Orochimaru's Gift

"I'm sorry! I apologize for what I just said!"

Mitaraishi Anko bowed her head, her expression complex.

"I went too far just now, I said some unpleasant things, please don't hold it against me."

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Uchiha Kai scratched his head, his expression becoming quite interesting. He was clearly not expecting this situation. He glanced at the silent Orochimaru, then at the girl bowing before him.

Uchiha Kai immediately realized this was likely Orochimaru's idea. If he didn't accept the apology, Red wouldn't get up.

"Uh... it's nothing. We're in a fight, after all. It's normal to say harsh words. I didn't take it to heart at all," the young man said earnestly, scratching his head.

"Besides, didn't I say a couple of things to you too? It's even, right? Please get up."

Seeing this, Red still didn't stand. Not until Orochimaru's voice rang out.

"Alright, Red, get up."

Upon hearing this, the girl immediately straightened up, moving so fast she stirred up a gust of wind.

"Hmph!" The girl, now standing, suddenly let out a soft huff, leaving the young man completely bewildered.

Is this really the same cold, stern examiner from the original story? Uchiha Kai muttered inwardly, mentally complaining about the girl.

"Mind your manners, Red," Orochimaru said helplessly.

"Okay," Red replied dismissively, turning her face away.

"Haha... Classmate Red is quite spirited," the young man said, pausing before turning to Orochimaru. "May I ask why you asked me to stay, Lord Orochimaru?" His tone was flattering, and he tried to lower himself as much as possible.

He didn't want Orochimaru to set his sights on him. Who knew when this guy would suddenly go mad, consumed by his pursuit of eternal life, and then kidnap him, slice him into pieces, and study his Sharingan.

"Heh heh... It's nothing important. I mainly brought Red here to apologize. This child is used to being pampered and often speaks without thinking."

"She gets carried away with a little bit of training. It's good that you've tempered her spirit. Being defeated by a classmate is better than being killed by an enemy, isn't it?" Orochimaru said calmly, tapping Red's forehead with his finger, causing the girl to show her displeasure.

"Teacher! Why are you always siding with him? I'm your disciple..."

"Hmph hmph... Precisely because of that, you need to understand that there's always someone better. You can't think you're special just because you're my disciple." Orochimaru paused, his tone becoming somewhat serious.

"Ninja don't exist based on reputation. An enemy's blade won't dull just because you're my disciple, nor will you easily become stronger. Everything a strong person achieves is earned through their own efforts. Do you understand, Red?"

"I... I understand, Teacher. I won't do it again..." The girl looked wronged, lowering her head and fiddling with her fingers.

"Well, it doesn't have to be said so seriously. Classmate Red is actually very hardworking. Lord Orochimaru is often away commanding battles, so perhaps he doesn't quite understand," Uchiha Kai interjected.

"During regular training, Red is always among the most diligent. To live up to Lord Orochimaru's expectations, she's put in countless hours of effort privately. Everyone sees it," the young man said, making a few excuses for Red.

"...You... You don't have to explain for me..." The girl's voice became hesitant as she covered her face.

Seeing this, Orochimaru's gaze swept between Uchiha Kai and his prized disciple, then he let out a dry chuckle.

"Hahaha... Classmate Kai is unexpectedly gentle. It's not like you to be from the Uchiha..." Orochimaru teased, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"You flatter me. We classmates help each other out."

"Alright, alright, enough small talk. I asked you to stay for more than just Red's matter," Orochimaru suddenly said, his tone shifting.

I knew it wouldn't be this simple... The young man's heart sank, and he immediately started overthinking.

"This ninjutsu, I'll bestow it upon you." Orochimaru calmly presented a scroll, placing it before the stunned young man.

"Huh? What is this...?" the young man asked, confused.

"This is the Shadow Clone Jutsu. I observed your fighting style and felt this jutsu could be very useful in your hands."

"No, no, no, Lord Orochimaru, that's not what I meant. I mean, why are you giving me a ninjutsu?" the young man asked.

"Ah, just consider it a little encouragement from an elder to a promising junior. Don't worry, just learn it. It's not some forbidden, lethal ninjutsu. If anyone asks, just say I taught you," Orochimaru waved his hand, signaling the young man to take it quickly.

"Then, I thank you for your kindness, Lord Orochimaru. This jutsu is indeed very important to me." The young man maintained a nonchalant demeanor on the surface as he solemnly accepted the scroll.

I can get a ninjutsu for free? And it's the undeniably god-tier Shadow Clone Jutsu! Did I hit the jackpot? Truly worthy of being called an angel investor, Orochimaru... he marveled inwardly.

"Alright, I've said all I needed to say. I won't disturb you any further. Go enjoy your graduation time," Orochimaru waved his hand, indicating the young man no longer needed to mind him.

"Then goodbye, Lord Orochimaru." Uchiha Kai waved and started walking out.

However, the girl's shout suddenly came from behind him.

"Uchiha Kai! One day, I will surpass you and defeat you fair and square! Just you wait!"

Listening to the girl's passionate declaration, Uchiha Kai felt a headache coming on.

"Ah, yes, yes, yes. Goodbye, goodbye!" He responded politely twice, then his legs moved so fast he almost left afterimages, causing the roadside flowers and grass to dance wildly.

"The vitality of youth, quite admirable..." Orochimaru murmured, a faint light flickering in his golden, vertical pupils.

Hokage Building, Hokage's Office.

A messy desk was piled high with stacks and stacks of documents, thick white smoke filling almost every corner of the office.

On the Hokage's seat, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in his Kage robe, closed the document in his hand and took a long drag from his pipe.

"Phew~" After a long sigh, he rubbed his rough cheeks, the wrinkles on them growing more and more numerous.

"Ding ding ding~" A rhythmic sound came from the office door.

"Come in," the old man said softly, then leaned back in his chair.

"Cough cough cough... Teacher, didn't the doctor tell you not to smoke so much?" The person who entered was choked by the smoke and spoke with a hint of blame.

"Ah, Orochimaru is back. I can't help it, the burden is too heavy, the pressure is too great. If I don't smoke, how can this old man hold on?" Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, saying indifferently.

"You always disregard your health like this. If you keep overexerting yourself, something will happen sooner or later. Konohagakure still needs you." Looking at his teacher's nonchalant expression, Orochimaru couldn't help but worry.

"Ahaha, I know my body very well, so don't worry, Orochimaru. Before the war ends, this old man will absolutely not fall easily," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his eyes revealing a determined light.

"As for after the war... I probably won't be able to bear this heavy responsibility anymore. It was my negligence that caused Konoha to be embroiled in the vortex of war once again..." The old man's expression was dejected, and he looked much more haggard.

"That's not your fault, Teacher! War is something no one can predict. Those greedy ninja villages covet our land and homes, and we can only respond to them with war!" Orochimaru's tone was firm, speaking entirely to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Alright Orochimaru, Teacher knows how you feel, but I, the Hokage, this war has brought too much harm..."

"People need a reason to vent."

"That reason is that I can only be me."