The food was decent enough, about what you'd expect from home cooking. Of course, that was also because Orochimaru didn't have high standards when it came to food.
He reserved his pickiness for another kind of nourishment, so the meal was over quickly.
Ninjas were naturally quick eaters, and Orochimaru made no effort to slow down. Influenced by him, Anko finished lunch in no time as well.
Watching Anko clear the table and return to the kitchen to keep busy, Orochimaru paused, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
When Anko came back to the living room, he spoke. "Anko, you've met Yamato, haven't you?"
The delight on Anko's face faltered slightly. She lowered her head and answered dejectedly, "Yes."
She hadn't just met Yamato; she also knew he was a Wood Release user, with the same Kekkei Genkai as the First.
Orochimaru-sama's newly recruited subordinate made her feel a lot of pressure.
Orochimaru saw the change in her mood and continued, "Then you should also know that I took Guy on as my student."
Anko bit her lip and nodded, looking a little aggrieved.
Yes, she knew. But she didn't understand.
Yamato having the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai was one thing, but what had a guy like Guy, who only knew Taijutsu, done to deserve it?
Anko didn't look down on Guy, but she revered Orochimaru-sama even more. Guy was fine as a comrade—there was nothing wrong with that—but as Orochimaru-sama's student... No!
Orochimaru shook his head. Getting a child this age—especially one with prejudices—to appreciate Guy's talent and gifts was practically impossible.
He didn't intend to waste his breath.
"Come with me. I'll teach you a new ability."
Orochimaru rose and walked straight out of the house, into the fairly spacious courtyard.
Anko's face brightened at his words. She