Just as Uzumaki Rin was considering whether to finish Kakashi off with an ultimate taijutsu—something like a Thousand Years of Death—two figures suddenly appeared beside him.
The moment he saw them, Rin knew his idea had fallen through.
"Rin, release Kakashi," Minato said.
"Oh… Uncle Sakumo, hello. Senior Brother Minato, why are you the one picking me up?" Rin dispersed the chakra chains and greeted them.
The two who had appeared were Sakumo Hatake and Minato Namikaze. Rin didn't have the guts to use such a move on Sakumo's son right in front of the White Fang, so he could only let Kakashi go.
"Rin, thank you for holding back earlier. Kakashi caused you trouble," Sakumo said with a gentle smile.
"It's fine. Kakashi is still young—I won't hold it against him," Rin replied generously, wearing the expression of a senior.
…Sakumo and Kakashi both fell silent.
What kind of answer was that? You're a child too, aren't you?
"Senior White Fang, Jiraiya-sensei has something for Rin. I'll take him first," Minato quickly said, noticing the awkward atmosphere. In the next moment, he used the Body Flicker Technique and left with Rin.
After they left, Sakumo also took Kakashi away.
Meanwhile, the children who had been watching began chattering excitedly about Rin's strength.
"He's even stronger than Kakashi…"
"But I'll defeat you one day! I'll run 500 laps again—youth must burn with passion!"
Might Guy, who hadn't enrolled yet, reignited his youthful spirit after watching the match and immediately resumed his training laps with his banner on his back.
Minato brought Rin home, where Kushina had already prepared dinner and was waiting for them.
"Rin, how was your first day at school?" Kushina asked happily as soon as she saw him.
"Don't even ask. It was boring—just a bunch of little brats," Rin replied listlessly.
…
Minato and Kushina were once again speechless.
They were used to his mature demeanor, but every time he called others "little brats," it still felt surreal.
If there was a number one problem child in Konoha, Rin would proudly claim second place—because no one would dare take first.
"Senior Brother Minato, Sister Kushina, I'm going to find Orochimaru-sensei to learn ninjutsu. I won't be back tonight, so don't worry. Oh, and if Tsunade asks, just tell her I'm with him," Rin said after finishing his meal.
"Alright, but be careful. Should Minato take you?" Kushina asked immediately, concern evident.
"No need. What could possibly happen to me in Konoha?" Rin waved it off and ran out.
Of course Kushina worried. She had once been kidnapped in Konoha herself. If not for Minato, who knew what would have happened to her? Ever since then, she had never fully trusted the village's security.
Seeing her expression, Minato immediately understood.
"I'll follow him. Once he reaches Orochimaru-sensei's place, I'll come back."
"Alright, thank you."
With that, Minato vanished in a flash. When he reappeared, he was already behind Rin, quietly following without being noticed.
Before long, Rin arrived at Orochimaru's residence.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Orochi-uncle, open up! It's me!"
Rin knocked on the door loudly and without restraint. In all of Konoha, only a handful dared to behave like this—aside from Tsunade and Jiraiya, only he could get away with it.
After knocking, he waited for several dozen seconds, but there was no response.
Not home? Off doing experiments again?
Rin frowned slightly. According to his knowledge, Orochimaru had already begun conducting human experiments at this point, working with Danzo to research the transplantation of Hashirama's cells.
As for Hashirama's cells, Rin wasn't interested at all.
Hashirama had a Sage Body—and so did he. Maybe his wasn't as powerful yet, but he was only five. He had plenty of time to grow stronger.
As for Wood Release, it was simply the fusion of Water and Earth chakra, combined with immense life force to create a unique Public belief.
Rin himself possessed Water, Earth, and Wind chakra, along with extraordinary vitality. As long as he learned it, he could reach Hashirama's level—not the inferior imitation like Yamato's.
Just as he was about to leave, a figure suddenly appeared.
Orochimaru had returned—from outside.
"Rin-kun, what brings you here today?" Orochimaru greeted him with his characteristic expression.
"Orochi-uncle, I'm here to learn ninjutsu. I fought Kakashi today. Even though I crushed him with sealing techniques, it didn't feel satisfying. Fighting with ninjutsu seems more fun, so I came to learn from you," Rin said.
At this point in time, Orochimaru had already begun to darken, but his appearance was still refined—wearing a sleek vest and crescent-shaped earrings, looking elegant and composed. Nothing like his later eccentric appearance after defecting.
As for why Rin dared to learn from Orochimaru—it was simple.
Orochimaru hadn't completely lost himself yet. Combined with his ties to Tsunade and Jiraiya, Rin wasn't worried about being harmed.
If this were Orochimaru ten years later, Rin wouldn't come near him unless he had a death wish.
Of course, ten years later, Orochimaru wouldn't be his match anyway.
"So, Rin-kun, which chakra nature do you wish to learn?" Orochimaru asked with a smile, not the least bit concerned that Rin's motivation was simply to fight.
"I want to learn Wind Release and Water Release. Those are my natural affinities," Rin replied. He chose not to mention Earth Release—better to be cautious.
"Very well. Come with me."
Orochimaru stepped forward and released the sealing formula on the door.
Only then did Rin notice a small figure standing beside him—a brown-haired boy.
"Orochi-uncle, who's this kid?" Rin asked casually.
"Him? A child I rescued. His name is Tenzo," Orochimaru replied lightly.
The moment Rin heard that name, a realization struck him.
Tenzo—codename "A" of Root, Kakashi's future ANBU companion, and later the captain of Team 7.
The only survivor among sixty children implanted with Hashirama's cells.
The one who possessed an imperfect version of Wood Release.
[ New Book Please Send Power Stones And Add To Collection]