Upon leaving the Hokage Building, just as Night walked down the steps, an unexpected figure came into view.
"Just got back?"
Tsunade's tone was flat, but her gaze swept over him carefully. "Did everything go smoothly?"
Night smiled faintly. "Just some minor trouble. It's been resolved."
The two walked side by side through the streets of Konoha, the setting sun stretching their shadows long. This scene, falling into the eyes of certain observant individuals, became new fodder for gossip.
"I've heard a bit about what happened in Hell Valley."
Tsunade suddenly lowered her voice, offering a word of caution. "It's better not to get too involved in Uchiha affairs."
Night didn't answer directly, but his tone carried unparalleled confidence. "Don't worry."
Tsunade fell silent for a moment, then nodded gently. "As long as you know what you're doing."
When they reached the entrance of Konoha Hospital and were about to part ways, she seemed to remember something and added, "Nawaki has improved a lot recently, thanks to the foundation you laid for him earlier."
"That's the result of his own hard work."
Watching Tsunade's retreating figure, a barely perceptible warmth flashed in Night's eyes.
In this ninja world full of schemes and calculations, genuine concern was indeed a rare comfort.
---
It was still early, so he turned his steps toward Training Ground 3.
Before he even got close, Nawaki's pained grunts and Orochimaru's cold instructions reached his ears.
"Too slow. Enemies on the battlefield won't give you time to weave signs."
Inside the training ground, Nawaki was being unilaterally "instructed" by Orochimaru into a sorry state.
The moment Night stepped onto the field, Orochimaru turned abruptly, his golden slit pupils constricting slightly.
A vague sense of pressure, like needles pricking his back, made Orochimaru reveal a playful expression. It had only been a month, yet this disciple's aura seemed to have grown a few degrees more dangerous.
"That's all for today."
Orochimaru casually knocked Nawaki flying, but his peripheral vision remained locked on Night.
Nawaki rubbed his aching chest as he scrambled up. Seeing Night, his eyes lit up. "Night-nii! You're finally back!"
Night nodded at him, then looked at Orochimaru. "Sensei."
Orochimaru licked his lips, his raspy voice carrying an ambiguous tone. "It seems this trip to Hell Valley has been quite rewarding for you."
The two tacitly left Nawaki aside and walked to the shade of the trees at the edge of the training ground—a blind spot for the Telescope Technique.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling their shoulders.
"The mission report has been submitted to the Hokage Building."
Night got straight to the point. "However, I think Sensei would be interested in these."
He took out a small scroll from his chest and handed it over.
Orochimaru took the scroll, his fingertips rubbing against it, satisfaction evident on his face.
Without further words, he turned and led Night toward a hidden location within the village.
Their pace wasn't slow. Orochimaru, displaying the curiosity of the "Ninja World Scientist," even sped up constantly.
In a desolate, uninhabited corner of the village, Orochimaru formed a hand seal. The empty ground before them distorted, revealing a staircase leading underground.
Walking inside, they found themselves in a small laboratory.
The lab wasn't complex; in fact, it was quite clean, clearly not used often. However, the basic experimental equipment was very complete.
"Release!"
Unfurling the scroll on the experiment table, Orochimaru gave a low shout. With a puff of white smoke, a simple transparent container appeared.
Filled with pale green liquid, a pair of eyes emitting an eerie blood-red glow floated within.
Orochimaru's slit pupils contracted suddenly, followed by a look of genuine appreciation. "Ketsuryūgan? Truly a fascinating creation."
"The mission requirement from the Hokage's office was only reconnaissance..."
Night said meaningfully, "Collecting samples was your request, Sensei, wasn't it?"
Orochimaru let out a low chuckle, gently rotating the container with his fingertips, growing increasingly satisfied with this disciple.
"Then, regarding the report you gave Sensei Hiruzen..."
"Naturally, I reported the truth."
Night said calmly, "The unrest in the Chinoike clan, Hachitsutsu Uchiha's embezzlement and self-dealing, the Cloud's failed recruitment..."
He pointed at the Ketsuryūgan. "As for this, it's merely a trophy I picked up along the way. Naturally, no one knows about it."
"Very good." Orochimaru's smile deepened. "You truly never disappoint me."
He scrutinized the Ketsuryūgan in the container carefully, then frowned slightly. "These eyes... their condition doesn't seem perfect."
Night didn't bat an eyelid. "Jonin Hachitsutsu's experiments caused some damage to them. But because of that, their research value is arguably more unique."
In reality, these Ketsuryūgan were one of Hachitsutsu's earliest experimental subjects, almost scrapped.
But even so, Orochimaru appeared quite satisfied, cautiously putting the container away.
In this era where Kekkei Genkai were regarded as forbidden treasures by major ninja clans, any living sample was precious.
Though the Cloud Village folks were exceptions; they subconsciously believed stealing bloodlines was normal behavior.
"Any other discoveries in Hell Valley?" Orochimaru asked, seemingly casually.
Night had anticipated this question and answered calmly, "Hachitsutsu's laboratory has been completely destroyed, and all experiment records were also incinerated. Such forbidden research is better left unpreserved."
A trace of regret flashed in Orochimaru's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "Indeed. Some boundaries... it is not yet the time to cross them."
Night sneered internally. Orochimaru's sanctimonious speech contrasted sharply with his methods in the later stages of the original story.
But for now, a mutually beneficial relationship truly existed between them.
The two exchanged a knowing glance. They both understood that under the current order, revealing their fangs too early would only invite unnecessary trouble.
"Nawaki's progress is indeed noticeable," Night changed the topic timely.
Mentioning his diligent disciple, a very faint smile appeared on Orochimaru's face. Even though Nawaki still couldn't last a single move against him, his growth rate far exceeded the norm.
"The Senju bloodline is uniquely gifted. But compared to you—"
He didn't finish the sentence, but his probing intent was obvious. Night's growth trajectory had long since exceeded conventional understanding.
"Everyone has their own path," Night responded indifferently.
"True. Your training indeed saves me worry."
Orochimaru paused. "The ideas you proposed earlier were valuable. This laboratory will be yours to use from now on. I will assign you research tasks periodically."
"Yes, Sensei."
Night knew his goal had been achieved. After all, only by personally participating in these experiments could he extract greater benefits.
He hadn't forgotten that he still carried a treasure obtained from the Root base.