The cold wind howled, and heavy snow fell from the sky.
Uzumaki Raiden had purchased a secluded courtyard outside the capital of the Land of Flowers for everyone to stay in. By now, winter had set in, bringing unpredictable weather that made long-distance travel impractical. Raiden planned to leave the Land of Flowers in the spring and continue his journey elsewhere.
In the courtyard, under Raiden's guidance, Uchiha Itachi swung the Sakegari no Tachi with all his might. Snowflakes drifted down onto his body, melting instantly from his body heat.
Not long after the snowfall began, Itachi's clothes were already soaked. The once-clear sky was now veiled by thick, gray clouds, and it seemed the snow would continue for quite some time.
Yet, Itachi, immersed in his sword practice, paid no attention to the changing weather. He swung his sword with precision and focus, undeterred. Meanwhile, Raiden had put away his recliner and sat under the veranda with Kakashi and the others.
"Master Raiden, I've been meaning to ask—are you sure it was wise to let those two Mist ninjas go?"
Uchiha Obito sat nearby, waiting for the right moment to bring up the topic. Now that Raiden was seated, he couldn't hold back any longer. It had only taken them two or three days to reach the Land of Flowers from the Land of Rivers, and just the previous night, Raiden had let Kisame Hoshigaki and Mei Terumi escape. Obito couldn't understand why.
They were clearly part of an enemy assassination unit. Not capturing them was one thing, but outright letting them go? That made even less sense.
This question had troubled Obito all night, and now, he finally had the chance to ask.
"They're of no use to us right now. Letting them go doesn't change anything."
Raiden's response was dismissive. He had no desire to discuss the matter further.
Sensing Raiden's reluctance, Obito decided not to press the issue.
"You three, don't wander off today. If you want to train, use the dojo."
"Call Itachi as well. We'll train there."
Raiden glanced at the sky, then rose and walked toward the dojo.
Not long after he left, a sharp cry echoed through the sky.
The piercing sound made Itachi pause mid-swing and glance upward.
"It's a messenger hawk from the village."
Kakashi's expression turned serious. He quickly stepped into the yard and whistled.
The hawk swooped down and landed on Kakashi's shoulder. Without hesitation, he retrieved the scroll from the bird's leg and unrolled it.
"This… This can't be possible!"
"Lord Orochimaru… defected from the village?!"
Kakashi scanned the contents of the scroll, his voice filled with disbelief. Obito and the others immediately crowded around him.
Rin covered her mouth in shock. "Lord Orochimaru… left the village?"
"This message is from Lord Minato, addressed to Master Raiden. We need to inform him immediately."
"This is serious!"
Kakashi quickly rolled up the scroll and sprinted toward the dojo. Obito and the others followed, with even Itachi abandoning his training to join them.
Inside the dojo, Uzumaki Raiden had just finished making tea. He gently blew on the steaming cup, enjoying the warmth against the winter chill.
"What's with the rush?" Raiden asked, puzzled by their urgency.
"Minato-sensei just received word—Lord Orochimaru has defected!"
Kakashi handed him the scroll.
"Defected?"
Raiden was momentarily stunned. He took the scroll and quickly scanned its contents.
It detailed how Orochimaru, with Raiden's support, had been leading research at the Konoha Academy of Sciences. Over the years, however, Orochimaru had developed an obsession with immortality and began conducting human experiments in his search for the secret to eternal life.
At first, he had been cautious, using spies and death row prisoners from Konoha's prison for his experiments. But as his research progressed, he required more test subjects—at an alarming rate.
With Konoha experiencing a period of peace and stability, major conflicts were scarce. As a result, Orochimaru found himself running out of "resources."
To solve this problem, he turned his attention to war orphans and refugees, developing a project known as "Eternal Life."
Under his direction, the number of orphans and refugees near Konoha began to dwindle. At first, people assumed they were finding new homes thanks to Konoha's prosperity, but further investigation by Anbu uncovered the horrifying truth.
When Namikaze Minato received conclusive evidence, he planned to personally apprehend Orochimaru. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi intervened, insisting that he handle the matter himself.
But the capture mission failed.
Orochimaru escaped.
Now, Jiraiya was leading a pursuit, and Minato had sent this message to Raiden, hoping he could monitor Orochimaru's movements and assist in his capture.
"Some things never change…"
Raiden sighed. A faint spark of lightning crackled in his palm, and the scroll burned to ash. With a flick of his sleeve, he cleared the dojo of any trace of it.
"Master Raiden… Why did Lord Orochimaru betray Konoha?"
Rin had only skimmed the scroll and hadn't fully grasped the details. Seeing Raiden's reaction, she couldn't help but ask.
"Because of a dream."
"But his dream and the village's ideals were irreconcilable."
"Remember this—if you ever encounter Orochimaru, he is no longer Konoha's Orochimaru-sama. He is a rogue ninja now."
"But don't worry too much. You won't have many dealings with him."
Raiden's voice was calm, yet there was an underlying weight to his words.
Still, the revelation drained him of the desire to continue training with them. After offering a few words of caution, he left the dojo and retreated to his room.
Orochimaru's defection had impacted him deeply.
He had thought he had found a proper place for Orochimaru in the village.
His research was supported, his talents recognized, and yet… he had still taken this path.
This version of Orochimaru's story was already vastly different from what Raiden remembered.
And yet… the outcome remained the same.
It left Raiden with an unsettling sense of powerlessness.
Had he truly been able to change anything?
Raiden remained locked in his room for two days.
When he finally emerged, it was noon.
The gentle sunlight warmed the courtyard, melting the lingering snow.
"Master, you're finally out!"
"What do you want to eat? I'll make it!"
Not long after Raiden stepped outside, Itachi appeared, looking up at him with concern.
A small smile crept onto Raiden's face.
"Some people… they can't be changed, no matter what."
"But there are also many who can."
With that thought, Raiden gazed at Itachi—his expression soft yet resolute.
For Raiden and the others, Orochimaru's defection was merely a passing event. Life soon returned to peace.
The courtyard remained undisturbed, and Itachi dedicated his days to relentless training.
Kakashi and the others also focused on their own growth. Under Raiden's guidance, Kakashi honed his ninjutsu, particularly Lightning Armor.
Obito strengthened his Sharingan, reinforcing his bond with Kakashi and Rin.
Meanwhile, Raiden worked with Rin to help her master the power of the Three-Tails.
Together, they spent the cold winter in the Land of Flowers, preparing for the challenges ahead.
(End of Chapter)