Big changes are always hidden behind a multitude of small changes. After returning to the team, over the course of several missions, Kushina and Haru clearly noticed a change in Kano. At first, a vague feeling, and then more and more clearly - their comrade began to distance himself, as if erecting an invisible wall between himself and the others.
On days when he wasn't on assignment, Kano no longer joined Kushina and Haru under the pretext of training, refusing to have lunch together. Because of this, the only time they could be together now was when they were on missions.
Orochimaru also noticed this change, but he had no intention of interfering. After all, even when he was distancing himself from the others, Kano had done his part flawlessly during missions. Moreover, in Orochimaru's eyes, even if the team were to disband, Kano would be the one who would survive. And even if the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki died, the main thing for him was that Kano would survive.
Cold as a snake's heart and indifferent values - that was Orochimaru.
That day the sky was covered with clouds. From morning until midday the clouds, like yeast dough, grew and darkened, hanging over the earth with a heavy oppression. Because of which it seemed that a downpour was about to pour down.
Thick, billowing clouds hid the sun. The gloomy light was depressing, and the streets were almost deserted. But Kano seemed oblivious, stubbornly performing grueling physical exercises in the secluded training ground.
Splash…
A large drop of rain fell on Kano's slightly upturned face, breaking against his forehead in a myriad of splashes. Following it, other drops rained down from the sky, instantly covering everything around with a gray veil of rain.
Boom! - in the gathering twilight, lightning pierced the storm clouds, tearing apart the sky.
The downpour poured down in a solid wall, pressing on the shoulders. The raindrops painfully pricked the exposed skin. For the Land of Fire with its favorable climate, such a heavy rain was a rare occurrence.
However, despite the raging rain, Kano continued to lift the heavy stone weights, whipping up clouds of water dust around him. The rain, mixed with cold dampness, fell on his skin, penetrating through his clothes, but Kano only frowned slightly, not intending to leave.
This young man, who had looked death in the face more than once, became increasingly obsessed.
The rain, already heavy, seemed to be gaining strength. The residents of Konoha hid in their houses, watching this rare sight. They looked at the rain outside the window, listening to its incessant noise, completely unaware that under this pouring rain someone was continuing their grueling training.
Feeling the weights growing heavier and his body gradually cooling down, Kano, gritting his teeth, dropped the stone dumbbells and turned to go home. Just then, through the veil of rain, he saw a man...
This chapter turned out to be too short for the author due to work, so I made it available for free.