Showdown

If Orochimaru headed to the battlefield, that would be both good news and bad news for Satoru.

Good news, because Orochimaru would have no time to keep an eye on him, allowing him to continue his research.

Bad news... because Orochimaru might very well take them to the battlefield with him.

Which meant they would be dragged into a localized war ahead of schedule.

"Not exactly... Only jonin on standby, like Dan, received this summons. My current assignment is still teaching."

The corner of Orochimaru's mouth lifted slightly, and his mood improved a little.

"I was merely lamenting how many people will end up like me after this war. People are very fragile."

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

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

"Who is he?"

Satoru could not help asking. Based on looks alone, that white-haired jonin did not seem like the sort of person meant to fade into the background.

"He is about to join the Anbu, so I will not mention his name for now. He will receive a codename after joining. He is on good terms with Jiraiya, Tsunade, and me, so he came to tell me."

Orochimaru smiled, but the smile soon faded.

"While his talent is not especially outstanding, he became a jonin through his own hard work. However, he has always wanted to go further, so he began researching ninjutsu."

"In that regard, we get along well—his mind is quite sharp. He is just a little obsessive."

"I see."

The ninja world was full of fanatics. Someone like that, who at least had friends, was already one of the better ones.

Not to mention, Orochimaru himself ranked among the top-tier fanatics—and he had the nerve to call someone else obsessive.

"He just told me that Root invited him because they are conducting a secret study. But the Third Hokage had him join the Anbu first, so he missed the opportunity."

Orochimaru gave a cold laugh.

"He even seemed rather regretful about it... but he does not know that Root is no good place."

"..."

Satoru felt that the direction of Orochimaru's conversation was becoming dangerous.

Discussing Root and the Anbu with a child who had just become a genin and had never seen a battlefield?

Was that not a little too early?

"The reason I am telling you this is that I heard from Teacher Sarutobi that Root's leader, Danzo, seemed to have taken an interest in you as well. He only gave up because of Tsunade and your father, Advisor Mitokado."

Orochimaru looked with interest at Satoru, whose expression had changed slightly. His slit pupils narrowed.

"That old ghost Danzo may be somewhat extreme in his methods, but he has a good eye for people. It seems he noticed the secret techniques Advisor Mitokado developed, the ones only you father and son can use."

Satoru frowned and gave a cold snort.

"What, he wants the secret techniques but is unwilling—or lacks the confidence—to deal with the old man, so he wants to deal with me instead?"

"Strictly speaking, they are on the same side... Is the Third Hokage just going to watch?"

"Hehehe... Of course not. Or rather, not openly."

Orochimaru chuckled and waved a hand, folding his arms across his chest as he spoke meaningfully.

"My friend is already a jonin, yet even he cannot see through Danzo and Root's ways... But you can, Satoru. You truly surprise me."

"..."

Satoru sighed. What was Orochimaru doing? Was he trying to set a trap for him by beating around the bush?

"Teacher, just say it. Have you taken an interest in my 'secret techniques' too?"

"That is right... 'your' secret techniques."

Orochimaru emphasized the word. Satoru's bluntness confirmed his suspicion.

"You developed those techniques, did you not? Or at the very least, you provided the ideas that allowed Advisor Mitokado to develop them. Am I right?"

"With Advisor's old-fashioned personality, it would be impossible for him to develop so many brilliant techniques—especially the interesting Food Creation Technique and Water Creation Technique."

Orochimaru was completely frank this time. Seeing Satoru's expression turn serious, he shook his head slightly.

"Do not misunderstand. I will not be like certain people, who see something good and immediately want to seize it by force—but I am very interested in the way you think."

"I have told you before: my ideal is to become someone who masters every ninjutsu and surpasses all shinobi."

"Although I have mastered many existing techniques, they are, in the end, things developed by others."

Orochimaru spoke those words with great solemnity. To him, this was the height of his dream.

"And you, Satoru—your wild ideas are something we adults often lack and overlook. In research, that is an important factor capable of producing miracles!"

Satoru looked at Orochimaru's now grave and earnest expression, then grinned. The current Orochimaru really was quite the upright scientist.

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

Neither admitting nor denying that he had developed the secret techniques, Satoru had long foreseen this day.

"They are only a few insignificant techniques. I still have a long way to go."

"Advisor Mitokado is no longer suitable as your shield, Satoru. Danzo is not a fool."

Orochimaru smiled again. He knew his guess was correct.

"They know your father's personality and history too well. The further things go, the more powerful the techniques you develop become, the more attention he will draw from Teacher and Danzo—and inevitably, you will be taken into consideration as well."

"But I am different... In their eyes, it is perfectly normal for me to develop something new."

There might have been pride in Orochimaru's tone, but his gaze remained calm.

"From now on, you can treat your teacher, me, as your shield. And your father, Advisor Mitokado, will make that shield all the more secure."

"Once your strength reaches jonin level, none of this will matter... And if you can join the Anbu directly under the Hokage, you will have even less to worry about."

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

"With your father and Teacher Sarutobi around, I would not do anything excessive to you."

Satoru fell silent.

To be honest, he had not expected the terms Orochimaru offered.

Satoru had originally thought Orochimaru would be more aggressive. It seemed that the presence of his old man and the Third Hokage truly had kept the current Orochimaru from entertaining—and daring to entertain—any excessive thoughts.

After all, becoming evil in the future did not mean he had not been a good person before then.

"This must have my father's approval."

Naturally, Satoru would not easily trust Orochimaru. In all of Konoha, the only person he could trust completely was his old man, Mitokado Homura.

Before he possessed sufficient strength, he could not fully trust anyone else—not even Jiraiya, a role model of inspiration.

"No problem... Then I will visit Advisor tomorrow."

Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction and gave a light laugh.

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

"No, I do not want to shine at all. My dream is to stay home until I die!"

Satoru decisively ignored Orochimaru's praise.

"If this works out, Teacher, you had better draw more attention to yourself for me!"

Orochimaru: "..."