Shindai, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin were heading back to Konoha.
Shindai was in his tent packing his belongings.
However, his mind was preoccupied.
Because this reunion with Minato Namikaze meant that a series of events might soon unfold.
First, the Rock ninjas would trap Obito under boulders, then Madara Uchiha would rescue him and brainwash him.
During that process, Rin would be turned into the Three-Tails Jinchuriki and used to attack Konoha, but Kakashi would intercept and kill her.
In the end, Rin would die, Obito would become corrupted, and Kakashi would retreat into self-isolation.
That was how it was supposed to go.
If they managed to prevent Obito from being crushed by the falling rocks, all subsequent events could be avoided.
But Shindai didn't believe things would be that simple.
Obito had been chosen by Madara Uchiha—there's no way Madara would just give up so easily.
If he failed once, he'd definitely try again—and if that failed, there would surely be a third attempt. There was no way he'd abandon Obito so readily.
So he needed to keep a close watch on Obito at all times.
No good—Obito alone wasn't enough; he also needed to watch Kakashi and Rin.
If Madara couldn't get to Obito, he might target Kakashi or Rin instead as new entry points.
Wait, right, he himself might also become a target.
They should have a few days' rest after returning to Konoha; he'd need to think about making some preparations then.
A wave of nervousness involuntarily rose within Shindai.
After all, Madara Uchiha's reputation was too terrifying—even if now he was just an old man with missing teeth, he was still frightening. And besides, there was also that devoted follower assisting Madara.
After finishing packing, Shindai joined Kakashi and the others before immediately setting off toward Konoha.
A few days later,
Shindai, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin finally arrived in Konoha.
Everyone first went to see Hiruzen Sarutobi because Orochimaru had given them a scroll to deliver to him.
Hiruzen quietly puffed on his pipe while reading through the scroll Orochimaru had sent.
Hiruzen said in surprise, "So those rumors were your doing, Shindai? Excellent work. With Chiyo leaving the Sand Village, their new commander has adopted a very cautious approach. Because of the rumors you started, the tense situation caused by chaotic fighting between the three villages' ninjas at the border has greatly eased."
Shindai shrugged with pride and stuck out his chest. "Hokage-sama, I must say, this gives me the perfect chance to tell you about my attack on Chiyo."
Hiruzen looked at Shindai in astonishment, "You attacked Chiyo too?"
As Shindai was about to speak, Kakashi quickly took out two earplugs and stuffed them into his ears. Rin Nohara closed her eyes tightly, while Obito grimaced and covered his ears.
A muscle twitched at the corner of Shindai's mouth—what were *these three* up to *this time?!*
They didn't want to listen, and honestly, he didn't feel like telling them either!
Shindai delivered an exaggerated and overly detailed account of how he had attacked Chiyo, narrating everything to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Since it was the first time hearing this story, Hiruzen listened with considerable interest.
However, once he heard how Shindai used Sakumo Hatake, along with Chiyo's own son, daughter, grandson, and the Third Kazekage as psychological tactics to disrupt her focus in battle—and even slapped her across the face—Hiruzen's expression turned complicated.
Though he hadn't witnessed the fight firsthand, just listening to Shindai's retelling was enough for Hiruzen to understand exactly how powerless and frustrated Chiyo must have felt during that battle.
Hiruzen knew all too well how utterly devastated Chiyo had been when she learned of her son's and daughter's deaths during the Second Great Ninja War.
He glanced over at Kakashi. Seeing that Kakashi had finally stepped out from under Sakumo's shadow, Hiruzen felt genuinely pleased.
About Sakumo Hatake's tragedy, Hiruzen carried deep regret as well.
At that time, with signs of war emerging, tensions between Konoha and Kumogakure had begun escalating. He had been so busy discussing military strategy with Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo that he completely missed what was happening within the village itself.
By the time Hiruzen noticed the situation, it was already too late.
This was also the first time Hiruzen personally witnessed the terrifying power of public opinion—powerful enough to drive a legendary ninja like Sakumo Hatake to take his own life.
Hiruzen asked, "Shindai, is it truly Sasori who's behind the Third Kazekage's disappearance?"
Shindai answered confidently, "That's right! I'm convinced it was Sasori!"
"You're convinced?"
"Yeah, because I don't have any evidence."
"Uh…"
Hiruzen couldn't quite grasp how Shindai could sound so self-assured while openly admitting he had no proof.
Hiruzen shifted his gaze back to the scroll in his hands, "No wonder Orochimaru speaks highly of you. In this scroll, he mentioned your talent in ninja tech, and said after the war ends, he wants you to become his assistant."
"Huh? What? Lord Orochimaru hasn't forgotten about that already?!" Shindai stared blankly.
Hiruzen responded curiously, "Hmm? You're not willing? Orochimaru is my student—I know him well. He doesn't easily accept apprentices. In fact, he has only taken one apprentice so far, and he trained that person diligently. Even if you were merely his assistant, you'd still learn plenty from him."
Shindai let out a forced laugh, his face flushed with embarrassment. "W-well, it's not like I'm unwilling or anything... It's just that I feel unworthy of working directly under Lord Orochimaru, so maybe… let's forget about it."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke solemnly, "Don't look down on yourself like that, Shindai. You're a Konoha ninja now, and everyone here is your fellow ninja. Since Orochimaru thinks so highly of you, I'll take the initiative and propose that he formally accept you as his apprentice. But remember, Shindai, you must prove yourself worthy. Do you understand?"
Shindai suddenly felt like crying.
Things weren't supposed to go this way. How did he end up becoming an apprentice all of a sudden? It made no sense!
He wanted to argue further. Truthfully, being a trainee wouldn't be so bad. At least then he could just pretend to work hard, and maybe if Orochimaru saw how unambitious he was, he'd reject him.
But Shindai's three 'good friends' clearly weren't going to let him back out.
Rin Nohara urged in a soft voice, "Shindai, hurry and accept! This is Orochimaru we're talking about—one of the legendary Sannin!"
Kakashi added persuasively, "Idiot, this opportunity is incredibly rare. Don't be an idiot and miss out—once it's gone, it's gone forever."
Obito was even more straightforward. "Hokage-sama, Shindai says he agrees! And promises to do his best too!"
Shindai stared at Obito in disbelief.
When did he agree to this? When did he promise to do his best?!
As Shindai was about to open his mouth, ready to speak, Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and said, "Good, I'm glad we understand each other. I'll talk to Orochimaru about this later. From now on, train hard under his guidance. I have high hopes for you, Shindai."
"Alright, I'm sure you're eager to meet Minato. He should be home now. All of you can go find Minato Namikaze, and when there are missions, you'll work with him."
Shindai stared at Hiruzen with wide eyes.
Wait, no—he didn't say any of that! Obito was the one who spoke for him!
Before Shindai could protest, Obito had already grabbed his arm and eagerly pulled him away with Kakashi and Rin Nohara, leaving the Hokage's office behind as they hurried off to find Minato Namikaze.
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