Discussing Ideals

Orochimaru's third chosen student was from the Uchiha clan, which greatly surprised Satoru.

Furthermore, the name Uchiha Mikoto... he seemed to have some recollection of it.

Satoru pondered for a long time, even subtly casting a spell of Arcane Intellect on himself, before he finally remembered.

This was someone who, in the original timeline, should have had a much larger role, but was nearly relegated to the background due to the existence of "Ichibantai" (One-Hit Wonder).

She was the future clan head of the Uchiha, the wife of Uchiha Fugaku, the mother of Ichibantai and Nibanji (Two-Hit Wonder), and the best friend of the future Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Kushina Uzumaki!

However, judging by Mikoto's personality, how did she become such good friends with that fiery temper of Kushina...

Satoru silently grumbled. Busy with his research to add more trump cards, he hadn't paid much attention to Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki, who were a year below him.

Moreover, they wouldn't be participating in this practical combat exercise and Genin selection exam due to their young age.

If they missed this opportunity, even if they graduated early, it would be at least two years later.

Regardless of what happened with Minato or what future interactions they might have, Satoru felt he should focus on himself first.

He was already entangled with too many people...

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio and Nono were fine, but Tsunade, Nawaki, Orochimaru, and Uchiha Mikoto – either himself or those closest to him were key figures in the original timeline.

Having so many interactions with them put immense pressure on him, which was completely contrary to his low-profile style!

His originally envisioned academic career, the one that scholars loved – "Ten years of quiet study, fame spreads across the land" – was slipping away from him—

"Damn it, that's not even ten years if you count from my birth!"

But war was inevitable. Since an academic career was no longer realistic, then...

I'm done hiding! I am a genius!

It's just that I'm a bit more of a genius than you all imagine...

Orochimaru glanced at Satoru, whose eyeballs were rolling around, and felt like laughing.

"This brat... he definitely knows about yesterday's events. He has quite the patience, not coming to question me yet."

Clapping his hands, Orochimaru drew the attention of the three children and smiled slightly:

"Well, you've all met each other. From today onwards, I will be your Jonin teacher."

"I believe you have some understanding of the routine tests for officially becoming Genin. I hope you won't be among the thirty percent of students who are sent back."

Orochimaru paused slightly, looking at the three students whose expressions had turned serious, and nodded with satisfaction:

"Now, it's time for self-introductions – what you like, what you dislike, what you're good at, and what your ideals are. Please introduce yourselves."

"As your team leader, I need to understand you beyond your files... In order of age, Nawaki, Mikoto, Satoru, begin."

Nawaki pondered for a moment and started his introduction.

"Hmm... What I like is this village that Grandpa founded! As for what I dislike, I don't think there's anything."

"I'm good at basic Ninjutsu, but not very skilled at learning complex Ninjutsu..."

Nawaki scratched his head awkwardly, then perked up:

"As for my ideal, it's to become Hokage, of course!"

Satoru's mouth twitched, while Orochimaru and Mikoto smiled.

"Then it's my turn..."

Uchiha Mikoto spoke softly. Her characteristic long, straight black hair, dark pupils, and the Konoha forehead protector on her brow exuded a heroic aura.

"What I like..."

A heroic figure flashed in her mind, and Mikoto's face flushed slightly:

"It's probably someone trustworthy."

"What I dislike is war, because war always causes deaths."

"I'm good with ninja tools, especially throwing types. My ideal is a peaceful life."

"That ideal is not a simple one."

Orochimaru nodded gently. The goal that ninjas strive for is to allow the people in the village to live peaceful lives.

Although she disliked war, choosing to become a ninja meant she had the resolve to fight for her ideals.

"Then Satoru, it's your turn."

Satoru scratched his head and began his speech under the gaze of the three pairs of eyes.

"What I like is staying home. The outside world is too dangerous."

The expressions of the three became strange, but Satoru, oblivious, continued his rambling:

"What I dislike is going out, of course. You have no idea, yesterday afternoon, in broad daylight, I was ambushed in the village!"

"If it weren't for my good luck, you wouldn't be seeing me today!"

"Tsk tsk... The village's public security is too poor. I'm thinking of lodging a complaint with the security forces!"

"As for what I'm good at, it's family Ninjutsu, Fire Release, I guess. As for my ideal..."

Satoru's eyes flared with killing intent:

"My ideal is to stay home until I die. Anything that stops me from staying home, whether it's a person or a thing... will face my wrath!"

"..."

Orochimaru and the other two looked at Satoru with strange expressions. That statement was truly...

"Is this little guy protesting to me?" Orochimaru curled his lips. This kid's way of speaking was much more interesting than the rigid advisors.

"He's the youngest, but his thoughts are... Don't children this age usually want to run around outside?"

Looking at Nawaki and Mikoto, who were exchanging glances, Orochimaru found himself increasingly interested in this disciple.

"Yesterday was just a joke with you. There's no other country that can do something like that in Konoha yet."

Orochimaru chuckled and generously admitted:

"It caused you some trouble, but you also opened my eyes."

"I can tell... the techniques you used are not as simple as what the advisors developed."

Giving Satoru, who frowned, a meaningful glance, Orochimaru nodded:

"Alright, I have a general understanding of your situations. Meet tomorrow morning at the open field by the river outside the village for a wilderness survival exercise."

"I look forward to you passing my test and becoming genin... By the way, I won't go easy on you!"

"Shh—"

As soon as Orochimaru finished speaking, he vanished without a trace, leaving the three of them exchanging glances.

"Satoru, did Teacher Orochimaru actually say which open field by the river..."

"...I know which one. Just gather at the village entrance tomorrow morning and follow me."

Satoru said weakly. Orochimaru was indeed a disciple of the Third Hokage. The tests from their lineage were all the same.

"But... a bell-grabbing test, I'm actually a little excited. I never thought I'd experience this."

"Um... Satoru, you said you were attacked yesterday? What happened? I'm a little confused..."

Uchiha Mikoto felt a bit dizzy thinking about the strange conversation just now: "Could it be..."

"Ah, Sister Mikoto, you're right. The guy who attacked me yesterday was Orochimaru... Teacher!"

"He actually said it was a joke with me. I was so scared my soul almost flew out!"

"Huh? Satoru, you just called Mikoto 'Sister'... I'm older than Mikoto, aren't you going to call me..."

"Deformation Technique: Turtle!"

"..."

"Yaa!! There's a turtle!!"

Mikoto's scream rang out.