Splash—
The sound of heavy objects falling into the water, accompanied by the crackling of sparks, rang out in the quiet forest.
Then, fish, as if jumping excessively, flew from the water's surface to the shore, caught by Gojo Yoru and Uzumaki Kushina.
The two skillfully used kunai to kill the fish, removed the internal organs, washed them clean, and then skewered them next to the fire to start grilling.
It wasn't until all the bamboo skewers were used up that no more fish flew out of the water.
As a huge bubble surfaced on the water, the Shadow Clone acting as a tool automatically dispelled at the bottom of the pool.
It was currently dusk. Neither Gojo Yoru nor Uzumaki Kushina went home but instead had a picnic outside for dinner.
For the past two months, they often did this.
After Uzumaki Mito died, Uzumaki Kushina rarely ate dinner at the mansion.
Although Tsunade and Nawaki were very friendly to her, Uzumaki Kushina still felt a sense of guilt in front of them.
Because Uzumaki Mito could have actually lived for a while longer; it was she who caused the other party to end her life prematurely.
So Uzumaki Kushina was somewhat afraid to face them.
Moreover, in front of this pair of siblings, Uzumaki Kushina, who couldn't even be considered a relative, always felt out of place.
Before, there was Uzumaki Mito, a clansman, but now Uzumaki Kushina only felt like a parasite.
She didn't want to, and was even a little afraid to return to that mansion which had become desolate.
Noticing this, Gojo Yoru also tried to change the status quo, allowing Uzumaki Kushina to give the Rasengan to Nawaki as a birthday gift.
This would not only bring them closer but also help Uzumaki Kushina successfully obtain the Senju Clan's secret techniques.
The Rasengan was one of the Ninjutsu most suitable for the Uzumaki and Senju clans. Gojo Yoru didn't believe that Nawaki, who was extremely similar to Uzumaki Naruto, wouldn't be tempted.
However, Nawaki's birthday was still some time away, and Uzumaki Kushina hadn't made a decision or taken action yet.
"It smells so good. Can I join you?"
The grilled fish soon turned golden on both sides, sizzling with oil.
Just as Gojo Yoru and Uzumaki Kushina sprinkled seasoning and were about to start eating...
A familiar yet unfamiliar voice suddenly reached their ears.
Both were startled.
When he saw clearly who the speaker was, Gojo Yoru said with a look of pleasant surprise, "Orochimaru-sensei!"
"Sensei?!" Uzumaki Kushina was startled again and hurriedly re-examined the person who spoke.
Long black hair, purple eye shadow, golden vertical pupils, handsome features, pale skin, and the Jonin flak jacket representing his status.
So Gojo Yoru also had a teacher, and a Jonin at that. This was the first time Uzumaki Kushina knew about this.
Thinking of this, Uzumaki Kushina couldn't help but pout, feeling a little moody.
She thought she and Gojo Yoru had revealed everything to each other; she even knew the location of the Gojo family's treasure vault.
Unexpectedly, Gojo Yoru still kept things from her.
Seeing Gojo Yoru blurt out "Sensei" instead of "-sama," the corners of Orochimaru's mouth curled up slightly, his mood very pleasant.
"Long time no see. You've grown taller again." Orochimaru walked over with a smile.
"Yes, long time no see."
Gojo Yoru stood up to give his seat to Orochimaru and sat next to Uzumaki Kushina, introducing him to her: "This is one of the Hokage's personal disciples and also Tsunade-sama's teammate. The scroll on nature transformation we trained with was a gift from Orochimaru-sensei."
Gojo Yoru continued to shamelessly maintain that form of address.
Uzumaki Kushina was so shocked she hurriedly stood up and stammered, "O... Orochimaru-sensei, h... hello."
Recovering her senses, Uzumaki Kushina's small face instantly turned as red as the evening glow at dusk.
Too shameful! She actually called him Sensei instead of -sama. This, this, this...
"Hello. No need to be nervous, sit down first."
Orochimaru wouldn't tease the girl's innocence and shyness like Jiraiya. Instead, he responded with a polite smile, his voice full of warmth.
Orochimaru, who hadn't joined Root or pursued immortality yet, was the most perfect inheritor of the Will of Fire in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.
Same all-attributes, same excellent Ninjutsu talent, and powerful combat achievements. In many people's eyes, Orochimaru was the strongest candidate for the Fourth Hokage.
A certain "Pot King" whose dream was also to become Hokage had long regarded him as his greatest enemy.
In Gojo Yoru's eyes, the current Orochimaru was an even better backer than Jiraiya.
Not only was his strength comprehensive and he possessed treasures, but he also represented the Will of the Hokage.
If he could become his disciple, rather than a subordinate, and with the bond of Uzumaki Kushina, Gojo Yoru could walk sideways in Konoha in the future.
Given Orochimaru's generous personality, as long as he gained his approval, Gojo Yoru wouldn't lack Ninjutsu, Forbidden Jutsu, or Senjutsu in the future.
So Gojo Yoru was very curious about Orochimaru's purpose for coming here.
As for a coincidental encounter, that was impossible.
"Orochimaru-sensei, please taste my cooking."
As soon as Orochimaru sat down, Gojo Yoru handed over a seasoned grilled fish.
"Good skill."
Orochimaru took it, tasted a bite, and gave a good evaluation.
As for scenes of eyes lighting up and feeling amazed, naturally, that wouldn't happen.
With Orochimaru's status, what delicacies hadn't he eaten?
Seeing Orochimaru just eating silently, Gojo Yoru handed a skewer of seasoned grilled fish to Uzumaki Kushina and then actively sought a topic: "Orochimaru-sensei, did you just come back from a mission?"
"More or less. I went to the border to hand over work." Orochimaru smiled meaningfully. "For a long time to come, I will be on vacation."
"Really?" Gojo Yoru's eyes lit up immediately. "Then can you guide Kushina and me in our training?"
Uzumaki Kushina also looked at the Hokage's personal disciple with anticipation.
"Since you called me Sensei, naturally, that's not a problem."
Orochimaru put the eaten fish bones into the dirt pit and smiled at Gojo Yoru: "Actually, I came to find you this time representing the Principal's will."
"Could it be..." Gojo Yoru instantly understood Orochimaru's meaning.
Orochimaru nodded and actively persuaded, "Since your hiding has become ineffective, don't waste time at the Ninja Academy. Why don't you graduate early and follow me?"
Before Gojo Yoru could speak, Uzumaki Kushina asked excitedly, "Does the school want Yoru and me to graduate early together?"
"Although I also really hope to take you as a disciple, you should know that it's impossible." Orochimaru shook his head and said with a heavy expression, "Your special status destines that you cannot leave the village freely before you can suppress that monster."
Uzumaki Kushina's face instantly darkened.
To prevent Uzumaki Kushina's emotions from swaying Gojo Yoru's decision, Orochimaru added fuel to the fire: "So the higher-ups hope I can nurture Gojo Yoru, allowing his strength to improve rapidly so he can help you suppress that monster. Moreover, graduating early isn't separating you two. As long as Gojo Yoru trains in the village, you can join us at any time."
Uzumaki Kushina's eyes lit up; she no longer felt that Orochimaru was here to separate them.
Gojo Yoru, who had wanted to say something, also fell into deep thought.
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