Chapter 47: Preparations and Promises
Orochimaru and Kagenori descended the steps of the Hokage Tower together, the weight of their impending departure hanging between them. At the bottom, Orochimaru paused, his voice a low hiss in the evening air.
"You will be accompanying me to the front lines. Use what time you have to prepare. Replenish your ninja tools. Meet me at the base tomorrow at dawn."
Kagenori nodded, his expression serious. "Understood, Sensei."
They parted ways. Kagenori's first stop was the ninja tool shop. He moved through the aisles with practiced efficiency, gathering kunai, shuriken, and, most importantly, explosive tags. When he placed his items on the counter, however, a flicker of pain crossed his face.
While he hadn't completed many missions, the ones Orochimaru selected were all C-ranks, and his sensei never took a commission, leaving the entire payment for Kagenori. With no other expenses, he had managed to save a respectable sum. He had thought himself reasonably well-off.
The kunai and shuriken were affordable, but the explosive tags were brutally expensive—nearly 300 ryo each. His savings evaporated in moments. He sighed, picking up the now-significantly lighter pouch. Explosive tags were essential; they were versatile for traps and could turn the tide in a direct confrontation. They were a necessary expense.
At least Orochimaru covers my room and board, he thought wryly, stepping out of the shop and into the twilight.
He returned to the small apartment the Hokage had granted him. It was time to check his progress. Closing his eyes, he focused inward, calling up the interface of the Witness system.
A wave of satisfaction washed over him. The attempted kidnapping of Kushina had triggered the system once more.
[Witnessed the attempted abduction of pivotal figure Uzumaki Kushina by Kumogakure shinobi. Reward: 500 Witness Points.]
[For direct, pivotal intervention in the event, additional reward: 800 Witness Points.]
Kagenori took a sharp breath, a genuine smile finally gracing his features. Thirteen hundred points. Compared to the 50 points he'd received for witnessing Kushina's academy admission or Might Guy's birth, this was a fortune.
He pulled up his character panel next.
[Name: Kagenori]
[Bloodline: Uchiha Clan, Senju Clan]
[Bloodline Limit: Two-Tomoe Sharingan]
[Chakra Reserves: Equal to Kakashi (Sharingan Active)]
[Ninjutsu: E-Rank (Three Basic Jutsu), C-Rank (Fire Style: Great Fireball, etc...)]
[Genjutsu: Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique, Sharingan Illusion]
[Taijutsu: Shurikenjutsu Mastery, C-Rank Taijutsu...]
[Additional Abilities: All Sword Forms - Thunder Breathing]
Pride swelled within him. The years of relentless, brutal training had not been in vain. He was leagues beyond the isolated, bullied boy from the academy.
Yet, he held off on making any purchases. With Orochimaru's guidance, he lacked for little in terms of ninjutsu. The abilities he truly coveted, like evolving his Sharingan to three tomoe, still lay just out of reach, their cost too high for his current reserves.
"No matter how much you have, it never feels like enough," he muttered, closing the panel.
He then unsealed a scroll from his pouch. With a puff of smoke, Oyuro's ninja sword appeared in his hand. During their battle, he'd noted its exceptional chakra conductivity. A quick inquiry at the tool shop had confirmed it: the blade was alloyed with a small amount of chakra metal. It was a superior weapon, far better than the standard-issue katana he'd purchased for a paltry 10 Witness Points, whose edge was now notched and uneven from countless sharpening sessions. This new blade would be his primary weapon now.
He stood and looked around the sparse room. He had barely lived here, spending most of his time in Orochimaru's base or on missions. A layer of dust coated every surface. The thought of spending his last night here held no appeal.
He left, his footsteps carrying him with purpose toward Uzumaki Mito's residence. He needed to see Kushina before he left.
She was the one who answered the door. "Kagenori! You're here," she said, a blush immediately coloring her cheeks as memories of her impulsive kiss surfaced. She looked down, suddenly shy. "Yeah."
"Kushina," he began, his tone softening. "I'm leaving soon. Orochimaru-sensei and I have a long-term mission in the Land of Hot Springs. I might be stationed there for some time."
"What?" Her head snapped up, her eyes wide with dismay.
Kagenori reached out and gently ruffled her vibrant red hair, offering a reassuring smile. "It might be a long stay, but I'll find a way to come back and see you. I promise."
Kushina's lips pressed together in a pout. She had been looking forward to seeing him, having washed and changed into her best clothes the moment she woke up. She had hoped they could spend time together, even if it was just sitting and talking. The news of his departure felt like a physical blow.
Seeing her expression, Kagenori's heart ached. "We don't leave until tomorrow morning. We still have time tonight. Would you like to go for a walk?"
Her expression instantly brightened, and she nodded vigorously. "Yes! Let's go now!"
After informing Lady Mito, they wandered through the streets of Konoha as the sun set, their conversation light. Eventually, they found themselves in a quiet grove within Konoha's forests. They sat in comfortable silence, simply enjoying the peace and each other's company.
It was only when full darkness had fallen that Kagenori walked her back home.
Standing at the gate of the mansion, Kagenori turned to her, his expression turning serious. "Kushina, the village is... unsettled right now. Stay close to Lady Mito. Don't go out alone. And if anything happens, anything at all, ring the bell. I will come for you. No matter what."
He continued, listing precautions, his voice filled with a protective urgency. Kushina didn't interrupt; she just watched his face, memorizing his features as he spoke.
When he finally finished, she reached out and took his right hand in both of hers. Her fingers gently traced the bandages wrapped around his palm and knuckles.
Kagenori gave her hand a light squeeze. "It's nothing. Just a small strain. It'll be healed in a couple of days. Don't worry."
But Kushina's gaze was unwavering, burning with a new, fierce determination. "Kagenori," she said, her voice firm. "I'm going to train harder, too! I will become strong. I won't be a burden to you anymore."
Kagenori's heart swelled. He pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her close. "You have never been a burden to me, Kushina," he whispered into her hair. "You are my pride. You are the reason I fight."