After parting ways with Uzumaki Kushina, Shiranui Riku returned to Orochimaru's base.
Orochimaru was packing up supplies when Riku walked in. Noticing his return, Orochimaru paused, a sly smile curling on his lips. "Didn't feel like spending a little more time with Kushina?"
Riku flushed slightly. "Konoha hasn't been very safe lately. I figured it was best to get her home early."
Orochimaru resumed packing as he casually asked, "Is that so? Have you made your decision yet?"
"Decision?" Riku echoed, confused.
Orochimaru elaborated, "You must already know why Kushina came to Konoha. You don't have many close friends, and you've poured yourself into training with more dedication than most. I'd wager it's largely because of her. Konoha intends to make Kushina the next Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. From the way you treat Lady Mito, I'd say you're not too happy about that idea. As your teacher, I have a pretty good sense of what you're thinking."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"That's why you need to make a choice — soon. Either accept that Kushina will become the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, or do something about it. But if you wait too long, once the decision is finalized, no amount of resistance will change a thing. Mito-sama's health is deteriorating by the day."
Riku stared at Orochimaru, silent for a long time.
The older shinobi didn't seem to notice his gaze, continuing to organize his belongings without pause.
Eventually, Riku asked quietly, "Orochimaru-sensei, there's something I don't understand. You knew, from the beginning, that I would eventually leave Konoha — that I see this village as a cage. So why did you still train me so seriously, knowing that we might become enemies one day?"
Orochimaru looked up and chuckled softly. "Riku, I thought you would understand me by now."
Riku's breath hitched slightly. Deep down, he understood the path Orochimaru was walking — a path that diverged sharply from the village's ideals. Yet even now, Riku couldn't fully grasp his teacher's motivations. By all logic, someone so invested in Konoha's stability should've been more loyal.
But Orochimaru's snake-like eyes gleamed as he answered, "Things like the Will of Fire? They're nothing but shackles. Pretty ideas that people cling to when they're too afraid to question the system. But to me, they mean nothing. I'll discard them the moment they stand in my way."
He picked up a sealed scroll, tossing it into his bag.
"Life is too short to be afraid. But even so, we both know — in this ninja world, having an identity is a necessity. A role to play. That's why I remain part of this village."
Riku narrowed his eyes. "Then… will you help me?"
Orochimaru shook his head, his voice calm. "As your teacher? No. But if you can offer something valuable enough — something that truly interests me — then yes, we can work together. As partners."
Riku's lips lifted in a confident smile. "Then let me be clear too, Orochimaru-sensei. I've made my decision. I already have a plan. And I hope, someday, we can cooperate as equals — as partners."
Intrigued, Orochimaru smiled. "I'll look forward to that. But Kushina is crucial to Konoha's plans. She's the backup for the Nine-Tails. I'm curious what kind of solution you've come up with."
Riku's eyes sparkled. "Lady Mito is still alive. Kushina is only a candidate. Konoha values her because of her unique Uzumaki physique. So… why not find another Uzumaki with a similar bloodline to serve as an alternative backup?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "Ah, so you've located one of the lost Uzumaki?"
Riku shook his head. "Not yet. But I've found a lead. I'm confident I can track them down if I follow the trail carefully."
Orochimaru leaned back slightly, his curiosity piqued. "And what if the trail goes cold?"
Riku was silent for a moment, then replied with quiet determination, "Then it depends on how strong I've become by that point."
Orochimaru studied him, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You're a bold one, Riku."
Riku met his gaze. "I believe I still have time. That moment isn't here yet. For now, I just need to grow stronger. When the time comes, I'll have more options — and I'll come up with more solutions."
Orochimaru nodded. "True. The stronger you are, the more paths open before you."
He pulled out a folder and handed it to Riku.
"Your progress has been impressive. After analyzing the memories of the three Cloud ninja, we've confirmed that two were Special Jonin and one was a full Jonin. The three disguised themselves as pirates but were actually spies from the Hidden Mist, investigating the Land of Fire. They've already confessed everything."
Orochimaru's tone grew slightly lighter.
"With achievements like yours, unless something unexpected happens, you'll officially become a Chunin tomorrow. If it weren't for the current peacetime, you might've already qualified as a Special Jonin — maybe even a Jonin."
Riku wasn't surprised by the promotion. He had already planned to use the capture of the Hidden Mist spies and the defeat of the Cloud ninja to earn his advancement.
"Well then," Orochimaru concluded, "get a good night's rest. Once we reach the battlefield in the Land of Hot Springs, there won't be time to relax."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sensei."
Riku bowed and returned to his room. As he lay on the bed, his mind replayed the conversation with Orochimaru. Their exchange had been more than just a discussion — it was a quiet, subtle confrontation.
And now, Riku was sure.
Orochimaru had begun his path toward forbidden knowledge. Toward the pursuit of immortality.
Which meant… Riku no longer had to worry about him as a loyal pawn of Konoha.
They were now walking parallel paths, each with their own purpose.
The next morning
Before the sun had even risen, Riku and Orochimaru met with the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. As expected, Riku was officially granted the rank of Chunin.
After a brief conversation between Sarutobi and Orochimaru, the two left the Hokage Tower and headed toward Konoha's main gate, preparing to depart for the battlefield in the Land of Hot Springs.
To Riku's surprise — though part of him had half expected it — someone was already waiting at the gate.
Uzumaki Kushina.
She stood there wrapped in a warm cloak, cheeks red from the early morning chill.
Riku approached her, gently cupping her face with his hand. "You should've slept a little longer."
"I couldn't sleep," she whispered. "Just thinking about you leaving for so long… I had to come see you off."
Riku smiled warmly. "Don't worry about me. I'll write you letters and have my snake deliver them. And if you ever miss me, you can send a letter back with the same snake."
Kushina held out her pinky finger with a bright grin. "Then it's a promise!"
Riku linked his pinky with hers. "It's a promise."
With their farewell sealed, Riku and Orochimaru departed, setting out for the distant battlefield awaiting them in the Land of Hot Springs.