Kaen realized it gradually.
Not from direct interaction.
From patterns.
Orochimaru's gaze lingered a little longer during training sessions. His questions in class sometimes seemed oddly indirect — like he was testing reactions rather than seeking answers.
Observation Haki confirmed it:
Curiosity.
Calculation.
No hostility yet.
But definitely interest.
And Orochimaru was not someone whose interest stayed harmless forever.
Kaen adjusted immediately.
His academy performance became even more balanced.
Never top scores.
Never obvious mistakes.
Physical sparring kept controlled — skilled, but not exceptional.
Low-key persona reinforced.
Because curiosity fed on anomalies.
Remove anomalies, curiosity often faded.
At least… with most people.
Orochimaru was different.
One afternoon, during a chakra theory exercise, Orochimaru finally approached directly.
Not confrontational.
Just… quiet.
"You observe a lot," he said calmly.
Kaen didn't deny it.
"Observation helps survival."
A simple answer.
True enough to avoid suspicion.
Incomplete enough to protect secrets.
Orochimaru's lips curved slightly — not quite a smile.
"Interesting priority for a child."
Kaen met his gaze evenly.
"Depends on the childhood."
Silence followed.
Heavy, but not hostile.
Then Orochimaru nodded once and walked away.
Conversation over.
But not the curiosity.
From that day, the observation became more refined.
Not constant watching — Orochimaru wasn't careless.
Just occasional checks.
Like a scientist monitoring an experiment.
Kaen didn't like that comparison.
But he understood it.
And understanding meant preparation.
Training outside the academy became even more discreet.
Different locations.
Shorter sessions.
Observation Haki extended periodically to confirm privacy.
Armament Haki use restricted to minimal demonstration levels.
System lottery spins continued quietly — mostly minor physical enhancements, sensory refinements, recovery aids.
Nothing attention-grabbing.
Fortunately.
Hitomi sensed the tension before he mentioned it.
"Orochimaru… he's watching you, right?"
"Yes."
"Dangerous?"
"Potentially."
She nodded slowly.
Not frightened.
Just aware.
That steadiness was why Kaen trusted her.
Meanwhile, academy dynamics continued normally.
Jiraiya still popular.
Tsunade steadily impressive.
Orochimaru increasingly respected for intellect.
Kaen remained comfortably in the background.
Except to one pair of observant golden eyes.
Politically, the larger village atmosphere hadn't shifted.
Uchiha still viewed cautiously.
Clan still emotionally distant toward orphans.
Kaen accepted it as environmental reality.
Resentment wasted energy better spent training.
One evening, while sensing the village from their rooftop, Kaen picked up Orochimaru's chakra signature briefly in the distance.
Not approaching.
Just… present.
Aware.
Almost as if both knew the other was watching.
No confrontation.
Just silent acknowledgment.
Kaen didn't fear Orochimaru.
But he respected the risk.
Because some people pursued knowledge without emotional limits.
And Kaen — with hidden Haki abilities, system support, unusual composure — probably looked like an interesting mystery.
Mysteries attracted investigation.
Investigation exposed secrets.
Secrets were survival.
So Kaen made a simple decision:
Remain boring publicly.
Grow extraordinary privately.
As night settled over Konoha, Kaen exhaled slowly.
Serpents watched.
Politics simmered.
Strength grew quietly.
Nothing urgent yet.
But the board was slowly filling with players.
And Kaen intended to stay three moves ahead.