Anko's former Cursed Seal had often caused her pain, sometimes leaving her entire body weak.
But seeing how overweight she was now, she gritted her teeth, stomped her foot, and said, "I don't care if I have to get the Cursed Seal again. I just can't stand looking like this anymore."
After she spoke, she heard Orochimaru respond. "Then I shall grant your wish."
Orochimaru grabbed Anko by the shoulder, lowered his head, and bit the side of her neck in the exact same spot as before.
A searing pain shot through her, just like the day she had first received the Cursed Seal.
"Ah...!" Anko cried out as her eyes rolled back into her head, and she collapsed to the floor.
Orochimaru caught her with one arm and laid her down on the bed behind them.
Just then, Karin entered the room and said to Orochimaru, "Lord Orochimaru, the Third Hokage is here."
Orochimaru nodded. "I know. You may leave."
Orochimaru walked out of the room just as the Third Hokage entered alone.
"Old man, your reputation is ruined in your final years," Orochimaru said with a smirk.
The Third Hokage showed no sign of despair on his face; it seemed he had already accepted this outcome.
"I was about to retire anyway, so it doesn't matter. You, on the other hand, won't be able to slack off anymore."
The Third Hokage had clashed with Kawasaki many times and knew how difficult he was to deal with. Although this incident was troublesome, at worst, it would only force him to completely relinquish his power.
He had already transferred his assets and influence to his clan. Even if he could no longer be Hokage, he could still focus on raising Asuma. If Asuma didn't work out, there was still Konohamaru. The Sarutobi clan had grown so large that as long as it existed, the title of Sixth or Seventh Hokage was bound to fall to them eventually.
Hearing the Third's words, Orochimaru snorted. "You were the one who promised I wouldn't have to deal with political affairs. Now you're dumping it all on me."
The Third Hokage took a drag from his pipe. "I have no choice. At this point, if I continue to handle these matters, the other elders will object."
Orochimaru said with feigned reluctance, "Very well. What are your plans for the elders?"
"As long as you say nothing, they can't do anything to me. However, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado will likely have to retire."
Orochimaru thought for a moment. "As for the members of the Sarutobi clan who voted, let's assign them to the Anbu for now. We can reconsider after things have quieted down."
As long as they were in the Anbu, the other elders couldn't summon them without the Hokage's permission.
The Third agreed that this was a good solution. "Yes, that will work."
"Where is Naruto now?" Orochimaru asked the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage replied with a hint of resignation, "Tsunade took him. He's always been close to her, often eating meals with her."
"Tsunade is unreliable. Left like this, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki will eventually lose control," Orochimaru said.
The Third agreed. "I was just about to discuss that with you. Now that Naruto has graduated, he needs a reliable teacher to watch over him."
"Do you have anyone suitable in mind?"
"I was thinking of Kakashi."
Hearing this, Orochimaru slowly shook his head. "Kakashi is currently obsessed with training. It's unlikely he would agree to become an instructor."
The Third had a good idea why Kakashi was training so intensely, but it wasn't something he could speak about.
"Then it seems we have no suitable candidates." The Third grew worried. The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's teacher needed to be someone with considerable skill who was absolutely loyal to the Hokage. Kakashi had become distant, and the Third had no other suitable subordinates.
He intended for Asuma to lead the new Ino-Shika-Cho trio. Even though he himself would no longer be Hokage, the Sarutobi clan still needed allies. Kurenai Yuhi's skills were a bit lacking; she would likely be overwhelmed by Naruto. His plan was for her to lead a team with children from the Inuzuka, Aburame, and Hyuga clans.
The Third Hokage suddenly remembered that he was retired and Orochimaru was about to take over. He turned to Orochimaru and asked, "Do you have any ideas?"
Orochimaru pretended to think for a moment. "Actually, I do have a suitable candidate."
"Oh?" The Third Hokage's curiosity was piqued. "Who is it?"
Orochimaru didn't answer directly. Instead, he turned and pressed a button on the wall.
"Karin, have 'Number One' come and meet Lord Third Hokage."
The Third Hokage asked curiously, "One of your personal guards? How skilled is he?"
Orochimaru recalled Minato's feats on the battlefield, tearing through enemies with the Flying Thunder God Technique. "Hm, a bit stronger than Kakashi, I'd say."
The Third nodded in satisfaction. If this person was one of Orochimaru's personal guards, then his loyalty was certainly not in question. Kakashi was no slouch. Even though he had lost his Sharingan, his taijutsu had been improving at a remarkable rate lately. The Third Hokage had heard from Might Guy that Guy had been losing more often recently... If this man was even stronger than Kakashi, his abilities were not to be underestimated.
A few moments later, the heavily cloaked Number One appeared.
"Lord Orochimaru. Lord Third Hokage."
Orochimaru noticed Minato's hand sign and gave him a subtle gesture in return.
Understanding, Orochimaru said, "From now on, you will be Naruto's team leader. Do you understand? And you no longer need to wear a mask."
Number One replied in a low voice and removed his mask and other coverings.
The Third Hokage saw a man with black hair and a generic face. He didn't recognize him, but there was a strange sense of familiarity.
Minato thought to himself, 'It's a good thing I wore a wig and colored contacts. Jugo's ability is incredible; it even changed my facial structure. The Third Hokage didn't recognize me at all.'
Orochimaru then commanded, "Show the Third your Rasengan."
Number One immediately held out his hand, and a swirling sphere of chakra formed in his palm.
The Third Hokage was stunned for a moment. Then he clapped his hands, looking very pleased.
The Rasengan was no easy jutsu to master. It was Minato's signature technique, after all. He had arranged for many members of the Sarutobi clan to try and learn it, but none had succeeded. He never expected that one of Orochimaru's subordinates would have mastered it.
Moreover, Number One seemed to use it effortlessly. It was clear he was extremely proficient with the technique. And did his chakra contain some kind of special energy? The Third Hokage mused to himself. It seemed Orochimaru's subordinates were quite formidable.
He said to Orochimaru with great satisfaction, "This is a truly talented individual. What's his name?"
"Shingo," Orochimaru replied, making up a name on the spot.
"I will gradually withdraw the Anbu who are monitoring Naruto. Shingo can take full responsibility."
This wasn't something he needed to consult the Third about, but hearing it still made the old man happy. His student was truly reliable.
Orochimaru continued, "I will make the arrangements with the Academy. Tomorrow, you will report there as a Jonin. I will also find you a place to live near Naruto. From now on, you'll be neighbors."
Shingo responded with a neutral expression, "Understood, Lord Orochimaru."
Orochimaru waved a hand, dismissing Shingo.
Though he appeared calm on the surface, Shingo was incredibly excited inside.
After all, Naruto was the village's greatest power.