Orochimaru's Problem (Fourth Update)

Gong Yi's body stiffened; it was an instinctive judgment of danger emanating from his very core.

He turned around, watching the man before him with extreme caution.

A pale yellow kimono draped over a lean, elongated frame.

The faint, elusive smile at the corners of his mouth could not mask the chilling aura radiating from him.

Especially those eyes—slit pupils!

Like a snake!

Dangerous, extremely dangerous; he was two tiers above even Kazama Heitetsu, whom Gong Yi had previously faced!

At this moment, Orochimaru had not yet defected, nor had he performed the Living Corpse Reincarnation; this body belonged entirely to him.

Whether in terms of Ninjutsu compatibility or chakra control, he was at the near-peak of his first half-life.

Compared to the later Orochimaru, who possessed immortality but was limited by his host bodies, the current Orochimaru was, in a sense, far more dangerous!

Gong Yi swallowed hard, his shoulders trembling as he used his superior adaptability to suppress that unease entirely.

"Are you... Lord Orochimaru?"

"Oh?"

Orochimaru's eyes brightened, and he stared at Gong Yi with a look that was half-smile, half-scrutiny.

"You've trained this body quite well! It is rare to find a ninja who can recover so quickly under my gaze."

Gong Yi frowned, though he kept his head lowered so the other could not see.

When Orochimaru praised someone's body, it usually meant that person had research value, or could even become a vessel for his reincarnation.

However, Gong Yi was not worried; at this stage, Orochimaru's research into the Living Corpse Reincarnation should not have reached that point yet.

Gong Yi kept his head bowed, speaking neither servilely nor arrogantly: "Since I cannot learn high-level Ninjutsu, I can only strive to train my body. The firmer the foundation, the longer I can survive in this cruel ninja world."

"The ninja world is indeed cruel, especially for a little one like you."

Orochimaru seemed to agree, then suddenly asked: "Then, in your opinion, what should be the ultimate goal of a ninja becoming stronger?"

The air turned heavy in an instant; a breeze blew past, causing emerald leaves to drift down.

Gong Yi quickly pondered the question.

Ever since Orochimaru appeared, he had been contemplating the reason for his arrival.

When the man mentioned "that old man, the Third," he had vaguely guessed the truth.

The Third Hokage had witnessed his talent and intended to recommend him to one of the Sannin as a disciple to ensure better development.

But such matters were not for the Third alone to decide.

It required the consent of the Sannin themselves!

Orochimaru's sudden arrival was likely an assessment.

In the ninja world, having the guidance of a powerhouse versus having none were two entirely different extremes.

Even geniuses like Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha had encountered many teachers along their paths.

Gong Yi naturally wanted to study under Orochimaru, especially since his Scholar System leaned toward research.

In the entire Naruto world, the best researcher was undoubtedly Orochimaru!

As for exposing the existence of the system, Gong Yi was not concerned.

The items the system provided were mostly auxiliary skills, which were difficult for outsiders to discern.

With this in mind, Gong Yi racked his brain, trying to formulate an answer that would satisfy Orochimaru while demonstrating his own value.

What did Orochimaru pursue?

Immortality! And the infinite knowledge of Ninjutsu!

Should he say the same?

That would be a joke; an eight-year-old boy claiming to seek immortality was something Orochimaru would never believe!

How about becoming the Hokage?

That was possible; countless Konoha youths harbored such thoughts.

But it was too common, too hot-blooded, and did not suit Orochimaru's tastes.

He thought for a long time, and Orochimaru did not urge him.

Orochimaru simply watched the boy with interest, his gaze occasionally drifting elsewhere.

The massive tree stripped bare, the terrain altered by Ninjutsu, and the sweat-soaked clothes on Gong Yi's body all served as evidence that this was a child who held himself to strict standards and trained with great diligence.

As for the question he had posed, Orochimaru did not expect a profound answer.

Such a question was simply too distant for an eight-year-old.

After a long silence, Gong Yi spoke slowly.

"Perhaps others seek strength for power, for wealth, or to prove something to someone. But for me, there has only ever been one purpose for becoming stronger. To master my own destiny!"

"Oh!"

Orochimaru arched his narrow, elongated brows, suddenly finding a bit more interest in Gong Yi.

"A rather intriguing answer!"

Gong Yi wanted to say something more, but Orochimaru merely waved his hand and walked away, shaking his head.

"Gong Yi, I have remembered you. I hope you will have an even more dazzling performance in the future."

The sensation of being surrounded by a cold, sinister aura gradually faded from his body.

Gong Yi let out a sigh of relief, yet felt a tinge of regret.

He had remembered him, yet he hadn't chosen him directly; his intentions were truly unfathomable!

Gong Yi shook his head, preparing to continue his training, when suddenly, his brows furrowed.

A ninja wearing an animal mask appeared abruptly behind him.

"Gong Yi, the Hokage wishes to see you. One hour from now, at the Hokage Building!"

Time, location, person, and purpose—the notification was concise to the extreme.

This was the quintessential style of the Anbu!