C113(1)

The situation in Konoha was gradually escalating. Rumors spread that the envoy from the Fire Nation Daimyo was about to interrogate someone. Not only the ninjas but even the villagers were aware of it.

Meanwhile, at the Konoha News office, the unusual developments hadn't gone unnoticed. When Kain arrived in the village, the person in charge of the newspaper sought him out and asked for instructions.

"Minister, should we report on the White Fang incident?"

Kain waved off the title with an awkward expression. "Wait another day or two until the daimyo's envoy arrives. And stop calling me 'Minister.' You can just call me 'boss.'"

Though the title made him uncomfortable, Kain knew that once he arrived at the capital of the Land of Fire, people would likely insist on using it.

"You can focus on reporting other things for now, like—" Kain paused, sensing a gaze fixed on him. He turned and saw Kushina staring at him intently.

Ever since the newspaper's establishment, each issue had highlighted the deeds of notable ninjas. Those featured in the paper were often admired and discussed throughout the village. 

Kushina, who had been a dedicated reader since its inception, often imagined herself among its pages. The villagers frequently talked about the featured ninjas as they strolled through the streets. If she could be included in those stories…

But Kushina's situation was complicated. Her identity made it unsuitable for public attention, and Konoha's leadership would likely forbid it. Moreover, she didn't have any notable stories that could fit into the newspaper's "shocking" or heroic columns.

"You can leave for now," Kain told the Konoha News staff. "I'll notify you when the daimyo's envoy arrives."

When Kushina realized she wasn't going to hear what she hoped for, her cheeks puffed up in frustration. She secretly vowed not to massage the boss's shoulders for at least three days.

"Kushina," Kain began, breaking the silence, "I remember that Cloud Village targeted you a few years ago. Writing about you in the newspaper would only increase your danger."

Kain tapped his fingers on the table and then gently patted her on the head, speaking in a calm, 'sincere' tone. "If Cloud Village targets you again, things could get very dangerous. Especially now, with tensions in the ninja world being what they are. Do you understand?"

Hearing his reasoning, Kushina realized her request had been impulsive. As a Jinchūriki, drawing attention to herself would only cause problems—for both Kain and Konoha. However, she wasn't about to admit that she'd been wrong.

"Of course, I understand," she replied stiffly, turning her head toward the window. "My neck was just feeling stiff. I thought I'd take a look at the sky, that's all."

Her excuse was feeble, and her voice trailed off by the end.

Kain didn't call her out. Instead, he rubbed his own neck and muttered, "Come to think of it, my neck feels stiff too. Handling all this work every day is enough to make my head feel like it's going to split."

Kushina blushed with shame as she listened to his words. She had caught the boss glancing at her earlier and knew exactly what he wanted—a knee pillow massage. But since she was wearing socks today, would it even count as a proper knee pillow?

"Boss, come here. I'll help you!"

The words escaped her lips before she even realized it. Although this wasn't the first time she'd offered, the thought of Kain resting his head on her knees always left her feeling shy and flustered.

Meanwhile, the defense in the direction of Rock Shinobi Village had undergone changes. Orochimaru was now in command of the defense line after being sent by the Third Hokage to the border of the Land of Grass following the White Fang incident.

During this time, there had been several small-scale skirmishes with Rock Shinobi forces. Orochimaru managed to thwart their attacks and intentions, stabilizing Konoha's position. However, after the daimyo's envoy intervened, tensions between the two ninja villages subsided. 

Orochimaru was subsequently recalled to Konoha, with someone else taking over as commander of the Land of Grass.

Though Orochimaru hadn't achieved any significant military victories during this assignment, his leadership had bolstered Konoha's morale at the border. As a result, he was welcomed back as a hero.

When Orochimaru returned to Konoha, Kain happened to be observing from the side of the road. Their eyes briefly met before Orochimaru turned and headed toward the Hokage building, undoubtedly to report to the Third Hokage and handle the transition of his responsibilities.

Kain didn't linger long after their exchange. Even Tsunade was unaware of his covert collaboration with Orochimaru, and there was no way he could collect information without drawing suspicion.

Later that evening, Kain suddenly sensed the chakra of Orochimaru's white snake summoning him. Without hesitation, he used the Summoning Technique to call forth the White Snake from Ryūchi Cave.

"Bring Orochimaru here," Kain instructed.

He then cast protective spells and sealing barriers around the room, ensuring that no outsiders could spy on their meeting. Once everything was in place, the White Snake returned with Orochimaru.

"Long time no see, Kain," Orochimaru greeted with a sly smile. "I didn't expect you to become the propaganda minister for the Land of Fire."

…

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