At night, Gekko Chizan came alone to the forest behind the Hokage Rock.
...
"Ayaya, Orochimaru-sensei, why meet here of all places? Couldn't we just find a tavern and sit down for a proper chat?"
Yes, this meeting place was chosen by Orochimaru himself.
As for why they had to sneak to the back of the Hokage Rock—according to Orochimaru, the most dangerous place is also the safest.
"Hehehe... Chizan-kun, what should I say about you?"
"I always thought you weren't the type to take the initiative, and yet during wartime, you ran off to an enemy nation."
"Remember, life is the most important thing. Surviving is fundamental."
Orochimaru's expression was unusually stern, and his gaze toward Gekko Chizan was filled with authority.
It was the first time Gekko Chizan had seen such an expression from Orochimaru, and he was momentarily stunned.
He nodded unconsciously.
After all, it had been more than ten years since he transmigrated. For years, he had struggled to survive on his own—slowly increasing his attributes with the help of cheats, stealing forbidden techniques through Transparent Release—all just to protect himself.
And today, he was actually being lectured by his nominal teacher. It was a strange but novel feeling.
When it came to Orochimaru, Gekko Chizan considered himself very familiar with the man.
A genius, cautious about his life, rebellious to the core—but one thing was certainly true: he treated his own people well, especially his students.
Today's scene proved that Gekko Chizan still held a certain weight in Orochimaru's heart.
It also strengthened his resolve to side with Orochimaru.
After all, this man had lived through everything from beginning to end—while others grew old or perished, he only grew younger.
"I get it, I get it. This time was an accident."
"But sensei, I actually gained something pretty nice during my trip to the Land of Lightning."
Gekko Chizan grinned slyly, his face full of cunning.
Seeing that expression, Orochimaru was briefly surprised, but then a smile crept up on his own face.
"Looks like the two of us really are alike in this respect. But my gains are even more impressive."
"Come, I'll show you the results of my research."
Research results?
Gekko Chizan narrowed his eyes slightly. If he wasn't mistaken...
This "research result" referred to a person, didn't it?
A person fused with the bloodline of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama—a Wood Release user: Yamato.
...
Following Orochimaru for about half an hour, they walked from the village center to its outskirts.
It was a hidden underground laboratory nestled within the forest.
"This is my new research lab, provided by Root."
Root... Gekko Chizan's brow twitched.
As he suspected, it was that research...
After entering the lab, Orochimaru led him into a spacious room.
Inside, a young boy was running laps, drenched in sweat.
"Chizan-kun, let me introduce you—my research result, codename: A."
A... so it really was Yamato.
Looking at the boy about the same age as his younger brother, a glimmer flashed through Gekko Chizan's eyes.
When Yamato saw Orochimaru return, he immediately ran over.
"Orochimaru-sama... you're back..."
"Mhm. A, this is my disciple and assistant, Gekko Chizan."
Yamato immediately turned his attention to Gekko Chizan.
He had heard Orochimaru mention Gekko Chizan more than once. Finally meeting him in person, his eyes were filled with curiosity.
"Sensei, is this your research result?"
"What kind of research is it?"
Even though he already knew the full story, Gekko Chizan had to play dumb.
When it came to acting, he was a professional.
Orochimaru's face lit up with excitement.
"A is the only child who has successfully fused with the First Hokage's cells. He has the ability to use Wood Release!"
"A, show him."
Yamato nodded and ran to the side. Only then did Gekko Chizan notice a patch of soil in the room—clearly meant for Yamato to practice Wood Release.
Yamato clenched his fists, a serious look appearing on his young face.
"Hey!"
With a shout, a crooked tree branch emerged from the ground, twisting and bending as it grew.
It was quite odd-looking, but undeniably Wood Release.
"It really is Wood Release... but... is this really the legendary Wood Release of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama?"
"It looks kind of... hmm... abstract?"
The tiny tree branch Yamato produced was just too twisted. Gekko Chizan could barely hold back his laughter—his face muscles were twitching.
Orochimaru let out a helpless sigh and glanced at Gekko Chizan.
"Fine, go ahead and laugh if you want."
"A is still very young. Though he can use Wood Release, he's still in the learning phase."
"After all, Wood Release in this case was generated using scientific means. It will take time to adapt."
Yamato looked a bit embarrassed—this was all he could manage for now.
"Ahem, it's fine, really. I think it's great."
"Every beginning is hard. Now that you've got Wood Release, just work hard from here—you'll become a brand new Wood Release shinobi!"
"So... uh... A, was it? Sensei, shouldn't we change that name?"
"A, B, C, D? He's not ANBU, why give him a codename?"
Orochimaru's expression shifted slightly at the sarcasm, but quickly returned to calm.
"Then what do you think we should call him?"
"Why don't you name him?"
Gekko Chizan chuckled internally. That was exactly what he wanted.
"A Wood Release user, huh? How about... Yamato?"
"Yamato? That works. He'll be Yamato from now on—'A' can remain his codename."
Orochimaru considered it and agreed to Gekko Chizan's suggestion.
Yamato lit up with joy. He ran over to Gekko Chizan and gave a deep ninety-degree bow.
"Thank you! I really like this name!"
"I'll be called Yamato from now on!"
"Chizan-senpai, please take care of me from now on!"
Gekko Chizan chuckled, and before he could even reply, a familiar system prompt chimed in.
[Ding! Host was first to name Yamato. While the impact is minimal, the host's tendency to not let even a sliver of opportunity slip by is baffling! Special reward: Ninjutsu +2!]
A delightful surprise—completely unexpected.
"Do your best, Yamato."
"Sensei, I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Can we go out for a bit?"
Orochimaru didn't refuse. Even if Gekko Chizan hadn't brought it up, he had already planned to talk with him.
...
The two of them headed to a private laboratory.
Clearly, this one belonged to Orochimaru—full of his own personal items.
And when Gekko Chizan laid eyes on them, Orochimaru could clearly sense the change in his entire demeanor.