Shindai, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin Nohara were returning to Konoha.
Shindai was packing his belongings in his tent.
However, Shindai was deep in thought.
Because with this rendezvous with Minato Namikaze, it was highly likely that a series of events would soon unfold.
First, the Stone Ninja would crush Obito with rocks, then Uchiha Madara would rescue Obito and brainwash him.
While brainwashing Obito, Rin Nohara would be made the Three-Tails Jinchuriki, originally intended to destroy Konoha, but Kakashi intercepted, killing Rin Nohara.
Finally, Rin Nohara died, Obito turned dark, and Kakashi became withdrawn.
That was the sequence of events.
If things went smoothly and Obito wasn't crushed by the Stone Ninja's rocks, then none of the subsequent events would occur.
But Shindai didn't believe it would be that smooth.
Obito was chosen by Uchiha Madara; how could he give up on Obito so easily?
If it didn't work the first time, there would surely be a second; if not the second, then a third. They wouldn't give up on Obito so easily.
So he had to keep an eye on Obito at all times.
No, it couldn't just be Obito; Kakashi and Rin Nohara also needed to be watched.
If they couldn't get to Obito, they might use Kakashi and Rin Nohara as a breakthrough.
Wait, that's not right, there's also him, he could also be used as a breakthrough.
Returning to Konoha this time, he should be able to rest for a few days, and by then, he would need to figure out how to make some preparations.
Shindai's heart involuntarily tensed up.
After all, Uchiha Madara's name was too famous; even if he was a toothless Hiruzen Sarutobi now, he was still terrifying, not to mention having a filial son helping Uchiha Madara by his side.
After packing his things, Shindai and Kakashi met up and immediately set off for Konoha.
A few days later.
Shindai, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin Nohara finally arrived in Konoha.
Everyone first went to see Hiruzen Sarutobi because Orochimaru had given them a scroll to deliver to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe while looking at the scroll Orochimaru had given him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi exclaimed in surprise, "So those rumors were your doing, Shindai! You did very well. Chiyo's departure and the new Sand Ninja commander's conservative combat approach, it can be said that because of your rumors leading to Chiyo's departure, the tense war situation of the three-way Ninja melee between Konoha, Sand, and Mist at the border has been greatly alleviated."
Shindai shrugged his shoulders and proudly puffed out his chest: "Hokage-sama, I must tell you about my attack on Chiyo."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Shindai in surprise: "You even attacked Chiyo?"
Just as Shindai was about to speak, Kakashi quickly took out two earplugs and inserted them into his ears, Rin Nohara's eyes began to glaze over, and Obito clutched his ears with a pained expression.
Shindai's mouth twitched. What did these three guys mean?!
If they didn't want to hear it, he didn't want to tell them either!
Shindai began to recount his attack on Chiyo to Hiruzen Sarutobi in exaggerated and extremely detailed fashion.
Since it was the first time he was hearing it, Hiruzen Sarutobi listened with great interest.
However, upon hearing how Shindai used Sakumo Hatake, Chiyo's son, daughter, and grandson, as well as the Third Kazekage, to prevent Chiyo from concentrating in battle, and even slapped Chiyo, his expression instantly became subtle.
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't witness the process, just by listening to Shindai's narration, he could feel how frustrated Chiyo must have been during her fight with Shindai.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was well aware of how insane Chiyo became during the Second Shinobi World War when she learned her son and daughter had been killed.
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Kakashi, and seeing Kakashi emerge from Sakumo Hatake's shadow, Hiruzen Sarutobi was also very happy.
Hiruzen Sarutobi also felt great regret about Sakumo Hatake's incident.
At that time, because there were signs of war, Konoha and Hidden Cloud Village had already started friction, and Hiruzen Sarutobi spent every day discussing the situation and making arrangements with Utatane Koharu, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo, completely unaware of the public opinion in the Village.
By the time Hiruzen Sarutobi noticed, it was already too late.
This was also the first time Hiruzen Sarutobi had witnessed the terrifying power of public opinion, which could even make a powerful Ninja like Sakumo Hatake choose to commit suicide.
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, "Shindai, was it really Sasori who caused the disappearance of the Third Kazekage?"
Shindai said with certainty, "Yes! I believe it was Sasori!"
"Believe?"
"Yes, because I have no evidence!"
"Uh..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't understand how Shindai could so righteously say he had no evidence.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze returned to the scroll in his hand: "No wonder Orochimaru thinks so highly of you. He said in the scroll that your talent in technology is excellent and that he wants you to be his assistant after the war ends."
Shindai was dumbfounded: "Huh? What? Orochimaru-sama hasn't forgotten about that yet?!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi asked in confusion, "Hmm? Are you unwilling? Orochimaru is my disciple, and I know him well. He doesn't take disciples lightly, and he has only taken one so far. He's very dedicated, and even if you become his assistant, you'll learn many skills."
Shindai let out an awkward dry laugh: "W-well, it's not that I'm unwilling, but I feel I'm not worthy of Orochimaru-sama, so let's just forget about it."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said seriously, "Don't underestimate yourself, Shindai. You are now a Konoha Ninja, and we are all comrades. Since Orochimaru values you so much, I'll make the decision. I'll propose that Orochimaru take you directly as his disciple. However, Shindai, you must also perform well, understood?"
Shindai suddenly felt like crying.
Things shouldn't be developing this way; how did it inexplicably go from assistant to disciple?!
Shindai still wanted to argue; actually, being an assistant wasn't impossible. At least if he was perfunctory as an assistant, Orochimaru might not want him if he saw he wasn't making progress.
But Shindai's 'three good friends' clearly didn't want to let him off the hook.
Rin Nohara urged softly, "Shindai, hurry up and agree! That's Orochimaru-sama, one of the Sannin!"
Kakashi also advised, "Idiot, this is an extremely rare opportunity. Don't be foolish; if you miss it, it's gone."
Obito was even more direct: "Hokage-sama, Shindai says he's willing! And he said he'll definitely perform well!"
Shindai looked at Obito in disbelief.
What the hell? He's willing? And he's going to perform well?!
Shindai's mouth barely moved when Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled, "Good that you understand. I'll talk to Orochimaru about this. You must train well under Orochimaru from now on. I have high hopes for you, Shindai."
"Alright, you must want to see Minato now. Minato should be at home. You can go. When there's a mission, you can just go with Minato."
Shindai's mouth was wide open, staring at Hiruzen Sarutobi in a daze.
No, he didn't say that, he didn't say anything, Obito said it!
Shindai wanted to refute, but Obito had already pulled him, and with Kakashi and Rin Nohara, enthusiastically left the office to find Minato Namikaze.
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