"Hmph, Orochimaru, what's the point of learning so many jutsu? The true path is to master and perfect them! I've already started training in Sage Techniques—just wait! Next time we spar, you're in for a surprise!"
Jiraiya threw an arm around Orochimaru's shoulders, grinning from ear to ear.
Orochimaru, however, clearly wasn't interested in humoring this eternally cheerful fool. Instead, he turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi and spoke in a calm, measured tone:
"Sensei, this time I'd like access to materials on Sealing Techniques."
There were countless jutsu in the world worth studying. To truly master them all, an extended lifespan would be essential. As things stood, Sealing Techniques were the most logical next step in his research.
Orochimaru silently assessed what he lacked.
He had already grasped the basics of ninjutsu. His own signature snake-style techniques were taking shape. Now, if he could get his hands on Sarutobi-sensei's sealing scrolls, his snake-style jutsu might soon evolve into a full-fledged system.
"Alright. Head to the Sealing Division later and tell them you have my permission."
Hiruzen chuckled warmly, his smile carrying the air of a benevolent elder.
He had always been lenient with his students—especially obedient ones like Orochimaru.
What a thoughtful, respectful child. He even gave him a heads-up before requesting materials. Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.
All three of his students were thriving. His own career had reached its peak. His comrades continued to support him. Konoha was flourishing.
Tobirama-sensei... I don't think I've let you down...
...
"Alright, back to business. Any of you have your eye on a student this year? If so, feel free to take them under your wing. If not, we can wait."
"That kid—Namikaze Minato—has caught my attention. I'll be keeping an eye on him from a distance, Hiruzen-sensei."
Jiraiya couldn't explain why, but the moment he saw Minato, he felt a strange sense of familiarity. Almost like fate nudging him to take the boy in. Still, it was too soon. He needed to observe a little longer.
"And that Uchiha boy..."
Jiraiya hesitated. Could he really mentor two students at once?
"That one... the fact he voiced that kind of dream... it probably has something to do with what he's been through."
Hiruzen sighed.
"What happened to him?"
To say something like "I just want to live"... coupled with the look of sorrow on Hiruzen-sensei's face, and the boy's strikingly delicate features—it was enough to pique Orochimaru's interest.
"His parents were attacked and killed in the Land of Iron by unknown assailants. Both were elite jonin with Three Tomoe Sharingan."
"The Land of Iron?" Tsunade frowned. "That neutral country of samurai managed to threaten the Uchiha? Two Three Tomoe Sharingan-level jonin?"
As a descendant of the Senju Clan—and having been raised under the influence of her granduncle—Tsunade was well aware of the Uchiha's power.
As far as she knew, the only notable figure from the Land of Iron was Mifune. The rest shouldn't have posed any threat to elite Uchiha shinobi.
And Mifune himself? He wouldn't have acted unless he wanted to bring ruin to his entire nation. Konoha's wrath wasn't something a neutral country could survive.
"Kagami has already gone to investigate. Hopefully he can find some clues."
The four of them fell into a heavy silence.
If not handled properly, this incident could spark serious conflict. The Uchiha weren't about to be pacified by a single man's investigation. If no answers were found, their fury might erupt.
"That's why I want one of you to take the boy under your wing. Even if Kagami comes up empty-handed, it might help soothe tensions within the clan."
"In that case, let me do it, Hiruzen-sensei."
Jiraiya shrugged. He was already planning to train Nawaki—what's one more?
Besides, the boy intrigued him.
"Haha, that child reminds me of you when you were little. Such a pretty boy—maybe the two of you will hit it off."
"Wait... boy?""Boy?!"
Tsunade and Jiraiya both stared, dumbfounded.
That ridiculously pretty kid was a boy?
Their gazes instinctively slid toward Orochimaru. This guy had been weirdly cute when he was younger too...
Orochimaru, naturally, looked completely unfazed. He never assumed anything about someone's gender.
He unconsciously licked his lips—still a normal tongue, mind you—and while the gesture seemed faintly seductive, it didn't yet give off any insane vibes.
That boy might have even more secrets than we know...This is getting interesting...
...
Affection fromHiruzenSarutobi+1
Affection from Hiruzen Sarutobi +1
Affection from HiruzenSarutobi+1
Affection from Orochimaru+1
Affection from Orochimaru +1
Affection from Orochimaru+1
Affection from Jiraiya+1
Affection from Jiraiya +1
Affection from Jiraiya+1
Affection from Tsunade+1
Affection from Tsunade +1
Affection from Tsunade+1
Uchiha Kaien blinked at the sudden four-point boost on his panel, still processing the +5 from Namikaze Minato earlier.
Wait, these new points... they're from Hiruzen and his students?
Don't tell me... Hiruzen's been watching me all this time? With his whole team??
So they'd all been peeping together?
Yeah. It was time to tone things down.
He'd clearly caught their attention, though he wasn't quite sure why. But if even Hiruzen had started paying attention to him, then he was definitely on the higher-ups' radar now.
Time to act the part.
Act like a real Uchiha—arrogant toward anyone weaker, indifferent toward girls, cool on the outside, but burning with hidden passion inside!
How to Play the Perfect Orphan 101:Step one—reject others' kindness at first.Step two—accidentally reveal your true, gentle nature.Step three—make them think you're cold but actually easy to get along with (and easy to manipulate).Step four—after enough time, let them in on your tragic backstory.Boom. Maximum sympathy. Maximum affection gain.
While Kaien was mentally plotting his next moves, he subconsciously parted his lips to breathe.
From Minato's perspective, that soft, slightly dazed expression was incredibly cute.
Combined with everything that had happened up to now, Minato couldn't help but think—
Did I just move him with my words...?
Seeing Kaien's tiny hand stretch forward ever so slightly, Minato acted on instinct.
He gently took hold of it.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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