Although the earlier battle had seemed to be dominated by Kadoya, Orochimaru remained skeptical. He had heard of Kadoya's infamous Fire Release; Tsunade herself had spoken highly of it, but with Kadoya relying mostly on Water Release techniques during the fight, Orochimaru had assumed the stories were exaggerated.
That was, until he witnessed Kadoya's Fire Fist firsthand.
Caught off guard, Orochimaru had been forced to counter with a B-Rank Water-Style jutsu, not something he expected to need against a student.
Dusting himself off after the clash, Orochimaru gave a rare, amused smirk.
"Your teamwork is impressive," he began, his golden eyes scanning the three students. "From the initial trap to the feigned inspection meant to bait me in... and then using Kadoya as the lure. A well-coordinated plan."
His gaze landed squarely on Kadoya.
"The combination of tactics, ninjutsu, and taijutsu was executed at a level beyond your age. Based on that alone, the three of you are more than qualified to apply for the Chunin Exams."
Then came the sharp edge in his tone.
"That said, Kadoya, while you carried most of the weight in this mission, you need to learn when to let your teammates take the lead. If you're always the centerpiece, your team will struggle to grow beside you."
His words weren't cruel, just honest.
"As your instructor, it's my responsibility to remind you: a strong team isn't built on one person."
He turned toward Nawaki and Saiguu.
"Nawaki, once I broke through your formation, your follow-up was far too slow. You hesitated instead of adapting."
"Saiguu, while your Byakugan is exceptional for spotting traps, you let your guard down. Had this been a real battle, I could have taken you out from behind while your attention was on Kadoya."
There was no malice in Orochimaru's critique, only the relentless clarity of a teacher intent on refining his students into true shinobi.
"In battle, understanding your enemy is key. Kadoya's fire jutsu is a powerful trump card, and even more dangerous because it's unexpected. Being known for Water Release, then launching a fire technique strong enough to kill a Jonin... that kind of misdirection is deadly."
He folded his arms.
"But... do any of you understand your enemy well enough to fight this way consistently? Strategy without knowledge is just guesswork."
His gaze lingered a moment longer before he sighed and nodded once.
"Combat is a process of mutual understanding. And if any of you wish to become ninja who can stand alone... you still have a long way to go."
Then, without another word, Orochimaru vanished in a puff of smoke, his clone dispelled, leaving behind only the silence of reflection.
...
Just like that, moving, stopping, ambushing, and countering, the days slipped by quicker than expected.
During the daytime, they spent only a small portion of it using high-speed Body Flicker Jutsu to travel. The majority of their time was consumed by Orochimaru's relentless ambushes... and their attempts to counter them.
At least, for Kadoya, the journey didn't feel long. Time seemed to blur into a series of skirmishes and tension-filled silences. In the span of a few days, Orochimaru had launched over fifty ambushes against them.
And each ambush grew more refined. What started as obvious traps had evolved into cunning, near-invisible attacks.
Thanks to Orochimaru's expertly crafted pressure, Kadoya found his Instinct skill being pushed to its limits. Meanwhile, Saiguu's Byakugan proved invaluable for spotting Orochimaru's illusions and traps, though even she wasn't infallible. Nawaki, on the other hand, was clearly lagging behind. He often missed subtle cues and got caught in setups the others avoided.
After days of this cat-and-mouse game, the group finally neared their destination.
Or rather, they were approaching Rogue Town, a temporary waypoint close to their actual mission location near the Land of Rivers.
This small nation sat nestled between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. Its name came from the massive river cutting through its heart. Though vast in area, twice the size of the Land of Rain, it lacked any remarkable figures like Hanzo or attractions like the hot springs of the Land of Hot Water.
Most of its terrain was harsh, sandy, and dry, just slightly more forgiving than the Land of Wind. If not for the large river sustaining it, the Land of Rivers would've been uninhabitable.
"We'll be arriving at Rogue Town soon," Orochimaru said, halting suddenly. He pulled out a scroll, unfurled a map, and eyed the thinning forest ahead.
"Are we going in now?" Kadoya asked, stepping beside him.
Orochimaru gave a faint nod. "We'll rest there tonight. Replenish supplies, get some proper sleep. You've all made progress these past few days, but before your first real kill, you'll need to be at your best."
Kadoya glanced at the map. Rogue Town was nestled near the edge of the Land of Rivers. Their true destination, Windmill Village, lay just beyond it.
A notorious hub for bandits, rogue ninja, and even rumors of pirates.
That was their mission.
Orochimaru closed the map and took off his forehead protector, tucking it away. "Go change into something less... identifiable."
The three genin nodded in understanding. With enemies possibly scouting Rogue Town, blending in was crucial. They couldn't afford to stroll in with clan symbols and shinobi gear.
Saiguu's Hyuga robes, Nawaki's Senju insignia, and Orochimaru's Jonin vest were far too conspicuous. Kadoya's blue haori with the Kanji for "water" on the back was slightly less obvious, but still noticeable.
With a quiet sigh, Kadoya slipped off his haori, the one Tsunade had gifted him, and switched to his Haori of the Vow, a simpler, more rugged-looking outfit. Something that made him resemble a wandering traveler rather than a shinobi.
"Smart move," Orochimaru said, eyeing their change in attire. "If we march in dressed like this," he gestured at their previous outfits, "we might as well announce we're here to kill someone."
"I figured as much," Kadoya said calmly, before his gaze narrowed toward Nawaki's complicated expression.
"Wait... crap." His face paled. "I forgot to bring casual clothes! I only packed my Senju uniform!"
Orochimaru blinked, a flicker of amusement in his expression. "Should I be surprised that you're the only one?"
Kadoya grinned. "Well, there's always one option…"
Nawaki looked at him, suspicious.
Kadoya continued, "If you don't mind, you could always wear women's clothing."
Saiguu tilted her head reluctantly. "I do have a spare outfit I've never worn."
Nawaki: "…"
...
A group of four emerged from the dense forest, their steps slow and deliberate as they crossed into the outskirts of Rogue Town.
They blended in effortlessly with the crowd. This road served as a vital passage between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire, a place teeming with merchants, travelers, and common folk moving goods and stories alike. No one spared them a second glance.
Orochimaru had once again adorned himself in a lavish kimono, the silky fabric glinting faintly under the afternoon sun. Beside him, Saiguu wore a striking purple yukata, her pale eyes hidden behind stylish black-rimmed glasses. Kadoya's cyan-blue Haori of the Vow fluttered with each step, giving him the air of a wandering swordsman. And Nawaki... well, he seemed dressed in simple casual clothing. At least to the untrained eye.
But Orochimaru, with his ever-perceptive gaze, knew better. He glanced at Nawaki and couldn't help the slight smirk tugging at his lips.
Leaves. Just leaves, cleverly shaped and manipulated by Transformation Jutsu to resemble clothes. Barely enough to pass in daylight, but sufficient to mask a lack of preparation. Nawaki, for his part, tugged at the edge of his "shirt," visibly uneasy.
They had been traveling in isolation for days. Now, surrounded by the chatter of the townspeople and the lively atmosphere, even the usually reserved Kadoya and the others couldn't help but feel a strange sense of familiarity, like coming home to a place they'd never been.
Nawaki feigned indifference, arms crossed, expression neutral. But his eyes were busy scanning doorways, rooftops, alleys. Searching. Not for threats. For clothing stores. He could feel the breeze in places no breeze should reach.
Of course, their casualness wasn't due to inexperience. It was strategy. Orochimaru had ordered them to act as ordinary merchants. Nervous behavior would draw attention. And attention was the last thing they needed.
As they walked deeper into the town, Kadoya's gaze swept over the passersby, traders hauling crates, children laughing, shopkeepers calling out to customers. Everything looked... too normal.
'Strange,' he thought.
According to their intelligence, the roads near Rogue Town had become increasingly dangerous. Yet here, commerce thrived. Either the information was wrong, or something was being carefully hidden.
They soon arrived at a small, inconspicuous inn tucked between two bustling shops. Orochimaru led them inside. The interior was unexpectedly elegant, polished wood floors, paper lanterns casting a soft glow, the scent of incense lingering in the air. It was quiet, too. Quiet enough to raise suspicion, yet perfect for a mission like theirs.
The inn was run by a couple in their forties. The woman, plump and cheerful, offered a warm smile as she guided them to their room upstairs. It was spacious enough for four and pleasantly furnished.
"You must be from a big city, right?" she asked, casually glancing at their fine attire. Years of hosting travelers had honed her instincts, she could spot wealth by fabric alone.
Orochimaru responded with a practiced smile and a raspy voice. "We are from the Daimyo's mansion."
The woman's eyes widened. "Oh, the capital of the Land of Fire! It must be magnificent there."
A wistful sigh escaped her lips. "Someday, when we've saved enough, my husband and I hope to move there too."
"Are you here for sightseeing?" she asked, her tone light.
"Not exactly," Orochimaru replied. "We're transporting goods to the Land of Rivers. I heard that items from the Land of Fire fetch good prices there."
"Of course! The Land of Rivers isn't as wealthy. You'll do well." She nodded approvingly.
Just then, Nawaki spoke up, trying to sound casual. "Auntie, do you know where I could buy some clothes around here?"
She blinked at the sudden question, then chuckled. "Yes, of course. Head out and turn left, walk straight until the end, you'll find the commercial street there."
She leaned in a little. "While you're there, you might want to check out the old square. It's said a great pirate was executed there long ago. A bit of local history."
"Pirate?" Kadoya arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "There were pirates here?"
This was the ninja world. Pirates were rare enough, at least, by official records. Was this some kind of parallel history? Or a myth?
The woman nodded proudly. "Long ago, Rogue Town was famous for it. A popular tourist spot, back in the day."
"I see..." Kadoya kept his tone even. "Are there still any pirates or... robbers around here?"
The woman hesitated. Just for a second. "O-Of course not," she stammered. "Our Rogue Town is peaceful now. Thanks to the town chief's leadership, we all live safely. Nothing to worry about, really!"
"Glad to hear it." Kadoya smiled politely, though his thoughts were far less convinced.
After a brief exchange, the innkeeper offered a polite smile and excused herself, leaving the four alone.
...
The door closed with a soft click.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly. "Kadoya, what did you observe?"
Kadoya crossed his arms, leaning against the wooden frame of the window. "Something doesn't add up. Our mission is to eliminate a group of robbers. Rogue Town isn't far from Windmill Village, and yet the woman claimed there's no danger around here at all."
Orochimaru gave a thoughtful nod, then pushed open the window. Cool air flowed into the room as he gazed out into the dimming street. "Very well. The operation begins tonight. Until then, go out and buy something."
His golden eyes flicked toward Nawaki's lower half, and a sneer tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You especially," Orochimaru muttered. "We're merchants from the Land of Fire heading to the Land of Rivers. Lurking indoors all day will only draw suspicion."
With their orders given, the three departed the inn to maintain appearances.
Nawaki wasted no time finding a proper set of clothes, finally ditching the flimsy cover of transformed leaves. Saiguu wandered the streets of Windmill Village, subtly gathering information and keeping an ear out for rumors. Kadoya, on the other hand, had his own curious adventure.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon and dusk cloaked the town in muted gold and shadow, the three regrouped back at the inn.
Dinner was simple and quiet. But a subtle tension hung in the air. The mission loomed.
Then, breaking the silence, Saiguu turned to Kadoya with a deadpan expression.
"...Kadoya, were you seriously doing trade or something?"
She gestured toward the heavy sack he'd brought in earlier. Kadoya winced as he set it down with a soft clink.
"Blame Tsunade-sensei," he muttered.
Fortune now follows him whether he likes it or not.
He opened the sack slightly to reveal a glittering bundle of 29,163 ryo, to be exact.
Saiguu blinked. "You went out to blend in. Not become a rich merchant."
"It just happened!"
Orochimaru, utterly unfazed by Kadoya's accidental profiteering, turned away with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Enough. Let's talk about the mission."
The room instantly fell silent.
"The target is located in Windmill Village. Your objective," Orochimaru's voice turned cold, "Is to kill everyone there. And I mean everyone."
He pulled out a scroll and handed it to Kadoya. "This contains the route and layout of Windmill Village."
"I won't intervene unless absolutely necessary," he added, his gaze sweeping over the group. "The enemy has numbers. Some are wandering ninja. Dangerous, but disorganized."
He tapped his temple with one long finger, though his eyes drifted toward Nawaki. "So use this. Intelligence and teamwork will be the deciding factor, not brute strength."
"Don't underestimate yourselves, or each other. But also don't get cocky. Arrogance is the fastest way to get killed."
His gaze turned to Kadoya.
"You're team captain from this point forward. It's your responsibility to lead, analyze the enemy's movements, and devise a strategy."
"Remember, unless the situation becomes dire, I will not act."
"Understood," Kadoya said firmly.
Orochimaru's lips curled into a thin, unreadable smile. "Good."
With that, he tossed the scroll toward Kadoya, turned, and disappeared out the window into the night, silent as a whisper, gone like a shadow.