Naruto Birdcage

Two days later, a shocking news spread throughout the village.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire had been attacked!

It was said that a small Iwa-nin team somehow managed to sneak across the border and infiltrate the Daimyo's residence.

The situation was extremely dangerous, with most of the guards around the Daimyo sacrificing themselves.

Fortunately, Orochimaru, who was responsible for transporting supplies, arrived just in time to save the Daimyo from the crisis.

The news spread quickly.

By the second day after the incident, it had already begun circulating throughout the village.

It was said that the Daimyo greatly praised Orochimaru for his actions and rewarded him with many valuables.

However, Orochimaru declined all the rewards and instead requested that the Daimyo provide more supplies and military equipment to Konoha, which was granted.

The impact of this event was significant.

For ordinary citizens, the Daimyo's status was immensely respected.

The specifics of the situation were unclear to them, but they only knew that Orochimaru's actions were remarkable and brought honor to their village.

Moreover, the fact that he refused the Daimyo's rewards and instead sought better treatment for his comrades fighting on the front lines made people admire him even more.

His spirit of selflessness left everyone in awe and filled them with respect.

Originally, Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, already held great renown in the village.

However, during this war, there had been little mention of him, and this recent event brought him back into the spotlight.

There were even rumors circulating that the reason Orochimaru hadn't been seen on the frontlines was because he had been undertaking a top-secret mission related to the nation's security.

This mission was extremely risky and could only be carried out by someone of Orochimaru's strength.

At this moment, Orochimaru had not yet returned to Konoha, but public opinion was already starting to stir.

It was clear to those with sharp eyes that there was something behind the scenes pushing this narrative, but unfortunately, there were few such discerning individuals in the village at the moment, as most of the population was focused on the frontlines.

North Border of the Land of Fire.

With the sealing barrier lifted, a military camp materialized out of nowhere in the midst of this forest.

The leader was Nara Shikaku, a young man with two scars on his face and a determined expression.

Though he had a beard on his chin, it was clear that he wasn't very old.

"Lord Orochimaru." He walked up to Orochimaru's side and bowed respectfully.

"Is this camp under your responsibility, Shikaku?" Orochimaru's gaze swept over the camp behind him as he spoke slowly.

"Lord Hokage has entrusted me with this task," Shikaku replied, maintaining a respectful yet confident tone.

"Lord Orochimaru, thank you for the hard work in delivering the supplies. I've heard about the incident at the Daimyo's residence. It was thanks to you that the Land of Fire was spared from disaster."

Orochimaru smiled faintly. "Compared to those of you who risked your lives on the frontlines, this is nothing."

Shikaku was momentarily taken aback, feeling a bit surprised that Orochimaru would speak so politely to him.

"Lord Orochimaru is too humble. Please, step inside the camp," Shikaku said.

The supply convoy Orochimaru had brought slowly entered the camp, where the personnel took over the unloading and handover process.

The arrival of these supplies bolstered the morale of the frontline ninja forces.

As one cart after another entered, many volunteers began to help unload the goods.

Orochimaru's gaze continued to survey the inside of the camp.

There were many ninjas stationed here—aside from the external forces, there were still thousands of troops, making it one of the largest military camps that Konoha had in the Land of Earth battlefield.

This place was not unfamiliar to him; during the last Great Ninja War, he had been a prominent figure with considerable influence.

However, after the outbreak of this war, he had not been active on the frontlines for long before being left behind.

Hiruzen had given him many tasks, but they were all indirectly related to the frontlines.

Jiraiya, that guy too—although he was fighting on the frontlines, there had been little news about him.

Was he also stepping aside for his students?

"Is Minato here?" Orochimaru asked.

"Minato has been dispatched on a mission," Shikaku replied. "If everything goes smoothly, he should be back soon. If Lord Orochimaru wishes to see him, it can still be arranged."

Orochimaru smiled faintly. "It seems meeting him isn't so easy."

Shikaku explained, "Lord Orochimaru, you misunderstood. Minato rarely gives himself any rest. His workload is many times heavier than others'. Even on the frontlines, I mainly only talk to him about official matters."

Orochimaru's expression shifted slightly in surprise.

He had always thought that Minato's high reputation was due to his participation in several important battles, where he led victories.

Now, it seemed that he had underestimated him—taking on everything himself, something Orochimaru hadn't managed to do.

After a brief silence, Orochimaru said, "Minato truly works hard."

Shikaku replied, "Minato once said that for the sake of Konoha, he would risk his life without regret."

As they spoke, Orochimaru suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He tilted his head up and looked at a large tree beside him.

The tree's canopy was vast, with branches and leaves sprawling out.

The sunlight pierced through the gaps, creating countless patches of light that fell onto Orochimaru's face.

"When we were building the camp, we thought it would be a shame to cut down such a well-grown tree, so we decided to leave it," Shikaku said, noticing that Orochimaru was staring at the tree for no apparent reason.

"Everyone likes to relax and chat under this tree during their free time."

Orochimaru calmly responded, "Cutting it down would indeed be a shame."

A breeze blew through the forest, making the leaves rustle.

The light on his face flickered, shifting between light and shadow, creating a mesmerizing effect.

"Lord Minato is back!"

A shout suddenly rang out through the camp, and the atmosphere became lively.

From a distance, Orochimaru saw a tall, blond youth quickly surrounded by people.

He wore a warm smile on his face, making people feel as though they were bathed in spring sunshine, responding to the words of those around him.

"Lord Orochimaru, Minato has returned," Shikaku reminded him.

Orochimaru watched the figure calmly and let out a soft reply.

"Mm, I see."

The golden flash that struck fear into enemies on the battlefield, and the hero of Konoha who earned the trust and respect of the villagers.

This young junior, his brilliance had already surpassed that of his former self.

Fabricated public opinion could deceive ordinary citizens, but what about the ninjas who fought alongside Minato through life and death? How could he win their hearts?

Orochimaru's mind raced, yet he could not find a way to break the deadlock.

Before this, he had looked down on it—a Hokage position.

With his status and power, wouldn't it be within his grasp with just a little effort and maneuvering?

He resented Hiruzen-sensei for abandoning him.

Wasn't he the one Hiruzen had always favored as his most promising student?

Gifted and talented!

But compared to the person standing before him now?

The arrogant and self-important elder son....

The words that Makoto had spoken echoed in his mind, deafening and profound.

The self-proclaimed genius he once held, in handling this matter, seemed so narrow and shallow.

"Lord Orochimaru?"

The voice of Shikaku pulled Orochimaru back from his thoughts, and he turned his gaze towards him.

"We should head back to the main tent; Minato will be coming soon," Shikaku said.

"Mm."

Before leaving, Orochimaru glanced once more in Minato's direction.

The story was fabricated, but reality was even more magical...

What kind of ending could that kid bring him?

End of chapter

Exclusive access : Get 60 advanced chapters ahead of everyone else

Join now : patreon*com/DeCakraWnloverz