp. Learn what you need to learn, ask what you need to ask, but you also need to have your own judgment."

Seemingly remembering something, Tsunade added with a hint of disgust and helplessness, "Also, remember this! Never learn his gloomy, mystical ways and strange habits! Don't let him lead you astray."

"I understand." Zhen nodded.

"Good, that's all." Tsunade waved her hand. "Let's go, Shizune and Kurenai are probably getting impatient."

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