RNP Chapter 32: Goodbye Orochimaru, Graduation Ahead of Schedule?
Chapter 32: Goodbye Orochimaru, Graduation Ahead of Schedule?
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The sound of a heavy object falling into the water, along with the crackling of sparks, echoed through the quiet forest.
Then, one by one, the fish, as if leaping, flew from the water to the shore, where they were caught by Gojo Yoru and Uzumaki Kushina.
The two skillfully used kunai to kill the fish, remove its internal organs, clean it thoroughly, and then stuck it next to the fire to start grilling.
No more fish flew out of the water until all the bamboo skewers were used up.
As a giant bubble rose to the surface, the shadow clone, which served as a tool, automatically dissipated at the bottom of the pool.
It was dusk, and neither Gojo Yoru nor Uzumaki Kushina went home, but instead had a picnic outside for dinner.
They did this frequently over the past two months.
After Mito Uzumaki's death, Kushina Uzumaki rarely ate dinner at the mansion.
Although Tsunade and Nawaki were both very kind to her, Kushina Uzumaki still felt guilty in their presence.
Mito Uzumaki could actually have lived for a while longer; it was she who caused the other person to end their life prematurely.
Therefore, Kushina Uzumaki was somewhat afraid to face them.
Moreover, Kushina Uzumaki, who wasn't even a relative of the siblings, always felt out of place in front of them.
Previously, there was still a member of the clan named Mito Uzumaki, but now Kushina Uzumaki feels like she is just a parasite.
She didn't want to, and was even a little afraid to, return to that now deserted mansion.
Realizing this, Gojo Yoru also tried to change the situation by allowing Kushina Uzumaki to give the Rasengan to Nawaki as a birthday present.
This will not only bring them closer, but also help Kushina Uzumaki successfully obtain the Senju clan's secret techniques.
The Rasengan is one of the most suitable ninjutsu for the Uzumaki and Senju clans. Gojo Yoru doesn't believe that Nawaki, who is extremely similar to Uzumaki Naruto, wouldn't be tempted.
However, Nawaki's birthday is still some time away, and Kushina Uzumaki has not yet made a decision or taken any action.
"It smells so good! Can I have one?"
The grilled fish quickly turned golden brown on both sides, sizzling and dripping oil.
After sprinkling on the seasoning, Gojo Yoru and Uzumaki Kushina were about to start eating.
At that moment, a familiar yet unfamiliar voice suddenly entered their ears.
Both of them were startled.
Upon recognizing the voice, Gojo Yoru exclaimed with delight, "Orochimaru-sensei!"
"Teacher?!" Kushina Uzumaki was startled again and quickly looked at the person who had spoken.
Long black hair, purple eyeshadow, and long, golden pupils; a handsome face, pale skin, and the Jonin vest that signifies his status.
It turns out that Gojo Yoru also has a teacher, and a Jonin at that. This is the first time Kushina Uzumaki has ever known this.
Thinking of this, Kushina Uzumaki pouted, feeling a little upset.
He thought he and Gojo Yoru had already revealed everything to each other, and that he even knew the location of the Gojo family's treasure vault.
Unexpectedly, Gojo Yoru had something to hide from her.
When Orochimaru saw Gojo Yoru, he immediately addressed him as "Teacher" instead of "Master," and Orochimaru's lips curled up slightly, his mood quite pleased.
"Long time no see, you've grown taller again." Orochimaru walked over with a smile.
"Yes, it's been a long time."
Gojo Yoru stood up and gave his seat to Orochimaru, sitting next to Kushina Uzumaki. He introduced her, "This is one of the Hokage's personal disciples and also Tsunade's companion. The Nature Transformation scroll we practice was a gift from our teacher Orochimaru."
Gojo Yoru still shamelessly maintained that title.
Kushina Uzumaki was so startled that she quickly stood up and stammered, "M-Orochimaru-sensei, hello...hello."
Coming to her senses, Kushina Uzumaki's face instantly turned as red as the sunset.
How embarrassing! She actually called him "teacher" instead of "adult"! This is just...
"Hello, don't be nervous, please sit down."
Unlike Jiraiya, Orochimaru didn't tease the girl's innocence and shyness. Instead, he responded with a polite smile and a gentle voice.
Orochimaru, who has not yet joined the Root organization and does not pursue immortality, is the most perfect successor to the Will of Fire in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
With the same all-around attributes, the same outstanding ninjutsu talent, and a powerful record, Orochimaru is considered by many to be the strongest contender for the Fourth Hokage.
The man who also dreamed of becoming Hokage, nicknamed "Pot King," had long regarded him as his greatest enemy.
In Gojo Yoru's eyes, Orochimaru is now an even better ally than Jiraiya.
Not only is he well-rounded and possesses a treasure trove, but he also represents the will of the Hokage.
If he could become his disciple instead of his subordinate, and with the bond with Kushina Uzumaki, Gojo Yoru would be able to roam freely in Konoha.
Given Orochimaru's generous nature, once you gain his approval, Gojo Yoru will never lack ninjutsu, forbidden techniques, or sage techniques.
Therefore, Gojo Yoru was very curious about Orochimaru's purpose in coming here.
As for a chance encounter, that's impossible.
"Orochimaru-sensei, please try my cooking."
As soon as Orochimaru sat down, Gojo Yoru handed him a plate of seasoned grilled fish.
"The craftsmanship is quite good."
Orochimaru took a bite and gave it a good review.
As for a scene that is eye-catching and amazing, that is naturally impossible.
With his identity as Orochimaru, he's tasted all sorts of delicacies.
Seeing Orochimaru silently eating his fish, Gojo Yoru handed Kushina a skewer of seasoned grilled fish and then took the initiative to start a conversation, asking, "Orochimaru-sensei, did you just finish a mission and come back?"
"More or less. I'm going to the border to hand over work," Orochimaru said with a meaningful smile. "I'll be on vacation for a long time to come."
"Really?" Gojo Yoru's eyes lit up immediately. "Then could you guide Kushina and me in our training?"
Kushina Uzumaki also looked at the Hokage's personal disciple with anticipation.
"Since you've already called me 'teacher,' there's naturally no problem with that."
Orochimaru put the fish bones he had finished eating into the pit and smiled at Gojo Yoru, saying, "Actually, I came to see you this time on behalf of the principal."
"Could it be..." Gojo Yoru instantly understood Orochimaru's meaning.
Orochimaru nodded and offered his advice: "Since your concealment has failed, don't waste your time at the Ninja Academy. Why not graduate early and come with me?"
Before Gojo Yoru could speak, Uzumaki Kushina excitedly asked, "Does the school want Yoru and me to graduate early?"
"Although I would very much like to take you as my disciple, you should know that this is impossible." Orochimaru shook his head, his expression grave. "Your special status means that you cannot leave the village at will until you are able to suppress the tailed beast within you."
Kushina Uzumaki's expression instantly darkened.
To prevent Kushina's emotions from influencing Gojo Yoru's decision, Orochimaru added fuel to the fire, saying, "That's why the higher-ups want me to train Gojo Yoru, to rapidly improve his strength so he can help you suppress the tailed beast within you. And graduating early doesn't mean we're separating you; as long as Gojo Yoru trains in the village, you can join us anytime."
Kushina Uzumaki's eyes lit up, and she no longer thought that Orochimaru had come to separate the two.
Gojo Yoru, who had originally wanted to say something, also fell into deep thought.