Firm Resolve

Orochimaru's other preselected student was Tsunade's younger brother, Nawaki.

"Don't worry. Orochimaru may look a little cold, but he's actually quite warmhearted."

"And he's a true genius. His research into ninjutsu is uniquely brilliant. If you become his students, you might find that you share the same interests."

Watching Satoru's expression ease, Homura let out a relieved breath.

"Don't be angry... With your father keeping an eye on things himself, Orochimaru won't do anything improper to you."

"Heh... The old man has no idea how dangerous Orochimaru is."

Satoru silently grumbled to himself. That guy looked harmless enough right now, but once he started going dark, he would be downright lethal.

Besides, the first turning point in his descent would be the war coming soon!

Everything had been planned out so well. Nawaki was three years ahead of him; they were never supposed to become classmates, and he was never supposed to run into Orochimaru!

The problem was still Tsunade.

That petty-minded big... woman!

And he had even introduced an excellent disciple to her.

Wait, wouldn't the originally sweet and obedient Nonō be taught into becoming like her by Tsunade?

Just like Sakura...

After finishing his last bite, Satoru set down his chopsticks, rubbed his forehead hard, and sighed.

"Fine, I'll reluctantly accept that explanation... But what about the upcoming combat drills and exams?"

Satoru cleared away his bowl and chopsticks, then looked up at his father.

"No matter how talented Orochimaru is, he's only a jonin. Can he really just designate his own disciples like this?"

"The other jonin have no objections? And I heard the Hyuga brothers, Hyuga Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuga, are in this year's graduating class too. Orochimaru doesn't even think highly of the Hyuga clan's two geniuses?"

"As one of the village's most famous civilian geniuses, it's not that Orochimaru looks down on the Hyuga brothers, but rather..."

Shaking his head helplessly, Mitokado Homura gave a wry smile.

"The newly graduated Hyuga brothers aren't ordinary members of the Hyuga clan."

"The elder brother, Hyuga Hiashi, is the direct heir of the Hyuga Main Family. In other words, he is the future head of the Hyuga Main Family and the future clan head of the entire Hyuga clan."

"Even the younger brother, Hizashi Hyuga, is the future head of the Hyuga Branch Family. For a top-tier noble clan like the Hyuga, they are the ones who look down on civilian-born Orochimaru, even if he is a genius."

"You don't need to know what the Main Family and Branch Family are. It's all just the nonsense of great clans."

"In any case, although these two brothers have only just graduated, their status alone is no lower than Orochimaru's."

"..."

The corner of Satoru's mouth twitched as he said lazily, "So only a small clan like ours doesn't have all this nonsense, right..."

"...You brat! A small clan? The Hyuga clan can't even produce an expert stronger than your father!"

Mitokado Homura snapped. So what if they were a small clan? As one of Konoha's senior advisers, even the head of the Hyuga clan had to mind his words in front of him!

In the end, ninjas still had to speak through strength!

"Also, it isn't just Orochimaru. Tsunade and Jiraiya, who are as famous as him, both have special assignments."

Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and patiently explained to his son.

"As a Medical Ninja, Tsunade will be responsible for arranging medical support, while Jiraiya will handle intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. Therefore, neither of them will be taking students this year."

"However, Tsunade already has one disciple. That child you introduced to her, Nonō, is very outstanding."

At that, Homura gave Satoru a meaningful look for several seconds, making Satoru scrunch up his face and bare his teeth in a grin.

"Mm, outstanding girls are always rare."

As if implying something, Homura then seemed to realize that he was worrying too early. He could only clear his throat and continue in a serious tone.

"So this year, Orochimaru will be the only one among the three taking students, but becoming his disciple won't be easy."

"Orochimaru is tasked with training an elite squad. The diverse range of ninjutsu he has mastered will make his disciples the most well-rounded elites."

"So, as his disciple, you won't need to take any more combat drills."

"Based on Tsunade's account of today's combat test, not only Orochimaru, but even the Third Hokage approved of your performance!"

Homura looked faintly proud. "Of course, Koharu and I never expected you to reach this level!"

Then his expression turned stern again.

"Also, I saw that Danzo was already getting ideas... So I made the decision on the spot and agreed. The Third Hokage approved, and Danzo said nothing further."

Mitokado Homura snorted.

"Just as I expected, even my son has caught Danzo's attention!"

"Danzo... So this matter was influenced by that Pot King after all."

Satoru could not help thinking of Nawaki. That hot-blooded guy would undoubtedly become Orochimaru's disciple, which meant he would be Satoru's senior brother...

"So, was Orochimaru simply not good at teaching disciples yet, or was Nawaki really too stupid to qualify as an elite..."

"And was that Pot King involved somehow? He should be busy with other matters right now..."

After silently considering it, Satoru's eyes flickered.

"Hmph, no matter what, once he has his eye on me, I'll have to guard against him every day. I need to make preparations in advance."

"This time, it's for my own sake!"

"Since the matter has already been decided, complaining won't accomplish anything. If I stay careful and cautious, dealing with the current Orochimaru should be manageable."

"Then tomorrow, I'll have to 'properly thank' my teacher..."

The next day, after telling the conflicted Choza, Shikaku, and Inoichi that he would be studying under Orochimaru ahead of time and offering them some encouragement, Satoru headed toward the designated classroom.

Watching Satoru's departing back, the three exchanged looks and nodded firmly.

"Satoru has already surpassed us by far. He was noticed by the genius jonin Lord Orochimaru and accepted directly as his disciple. If we can't even stand out in the combat drills, we'll be a complete joke!"

Choza patted his belly, his spirit soaring.

Inoichi said confidently, "We've all begun practicing our Clan Secret Techniques. If the three of us work together and form the Ino-Shika-Cho formation, we might not sweep the entire field, but standing out will be a certainty!"

"Heh... I'd bet Satoru isn't in a very good mood."

Shikaku pulled his two companions close and whispered.

"With his personality, there's no way he went looking for Orochimaru on his own. There must be something going on!"

"He told me before that he didn't want to see Orochimaru. I bet Lady Tsunade made her move!"

Choza wore an enlightened expression.

"That's right. Satoru keeps a low profile, but he's a true genius. He can't hide it forever!"

"And we need to catch up to him—my dad told me that being friends with a genius comes with a lot of pressure!"

"Exactly!"

Shikaku and Inoichi nodded, becoming even more resolute.