Two and a Half Years of Progress

Ying Yue felt deeply grateful to Uzumaki Mito.

Without her support, he would have attracted far more attention—and even hostility—as a descendant of the Senju and Uchiha, especially after revealing his Wood Release abilities.

But thanks to Uzumaki Mito's protection, the Konoha High Command chose to observe and support him rather than oppose him.

After weathering the crisis of trust, Uchiha Ying Yue decided to focus his efforts on growing stronger and expanding his knowledge. To make the most of his time, he cleverly used his Wood Clone Technique.

Uchiha Ying Yue sent a Wood Clone to attend classes at the Ninja Academy, allowing him to continue learning and reinforcing his basic knowledge of the Ninja World. He also had another Wood Clone stay at the Konoha Library, where it read books on ninjutsu, history, and science and technology.

The wealth of knowledge in the Konoha Library gave Ying Yue a deeper understanding of the Ninja World's history and the secrets of ninjutsu.

Meanwhile, Ying Yue's real body trained in Taijutsu with Might Gang and his father, Might Duy. He worked not only to strengthen his body but also to keep refining his mastery of the Eight Inner Gates.

Over the course of two years, Ying Yue's physical abilities improved significantly, and he became more and more proficient with the Eight Inner Gates. He could now open four gates: the Gate of Opening, Gate of Healing, Gate of Life, and Gate of Pain.

Another of Ying Yue's Wood Clones spent almost every day at the Konoha Library.

The library was a treasure trove of knowledge in Konoha, stocked with books on all kinds of subjects, including ninjutsu, history, geography, and strategy. By reading them, Ying Yue further expanded his knowledge and began to take a keen interest in all kinds of complex ninjutsu.

While studying at the library, Ying Yue gradually noticed a young man in his twenties who also often appeared in a corner of the building.

The young man had long gray-black hair and a calm, intelligent look in his eyes. He was always buried in ninjutsu scrolls and ancient texts, displaying an intense thirst for knowledge.

Uchiha Ying Yue had noticed the young Orochimaru. Though his appearance was somewhat different from how he would look in the future, Orochimaru still had a distinctive air about him. He was probably the only oddball like that in all of Konoha.

Ying Yue decided to befriend Orochimaru. As a scientific genius in the original story, Orochimaru was one of the best in the entire Ninja World, whether in ninjutsu and forbidden techniques, body and genetic modification, or scientific invention. Building a good relationship with him would greatly benefit Ying Yue's plans for the future.

One day, Ying Yue and the young man reached for the same book on the body's meridians at the same time. Their eyes met, and Ying Yue noticed a flicker of surprise in the other man's eyes, quickly replaced by a polite smile.

"Sorry, I didn't expect anyone else to be interested in this book," the young man said first, his voice gentle with a slight rasp.

Ying Yue smiled and handed him the book. "No, I'm the one who arrived too late. Please, go ahead."

The young man took the book and studied Ying Yue for a moment before introducing himself. "My name is Orochimaru. What's yours?"

"Uchiha Ying Yue," Ying Yue replied, feeling a flicker of interest at the name Orochimaru.

As they talked, Ying Yue realized that Orochimaru was exceptionally passionate about ninjutsu, especially obscure and advanced theories. Thanks to his Professor of Ninjutsu ability, his knowledge of the story, and his modern perspective, Ying Yue kept offering incisive insights that left Orochimaru deeply impressed and in agreement.

As time passed, Ying Yue and Orochimaru met more and more often at the library. They regularly discussed the principles and applications of ninjutsu and shared their research.

Ying Yue's Professor of Ninjutsu ability gave him a profound understanding of ninjutsu, while Orochimaru quickly absorbed his insights with his extraordinary talent and intelligence.

Orochimaru gradually realized that Ying Yue wasn't merely an ordinary ninja who loved to study. His understanding of ninjutsu and analytical ability were every bit as good as his own, and in some respects, even better.

"At first, I thought I was alone in my pursuit of knowledge. I never expected you to be the same, Ying Yue," Orochimaru said after one of their discussions, his voice carrying a rare note of emotion.

Ying Yue smiled. "Knowledge is the root of power. I'm deeply interested in it, and I hope to master more."

A look of appreciation and recognition flashed across Orochimaru's eyes. "Ying Yue, I rarely meet anyone like you. You're a genius, just like me."

Ying Yue felt Orochimaru's approval. Their goals might have been different, but their shared pursuit of knowledge had forged a deep friendship during their time at the library.

Once, the two of them discussed things late into the night. Uchiha Ying Yue and Orochimaru sat in a corner of the library, surrounded by stacks of books, immersed in a conversation about their future plans and ambitions.

"Ying Yue, what do you want to do in the future?" Orochimaru suddenly asked, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Uchiha Ying Yue thought for a moment, then answered frankly. "My dream is to become Hokage and protect the peace and stability of Konoha."

Orochimaru smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with intelligence. "Becoming Hokage is a noble goal. But I have a different ambition. I want to master every ninjutsu and explore every mystery."

Uchiha Ying Yue nodded. "Everyone has their own ambitions. Whatever happens, I hope we can both find true strength as we pursue our dreams."

Orochimaru nodded solemnly. "Yes, Ying Yue. I look forward to exploring the limits of ninjutsu with you and discovering the truth of this world."

Recalling what he knew about the story of Naruto, and drawing on his perspective as a modern person, Uchiha Ying Yue gradually began to form a bold plan.

With his Professor of Ninjutsu ability, Ying Yue's understanding and study of ninjutsu were already far beyond those of ordinary people. He knew that combining science and ninjutsu to explore the secrets of the Ninja World and increase his strength would undoubtedly be a major path forward.

"Orochimaru's talent is extraordinary. If I can work with him and establish a laboratory, perhaps we can uncover all kinds of hidden powers and even unravel the secrets behind the Otsutsuki Clan's strength," Ying Yue thought, a shrewd glint in his eyes.

Uchiha Ying Yue began to envision a future laboratory that would be more than just a place to study ninjutsu. It would be a base for conducting a wide range of experiments, analysis, and creation—researching all kinds of ninjutsu, Kekkei Genkai, and chakra natures, and even conducting genetic experiments to investigate the source of the Otsutsuki Clan's immense power.