Orochimaru

After parting ways with Might Duy, Kawafune and the others continued toward Orochimaru's residence.

"What's so special about him?"

Tsunade was also curious why Kawafune had taken the initiative to help a Genin.

"I think he has something very precious within him."

Kawafune spoke mysteriously, a cryptic smile appearing on his face.

This was something he knew from the original story; even if he explained it, Tsunade would not understand.

It could be said that without Might Duy's guidance, Emperor Guy would never have existed.

As a father, he had taught Guy the most important Ninja Way.

"True victory is not defeating the strong, but protecting what is important to you until death."

Might Duy had paid for that with his life, while Emperor Guy had risked his life to unleash Night Guy.

If not for Six Paths Naruto, Guy would not have survived either.

"Stop being so mysterious."

Too lazy to ask any further, Tsunade rolled her eyes at Kawafune.

Meanwhile, Nawaki and Minato whispered behind them, discussing what that precious thing could be.

Single-minded Nawaki believed it was some priceless treasure. The poor kid had clearly suffered quite a bit under Tsunade's influence.

Minato thought it might be some kind of noble spirit, making him seem far smarter than Nawaki.

No wonder Minato became Hokage in the original story while Nawaki became cannon fodder. The difference was already obvious here.

"How much farther?"

Kawafune had never been to Orochimaru's home before, nor had he dealt with him previously.

"Almost there. It's up ahead."

Tsunade pointed at a cluster of buildings in the distance. It was a residential district.

Kawafune really did not want to complain. How was he supposed to tell which place was which?

"Does Orochimaru keep a lot of snakes at home?"

Come to think of it, he found those cold-blooded reptiles rather unsettling.

"Who told you that? His summoning beasts are snakes, that's all."

Tsunade had no idea where Kawafune had heard such an absurd rumor.

"Haha, that's good."

Kawafune held his sword and grinned like an idiot.

As they approached the residential district, Nawaki confidently led them to the entrance of a large residence and knocked on the door.

"Sensei, my sister brought someone to visit you."

He shouted as he knocked. He really was a cheerful kid, treating even Orochimaru like this.

Before long, the door opened, and Orochimaru appeared before them in a kimono.

"All you know is how to make noise. What kind of behavior is that?"

He reached out and rubbed Nawaki's head. This Orochimaru was nothing like the one Kawafune had seen in the anime.

What was with that indulgent yet cool smile?

"Orochimaru, Kawafune-kun and I came uninvited. I hope you don't mind."

Tsunade's tone was casual, clearly not treating it as a big deal.

"Of course not. I couldn't be happier."

"Please, come in."

"Kawafune-kun, hello."

Orochimaru was exceptionally polite, a faint smile on his face.

"Hello, Orochimaru-kun."

Kawafune still had trouble adjusting to that pale face before him. He could not reconcile it with the person in his mind.

"Introduce yourself."

That did not stop him from taking advantage of Orochimaru.

Kawafune pushed Minato forward by the back of his head.

"Lord Orochimaru, I am Minato Namikaze."

Minato was still a little afraid. Orochimaru did not look like someone easy to get along with.

"Hello. You're a good child too."

Orochimaru smiled, feeling that Minato's personality was somewhat similar to Nawaki's.

"Let's go."

As if he had returned to his own home, Nawaki walked into the residence ahead of everyone else.

Kawafune followed behind Orochimaru. The residence was quite large, with a cool, minimalist style of decoration.

There was not a single servant in sight. Perhaps Orochimaru preferred quiet.

Led by Nawaki, everyone arrived at the Living Room and sat down.

Then Nawaki went off to make tea on his own. Seeing how practiced he was, Kawafune guessed that he did this often.

"Orochimaru-kun, I heard that you also enjoy using swords."

"I brought a fine weapon from Hatake Armory as a gift for today's visit."

"I hope you'll accept it."

Kawafune smiled and presented the gift. Since he was asking for a favor, a small gift was only proper.

"You're too kind, Kawafune-kun."

Orochimaru took the sword from Kawafune, examined it for a while, then gripped the hilt and partially drew the blade.

His snake-like pupils were reflected in its edge, and a chill rushed toward him. It was a fine sword.

He applied slight force with his wrist, but the blade did not bend.

Unfortunately, it was a rigid sword, so it might not be convenient for him to store in his stomach. Still, it was a rare gift.

"A fine sword. I'll shamelessly accept it, then. Thank you, Kawafune-kun."

Orochimaru thanked him, put the sword away, and placed it at his side.

By then, Nawaki had returned with the tea.

He poured tea for the three elders, then respectfully knelt to the side with Minato.

"Stop being so polite with each other."

"You'll all be friends from now on."

Tsunade could not stand watching the two grown men hemming and hawing.

One was a close friend and fellow disciple, while the other was her future husband. She felt no pressure saying it.

Instead, she made both Kawafune and Orochimaru feel a little embarrassed.

For some reason, a line popped into Kawafune's mind: We're all damn bros here, so quit with the formalities.

He glanced at Tsunade and imagined her drunkenly saying those words.

There was no sense of incongruity at all. It fit perfectly.

"Kawafune-kun came today because he wants you to guide Minato in ninjutsu knowledge."

"Minato is Kawafune-kun's newly accepted disciple."

Tsunade had no reservations and directly stated the purpose of their visit.

Minato lowered his head as well, showing his respect.

"Of course, that won't be a problem. I happen to be staying in the village for a while."

Orochimaru agreed without hesitation. Teaching one was teaching, and teaching two was teaching—there was not much difference.

"Nawaki is studying under Kawafune-kun's guidance."

"If I teach Minato as well, it can be considered returning the favor."

"Then Minato will be in your care for the time being."

Just like that, Kawafune handed his newly acquired cheap disciple over to Orochimaru without the slightest reluctance.

"Minato can come with Nawaki from now on."

Orochimaru also settled the arrangements for the two boys' training.

"You haven't been in the village much lately. Have you been carrying out missions?"

Tsunade sipped her tea and asked about such confidential matters without the slightest hesitation.

Kawafune quietly drank his tea as well. After all, leaving immediately after getting what he wanted would be far too much.

"Ah..."

At that, Orochimaru sighed. His expression gradually turned serious, and Kawafune even caught a trace of compassion for the world in his eyes.

"Sensei sent me to negotiate passage through the Land of Rain, so we could then launch attacks on the other ninja villages."

"But Hanzō the Salamander is no ordinary man. The negotiations have remained deadlocked; he is unwilling to grant us passage."

"Who knows when war will break out? When it does, there will be another bloody storm."

"So many living lives and companions will leave us."

"So many families will be torn apart, and so many children will be displaced."

As Orochimaru spoke, his expression darkened. It was clear that he did not like war—indeed, he hated it from the bottom of his heart.

Only then did Kawafune truly come to understand another side of Orochimaru beyond the screen. If war had not caused Orochimaru to contemplate life—

Perhaps he could have been a ninja who loved the village and cherished life. At least for now, Kawafune could not sense any darkness in him.

The emotion in his eyes as he spoke was genuine. Ambition and war truly were the demons that changed people!