Nawaki and Orochimaru

Hanma regarded Konoha's upper echelon, reeking of decay, as little more than a spectacle.

In the Shinobi World, where extraordinary power existed, as long as you were strong enough and reasonably well-adjusted, the world was your oyster.

Hanma understood deeply that prejudice was a mountain in people's hearts. Simply being true to yourself was already no easy task.

To clear the Uchiha Clan's name, he would have to pull down Konoha's upper echelon, change the villagers' prejudices, persuade the clan members to alter their attitudes, and carry out a series of other difficult operations.

Trying to save the Uchiha Clan on every front within Konoha was about as troublesome as making Uchiha Madara bow his head and apologize to Tobirama Senju.

But that former Uchiha clan head had already run away, setting a fine example for Hanma.

Konoha, blessed with outstanding people and fertile land, had produced many geniuses and heroes. Correspondingly, it also had no shortage of lunatics and perverts.

Here in Konoha, the most extreme clashes of ideologies in the Shinobi World took place, with heroes of every stripe gathered together.

There was Jiraiya, who believed in prophecy and fate, abandoning everything to travel the Shinobi World.

There was also Might Duy, who burned himself away, honing his blade for thirty years solely to protect those before him.

There was Orochimaru, who captured ninjas from his own village for cruel experiments and colluded with other villages to murder his teacher.

There was also Rin Nohara, who was willing to sacrifice herself and even commit suicide to protect her companions.

There was Danzo, who spoke endlessly of righteousness and would stop at nothing to become Hokage.

There was also Tobirama Senju, a Hokage who had been willing to stay behind for the sake of future generations.

And there were the White Fang, who committed suicide to prove his convictions, Hashirama, who dissolved his clan, and Kabuto, who ignited a shinobi war.

Complex people and complex circumstances meant that the Will of Fire could be everyone's creed, inspiring each person; it could also be a brainwashing tool of Konoha's upper echelon, devouring people whole without even spitting out their bones.

But Konoha's current situation was plain for all to see.

Hanma had no intention of being dealt a rotten hand and then following such disgusting rules of the game.

Being born Uchiha in the current Konoha was practically a death sentence from the moment of birth.

As someone well-versed in Shinobi World history, Hanma already had his own plans. There was no need for him to serve as Konoha's patchwork repairman.

Why did he have to remain fixated on Konoha? Other than the Scroll of Sealing, there was nothing here of value to Hanma.

Hanma contemplated the future. Once those rotten higher-ups bared their filthy fangs, he could win over some like-minded allies.

For now, though, some people still clung to unrealistic fantasies.

Uchiha Training Ground.

Hanma warmly pulled Orochimaru into conversation. In the distance, Minato, Nawaki, and Kushina were sparring.

Orochimaru wore a helpless expression. Though he and Hanma were friends, they were nowhere near that close.

However, ever since Nawaki had become Hanma's student, they had gained a basis for further interaction.

Back when Hanma had still been crazily taking missions in the Anbu to accumulate his foundational Entries, he and Tsunade could only be described as ambiguous.

They had had little time together, so naturally Hanma had barely interacted with Nawaki either.

Orochimaru was different. He had set out on the path of research early on and had remained in the village conducting experiments.

Orochimaru had lost both parents in childhood. Before suffering the blow of watching friends and loved ones die one after another, he still longed for immortality, but that desire had not yet become so pathological.

He still greatly valued the bond between teacher and students, as well as classmates, in Hiruzen's team.

Because his family had been dissolved, Nawaki was often alone. Warm by nature, he had latched onto Orochimaru and gotten along with him remarkably well.

Orochimaru also cared for him as if he were family. In the original story, Nawaki's death had even made Orochimaru shed tears and accelerated his descent into darkness.

Hanma had invited Orochimaru today both to provide Nawaki with another layer of protection and to build a bridge of communication between Nawaki and Orochimaru.

Hanma watched the three train with a smile and sighed. "The village's new generation is gradually growing up too."

Orochimaru wore an unexpectedly gentle expression as well. Looking at the energetic Nawaki, he nodded slightly.

"Hehe. Hanma, I didn't expect things between you and Tsunade to go so smoothly. That idiot Jiraiya is quite heartbroken."

Hanma waved a hand indifferently. As for Jiraiya, no one was paying attention to him at the moment.

He glanced at the way Orochimaru looked at Nawaki and already understood. He silently waited for Orochimaru to speak.

Sure enough, after the time it took to burn an incense stick, Orochimaru took the initiative. "I hope Hanma will take good care of Nawaki."

Hanma crossed his arms and Responded casually, "That depends on you. After all, Nawaki intends to take you as his teacher."

Surprise appeared on Orochimaru's face. "What? You don't plan to keep teaching Nawaki?"

Hanma explained, "Minato is my direct disciple. As for Nawaki, I was only looking after him for a while as his brother-in-law."

Nawaki's greatest potential came from his direct Senju bloodline, inherited from Hashirama Senju. The person best suited to draw out that potential was Orochimaru.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "That seems to go against Konoha's rules."

In Konoha, a Genin's first mentor was generally considered to be their teacher for life.

Hanma chuckled. So even you, Orochimaru, knew how to talk about rules?

"Rules or no rules, this is for Nawaki's own good. Switching teams isn't unheard of in Konoha, and besides, he himself wants it badly."

He beckoned to Nawaki, signaling for him to come over.

Nawaki jogged over, politely bowed to Hanma, then cheerfully greeted Orochimaru.

Hanma raised his brows and gestured toward Orochimaru. Seeing Nawaki's reaction, Orochimaru smiled in satisfaction.

Proud and standoffish as he was, he had also felt deeply regretful about not becoming Nawaki's teacher, but he had never said so.

"Nawaki, Orochimaru wants to take you as his direct disciple. Are you interested?"

Hanma asked him bluntly. For a hot-blooded fool like this, being straightforward was the best choice.

"Of course I'm willing! Orochimaru and I are the best of friends!"

Hanma's mouth twitched. Those words really gave him a sense of déjà vu from Naruto.

Nawaki looked at Hanma again, faint unease in his eyes. He had a favorable impression of this brother-in-law who was willing to reason with him and look after him.

"What are you looking at me for? Orochimaru and I are friends too. Even though you're excellent, how could I steal someone else's beloved student?"

Nawaki looked at Orochimaru in surprise. Was he really that sought-after?

Orochimaru looked at Nawaki affectionately. Even his usual icy expression melted as he nodded gently.

Watching the two walk into the distance and gradually begin talking, Hanma nodded in satisfaction.

Now, he only needed to wait for Konoha's upper echelon to make their move. Orochimaru would naturally develop the same thoughts as him, and then they could discuss leaving the village to start their own venture.

Hanma walked toward Minato and Kushina, preparing to see how much his disciple had improved. Next, it would be time to prepare for war!