We're Out of Options

If Orochimaru were to head to the battlefield, it would be both good and not good for Satoru.

It would be good because Orochimaru would have no time to pay attention to him, allowing him to continue his research.

Not good... because Orochimaru might very well take them to the battlefield with him.

This meant they would be participating in a localized war ahead of schedule.

"Not exactly... only Jonin who are on standby like Danzō receive such summons. My current mission is still teaching."

Orochimaru's lips curved slightly upwards, his mood improving a bit:

"I'm just lamenting how many people will become like me after this war. Humans are so fragile."

Satoru knew that Orochimaru had lost his parents in the war and become an orphan.

"And the arrival of that friend behind you is another matter entirely."

"Who is he?"

Satoru couldn't help but ask. Judging by his looks, this white-haired Jonin didn't seem like a mere background character.

"He's about to join the Anbu. I won't mention his name for now; he'll get a codename after joining. He has a good relationship with me, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, so he came to let me know."

Orochimaru showed a smile, but it quickly vanished:

"Although his talent isn't exceptionally outstanding, he managed to become a Jonin through his own efforts. However, he's always wanted to go further, so he started researching Ninjutsu."

"In that regard, we get along well – his mind is quite useful, though he's a bit too obsessive."

"I see."

There were plenty of obsessives in the ninja world. Those who had friends were considered the lucky ones.

If nothing else, Orochimaru himself was a top-tier obsessive – and he had the nerve to talk about others.

"He just told me that he received an invitation from 'Root' because they were conducting a secret research project. However, the Third Hokage had him join the Anbu first, so he missed out."

Orochimaru let out a cold laugh:

"He seemed quite regretful about it... but he doesn't know that Root isn't a good place to be."

"..."

Satoru felt that Orochimaru's conversation was starting to head into dangerous territory.

Discussing Root and Anbu with a child who had just been promoted to Genin and hadn't even been on the battlefield?

Wasn't that a bit too early!

"The reason I'm telling you this is because I heard from Teacher Sarutobi that Danzō, the leader of Root, seems to have taken an interest in you as well. It was only because of Tsunade and your father, Advisor Mitokado, that he gave up."

Orochimaru looked at Satoru, whose expression had slightly changed, with amusement, his vertical pupils narrowing:

"That old fox Danzō, while extreme in his methods, has a good eye for people. It seems he's also noticed the Secret Technique that Advisor Mitokado developed, which only you and your father can use."

Satoru frowned and snorted:

"What, he wants the Secret Technique but is unwilling or perhaps not confident enough to deal with the old man, so he wants to deal with me instead?"

"Strictly speaking, they are on the same side... Is Lord Third Hokage just watching?"

"Heh heh heh... Of course not, or rather, not openly."

Orochimaru chuckled and waved his hands, crossing his arms in front of his chest, saying meaningfully:

"My friend, who is already a Jonin, can't even figure out the style of Danzō and Root... yet you can understand it. Satoru, you truly surprise me."

"..."

Satoru sighed. What was Orochimaru doing, trying to set a trap for him indirectly?

"Teacher, just say it directly. Are you also interested in my 'Secret Technique'?"

"That's right... 'Your' Secret Technique."

Orochimaru emphasized the words. Satoru's directness confirmed Orochimaru's guess:

"You developed those techniques, didn't you? Or at least you provided the ideas for Advisor Mitokado to develop them, right?"

"With Advisor Mitokado's rigid personality, it's impossible for him to develop so many brilliant techniques – especially the interesting Food Creation Technique and Water Creation Technique."

Orochimaru was blunt this time. He looked at Satoru's suddenly serious face and shook his head slightly:

"Don't misunderstand. I won't be like some people who want to crudely take possession of good things when they see them – but I am very interested in your way of thinking."

"I've told you all, my ideal is to master all Ninjutsu and surpass all ninjas."

"And while I've mastered many existing techniques, they are ultimately things developed by others."

Orochimaru spoke these words very solemnly; for him, this was the height of his dream:

"And you, Satoru, your brilliant ideas are something that we adults often lack and overlook. This is a crucial factor in research that can lead to miracles!"

Satoru looked at Orochimaru, whose expression had turned serious and earnest, and grinned – Orochimaru, at this moment, truly seemed like a righteous scientist.

"So, Teacher, you want me to assist your research?"

Without admitting or denying the development of the Secret Technique, Satoru had long foreseen this day.

"They're just a few insignificant jutsu; I'm still a long way off."

"Advisor Mitokado is no longer suitable as your shield, Satoru. Danzō isn't foolish."

Orochimaru smiled again, knowing he had guessed correctly:

"They are far too familiar with your father's personality and experiences. The more powerful the jutsu you develop, the more attention you'll draw from your teacher and Danzō. And you, too, will inevitably be taken into consideration by them."

"But I'm different... In their eyes, it's perfectly normal for me to develop new things."

Orochimaru's tone might have held pride, but his gaze remained calm:

"From now on, you can consider me, your teacher, as your shield. And your father, Advisor Mitokado, will make this shield even more secure."

"Once your strength reaches that of a Jonin, you won't have to worry about these things... And you'll have even less to worry about if you can join the Anbu directly under the Hokage."

"This is a win-win situation – and all you need to do is assist my research."

"With your father and Teacher Sarutobi around, I won't do anything too extreme to you."

Satoru fell silent.

To be honest, the conditions Orochimaru offered were unexpected.

Satoru had initially thought Orochimaru would be more aggressive. It seemed the presence of his father and the Third Hokage truly prevented Orochimaru from harboring or daring to harbor any excessive intentions at the moment.

After all, just because someone would turn evil in the future didn't mean they weren't a good person before that.

"This matter requires my father's consent."

Satoru wouldn't easily trust Orochimaru. In the entire Konohagakure, the only person he could fully trust was his father, Mitokado Homura.

Everyone else, until he possessed sufficient strength, he couldn't fully trust, not even the inspirational role model Jiraiya.

"No problem... Then, I will pay a visit to the advisor tomorrow."

Nodding with satisfaction, Orochimaru chuckled softly:

"Satoru, I believe you will begin to shine before long..."

"No, I don't want to shine at all! My ideal is to be a shut-in until I die!"

Satoru decisively ignored Orochimaru's compliment:

"If this works out, Teacher, you have to help me attract more attention!"

Orochimaru: "..."