Orochimaru's expression couldn't help but turn solemn as well. He knew about Jiraiya's disciple, and that idiot had even bragged about it to him multiple times.
At the same time, he knew that kid was arranged by the teacher. After all, that idiot spent all day staring at the women's bathhouse in the village, so it was impossible for him to go to the Ninja School, let alone discover such a genius.
He just hadn't expected another layer of secrecy to be hidden within this; the teacher had never even thought of letting him inherit the Hokage Position.
Although he wasn't all that obsessed with the Hokage Position, this kind of behavior still made him feel very uncomfortable in his heart.
The teacher had indeed said multiple times that he was the best candidate for the Fourth Hokage, but now he had secretly cultivated someone else. What did that make him?
Was it to openly attract numerous gazes so that that kid could grow up more safely?
He truly lived up to his reputation, teacher!
"I can see that your obsession with power surpasses your thoughts on authority. There shouldn't be any conflict with old man here. What Hiruzen can give you, old man can give you too, and even more."
Seeing Orochimaru fall into deep thought, Shimura Danzō issued an invitation.
He had always kept an eye on Hiruzen's three disciples. This Orochimaru person wasn't enthusiastic about authority, and instead took a great interest in cultivation and research matters, possessing great talent as well.
This provided a foundation for pulling him over.
"I'll have to ask Lord Danzō for much guidance in the future."
A trace of a smile appeared on his face, and Orochimaru didn't refuse this invitation.
No matter what thoughts the teacher had, he was indeed