Inside the tent, Shiranui Riku and Orochimaru discussed tactics for a long time.
Riku became increasingly absorbed in the conversation and offered many suggestions as their dialogue deepened. By the time they concluded their discussion, it was already late into the night. Orochimaru finalized the decision to carry out the tentative plan: a surprise attack on Yugakure Village, to be launched the following night.
After wrapping up their talk, Orochimaru turned to Riku and said, "Riku, there's one thing you got wrong."
Throughout the conversation, Riku had learned a lot. There were quite a few flaws in his initial proposal—loopholes that Orochimaru had systematically identified and countered, ensuring the operation wouldn't fail because of them. So when Orochimaru mentioned something was wrong, Riku didn't find it unusual. If Orochimaru was bringing it up, then he surely had a solution in mind.
"I agree," Riku nodded. "There are definitely many areas in my plan that weren't thorough. What did I get wrong, Lord Orochimaru?"
Orochimaru shook his head with a faint smile. "I'm not talking about the operation itself. As far as I'm concerned, your plan is the best option we have."
Riku blinked, confused. "If it's not about the operation… then what was I wrong about?"
Orochimaru's voice took on a more serious tone. "You said earlier that I was Konoha's only reinforcement. That's where you're wrong. You are also a reinforcement, Shiranui Riku. Your judgment and understanding of the broader situation truly surprised me."
He continued, "Strength alone doesn't define a leader. What matters is perspective—being able to see the big picture and assess the battlefield. And in that regard, you have incredible potential. I believe this war will become your stepping stone. You'll be a key figure in it—and your name will echo across the ninja world."
Riku dropped his stoic act and grinned. "It'd be nice to become famous."
At this point, he and Orochimaru had formed an unspoken understanding. If Riku did rise to prominence during the war, it would naturally elevate him into Konoha's inner circle—and Orochimaru, in turn, needed allies in that very circle to help him obscure certain... personal matters.
After exiting the tent, Riku headed off to rest.
After the long journey to get here, followed by an intense tactical meeting, he was finally feeling the fatigue. Especially with the surprise attack planned for tomorrow night, rest was essential.
A tent had already been arranged for him. As he approached it, his eyes narrowed slightly—standing ahead of him was Namikaze Minato.
It looked like Minato had been waiting for him.
Riku didn't know why. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing they needed to say to one another.
Minato walked up to him with a warm, sunny smile. "Riku, I didn't get the chance to say hello earlier. It's been a while since we've seen each other."
Riku raised an eyebrow. "Does it really matter whether we see each other or not?"
Minato paused, caught off guard by the blunt reply—but he kept smiling. "We're comrades from the same village. We were even rivals back in the Academy. I've always considered you a friend."
Riku returned a cold smile. "I don't have any friends. And to be honest—I've always hated you."
Minato's smile faltered. "Why? Is it still about what happened in the Academy? That was years ago, Riku."
Riku scoffed. "So what if it was years ago? I'm not the kind of person who lets go of grudges. I tally every score. If I can get revenge on the spot, I will. If I can't, I wait for my moment."
Minato looked at him seriously. "Is this about Kushina? Those two guys who hurt her were already punished. Why can't you let it go, Riku? We're from the same village—even if we're not friends, we're still comrades."
Riku's eyes gleamed with sarcasm. "You're really something, Namikaze Minato. So popular, so warm, everyone's buddy. People like me—outsiders, people who hold onto petty grudges—you think we're just unreasonable, don't you?"
Minato frowned. "I never said that. And I don't think that way."
Riku's voice turned cold. "You're a hypocrite in my eyes. Maybe deep down, you think I'm just bitter and picking on you, so I call you a hypocrite. But your actions? They're no different from someone pretending to be good."
Minato's expression grew more serious. "What exactly have I done to make you feel that way?"
Riku replied calmly, "Forget the past for a moment—let's talk about today. You objected to my plan earlier, didn't you? Because you're afraid it could lead to high casualties?"
Minato nodded silently. He wasn't denying it.
Riku spread his arms. "There. That's what makes you a hypocrite."
Minato's brows furrowed. "How can that prove I'm a hypocrite?"
Riku shook his head in disbelief. "I can't tell if you're really this clueless or if you're just pretending. Before Orochimaru and I arrived, things in the Land of Hot Springs were deteriorating rapidly. If it went on, the casualties would keep piling up."
"If this plan succeeds, the Cloud ninjas will back off, and we'll no longer be on the defensive. Fewer people will die. If we just sit here doing nothing, waiting for war to break out full-scale, and the Cloud forces cross into the Land of Fire, do you know how many will die then?"
"You can do basic math, right? You know how to compare a small sacrifice now versus a massive one later, don't you?"
Minato's voice was firm. "They're not numbers, Riku. They're people."
Riku stared at him for a moment—then suddenly burst out laughing. He clutched his stomach, laughing harder and harder until he was out of breath.
"Minato," he said between chuckles, "I take it back. You're not a hypocrite. You're just genuinely kind."
Minato stayed silent, but his displeasure showed clearly on his face.
When Riku finally stopped laughing, he added, "Look, I know you don't like me either. Let's not pretend otherwise. The only reason you're trying to talk to me is because you think we might have to fight side by side soon."
"Well, that's it from me. I've said what I needed to say. I'm going to rest."
With that, Riku walked past Namikaze Minato and headed for his tent without looking back.