A New Snake In The Shinobi World

Chapter 187:

What exactly is forbidden jutsu?Forbidden techniques aren't necessarily the most powerful, but they're those with significant drawbacks, techniques that can easily harm the user, or those that go against moral and ethical codes to the point they must be sealed away. These techniques are not permitted for general learning, and studying them is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized by the village. For most shinobi, access to these techniques remains out of reach their entire lives.

But Orochimaru was an exception.

Thanks to Danzo's influence and privileges within Konoha, Orochimaru had access to numerous resources that most could only dream of: re

"No Jiraiya? That's fine. Let's invite Tsunade and her brother, then," Hiruko said, his enthusiasm undiminished.

Hiruko's situation was different from theirs. While Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade had risen to fame as the Sannin, Hiruko had remained a mere chuunin, his life trajectory far less remarkable.

Orochimaru agreed; after all, a break wouldn't hurt. He led Hiruko to the Senju clan's compound. They hadn't yet found Tsunade, but someone else caught his attention first, a young girl with striking red hair dressed in a netted top, a green miniskirt, and thigh-high socks.

"Kushina? Haha, what an adorable little girl!" Hiruko grinned.

Adorable was the right word. Despite her mature clothing, Kushina's youthful face created an interesting contrast that made her seem both fierce and cute. ɌÄ????Ő????ΕṠ

"Lord Orochimaru?" Kushina stuttered, her voice tinged with nerves.

Like Mikoto, Kushina held an instinctive respect and awe for Orochimaru. It wasn't because of anything he had done specifically but more the aura he carried. It was the presence of someone who exuded power and command, a subtle reminder of the difference in their levels.

"Kushina, are you nervous? What's there to be nervous about?" Orochimaru asked, genuinely curious.

"I… I don't know," she stammered, clearly flustered.

Orochimaru felt a moment of confusion. What's with these kids? First Mikoto, now Kushina.

"Hey, Kushina!" A familiar voice called out as Tsunade appeared at the door. Her gaze shifted from Kushina to Orochimaru and then to Hiruko. "Well, this is a surprise. Hiruko, it's been ages!"

—

In the heart of the village, a local barbecue restaurant buzzed with life. Jiraiya was absent, as was Might Duy, who was on a mission. But at the long table, three adults sat on one side—Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Hiruko—while two kids, Nawaki and Kushina, occupied the other.

The conversations were split: the adults reminisced, while the kids were left to their own devices. Nawaki glanced at Kushina, who kept sneaking glances at Orochimaru, and couldn't help but ask, "Kushina, why do you keep looking over at my teacher?"