Reminiscing and Exchanging Blows

"I never expected you'd still call me Teacher."

Hearing Qi address him that way, Orochimaru could not help but smile. Ever since he had defected from Konoha, he had gone from hero to traitor in the eyes of Konoha's people. The various factions within the village that had once been close to him had done everything they could to distance themselves, terrified of being tainted by even the slightest association.

Most of the pressure Anko suffered came from those very people.

He had never expected that Qi, whom he had taught for only a very short time, would still call him Teacher upon meeting again. Orochimaru was not moved exactly, but he did indeed feel much more favorably toward him. At the very least, compared to those vulgar fools, Qi's conduct was far more pleasing to the eye.

"A teacher for a day, a teacher for life. It's only a form of address—it doesn't represent my stance, does it?"

Qi smiled faintly and straightened his back as he faced the man who had first introduced him to ninjutsu.

"Besides, personally, I'm very grateful for your guidance back then."

"Why be so modest? Just because you called me Teacher, I'll give you one final piece of advice."

Orochimaru frowned. He seemed genuinely displeased.

"A teacher is merely a guide. Achievements are your own. Since they're yours, there's no need to be modest. I taught everyone the same way, so why didn't I see them amount to anything?"

He curled his lips disdainfully.

"When something is worth being proud of, yet you put on an act of humility, that isn't respect—it's hypocrisy. Even a teacher wouldn't be happy about having taught a fool."

"I understand. This student has learned."

Qi considered it, then nodded. Orochimaru was right; there was no need for