The two's wedding was not grand, simple yet warm, but judging by the guests alone, its scale was anything but small.
The officiant was the Great Elder, acting as Clan Head. The best man was Uchiha Gen, the clan's strongest expert. Even the Third Hokage, considering that Uchiha Sumi was the descendant of an old acquaintance, sent an Anbu member with a wedding gift.
The day after the wedding ended, before dawn had even broken, Uchiha Gen and Orochimaru set out once more for the Land of Hot Water.
Orochimaru was indispensable in the Land of Hot Water. Being absent for a few days was fine, but if it dragged on too long, trouble would inevitably arise. The many higher-ups did not answer to one another, and there was no one who could win everyone over in strength, prestige, and intelligence.
In the forest, two figures raced through the trees as they spoke.
"You chose the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique from the Scroll of Seals?"
Orochimaru leaped from treetop to treetop, the scenery behind him rushing past at incredible speed.
Uchiha Gen slowed slightly and kept pace beside Orochimaru. He nodded, then explained the range of techniques he could choose from in the Scroll of Seals before saying, "The Phantom Clone was originally a downgraded version of the Multi-Shadow Clone Technique. If the two can be combined, the Phantom Body Flicker Technique should be able to reach a whole new level."
"In that case, the technique truly suits you. Compared to that, my own gains were rather unimpressive. The First Hokage's records on Senjutsu in the Scroll of Seals were far too vague to help me learn Ryūchi Cave's Senjutsu."
Orochimaru slowly shook his head, a hint of regret on his face.
"Senjutsu?"
Uchiha Gen's thoughts stirred.
In the original timeline,