Gong Yi's body went rigid. It was a primal reaction to danger.
He turned around and cautiously studied the man before him.
A pale yellow kimono draped over his slender frame.
The faint smile at the corner of his mouth did nothing to hide the cold aura surrounding him.
Especially those eyes—slitted pupils!
Like a snake's!
Dangerous. Extremely dangerous. He was even two levels more threatening than Kazama Heitetsu, whom Gong Yi had faced!
At this point, Orochimaru hadn't defected, nor had he performed Living Corpse Reincarnation. This body belonged entirely to him.
Whether it was his affinity for Ninjutsu or his Chakra control, he was almost at the peak of the first half of his life.
Compared to the Orochimaru who later gained immortality but was limited by his body, the Orochimaru of today was, in some ways, far more dangerous!
Gong Yi swallowed, his shoulders trembling. With remarkable adaptability, he forced down his unease.
"Are you... Lord Orochimaru?"
"Oh?"
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. He stared at Gong Yi with an inscrutable smile.
"You've trained this body quite well! It's rare to see a ninja adjust so quickly under my gaze."
Gong Yi frowned, but since his head was bowed, the other man didn't see.
When Orochimaru praised someone's body, it usually meant that it was worth studying—or could even become a vessel for his reincarnation.
But Gong Yi wasn't worried. At this stage, Orochimaru's research into Living Corpse Reincarnation probably hadn't reached that point yet.
Keeping his head bowed, Gong Yi replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Since I can't learn high-level Ninjutsu, all I can do is train my body. The stronger my foundation, the longer I can survive in this cruel ninja world."
"The ninja world is indeed cruel, especially for a little fellow like you."
Orochimaru seemed to agree, then suddenly asked, "What do you think is the ultimate purpose of a ninja becoming stronger?"
The air turned heavy in an instant. A breeze passed, and emerald leaves drifted down.
Gong Yi quickly considered the question.
Ever since Orochimaru had appeared out of nowhere, Gong Yi had been trying to figure out why he had come.
When Orochimaru mentioned "that old man, the Third," Gong Yi had begun to guess.
The Third Hokage had recognized his talent and wanted to recommend him as a student to one of the Sannin, so he could have a better future.
But that wasn't something the Third could decide on his own.
The Sannin had to agree as well!
Orochimaru's sudden visit was probably meant to assess him.
In the ninja world, having a powerful mentor and having none at all were worlds apart.
Even geniuses like Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha had encountered many teachers along the way.
Gong Yi naturally wanted to become Orochimaru's student, especially since his Scholar System focused on research.
In the entire Naruto world, Orochimaru was the best researcher!
As for whether he might expose the system, Gong Yi wasn't worried.
The things the system gave him were mostly support skills. It would be hard for anyone else to notice them.
That was why Gong Yi put his mind to work, trying to come up with an answer that would satisfy Orochimaru while showing his own worth.
What did Orochimaru pursue?
Immortality! And an endless supply of Ninjutsu knowledge!
What if Gong Yi said the same thing?
That would be ridiculous. An eight-year-old boy claiming he wanted immortality? Orochimaru would never believe him!
Then what about becoming Hokage?
That was certainly a common dream among the children of Konoha.
But it was too ordinary and too idealistic. It wouldn't suit Orochimaru's tastes.
Gong Yi thought for a long time, and Orochimaru didn't rush him.
Orochimaru simply watched the boy with interest, occasionally letting his gaze wander elsewhere.
The enormous tree, stripped bare by the beating; the terrain altered by Ninjutsu nearby; Gong Yi's sweat-soaked clothes—all of it showed that he was a child who held himself to high standards and trained diligently.
As for the question he'd asked, Orochimaru didn't expect a particularly good answer.
It was far too lofty a question for an eight-year-old.
After a long while, Gong Yi finally spoke.
"Maybe other people become stronger for power and wealth, or to prove something to someone. But for me, there's only ever been one reason to become stronger: to control my own destiny!"
"Oh?"
Orochimaru's narrow brows rose. He suddenly found himself more interested in Gong Yi.
"What an interesting answer!"
Gong Yi wanted to say more, but Orochimaru waved a hand and turned to leave.
"Gong Yi, I'll remember you. I hope you make an even more impressive showing from here on."
The cold sensation surrounding his body slowly faded.
Gong Yi let out a breath, though he felt a little disappointed.
Orochimaru had remembered him, but hadn't chosen him outright. The man's thoughts were impossible to read!
Gong Yi shook his head and prepared to continue training. Suddenly, he frowned.
A ninja wearing an animal mask appeared behind him without warning.
"Gong Yi, Lord Hokage wants to see you. Hokage Building, one hour from now!"
The time, place, person, and purpose—the message was as brief as it could be.
That was the Anbu's way!
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