Back home.
Qingchuan, soaking in hot water, was utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.
Orochimaru is gone.
But it seems that his life's intersection with Orochimaru's has only just begun.
certainly.
If possible, Aokawa would rather remain parallel to Orochimaru forever.
You'll be your S-rank rogue ninja.
I wear my women's clothes.
We will never see each other again.
However, this is clearly impossible.
Orochimaru set his sights on him, investigated him thoroughly, and then approached him.
For some reason, they ended up playing it...
It seems they're planning to raise him like a red bean?
I don't understand.
After taking a quick shower, Qingchuan returned to his room and prepared for bed.
I'm really tired today.
I had a friendly sparring session with Itachi this morning.
I couldn't tell if it was real or fake, but I did improve my proficiency a lot.
I fought Orochimaru a few more times this afternoon, and it was a battle of wits and courage that took a toll on me.
A thought crossed my mind.
Qingchuan opened the system interface, ready to check his gains.
[Host: Uchiha Haruko. Current World: Naruto World.]
[Current Mission: Survive the Night of the Massacre. (In Progress)]
[Side Quest: Master Senbonzakura: Shikai. (Completion 87.9%)]
[Unique buff: Cultivation progress increased by 30% when wearing women's clothing]
It's okay if you don't watch it.
When Qingchuan saw that the proficiency was nearly 90%, he was immediately shocked!
It's only halfway through the morning.
How did it suddenly almost double?!
Could it be that skilled players receive an extra boost to their proficiency level?
Qingchuan was stunned.
This explanation seems somewhat far-fetched.
If that's the case, wouldn't he be invincible if he just found a Jonin, acted cute, and leveled up his proficiency for two years?
After thinking for a long time.
Aokichi still felt that it was because his soul resonated with the Senbonzakura in his arms.
after all.
Gaining proficiency isn't just reflected in the data for each strike.
Under a sense of crisis like tonight.
The fusion caused by immense pressure also leads to an increase in proficiency.
Qingchuan has this feeling...
He was getting familiar with Senbonzakura.
But Senbonzakura has also been getting to know him.
It's just that Orochimaru tonight helped them get to know each other better.
"If things continue like this..."
"We should be able to start understanding each other before we go to school."
Aokawa lay on his side, murmuring to Senbonzakura beside the bed.
"I just don't know what the reward is."
As Qingchuan waited in anticipation, his eyelids grew heavier and heavier...
....
It was late at night.
The vast wooded area is no longer brightly lit.
Even this behemoth needs rest.
But for some, nightlife is just beginning.
certainly.
Nightlife here doesn't necessarily refer to glitz and glamour.
It could also be an old man handling the work.
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing reading glasses, was reading through files.
They've clearly reached retirement age.
However, he still controlled all matters, big and small, in Konoha.
very tired.
But he got used to it.
Or rather... he enjoys this feeling.
Perhaps only by sitting in this position representing the pinnacle of power in Konoha, and personally controlling everything in Konoha, could his heart find peace.
call--
The wind was a bit strong at night.
The files on my desk were almost blown away.
Hiruzen Sarutobi gestured with his lips and looked out the window.
"It's already this time..."
I stood up, walked to the window, and closed it.
I also took a look at the night view of Konoha.
Having served as Hokage for decades, the night view of Konoha seems unchanged, a sight that never gets old.
It's just that at this time of year in the past...
There was always a light left on for him at Biwa Lake in his home.
Until the Nine-Tails' rampage last year...
"Old woman, you're watching Konoha too, aren't you?"
He took a drag of his cigarette.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was somewhat melancholic.
"The dead can't see all this, old man."
Sudden!
A hoarse and playful voice rang out behind Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Combined with the sound of the wind outside the window, the scene was somewhat terrifying.
Even if he recognized his apprentice's voice within 0.5 seconds...
Even with his advanced age, Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart skipped a beat.
"you...."
"Aren't you asleep yet, Orochimaru? It's so late."
They managed to stabilize the situation by force.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with some displeasure.
His apprentice was becoming stronger and stronger.
He failed to notice Orochimaru's arrival immediately!
Headache...
"I've taken a liking to a promising junior, and I'd like to ask you for a favor, old man."
Orochimaru seemed unwilling to linger and went straight to the point.
He was there to help a girl from the Uchiha clan named Haruko with her paperwork.
The old man in front of them was the principal of the ninja academy.
Given his status, he could easily take Haruko to school without any hindrance.
However, the ninja mentors after graduation must be personally selected by the old man.
He knew the old man's temperament.
Other matters might be handled by acting first and informing later, or even acting without informing, but when it comes to the next generation, the old man's bottom line is exceptionally firm.
"Hmm?" Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around, a hint of doubt in his eyes.
"A promising junior? Who?... And how can I possibly help you?"
Has the situation changed?
Last time, just getting Orochimaru to find a disciple took half a year of dragging on and on!
Why all of a sudden...?
"She's a girl whose temperament and talents are very compatible with mine..."
"I need the old man to give this girl a spot in the ninja academy. After she graduates, I will personally teach her."
Orochimaru blurted out his demands and motives.
Finally, he couldn't help but add one more thing.
"Oh, by the way, her name is Haruko."
"Uchiha...Haruko."
(End of Chapter)