Chapter 32: Meeting with Uzumaki Mito

Chapter 32: Meeting with Uzumaki Mito

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru were discussing the current state of the ninja world. Chibawas present, quietly listening.

After a moment of thought, Orochimaru asked, "So, you intend to send me to the Land of Rivers to stop those Sand Village ninjas, sensei?"

Chiba's heart skipped a beat. While he was eager to gain experience on the battlefield, now was definitely not the right time. If the Cloud Village ninjas attacked Uzumaki Kushina while he was away from Konoha, he wouldn't make it back in time, even if he could fly. He needed to ensure Kushina's safety before heading to the battlefield.

Fortunately, Hiruzen's next words put him at ease. "We don't need to worry about the Sand Village for now. The ninjas stationed at the Land of Rivers' border are sufficient to handle them. In the meantime, Orochimaru, you will work with me to formulate a plan and decide how Konoha should respond to this situation."

Orochimaru was exceptional at strategic planning. During the Second Great Ninja War, he led the ninja forces to victory in numerous tough battles. Now, with Konoha's precarious situation, Orochimaru's strategic insight was crucial.

Orochimaru nodded in agreement. "Understood."

Chibabreathed a sigh of relief; staying in Konoha for now was the right call. After some more discussion, Orochimaru and Chibaleft the Hokage building.

As they walked, Orochimaru suddenly asked, "Chiba, you heard what we discussed earlier. If the four major ninja villages were to attack Konoha simultaneously, how would you break the stalemate?"

Orochimaru's sudden question caught Chibaoff guard. He didn't know much about the details of the Third Great Ninja War.

After a long moment of silent contemplation, Chibafinally spoke. "If the four major villages join forces against Konoha, it's undoubtedly for their own gain. Every ninja war has revolved around interests. If the Hidden Stone Village and Hidden Cloud Village can cooperate for mutual benefit, then we can also use interests to drive a wedge between them."

Orochimaru seemed quite satisfied with Chiba's answer. "And how would you go about turning them against each other?"

Chibashook his head. "I'm sorry, Orochimaru-sensei, I don't know."

Chibagenuinely had no idea how to create a conflict of interest between the Stone and Cloud Villages. First, he didn't know what Konoha could offer that would make them turn on each other. Second, their cooperation was likely driven by the desire to seize the Land of Fire's abundant resources. It wouldn't make sense to propose that they join forces to rob each other's villages when they've already decided to plunder Konoha together. In Chiba's view, they could only act after understanding the terms of their cooperation and then offer an even greater incentive to one of the villages.

Orochimaru didn't mind Chiba's admission of not knowing; it was a difficult question to answer. He then said, "I'll be quite busy from now on, so I won't be around the base every day. Today, you can take the day off. Tomorrow, I'll take you to sign a contract with Ryuchi Cave and set up your next training plan. You'll be training on your own. If any suitable missions come up, I'll assign them to you, but you'll likely be handling them alone."

The mention of a day off brought an uncontrollable smile to Chiba's face.

Orochimaru glanced at Chibaand immediately knew what he wanted to do. "Go ahead."

"Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei. I'll be off then. See you tomorrow!"

Chibawaved goodbye to Orochimaru and eagerly ran off.

...

In front of Uzumaki Mito's residence, Chibafelt a mix of nervousness and excitement. It had been a month since he last saw Uzumaki Kushina. He knocked on the door, and soon heard hurried footsteps approaching. The door opened, and before he knew it, a flash of red rushed towards him, and he found himself in a tight embrace.

Chibagently hugged Kushina back, affectionately ruffling her hair. "It's been a while, Kushina."

Kushina let go and playfully punched him in the chest. "What took you so long? I thought you forgot about me!"

Chiba's expression stiffened. Kushina's strength seemed to have grown.

He scratched his nose awkwardly. "How could I forget you? I wouldn't forget you even if I forgot everyone else. Orochimaru-sensei gave me a tough training regimen, so I didn't have any free time. I only got today off after completing a mission."

"By the way, Kushina, how did you know it was me?"

Kushina replied, "Grandma Mito told me. She has a special ability to sense everything within a large area through chakra!"

Chibaimmediately understood the special ability Kushina mentioned—Kagura's Mind Eye, one of the unique abilities of the Uzumaki clan.

Kushina grabbed Chiba's hand and eagerly led him into the residence. "Grandma Mito has been wanting to see you too! Let's go see her together!"

As Kushina pulled him along, Chibalet out a barely noticeable sigh. He didn't really want to see Uzumaki Mito; he just wanted to spend some time alone with Kushina.

But he couldn't avoid meeting Uzumaki Mito. Compared to their last encounter, she now looked much older, like a frail old woman.

Chibabowed respectfully. "Lady Mito."

Uzumaki Mito looked at Chibakindly. The boy who had already taken lives now carried a sharp, unmistakable aura. She sighed, "You've grown, Chiba."

Chibaresponded respectfully, "In front of you, Lady Mito, I'm still just a child."

Sensing the distance between them, Mito sighed again. "Chiba, you don't need to be so guarded around me."

Chiba, with his head lowered, frowned slightly but still replied formally, "Lady Mito, you're an elder."

His meaning was clear: he was showing respect, not being guarded.

Mito shook her head helplessly. As the former Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, she had gained the ability to sense good and evil, especially having a keen perception of malice. The first time she met Chiba, although he had been almost flawless in his behavior, Mito could clearly sense his guarded and distant attitude towards her. She could feel the same from him even now.