Konoha Village, Hokage Building.
Sunlight filtered through the window and spilled across the floor of the Hokage's office. Hiruzen Sarutobi stood by the window, holding his pipe.
"Kiyoshi, you handled the mission in the Land of Demons very well this time."
Hiruzen said with a satisfied smile.
"Not only was the mission completed successfully, but the Daimyō of the Land of Demons also personally sent a letter of gratitude."
He tapped the ash from his pipe.
This mission was originally only a shrine maiden escort job, but Kiyoshi's performance added unexpected achievements.
He had demonstrated the intelligence and adaptability of Konoha shinobi in crisis situations.
This would further enhance Konoha's reputation, making clients more willing to entrust missions to the village.
Kiyoshi slightly lowered his head.
"Lord Hokage flatters me. I only did what was expected of a Konoha shinobi. And this success also depended on others, especially Lord Minato…"
He did not take all credit for himself, acknowledging the contributions of others.
"We really went through quite a lot."
Asuma Sarutobi spoke with a lollipop in his mouth, only the wooden stick sticking out.
While Kiyoshi assisted the shrine maiden outside, they had also fought numerous clay soldiers and were left exhausted.
"Haha, good work. Minato, Yuki, take some rest for now."
Minato quickly tried to refuse politely.
Yuki Mizunuki had both arms wrapped in bandages—injuries that Kiyoshi had previously wrapped for him during the journey.
However, no advanced treatment had been performed due to lack of proper equipment, and his condition had worsened. The wound had even begun to fester.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Yuki nodded. He was indeed in no condition for missions.
After distributing rewards, Hiruzen dismissed them.
Then he continued smoking his pipe alone.
With his son Asuma participating in the mission, Hiruzen felt a small sense of pride.
But another concern weighed on him more heavily.
Tensions in the shinobi world were increasing. His wife, Biwako Sarutobi, had been complaining about shortages of medical personnel in the hospital.
Thinking for a moment, Hiruzen called a meeting to discuss war preparedness.
…
Night.
Hyūga Clan Compound.
After the meeting, Hiashi Hyūga gathered clan members with a serious expression.
"Lord Hokage stated today that the situation in the shinobi world is unstable. War may break out at any time."
"We must prepare thoroughly and adjust our relations with other clans—especially the Uchiha."
Hiashi had heard repeated praise for Minato's team and Kiyoshi's performance.
Given Kiyoshi's talent in the Chūnin Exams, he decided the clan should shift its policy.
In times of war, strength mattered more than anything else.
The Uchiha were clearly valuable allies.
Among the clan members, Hyūga Silverflower's expression subtly changed upon hearing "Uchiha."
So Kiyoshi had been away on a mission…
Her mood darkened slightly.
Her fiancé, Hyūga Shinhiko, noticed her reaction.
"Silverflower, what's wrong?"
"I-it's nothing."
She quickly shook her head.
Her thoughts drifted to Hyūga Summer, a branch family member who served her.
Summer, however, remained silent—aware of the Caged Bird Seal on her forehead.
Silverflower calmed herself.
"As long as I explain things properly to Kiyoshi… this will all disappear quietly."
…
Kiyoshi returned home, showered, and changed clothes.
Space inside sealing scrolls was limited, so he only carried one spare outfit. After more than half a month outside, it was far from enough.
After washing up, he casually dropped a piece of meat into a metal plate on the floor.
"Hiss…"
A white snake immediately crawled over and began eating.
Kiyoshi treated his summon like a dog.
However a dog was raised, the snake was raised the same way.
"I need to make Sunagakure fall into chaos first… then I'll have an excuse to connect with Mikoto."
He wiped his hair while thinking.
The war would last for years, gradually escalating.
For now, things were still in an early phase.
If Sunagakure fell into chaos, he could gain more advantages—and improve himself further.
More importantly, the Uchiha would be involved in the war.
That meant Mikoto and Fugaku would not form their bond too early.
He could potentially interfere before it was too late.
Just thinking about it made his Sharingan chakra fluctuate slightly.
His path toward the three-tomoe stage was becoming clearer.
"First, I'll go get some benefits from Orochimaru."
He dried his hair using a fire-infused chakra blade.
Konoha did not have hair dryers.
Meanwhile, progress on the "Shrine Maiden Sealing Technique (Green)" trait had begun to rise.
Once complete, it would evolve into a blue-tier trait.
The next day, Kiyoshi went to Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru-sama."
The moment Kiyoshi entered, Orochimaru already sensed him.
He possessed Yang Release perception.
"Kiyoshi-kun… what brings you here?"
Orochimaru smiled thinly.
He was genuinely pleased.
If not for constraints involving Yakushi Nono still being in Konoha, he would have taken Kiyoshi as a disciple or assistant already.
Unlike Anko, Kiyoshi was far superior.
Talent, intelligence, and insight… everything he admired.
"I apologize for the sudden visit."
Kiyoshi smiled calmly.
"Hah… someone like you is always welcome."
Orochimaru licked his lips.
He meant it sincerely.
Kiyoshi reminded him of himself.
A genius who pursued truth without blind ignorance.
"If you brought me fruit… then I suppose I should give you something in return."
Orochimaru gestured, and Anko appeared, carrying the items away.
Kiyoshi then presented several mutated corpses from the Land of Demons.
"This is…"
Orochimaru's golden snake-like eyes sharpened instantly.
He examined them carefully.
"A fascinating chakra…"
"Keep bringing me more of these if you find them."
He was clearly interested.
After some exchange, Kiyoshi asked for wind-style ninjutsu.
Orochimaru handed him a scroll.
"Wind Release: Chakra Blade Sheath."
A C-rank technique designed to coat weapons with wind chakra.
Kiyoshi accepted it and thanked him.
Afterward, Anko happily drank leftover red bean soup, while Orochimaru watched.
Then he spoke:
"I will take you as my disciple, Anko."
"Eh?!"
"However… you must get closer to Kiyoshi."
"…Huh?"