Sarutobi Hiruzen took out his pipe from his chest, casually lit it, and took a gentle puff.
Pale white smoke slowly rose, gradually filling the Hokage's Office.
"You may freely mobilize the ninja of the Medical Corps, Tsunade."
He looked at Tsunade, his tone growing more serious. "How many people know about this matter so far?"
Tsunade waved away the smoke before her, frowning as she replied, "Up to now, aside from Shinji himself, only those present here are aware."
"Oh?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was slightly surprised.
His gaze swept over Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Shizune, who had been standing behind Tsunade all along.
Shinji hadn't informed the Uchiha clan head and elders first, but instead told Tsunade?
It seemed that in this child's heart, his trust in Tsunade surpassed that of his clan.
A glint of satisfaction flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes as he nodded slightly.
Truly an outstanding ninja he had taken notice of, one who inherited the Will of Fire.
He cleared his throat and spoke solemnly, "This matter must be kept confidential by everyone present."
Sarutobi Hiruzen first instructed those in the room, then turned his gaze to Tsunade.
"Tsunade, since you've become Shinji's teacher, you must act like one. Such a promising seedling must be nurtured with care."
Tsunade curled her lip. "Old man, I know how to handle this. No need for you to interfere."
"I just hope you can shield him from some trouble."
She still wanted to leave the village, but as Shinji's teacher, she ought to leave him some protection.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was already accustomed to her attitude, though it gave him a slight headache.
Shinji's potential might not be inferior to that of the Sannin in the future.
He awakened the Sharingan at a young age, possessed such a reliable temperament, and now had awakened Storm Release.
Most importantly, Danzo must never be allowed to lay hands on Shinji.
Given Danzo's obsession with the Uchiha, he might use this child for unsavory schemes.
He must secure Shinji firmly under his own protection before Danzo could act!
He gently placed his pipe on the table, his expression grave. "Later, I will personally speak with Shinji. At critical moments, I will intervene."
Seeing her objective achieved, Tsunade didn't linger. "In that case, I'll head to the Medical Corps now."
"Shizune, let's go."
She nodded to Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru, then turned and left the Hokage's Office with Shizune.
Shizune quickly followed.
Watching Tsunade's departing figure, a flicker passed through Orochimaru's eyes.
Having been directly refused by Tsunade, he naturally wouldn't shamelessly force his way after her.
After all, he wasn't a thick-skinned fellow like Jiraiya.
But there were plenty of ways to uncover Uchiha Shinji's secrets.
Now that he knew of Uchiha Shinji's special existence, all he needed to do was gather information properly.
Opportunities would always arise, wouldn't they?
Orochimaru gave a sinister smile, his long tongue lightly licking the corner of his mouth.
For now, he had more pressing matters to attend to.
He turned to look at his teacher. "Sarutobi-sensei, about my application to construct several additional laboratories?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen rubbed his temples. "How much do you need?"
"Not much, just a few million ryo."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "..."
...
Meanwhile, after leaving Tsunade's house, Shinji didn't return to the Uchiha compound but went straight to Konoha Hospital.
The receptionist who greeted him was the same nurse from last time.
"Here to see Rin?" She covered her mouth with a light laugh. "She happens to be on break. I'll call her for you."
With that, she trotted into the hospital interior.
Before long, Nohara Rin walked out quickly, her face flushed.
Shinji smiled and waved in greeting. "Rin, do you have time?"
On the rooftop of Konoha Hospital, on that familiar bench.
He sat side by side with Rin.
"Rin, have you felt any discomfort since returning to the village?"
Shinji looked at her with concern.
He had wanted to visit yesterday, but Kurenai Yuhi's presence made it impossible.
Today, as soon as he left Tsunade's place, he rushed over, feeling somewhat ashamed inwardly.
Nohara Rin met his gaze and replied softly with a smile, "I'm completely fine now, no aftereffects at all."
She raised her hand to touch her chest.
Even now, she could hardly believe it. Though her heart had been pierced by a wooden spike, she was now completely healed, with even the trap inside her body gone.
She knew very well that all of this was thanks to Shinji.
Her gaze toward Shinji unconsciously held a touch of tender affection.
Shinji gently stroked her hair and said softly, "That's good."
Nohara Rin smiled and began telling him about the past couple of days.
Minato Namikaze had returned to the village. She and Kakashi reported their patrol mission to Minato together.
As agreed, neither mentioned a word about Shinji.
Aside from the three of them, no one knew what truly happened during that mission.
"Thank you so much, Rin."
Shinji took Rin's hand and expressed his gratitude.
Nohara Rin's cheeks warmed as she obediently rested her head on his shoulder.
The two quietly leaned against each other for a moment.
Soon, Rin had duty shifts, so Shinji reluctantly bid her farewell. They agreed that later, he would invite Rin to his home.
Over the next few days, Shinji became a master of time management, juggling between Tsunade, Kurenai Yuhi, and Nohara Rin, all while not neglecting his training.
Deep within the Dark Forest.
A deep blue-white lightning suddenly erupted from Shinji's palm. The Chidori vibrated intensely in his hand, its sound like a thousand birds chirping in unison.
His Sharingan precisely locked onto a giant tree ahead. His figure flashed, his arm thrust forward, and the lightning shot straight out.
Crack—!
The trunk, thick enough to require two arms to encircle, was pierced by the Chidori, shattered, and finally collapsed with a crash.
Without pausing, the lightning surged again. One, then another giant tree was pierced and severed in succession.
Wherever the Chidori passed, wood splinters flew, and the air instantly filled with the scorched smell left by Lightning Release.
Shinji lightly shook his hand, and the electrical light in his palm instantly dissipated.
He took a deep breath.
"Whew, I've finally grasped the basics of Chidori."
After his exchange with Kakashi a few days prior and his own diligent training, he had finally mastered this S-rank Lightning Release Ninjutsu.
Now, armed with Chidori and Storm Release: Laser Circus—one for close range, one for long—even without activating the Mangekyo Sharingan, he could handle various situations adequately.
Shinji looked up at the darkening sky, turned, and left the Dark Forest, returning to his home.
Midnight.
In Shinji's bedroom, he was already deep in sleep.
At that moment, his bedroom door was silently pushed open a crack.
A small snake slowly crawled in, propping itself up in the center of the room.
The next moment, the snake's mouth suddenly gaped open. An arm stretched out from within, followed by a head, the upper body...
Finally, a figure slowly emerged from the snake's mouth, covered in sticky fluid. Upon landing, it made not a single sound.
Orochimaru gazed at the sleeping Shinji on the bed, licked his lips, a greedy and eerie smile flickering in his eyes as he slowly approached step by step.