In the hearts of Yahiko and the others, Orochimaru was akin to a reborn parent.
He had saved them from the flames of war, fed them, clothed them, and allowed them to grow up in the relatively safe environment of the Sound Ninja Village.
So, when Orochimaru asked them to go to Amegakure to establish an organization, they agreed without much hesitation.
Of course, Orochimaru didn't directly issue the task. Instead, he first explained the significance of Sound Ninja Village's existence, framing it as a symbol of peace. He told them the village had already allied with Konoha and several smaller nations.
Only a handful of nations, including Amegakure, continued to resist both diplomatic and forceful measures.
Under these circumstances, Yahiko and the others were tasked with going to Amegakure in their own names to establish an organization advocating for peace. Naturally, they agreed without question.
Hearing Yahiko's confident response, Orochimaru nodded slightly. "Confidence is a good thing, but remember: Sound Ninja Village is a unique existence. This time, you'll be acting under your own identities."
"In other words, your actions will represent only yourselves, not the Sound Ninja Village. Do you understand?"
"Yes, we understand!"
Yahiko, an idealistic young man and a pacifist at heart, felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Orochimaru. He believed it was time to repay that kindness, and now that he had the opportunity, he was determined to prove himself.
While there hadn't been many opportunities for practical combat training in the Sound Ninja Village, Yahiko and the others had learned a great deal under Jiraiya's tutelage when they were younger.
He was confident in his abilities.
"Well then, when you're ready, pack your things and head out."
"Yes!"
Yahiko and the others respectfully took their leave.
Orochimaru stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, silently watching their figures disappear into the distance. He murmured to himself, "With this, Amegakure should no longer be an issue."
For smaller nations, changing the daimyo could influence their course.
Why?
Because in nations with stronger military power, daimyos were often guarded by elite ninjas.
Take, for instance, the Twelve Guardian Ninja who protected the Fire Country's daimyo.
While Orochimaru's strength was more than enough to crush such forces, getting close to the daimyo without being discovered was nearly impossible.
The elite ninjas tasked with protecting daimyos had keen senses and exceptional combat capabilities.
Stealth was never Orochimaru's specialty.
If discovered, there would be no point in changing the daimyo, aside from killing everyone in sight.
Therefore, to control a militarily powerful country, Orochimaru needed a different approach.
By sending Yahiko and his group to Amegakure, he could not only strengthen his cooperation with Obito but also subtly take control of the Rain Country. It was a strategy that killed two birds with one stone.
---
The following days passed uneventfully.
Yahiko and his team headed to Amegakure.
Obito and Zetsu departed for Kirigakure.
This left Orochimaru with ample free time.
Of course, he hadn't forgotten about Kushina's impending childbirth.
After delegating some responsibilities to Nawaki, Orochimaru prepared to return.
"Lord Orochimaru!"
"Good day, Lord Orochimaru!"
"Hello, sir!"
Walking through the streets of Sound Ninja Village, countless villagers greeted Orochimaru with respect, and he nodded in response.
The atmosphere in the village was harmonious, with more people arriving daily. The village had already undergone two expansions.
It felt as though prosperity was within reach.
However, with the influx of new residents, there were also many unfamiliar faces in the village.
At the village entrance, Chana and Nawaki stood waiting to see Orochimaru off.
Chana, you've worked hard all these years. From now on, I'll leave everything to Nawaki. You can assist him as needed."
"Yes, my lord!" Chana replied respectfully.
Chana, an ordinary woman with the Uzumaki physique, had been rescued by Orochimaru and had managed the Sound Ninja Village ever since.
She was a person who understood gratitude and had no ambition for power. She admired Orochimaru deeply and never sought to expand her influence.
Thus, when Orochimaru asked her to hand over her responsibilities to Nawaki, she had no complaints.
As for Nawaki, he initially didn't understand the nature of Sound Ninja Village, nor did he know about its cloning experiments and laboratories.
However, during his short stay, Orochimaru had explained everything to him.
While Nawaki was surprised by these revelations and somewhat resistant to the idea of using human sacrifices for the Impure World Reincarnation technique, his reservations eased upon learning the sacrifices were death-row prisoners from other nations.
"Lord Orochimaru!"
A young girl's voice suddenly rang out, calling to Orochimaru just as he was about to leave.
Orochimaru turned to see a girl with light blue hair running toward the village entrance.
"Guren, what is it?"
"Lord Orochimaru, I just… wanted to wish you a safe journey!" Guren said, breathless but resolute.
Hearing this, Orochimaru smiled faintly and ruffled her hair before turning to leave.
Guren, the young possessor of the Crystal Release kekkei genkai, was only nine years old.
Orochimaru had discovered her two years ago near a battlefield between Kumo and Konoha.
Seeing her now, Orochimaru couldn't help but reflect on the advantages of power.
In this world, children matured quickly.
For those with pure hearts, being saved by someone often left a lasting impression.
Just like now.
Orochimaru had saved many war orphans, providing them with food, clothing, and protection.
These children idolized him, viewing him as their savior and turning into loyal followers willing to do anything for him.
Thus, saving orphans had its benefits. When the time came, there was no need to question their loyalty.
---
At the end of September in Konoha Year 48, Orochimaru returned to the orphanage on time.
In early October, Kushina gave birth.
This time, without Obito's interference, the child was delivered successfully.
As expected, it was a girl.
Kushina named her Uzumaki Reige, based on a memory.
It was a strange twist of fate.
If she and Orochimaru hadn't gone to Rōran together, they never would've been together, and the name Reige wouldn't exist.
But fate left no room for "what ifs."
As for why the child bore the Uzumaki surname? In this world, distinctions of status were clear.
Orochimaru, a ninja without a clan name, would not let his child inherit a surname-less identity.
This was why, back in Rōran, he had suggested Kushina give their child the Uzumaki name.
Looking at the weak and pale Kushina lying in bed, Orochimaru's lips curled slightly.
"Kushina, you've worked hard. Let me reinforce the seal first."