Hiruzen Sarutobi studied Orochimaru's expression carefully and offered a reassuring smile. "Orochimaru, you did very well. Even if you solve the Iburi Clan's Bloodline Limit disease, you cannot force them to join Konoha."
Orochimaru's thin lips curled slightly as he replied, "Hiruzen-sensei, actually… there's more. I've put forward certain conditions on your behalf."
Hiruzen tilted his head slightly, curiosity mingled with caution. "Conditions?"
Orochimaru paused, as if weighing his next words carefully, then continued in a firm tone: "Don't blame me! I did this to ensure the Iburi Clan's voluntary inclusion in Konoha."
Hiruzen's brow furrowed. "What conditions?"
The old Hokage felt a flutter of unease, an instinctive premonition that the terms might be more than he expected. He studied Orochimaru's serious gaze and sensed that his student's words were deliberate and considered.
"I told Vice Clan Head Chiriu that if the Iburi Clan were to join Konoha, the Hokage would designate a suitable area within the Village as their new clan territory, assist the clan in building new homes, and also provide resettlement fees to facilitate their relocation," Orochimaru explained.
He believed these terms fell well within Konoha's acceptable range. After all, as Hokage, Hiruzen could hardly be unaware of the clan's plight.
"And what do you think, Hiruzen-sensei?" Orochimaru asked, tilting his head with an expectant look.
Hiruzen considered this carefully. "The terms you propose are reasonable. I understand the Iburi Clan's situation. Without assistance, adapting to life in Konoha would be extremely difficult for them."
He reflected on their struggles: as a Bloodline Limit Ninja clan, the Iburi's lives depended entirely on cultivating medicinal herbs, farming, and fishing. None among them had emerged as proper ninja due to the limitations imposed by their bloodline ailments. Their existence was fragile, their resources limited, and survival always uncertain.
"There may be dissenters within the Iburi Clan," Orochimaru continued, "but I believe the majority will choose to join Konoha."
Hiruzen smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Orochimaru, you've done well. Next time, I hope you will discuss these matters with me beforehand."
Orochimaru shot him a reproachful look. "Hiruzen-sensei, this situation is your fault! You didn't inform me!"
"You are the Hokage. Can one really blame a child for your mistakes? Did my failure to mention it make you forget?" Hiruzen chuckled.
Orochimaru had been so absorbed in obtaining the Flying Thunder God Technique that he had entirely forgotten the matter. Tsunade's intervention at the time of his departure had also diverted his attention, and it wasn't until he reached the Iburi Clan that the oversight occurred.
Inviting an entire clan to join Konoha without any incentive was impossible. Surely, no one would move their families to a new village on promises alone.
"Then… my fault?" Hiruzen murmured, scratching his head in bemusement. After thinking it through, he realized Orochimaru was right: had he reminded his pupil earlier, the terms offered might have been different.
Embarrassed yet amused, the old Hokage's face reddened slightly as he chuckled. "Ah… hahaha! I suppose it really was my fault!"
Orochimaru, unimpressed, merely stared silently at him.
---
After returning home, Orochimaru's Shadow Clone, which had been researching the Flying Thunder God Technique, vanished into a wisp of smoke. The memories and exhaustion accumulated by the clone over hours of study merged back into Orochimaru's main body.
The Flying Thunder God Technique allowed instantaneous movement using a personal formula—a principle akin to the Summoning Technique. To master it, one had to first develop a unique Flying Thunder God formula.
In the original lore, the formula varied among users: Minato Namikaze's was text-based, while Senju Tobirama's followed a template. Both involved leaving a permanent chakra imprint that could not be erased, though exceptions existed, such as Uchiha Obito, who removed his formula after becoming the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, likely employing Yin and Yang Release or Six Paths powers.
Orochimaru approached his desk, intent on recording his own formula in his notebook. Suddenly, a hand rested on the notebook.
"Main body, do not obstruct," the Shadow Clone said, pausing its work on the Akimichi Clan's Red Chili Pill, attempting to reduce its side effects.
"Am I… in your way?" Orochimaru asked, genuinely curious.
Recognizing the persistence of his clone, Orochimaru moved aside. After some time, he placed his hand back on the notebook and lifted it—yet the Flying Thunder God formula no longer appeared.
He realized that inscribing a chakra signature for the technique was far more difficult than anticipated. Each attempt ended in failure, prompting him to analyze and adjust his approach repeatedly.
He mused aloud: The Flying Thunder God formula is a chakra imprint that allows the user to instantly locate and move toward it. It functions like a self-contract Summoning Technique… essentially, I'm signing a contract with myself.
Orochimaru reflected on Minato Namikaze's legendary execution and smiled wryly. "It's clever. Truly clever… but the technique requires not only acute chakra sensing but also lightning-fast reflexes. Without that, using it in battle is near impossible."
He admired Senju Tobirama silently: the man had mastered forbidden techniques beyond Water Release, leaving a lasting legacy.
After many attempts, Orochimaru succeeded in leaving a formula in his notebook, albeit rudimentary. Unlike Minato's text formula, his represented "Science Above All" rather than a traditional ninja way. To Orochimaru, mastery of the technique was not just about ninja skill—it was a scientific experiment in its purest form.
He tested the formula, instantly transporting himself across the room, only to crash face-first onto the table. "Clearly… extensive training is still required," he muttered, clutching his aching stomach. Yet he grinned. Still, I can use this to enter the Laboratory. No more doors…
By leaving a Shadow Clone in Konoha, he ensured discretion. Senju Tobirama's Shadow Clone Technique, flawless in distinguishing clones from the main body, left him in awe. "Truly remarkable," Orochimaru thought.
"Have you done it?" the clone asked.
"My proficiency is limited," Orochimaru admitted. "But once I leave a formula in the Laboratory, I can enter at will. It's only a matter of practice now."
---
A few days after officially inviting the Iburi Clan to join Konoha, Orochimaru returned to the clan. Those who wished to relocate had departed with excitement, while the remainder stayed in the familiar caves they had always called home.
Orochimaru had initially wanted minimal involvement. Yet he was surprised by the loyalty he saw. Even without coercion, many Iburi Clan members remained steadfastly attached to their original village life. Their devotion was so intense, it seemed almost ancestral.
This dedication did not escape Konoha's patrol teams or the Anbu, who observed the clan carefully. They followed the loyal members under the guise of escorting them, ensuring no incidents occurred.
Before heading to meet the clan, Hiruzen Sarutobi visited Orochimaru at the training grounds, accompanied by Hokage Advisors Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado.
Orochimaru eyed the group and muttered, "Hiruzen-sensei, why are all three of you coming? Wouldn't it suffice for the Advisors to go? Why summon me?"
Utatane Koharu smiled gently. "Orochimaru, you facilitated the Iburi Clan joining Konoha. You cannot shirk your responsibility now."
Homura Mitokado added, "Your contributions should not go unnoticed."
Orochimaru's mind raced. Was Hiruzen grooming him for the Hokage's position? He had no interest in such politics. The role was mired in endless responsibilities—paperwork, village management, seeking approval. He preferred research, experimentation, and, admittedly, the occasional indulgence with Tsunade at the Casino.
Grumbling internally, Orochimaru followed the group toward the Konoha gate. Their procession attracted attention: pedestrians and ninja alike noticed the Third Hokage flanked by the two Advisors, with Orochimaru beside them.
The Iburi Clan, having overcome their Bloodline Limit disease thanks to Orochimaru's medicine, now approached the Village with a mixture of awe and gratitude. Chiriu, stepping forward respectfully, announced, "Hokage-sama, I am Clan Leader Chiriu of the Iburi Clan. All members who wish to join Konoha are present."
Orochimaru's eyes widened. "Clan Leader?"
"Yes," Chiriu replied, a faint bitterness hidden behind her smile. "The original leader refused to join, so I assumed leadership to guide those willing into Konoha."
Hiruzen Sarutobi welcomed them warmly. "On behalf of Konoha, we welcome the Iburi Clan into our family."
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu exchanged knowing glances. They understood: the clan had split, with only a portion integrating into Konoha, leaving the rest behind.
Word of the Iburi Clan's assimilation spread swiftly through Konoha. Citizens recognized the young Orochimaru as the architect of this significant development. He had secured his place in Konoha's history, earning unparalleled prestige.
---
Ding dong! Ding dong!
A new chapter of Orochimaru's journey—one blending innovation, loyalty, and scientific pursuit—was underway.
---patreon (Obito_uchiha)