"Let's go. It's time to return to the village."
Orochimaru cast a final glance at the unconscious figure before him—the illegitimate offspring of the Hyūga clan. Confirming that the subject was still alive, he exhaled lightly in satisfaction before sealing the body back into the containment vessel.
Ryujin Kenichi nodded obediently, though his eyes lingered on the experimental subject with a trace of reluctance. It was rare to obtain such a unique specimen, and he wondered if he would ever have another opportunity to study it. However, his disappointment was fleeting; he already had a different experiment in mind. His latest research focused on using specific chemical compounds to stimulate the lungs in a controlled manner—perhaps even inducing an advanced form of respiratory failure.
It was unfortunate that he had yet to yield conclusive results, but he remained patient. Orochimaru always provided him with new test subjects, and in time, he was certain his data would be complete.
As they traveled, Orochimaru took the opportunity to instruct Kenichi in various ninjutsu. Since his disciple's chakra nature aligned with Lightning Release and Fire Release, most of their lessons revolved around those elements.
"Sensei, do you know the Lightning Release techniques of Kumogakure?" Kenichi asked between training sessions. His chakra reserves were nearly depleted, and he took a moment to recover. "I've heard that they use Lightning Release to enhance their physical abilities."
Orochimaru chuckled, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, those brutes from Kumogakure… Their Lightning Release techniques are indeed formidable, especially in close combat. However, they rely too much on raw strength." His golden eyes gleamed with amusement as he studied his pupil. "Why? Are you interested in their methods?"
Kenichi nodded. He envied the durability and speed that the shinobi of Kumogakure gained from their training. If he could integrate those techniques into his own arsenal, it would serve as another valuable tool for survival. Unfortunately, the knowledge of such secret techniques was difficult to obtain, and even Orochimaru did not have direct access to them—yet.
By the time the two returned to Konoha, the village was abuzz with news. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was preparing to step down, and the selection of the Fourth Hokage was underway. Discussions filled the streets as villagers and shinobi alike speculated about the outcome.
Orochimaru turned to Kenichi, his tone measured. "For the time being, remain at home and avoid the laboratory. Until the new Hokage is chosen, it's best to keep a low profile."
Kenichi simply shrugged. "I see. Sensei, you seem rather invested in this."
He already knew the outcome. The next Hokage would not be Orochimaru but Minato Namikaze. And once the decision was made, Orochimaru's dissatisfaction would only deepen, ultimately leading to his eventual defection from the village and his growing resentment toward Hiruzen Sarutobi. The seeds of the Konoha Crush plan were being sown even now.
Though temporarily barred from the laboratory, Kenichi had his own plans. He intended to establish his own workspace—laying the groundwork for future research. Moreover, he sought an opportunity to approach Kakashi Hatake. Through Kakashi, he could make contact with Kushina Uzumaki, and with some careful maneuvering, he could acquire a sample of her hair.
With this goal in mind, Kenichi decided to visit Minato Namikaze's home. Given the time of day, Kakashi was unlikely to be alone, and this would present the perfect chance to cross paths with Kushina.
And so, with a quiet smirk, Ryujin Kenichi set off toward his next experiment.
"Eh? Isn't this little Ryujin?"
Minato Namikaze's house wasn't difficult to find; after all, he was a rising star in Konoha, and his presence was well-known. As Ryujin Kenichi approached the residence, he unexpectedly ran into the person he was looking for—Kushina Uzumaki.
Kushina's vibrant red hair swayed slightly as she turned to face him. Her striking features were accompanied by an air of confidence and a fiery temperament, traits she was famous for. Kenichi had often wondered if Sakura Haruno's personality had been modeled after Kushina's, given their shared fieriness and strong will.
"Oh? Looking for Kakashi, are you?" Kushina tilted her head with a teasing smile.
"Yes, Sister Kushina. I heard he was here," Kenichi replied, maintaining the innocent demeanor expected of a child. He put on a sweet smile, feigning naivety.
Kushina's eyes softened as she reached out and playfully pinched his cheek. "Heh, you're just like Naruto, always looking adorable with that baby face."
Kenichi barely resisted the urge to sigh. It wasn't the first time someone had treated him like a younger sibling. He endured it, knowing that it was easier to blend in this way.
"Kakashi went to the training ground with Minato," Kushina finally informed him. "You should check there."
"Thank you, Sister Kushina!" Kenichi bowed politely before stepping away, but not before noticing something peculiar. A single strand of Kushina's brilliant red hair had fallen, drifting gently to the ground.
Without drawing attention to himself, Kenichi discreetly picked it up. His mission required him to analyze its genetic structure, to uncover the unique traits of the Uzumaki lineage. The fabled vitality and longevity of their clan had always intrigued researchers. With this sample, he could take a step closer to understanding their secrets.
However, to avoid suspicion, Kenichi decided to make a stop at the training ground as an alibi. Upon arrival, he expected to see Kakashi, but instead, he found another familiar figure—Might Guy.
"Yo, Kenichi! Back from a mission already?" Might Guy greeted him enthusiastically. He was in the middle of an intense training session, his body drenched in sweat under the heat of the sun.
Kenichi watched as Guy executed one-handed push-ups with unwavering determination. The sheer dedication in his movements was awe-inspiring. Kenichi respected that level of perseverance—a lifetime of relentless training, all for a single moment of true brilliance.
"Yeah, just finished a mission with my teacher," Kenichi replied. Then, with a playful smirk, he added, "How about a little youthful challenge, Guy?"
Guy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ohhh! A challenge between men of youth?! I accept! Let's do twelve laps of frog jumps around the training field!"
Kenichi chuckled. Guy's enthusiasm was infectious, and his happiness was so simple. It was a reminder of the unshakable spirit that defined Konoha's strongest shinobi.
"Alright then," Kenichi grinned, "Let's go all out!"
And with that, their impromptu competition began, the fiery spirit of youth burning brightly under the Konoha sky.