I Hope You Become Hokage More!

"Teacher, is your relationship with Orochimaru-senpai really that ordinary? Why do I feel like Orochimaru-senpai tells you everything?" Hyuga Ritsu didn't answer Hiruko's question directly, instead curiously probing Hiruko's relationship with Orochimaru.

"Because Orochimaru has a twisted sense of humor."

Hiruko said with a helpless expression, "Actually, I can't quite figure him out either. I can only guess that he's very interested in you, Ah Ritsu. Everything you've been doing in the village, he told me about it!"

"Just a twisted sense of humor?"

Hyuga Ritsu rubbed his chin, looking lost in thought.

"Don't change the subject. What did Orochimaru mean when he said your situation isn't good?" Hiruko stared intently at Hyuga Ritsu.

"There's really nothing much to say about it. It's just that my actions of eliminating the Main House aren't favored by the village elders."

"The Third Hokage and the others want you dead?"

"Teacher, you're being too blunt. I suspect they're hoping I'll sacrifice myself in a fight against the Kirigakure Shinobi."

"Isn't that the same thing?"

Hiruko frowned and asked, "What are you planning to do?"

"I'll take it as it comes!"

"Honestly, what are your plans?"

Hiruko pressed again.

He finally understood that his disciple wasn't the type to passively accept things. The Main House had forced him to flee, and he had to risk using a Forbidden Jutsu just to survive. Now, he had directly eliminated the Main House!

The village didn't welcome Ah Ritsu either, which made him worry if Ah Ritsu would develop a pattern and plan to eliminate the village elders as well.

"Ah Ritsu, let me be clear from the start. Your actions against the Main House are an internal matter for your Hyuga Clan. But the Hokage is the Hokage of the entire village. If you make a move against the Hokage, the other clans and civilian shinobi in the village will absolutely not accept it. Your Hyuga Clan doesn't have the strength to oppose the village."

Hiruko thought it over and felt it was necessary to remind his disciple not to do anything foolish.

"Teacher, what are you thinking? I'm not that stupid!"

Hyuga Ritsu rolled his eyes helplessly.

"It's best if you're not. If you are, then abandon that idea now."

"I know what I can and cannot do. The Third Hokage has ruled for so many years and is well-loved by the people. I'm not thinking of doing anything to him. I'm just considering matters concerning the Fourth Hokage."

"The Fourth Hokage?"

Hiruko raised an eyebrow, rolled his eyes, and slowly nodded. "That's a good approach. Building a good relationship with the Fourth Hokage now will improve your situation once he takes office... Wait, you asked about my relationship with Orochimaru earlier. Did you think Orochimaru would become the Fourth Hokage?"

"Aren't people saying it now? The candidates for the Fourth Hokage will definitely be either Orochimaru or Namikaze Minato. Hiruko-sensei, haven't you heard?"

"I've heard, but I haven't paid much attention to it."

Hiruko picked up his teacup and took a sip to moisten his throat, his face full of thought. He unconsciously rubbed the rough porcelain teacup with his hands. "Orochimaru and Minato, both seem possible. Orochimaru is the Hokage's disciple, and Minato is the Hokage's grand-disciple. It's hard to distinguish their achievements... Ah Ritsu, are you more optimistic about Orochimaru?"

"No, I think Minato-senpai has a greater chance of becoming the Fourth Hokage."

"Then why did you ask about Orochimaru?"

"Because Orochimaru-senpai is also passionate about researching Forbidden Jutsu. If he takes office, our lives as teacher and student will be much easier."

"Orochimaru is passionate about researching Forbidden Jutsu?"

Hiruko was surprised. He subconsciously looked around and lowered his voice. "Where did you hear that? How come I haven't heard of it? What's Orochimaru's motive for researching Forbidden Jutsu?"

He couldn't understand. He researched Forbidden Jutsu to break free from his mediocrity and catch up to his three classmates whom he could only look up to. Orochimaru was one of his targets to catch up to, a talented individual who was also the Third Hokage's disciple. He was definitely a member of the "winners' circle" of life.

So, why would Orochimaru risk so much to dabble in Forbidden Jutsu?

What was his motive?

"It's right that you haven't heard. Not many people know about it. I was fortunate enough to see some clues thanks to these eyes. From what I understand, he is seeking... the path to immortality."

Hyuga Ritsu's voice was very soft at the end.

But Hiruko heard it clearly. His expression immediately changed, and a look of understanding dawned on his face. He couldn't help but sigh, "No wonder. I was wondering what Orochimaru was after. If it's... well, it's none of our business. The current problem is your situation. Befriending the Fourth Hokage is a matter for the future, but if there's no present, there's no future."

"I told you before, I'll take it as it comes."

Hyuga Ritsu wasn't panicked at all.

Hiruko glared at Hyuga Ritsu. "Ah Ritsu, isn't that too passive?"

"Isn't there a better way?"

"If not, I can ask Orochimaru again to arrange a mission for you in advance..."

"That won't work. Orochimaru-senpai is the Hokage's disciple. I suspect that when the Deputy Commander came to the front lines, he definitely conveyed a message to Orochimaru-senpai. Unless Orochimaru-senpai intends to go against the Hokage, any request from you will be useless."

Seeing Hiruko fall silent, his brow furrowed with worry, Hyuga Ritsu smiled slightly and said softly, "Teacher, you don't need to worry so much. In fact, this matter isn't as dangerous as you think. Don't forget that I now possess two Kekkei Genkai. I have the ability to face any challenge, to deal with any situation as it comes!"

Hiruko was stunned for a moment, then he reached out and patted his head. "I almost forgot. Ah Ritsu, how do you feel after using the Chimera Technique? Is there anything unusual?"

"No, everything is normal."

Hyuga Ritsu raised his hand, and a section of bone as white as snow emerged from his palm. "I feel great. After fusing with the Shikotsumyaku, not only did it naturally dissolve the Caged Bird Seal, but the power of my Byakugan was also greatly enhanced. My Chakra reserves have increased more than tenfold..."

He told Hiruko everything that had changed after using the Chimera Technique without any concealment.

After listening to Hyuga Ritsu's account, Hiruko pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "It all sounds like good news. Perhaps... you're right. The Byakugan and the Shikotsumyaku Kekkei Genkai truly come from the same source. Your Hyuga Clan and the Kaguya Clan of Kirigakure share a common ancestor, which is why the two are complementary and have almost no rejection reaction."

"So, Teacher, do you want to use the Chimera Technique too?"

After saying that, Hyuga Ritsu couldn't help but sigh, "Actually, compared to Orochimaru and Namikaze Minato, I hope you become the Hokage!"

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Hiruko was amused. "How could I possibly become the Hokage? My strength is mediocre, and my achievements are ordinary. It's definitely not my turn to be Hokage. To put it bluntly, if it really came down to me being Hokage, I think the village wouldn't be far from ruin!"