Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Shouko Nishimiya
Orochimaru arrived at the office of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Due to the ongoing war, Danzo Shimura was in the Land of Rain, and the other two elders were busy preparing for the conflict, leaving Hiruzen alone in his office, puffing on his cigarette while reviewing reports from the front lines.
Before Orochimaru could speak, Hiruzen began.
"The war on two fronts is straining our resources," the Third Hokage sighed. "The latest batch of graduates from the Ninja Academy will have to join the battlefield— a regrettable necessity. Take special care of Tobirama; he's like a kin to Tsunade."
"I understand," Orochimaru nodded. "I've taken Uchiha Gu Xingxi as my disciple. He possesses a powerful summoning beast that, frankly, scares me—it resembles the Nine-Tails but is white."
"That must be Bai Qian, the fox deity from Qingqiu," Hiruzen deduced.
"Who's Bai Qian?" Orochimaru asked, puzzled.
Hiruzen detailed the lore of Bai Qian to Orochimaru.
"Since you've taken him under your wing, nurture him well. With Bai Qian's celestial techniques and his flying device, not to mention his early mastery of the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he might well be the next Uchiha Kagami."
"I'll ensure their safety as long as they're in the Hidden Rain Village," Orochimaru promised.
"That's for the best," Hiruzen nodded, just as Jiraiya tumbled in through the window.
"What are you two discussing?" Jiraiya inquired curiously.
"Battle preparations," Orochimaru replied. "Aren't you taking on new disciples?"
"You didn't want to lead a team, Jiraiya. What's with taking on disciples now?" Hiruzen looked puzzled.
Jiraiya chuckled, "Just about to tell you. I've taken Minato Namikaze, that civilian prodigy, and two clan ninjas under my wing."
"Which clans trusted you with their heirs?" Orochimaru teased.
"Hey, hey! Don't underestimate me— one from the Akimichi and one from the Yamanaka," Jiraiya shouted back.
"Such a cunning man," Orochimaru jested.
"Who's learning from you? I just wanted some disciples," Jiraiya retorted.
"Right, right, whatever you say," Orochimaru dismissed casually.
Hiruzen just smiled knowingly, "As long as you're happy. But remember, all recent graduates are going to war. You must take good care of your three disciples."
"Don't worry about me," Jiraiya boasted, thumping his chest.
"Trusting you not to peek in the women's bath?" Orochimaru quipped as he patted Jiraiya's shoulder, then swiftly vanished using a teleportation jutsu.
"Orochimaru, wait up!" Jiraiya yelled, chasing after him as he stormed out the door.
Hiruzen sighed, "Peaceful days like these would be perfect without the war," before resuming his paperwork.
Meanwhile, Gu Xingxi, using his 3D Maneuver Gear, returned home only to find his clan's gaze unsettling.
"What's with these looks— a mix of gossip, resentment, and jealousy? Are they jealous of my battlefield exploits or my Three-Tomoe Sharingan?" Gu Xingxi wondered, scratching his head.
Choosing not to dwell on it, he returned to his house, only to find four people waiting inside: the clan head, the great elder, Uchiha Fugaku, and Uchiha Mikoto.
"What brings you four to my place? Taken a fancy to my house?" Gu Xingxi thought wryly as he greeted the clan leaders.
"Sit down, we need to discuss something," Fugaku said.
Despite his growing suspicion, Gu Xingxi obeyed.
"What do you need from me?" he asked.
"Please look after my sister," Mikoto interjected suddenly.
Confused, Gu Xingxi thought, "Sister? Since when does Mikoto have a sister?"
The great elder clarified, "I am giving my daughter, Uchiha Shouko, to you in marriage. You two, not being pure Uchihas, are well suited for each other."
"Insulting me, are you? And who is Shouko?" Gu Xingxi thought indignantly.
"Yes, exactly," Fugaku confirmed.
"Come out, Shouko," the great elder called into another room.
"Putting her in my house without my agreement?" Gu Xingxi muttered.
A woman with pink hair emerged from the room.
Before she could speak, Gu Xingxi's eyes reddened with emotion, and he exclaimed, "Shouko Nishimiya."
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