Sarutobi.. Teacher, was I really.. wrong? 5/5 [2000 Reward Update]

PS: Today is New Year's Eve and tomorrow is the Spring Festival. The Madman here wishes everyone a Happy New Year's Eve and all the best for the Spring Festival. By the way, I'm taking this opportunity to ask for a small tip—give the Madman a red envelope to bring some luck and joy. Thank you all, mwah!

Seeing Orochimaru's tone shift abruptly after hearing his words, coupled with that flickering, dangerous gaze, Jun Tianlin felt his scalp tingle for a moment. His entire body felt uncomfortable.

Combining this with the plot he knew from his past life, Jun Tianlin finally realized that his previous words had been ambiguous, and it was precisely this ambiguity that had caused a misunderstanding for Orochimaru.

"Well, that's not wrong. I do have a goal for this trip to Konoha, but it's not out of malice toward Konoha itself, but rather toward the Uchiha Clan. After all, I'm only going to Konoha for the bloodline of the Uchiha Clan, not to scheme against the village!"

Knowing that Orochimaru had misunderstood him, Jun Tianlin feigned indifference while hurriedly offering an explanation, quickly clarifying that his trip to Konoha was solely for the Uchiha Clan, not to target Konoha, and certainly not for... someone else!

Upon hearing Jun Tianlin's words, Orochimaru seemed to exhale in relief. That dangerous gaze vanished, replaced by his usual cold, icy demeanor. "If that's the case, I suppose I can give you the special technique to enter and exit Konoha. Here, take it. This Black Scroll contains the special technique you need to move freely in and out of Konoha... Furthermore, to facilitate your actions, I've specifically written some extra information in this scroll. When you encounter difficulties in Konoha, just follow the information inside to find that person, and he will naturally provide you with some help. Alright, if you have nothing else, get lost. Every time I see you, it's a pile of trouble; it's truly irritating!"

After pulling a scroll from his sleeve and tossing it to Jun Tianlin, Orochimaru waved his hand, closed his eyes, and impatiently issued an order to leave.

Catching the Black Scroll, Jun Tianlin felt satisfied now that he had obtained what he wanted, and he had no desire to stay here any longer. After all, even for someone like Jun Tianlin, who had been reborn and had just awakened the super-powerful trump card of the Tenseigan, facing this cold, fox-like Orochimaru still exerted immense pressure!

Walking slowly to the main gate and opening the black doors to leave, Jun Tianlin looked at Orochimaru, who was sitting on the high seat with his eyes closed. With a tone of unprecedented sincerity, he spoke solemnly:

"Hey, Orochimaru, although I know your past was a bit unpleasant—perhaps even a bit tragic—I, Jun Tianlin, can say in all seriousness that seven years ago, when you saved Kimimaro and me from that land of death in Kirigakure, we forged an unbreakable bond. Seven years is enough time for even a stone to develop feelings, let alone people like us. After you rescued Kimimaro and me and brought us to Otogakure, even though you didn't allow us to leave for seven years, I knew you did it for our own good, not wanting us to face external threats.

"Seven full years of training—though bitter and exhausting—did indeed make us grow stronger rapidly under your guidance. By now, I can kill a Jonin single-handedly, and I believe Kimimaro has reached my level, or perhaps even surpassed me. All of this is the change you brought to us, Orochimaru! Even if you refuse to admit it, this is an unchangeable fact. Even without the title of master and disciple, the three of us have the reality of it! Perhaps you haven't noticed, but during these seven years, occasionally when you trained us, a glimmer of emotion would appear in the depths of your eyes—the kind of kindness and expectation only a master shows their disciples.

"Perhaps when you first brought Kimimaro and me back, you had ulterior motives, even thinking of taking our bodies and bloodlines, but your actions over these years truly don't fit the label of a 'bad person.' Perhaps you were lonely once, but I, Jun Tianlin, swear in the name of the Kaguya, that in the hearts of Kimimaro and me, we truly regard you as our teacher and as the last family we have in this world!

"Orochimaru, becoming stronger isn't just about taking others' bodies. While your Living Corpse Reincarnation is powerful and can seize everything, it is a technique that comes at the cost of weakening your own soul! I hope you understand that immortality is not everything. If all your family, lovers, friends, disciples, and even enemies were to die, leaving you alone in the world—if that is the price of immortality, I would rather die!

"Orochimaru—no, Master—as long as you do not betray Kimimaro and me, we will always be your disciples, your family, and your shield. We will never leave you, nor will we ever betray you! All your goals will become the objectives Kimimaro and I strive for; helping you achieve your wishes is where our hearts lie... I have said all I need to say; I hope you will carefully consider what comes next, Master... After this, I will be leaving for a while to head to Konoha. When Kimimaro returns, I hope you explain the reason for my departure, and I hope that when I return from Konoha, I will be able to see a different Orochimaru once again."

With a complex look in his eyes, having poured out the words he had buried for years in one breath, Jun Tianlin took one last look at Orochimaru and turned to leave.

Hearing Jun Tianlin's words and watching his departing figure, a rare softness appeared in Orochimaru's cold gaze. He murmured to himself in a low voice:

"Disciples, huh? Can I... also have disciples? Sarutobi-sensei, was the path I chose back then... truly wrong?"