Chapter 82: What's the Point of Desperately Growing Stronger?
"Ritsu-kun, you could actually choose to let bygones be bygones. Investigating to the end like this will only completely place you in opposition to Teacher Sarutobi and the others. Honestly, this isn't a good thing for you or the Hyuga clan."
Standing in the camp, watching Aburame Torune's group disappear from view, Orochimaru suddenly spoke.
Hearing this, Hiruko's brow furrowed tightly, because what Orochimaru said was indeed reasonable. Since the end of the Second Shinobi World War, when Second Hokage Senju Tobirama sacrificed himself and Sarutobi Hiruzen succeeded to the position, thirteen years had already passed.
During these thirteen years, relying on the legacy inherited from the First and Second Hokage, the full support of families like Sarutobi and Ino-Shika-Cho behind him, his own considerable political skill, and three excellent students he'd cultivated, Sarutobi Hiruzen had long since firmly grasped the entire Konoha Village in his hands.
Even someone as formidable as Konoha's White Fang had ended his own life under the pressure of public opinion, hadn't he?
"Lord Orochimaru, Aburame Torune is Danzo's subordinate. What does that have to do with the Hokage?"
"Playing dumb in front of me serves no purpose!"
"Haha!"
Ritsu couldn't help but laugh, his brow and eyes full of relaxed pleasure. He turned to ask: "Then why are you investigating to the end, Lord Orochimaru? Didn't Aburame Torune say earlier that the Hokage is your teacher? Shouldn't you be assisting Torune in making trouble for me?"
"You certainly dare to speak! Ritsu-kun, weren't you the one who pulled me onto your pirate ship?"
Orochimaru stared at Ritsu.
Previously, they'd made a deal. Orochimaru gave Ritsu the opportunity to sign a contract with Dragon Cave, while the price Ritsu needed to pay was assisting Orochimaru in competing for the position of Fourth Hokage.
Though many in the village knew the strong candidates for Fourth Hokage were Orochimaru and Namikaze Minato, and many favored Orochimaru, believing his qualifications and prestige far exceeded Minato's, making him the certain Fourth Hokage—
In reality, only Orochimaru himself clearly understood that Teacher Sarutobi favored Minato as successor, not himself as his student.
This filled Orochimaru's heart with indignation.
Honestly, in earlier years he'd harbored fairly strong yearning and desire for the Hokage position. But as he experienced more events and witnessed countless separations by death, in recent years this desire had gradually faded.
However—this wasn't reason for Teacher Sarutobi to directly deny him!
Searching his heart, he didn't feel he'd done anything inadequate. Though Minato was indeed excellent, he had nothing that surpassed Orochimaru either.
Therefore—
When Ritsu proposed his willingness to assist him in competing for the Fourth Hokage position, he'd agreed almost without hesitation. The Hyuga clan was a prestigious great clan of Konoha. Moreover, unlike the overly unruly Uchiha clan shunned by villagers, the Hyuga clan had wide connections and deep relationships throughout the village. Having the Hyuga clan's support could indeed rally a large group of supporters.
The price he needed to pay was merely the opportunity to sign a contract with Dragon Cave—nothing significant to him. This deal was entirely beneficial without harm.
"Speaking of which, I'm very much looking forward to how the Third Hokage will quell Minato's fury."
Ritsu brought up something that lifted the mood.
"I'm also looking forward to it."
Hearing this, Orochimaru also smiled. Shimura Danzo was Teacher Sarutobi's black glove, Minato was the successor Teacher Sarutobi favored. When they clashed and collided, how would you handle it, Teacher Sarutobi?
Thinking of this—
His heart filled with pleasure.
"By the way, Ritsu-kun, you still haven't answered my question. You don't necessarily have to oppose Teacher Sarutobi. As long as you're willing to pledge allegiance, given your clan's importance, Teacher Sarutobi has no reason to refuse."
Orochimaru's words took a sharp turn. His burning gaze fixed on Ritsu, persistently demanding an answer.
This time—
Ritsu didn't evade the topic. He met Orochimaru's gaze and answered frankly:
"If I were very weak, then bowing and scraping would be no problem whatsoever. The weak submitting to the strong is an unbreakable truth of the shinobi world. But now I'm no longer a weakling who needs to live under others' noses. If I still have to bow down at this point, then what's the point of desperately growing stronger?"
"Well said!"
Orochimaru clapped in praise, his eyes looking at Ritsu full of appreciation as he exclaimed: "Those words are absolutely right. The weak should submit to the strong. If you're unwilling to accept that submission, then work hard to become strong!"
Nearby—
Hiruko also looked with satisfaction at his student.
Clearly, both Orochimaru and Hiruko recognized the importance of strength, sneering at the power of ethereal emotions like bonds and friendship.
"Ritsu-kun, I very much look forward to you fulfilling our transaction."
"Rest assured, Lord Orochimaru. Even if only for myself, for the Hyuga clan, I'll do everything in my power to make you Fourth Hokage. Though Minato-senpai is also a good person, I feel I'm more like-minded with you, Lord Orochimaru."
Ritsu answered with a smile.
Hearing this response, a satisfied smile appeared on Orochimaru's face. He didn't say more, only stating: "Alright, Ritsu-kun, I know you teacher and student must have much to discuss. I won't disturb you. I'll go see how their counterattack preparations are progressing."
Finishing—
Orochimaru turned and departed.
"Teacher, I've grown stronger again!"
Once Orochimaru walked far away, Ritsu couldn't wait to tell Hiruko this good news.
"Hmm? You used the Chimera Technique again?"
Hiruko's expression became serious in an instant.
"That's right."
"Who was the subject this time?"
"A monster who inherited the Senju clan bloodline!"
"What thing?"
Hiruko momentarily couldn't understand.
"Teacher, you'll know in a moment. Not only did I use it myself, I also caught one for you, Teacher. Didn't you say earlier that your Chimera Technique plan still had one Kekkei Genkai undecided? What do you think of the Senju clan bloodline?"
"Senju clan? That would certainly be excellent. Even without awakening Wood Style, the Senju clan's powerful vitality and chakra would still be superb. However, are you certain there's no problem with this? If this bloodline power's origins aren't reasonable, there'll be tremendous hidden dangers."
Hiruko asked very seriously.
"Regarding this point, Teacher, let's go back and find a secluded place. You'll understand once you see. Oh yes, I've also prepared several other gifts for you, Teacher."
The teacher and student quickly walked toward the camp section belonging to the Hyuga clan.
****
50+advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces