In Konoha Year 49, a turbulent time was brewing.69ᏕᏂᏬጀ.ፈᎧᎷGoogle Search for reading
In about half a year, the secret experiments Orochimaru and Danzo had been conducting would be discovered. This scientific maniac, one of the Sannin, would inevitably defect.
So wouldn't joining him now be like boarding a ship that was about to sink?
That was what Akashi was worried about.
After all, every village dealt harshly with rogue ninja. As a former subordinate of one, he would most likely face severe interrogation, or even a bloody purge.
As a rule, Akashi didn't want to take such a risk.
Unless... Orochimaru offered enough.
Orochimaru drew closer. "Don't you think pursuing the truth and learning every ninjutsu is fascinating? Chakra holds endless possibilities."
Akashi put on a wounded expression. "But I'm really busy."
"What exactly are you busy with?"
"Training." Akashi opened the bundle beside him and took out a rice ball. "My father wants me to become a jonin within two years. So I've been practicing ninjutsu day and night, neglecting sleep and food. I don't even have time to eat."
Was that even a problem?
Orochimaru was nearly speechless. He held out a hand. "I can help you refine your abilities and teach you ninjutsu myself, including my own unique techniques. I can make you a jonin in a year at most."
"Techniques like Hidden Shadow Snake Hands?"
"If you want to learn it."
From Orochimaru's perspective, a technique like that wasn't particularly precious, and it was worth trading. Besides, if Akashi grew stronger, he could do more for him.
The two of them talked as if they were haggling over a price.
Akashi had gotten the answer he wanted, but still had some questions. "Lord Orochimaru, you must have plenty of talented people working for you. Why do you still need me as an assistant?"
"Come with me."
Orochimaru offered no further explanation. With his hands in his pockets, he turned and led the way.
Akashi followed him to a four-story building.
The Konoha Official Research Institute.
It had been built with funding during the Second Hokage's tenure to develop new ninjutsu. It was said they had even tried to create an artificial Tailed Beast, but after an experimental accident, the facility was sealed for a time. Danzo later reopened it, and it played a major role in the preparations before the Third Shinobi World War.
Orochimaru was currently its head researcher.
When Akashi entered the official research institute, his eyes widened.
The first floor held a conference room and offices. The floors above were divided into specialized laboratories. Orochimaru had claimed the two largest. All sorts of unfamiliar equipment and bottles and jars covered the tables. Massive machines rumbled and shook violently, while murky green liquid and bubbling organs sat inside glass tanks.
Test tubes, beakers, evaporating dishes, and all the usual chemistry equipment were neatly arranged. Vials of various medicines lined the shelves, and a microscope and computer sat on a square-shaped desk.
The oddest thing was the scrolls and calligraphy brushes beside the computer.
The Shinobi World was full of contradictions. Advanced technology coexisted with a backward way of life. It was said that the Land of Fire even had modern metropolises, with towering buildings everywhere.
Akashi had never seen one, but even in Konoha, he could clearly feel how out of step the times were.
There were too many things that didn't make sense. The result was that disorder had become the norm.
Even more striking was the bookshelf along the wall, a veritable collection of the Shinobi World's knowledge.
Even subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics—which ordinary people didn't take seriously—had relevant materials here. Even electrical and mechanical engineering, fields Orochimaru had barely delved into, occupied a substantial portion of the shelves.
There weren't as many books as in the library, but their quality was much higher.
"What do you think?" Orochimaru asked.
"It's incredible!"
Akashi spoke from the heart.
Orochimaru walked to the workbench and picked up a vial, gently swirling it. "That's why. You can marvel at the endless possibilities hidden in these books and vials, but other ninja can't.
"Of course, there are other reasons. For instance, I could tell at a glance that you have a talent for being a ninja.
"And you have a real gift for research, too."
Three compliments in a row, and Orochimaru had Akashi floating on air.
His explanation made perfect sense, but the deeper reason was probably Orochimaru's own desire: whenever he saw something good, he wanted to possess it.
With the resources of the Konoha Official Research Institute, Akashi ought to benefit greatly. And then there were the snake-style techniques...
After much deliberation, Akashi finally decided to seize the opportunity.
After all, Orochimaru had so much to offer!
He had ties to both the Uchiha faction and the Hokage faction. If Orochimaru ever prepared to defect, Akashi could switch sides at once, inform the Third Hokage ahead of time, and pose as a spy who had deliberately infiltrated Orochimaru's inner circle.
"Lord Orochimaru, I'm willing to follow you."
Akashi made up his mind and "reluctantly" agreed.
Orochimaru's hand, which had been swirling the vial, suddenly stopped. Through the glass, his eyes reflected Akashi's honest, bookish appearance. A chill gleamed in his snake-like pupils, sending a shiver down one's spine.
Standing before him was intensely unnerving.
Soon, the oppressive air faded. Orochimaru set down the vial and folded his arms. "Good. You've made a wise choice. Come meet an old friend."
"An old friend?" Akashi asked, bewildered.
I've never been here before. What friend?
By then, Orochimaru had already walked out, and Akashi hurried after him.
On the top floor, a metal door opened, and someone came rushing over, reckless and boisterous, calling out excitedly, "Teacher Orochimaru!"
Even the stern Orochimaru couldn't help smiling.
A bright-eyed girl ran toward them. She wore a short-sleeved mesh shirt and loose khaki capri pants, and her hair was tied up in a bun. She was bursting with energy.
Akashi was a little surprised. "Anko?"
"Huh? Akashi-senpai! You're here too?"
Anko was just as surprised. She looked at Orochimaru, then suddenly understood. "Did you come back to work under Teacher Orochimaru?"
Akashi couldn't think of a more accurate way to put it, so he nodded. "More or less."
That had been two years ago. Anko had just graduated then, and to everyone's surprise, Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, had chosen her as his student.
Ever since Tsunade's younger brother, Nawaki, had died, Orochimaru hadn't personally taught anyone for years.
Now that he had taken on a student again, he had chosen her, a ninja from a civilian family.
Anko had been overjoyed.
But her talent was average, and she wasn't particularly strong. She made mistake after mistake on missions and had nearly been killed, only to be saved by her teammates.
Akashi had been one of her teammates at the time.
He had looked out for her and taught her some practical lessons.
Anko had always been grateful.
She was especially happy to see him again. Grinning, she bowed. "I look forward to working with you!"
"Likewise."
Looking at the energetic girl before him, Akashi couldn't understand how she would end up as a pudgy, potato-shaped auntie someday.
Beside them, Orochimaru had gotten what he wanted and was smiling.
That smile made Akashi feel cold all over.
Joining Orochimaru in Year 49 should be fine, right?
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