A New Snake In The Shinobi World

The Sharingan, far superior to ordinary eyes, allowed Mikoto to analyze the flow of chakra around her. Although it lacked the Byakugan's precision in certain areas, it could still uncover inconsistencies in chakra patterns, making it adept at detecting transformations or illusions.

Kushina's sudden appearance seemed strange to Mikoto, so she discreetly activated her Sharingan and scanned her companion.

"No signs of a transformation... The chakra flow is normal. Could it really be Orochimaru-sama's doing?"

Despite her doubts, Mikoto continued following Kushina without voicing her concerns. By the time they reached the wooden house nestled beneath the cliff, night had fully descended. The area's natural shadows created an eerie, hidden atmosphere, yet the wooden house itself glowed with light from within.

As they approached, the door opened automatically. Kushina stepped inside, and Mikoto followed close behind.

The familiar figure standing inside made Mikoto stop in her tracks.

"Mikoto, it's been a while," Orochimaru greeted her with a small smile, his tone calm yet warm.

"Lord Orochimaru..." Mikoto stammered, her voice trembling.

Their relationship was far from ordinary. Orochimaru had been an important figure in her life, someone she once harbored deep feelings for. Yet, shortly after their connection had deepened, Orochimaru defected from Konoha. They hadn't seen each other since, and now, standing before him, Mikoto was overwhelmed with emotion.

Her heart felt heavy with conflicted feelings: a mix of relief, sadness, and something she couldn't quite put into words.

"Well, how have you been?" Orochimaru asked, his eyes scanning her disheveled state. Her armor was scratched, her hair and face streaked with dirt and sweat, a testament to the brutal reality of war.

Mikoto opened her mouth to respond, but her emotions got the better of her. Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she could stop herself, she lunged forward and embraced Orochimaru tightly.

This sudden outburst of emotion left Kushina, standing awkwardly in the doorway, completely dumbfounded.

"What... What is going on here?" she muttered, blinking in confusion.

Orochimaru, though momentarily surprised by Mikoto's reaction, quickly composed himself. He gently patted her back, an unusual softness in his demeanor.

"Alright, let's focus on the matter at hand first," Orochimaru said, carefully disentangling himself from Mikoto's grasp.

He smoothed her black hair, now tangled and dusty from the battlefield. She looked up at him, her teary eyes filled with unspoken questions.

"Mikoto, I heard from Tsunade that you've been fighting on your own all this time," Orochimaru began.

"What do you mean by that, sir?" Mikoto asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Ah, it's nothing. Forget I said anything." Orochimaru waved the topic away. "Kushina, go boil some water for Mikoto. Afterward, help her clean up and take a bath in the next room."

"Huh? A bath?" Kushina asked, visibly puzzled by the sudden request.

Mikoto also looked confused, her face flushing at the implication.

Could it be...? She wondered, a wave of embarrassment washing over her.

But Orochimaru quickly dispelled her misunderstanding.

"Yes, a bath," he clarified. "She's been through a lot. A good night's rest and relaxation will prepare her for what's to come. Tomorrow morning, I'll help her strengthen her abilities."

"Alright," Kushina replied reluctantly, though she couldn't help feeling like a glorified servant. As much as she disliked the situation, she understood the importance of Orochimaru's contributions to Konoha's war effort. With a heavy sigh, she went to prepare as instructed.

"Mikoto, war isn't won in a day or two," Orochimaru said, turning back to her. "Rest is just as important as fighting. With greater strength, you'll be able to better protect what matters to you."

"Yes, my lord," Mikoto replied, her voice steady but her emotions still turbulent.

Satisfied, Orochimaru returned to his desk, his mind already drifting back to the grander schemes at play.

---

Meanwhile, at the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Wind, two figures moved through the dense forest under the moonlit sky.

"Brother," the Second Hokage began, his sharp eyes scanning the area. "There's a large chakra presence ahead, one comparable to yours. If Orochimaru isn't lying, that must be Tsunade."

"Hmm, I feel it too," the First Hokage replied, his voice calm yet focused. "As much as I'd like to see Tsunade, resolving the conflict comes first."

The Second Hokage nodded in agreement, his keen senses detecting the numerous sentries stationed in the area.

"This temporary base should be just up ahead," he noted, "but there are a lot of guards patrolling the perimeter."

"Don't kill them," the First Hokage said firmly. "We're here to stop the war, not escalate it. Killing them will only complicate matters."

"Brother, you're as naive as ever," the Second Hokage replied with a sigh, though he made no further argument.

Suddenly, a kunai flew out from the darkness, aiming directly for the First Hokage's head.

Clang!

A wooden shield sprang up from the ground, blocking the projectile effortlessly.

"I told you," the Second Hokage said flatly. "Your peaceful approach is doomed to fail."

He stepped forward, his gaze cold and unyielding. "Sand ninja, come out now, or I'll make you regret it."

From the shadows, the voices of hidden Sand ninja echoed through the forest.

"Come out? Who does this guy think he is?"

"What a joke. Why should we show ourselves just because you asked?"

"Deal with them! Don't let them talk their way out of this!"

Hearing the mocking tone of the hidden enemies, the Second Hokage's expression darkened.

"Stubborn fools," he muttered, preparing to act.

"Wait, Tobirama," the First Hokage said, holding up a hand to stop him.

"Brother, this is pointless," Tobirama protested.

"Trust me," Hashirama replied, his voice patient yet resolute. He turned toward the forest and raised his voice, addressing the hidden ninja.

"Friends of the Sand Village, I am Senju Hashirama, the First Hokage of Konoha. I've come to negotiate peace and bring an end to this war. Please, inform your Kazekage that I wish to speak with him."

His words carried an air of authority, his voice calm yet powerful.

For a moment, there was silence among the Sand ninja. Then came the sound of stifled laughter, which quickly grew into full-blown mockery.

"Senju Hashirama? The First Hokage?!"

"Is this guy serious? The First Hokage's been dead for decades!"

"Hahaha! What a ridiculous joke!"

"This guy thinks we're idiots!"

"Enough talking. Let's kill these clowns!"

***

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