With Such Little Money, It's Really Hard for Me to Do Things for You!

Upon hearing this condition, a rare flicker of emotion crossed Hanazuki's face, which soon settled into deep contemplation.

"The right to leave the battlefield? This condition is indeed tempting, but why are you so fixated on me?"

Cutting straight to the point, Orochimaru pondered for a moment before giving an unexpected answer.

"To dispel someone's suspicions, and because you possess the talent that makes me want to take you as a disciple. Uchiha Hanazuki, setting aside empty and useless chatter, do you have any ideals?"

"Ideals? We are in the midst of the Third Shinobi World War. Only those who survive have the luxury of searching for ideals."

"Human existence is far too fragile. Even if one were lucky enough to live to the end of their natural lifespan, they would still be unable to carve their own mark upon the rolling wheels of history."

With a complex expression, Orochimaru had not expected to hear views similar to his own from the mouth of a child.

"Do you fear death?"

"Are you willing to abandon yourself, lose everything, and die for the village, Master Orochimaru?"

After a deathly silence, the smile on the corners of his mouth became even more pronounced. If Orochimaru were willing to give up everything for the village, why would he have developed the art of immortality?

"I will make proper arrangements regarding your situation, my dear disciple."

After Orochimaru left, the shadows lurking around the hospital room also dissipated. Leaning against the hospital bed, Hanazuki frowned in thought, vaguely guessing the truth.

If I don't agree, will the next step be an assassination by the Anbu or 'Root'? Orochimaru's current situation is unexpectedly delicate.

As a disciple of the Third Hokage, Orochimaru had carved out a formidable reputation during the Second Shinobi World War and was granted the title of "Sannin" by the current leader of the Rain Village, the man known as the demigod of the shinobi world, Salamander Hanzo. His military achievements were illustrious.

However, his conduct and paranoid attitude happened to align with Danzo's, which had led to his current predicament.

His obsession with immortality and his pursuit of all the world's ninjutsu had driven him onto a path leading toward the ultimate truth: science.

The more knowledge one gains, the more one scorns the Will of Fire. He is truly the only researcher in Konoha, an excellent talent who managed to survive until the end of the version.

Of course, the main reason is that he has enough ninjutsu.

[Character Sign-in: Orochimaru]

[Abilities Possessed: Hidden Shadow Snake Hands, Fire Style: Great Fireball, Summoning: Rashomon, Wind Style: Wind Cutter...]

[Random draw in progress... Sign-in successful, today you have obtained Earth Style: Earth Clone!]

Returning to his inner world, the Black Nine-Tails, who had been pretending to sleep, quietly pricked up its ears. Although it acted as if it didn't care, it was actually quite curious.

"If you're awake, get up."

"Those guys have already left. Come to think of it, if they chose to make a move on you, what would you do?"

The slightly chubby fox face revealed a sinister smile. Hanazuki slowly looked up, his smile brilliant.

"Then I'll initiate the Konoha Crush Plan and let the successor to the will of that Old Senju White-Hair witness a little bit of Uchiha Shock."

Late at night, the door to the office of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was knocked upon.

"It's bad, Lord Third, urgent intelligence!"

Rushing to the door, Sarutobi Hiruzen snatched the report from the hands of the intelligence squad. After a quick glance, his face, already deeply lined with age, wrinkled even further.

"The Sand and Cloud have reached a consensus and formed a joint ninja army that has advanced to Mount Kikyo? The leading ninjas are the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, while on the Sand side, there is the Magnet Release user Rasa and the Scorch Release user Pakura..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression grew increasingly grim. No wonder Chiyo had appeared on the main battlefield of the Sand; she had been using herself as bait. The previous Cloud elite squad had merely been scouting ahead.

"Two ninjas with Bloodline Limits, the Fourth Raikage known for his Body Flicker, and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki. No wonder you are in such a difficult position, Teacher Sarutobi."

A low, cold, and mocking laugh echoed. The intelligence squad ninja instinctively glared, but then turned to shock.

"Do you need help? I have a good candidate to recommend, hehehe..."

Slowly looking up, Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to look at Orochimaru with a complex expression.

This disciple, whom he had once regarded as the successor to the Will of Fire and the heir to all his knowledge and ninjutsu, had recently begun to act in ways that were increasingly incomprehensible.

"Are you willing to take action?"

"No, not me. It is my newly accepted disciple, Uchiha Hanazuki. He possesses the power to change the course of the war. Shall we let him take the stage?"

His hands stiff, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up and stared deeply at Orochimaru.

"You are willing to take a disciple? That is truly rare. Has your recent strange research come to an end?"

"I just happened to encounter a child with talent. So, the battlefield in the Land of Wind or the main battlefield at Mount Kikyo—have you decided, Teacher Sarutobi?"

The question was pushed back onto Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage. After weighing the options for a long time, he let out a faint sigh.

"It is a difficult choice. Chiyo is a veteran who has experienced the Second and Third Shinobi World Wars, and she is a puppeteer capable of defeating many with few."

"Mount Kikyo is a vital location for the Land of Fire, and it is not far from Konoha. If the mission fails, the flames of war will inevitably reach Konoha. To place all of this on the shoulders of a child..."

"As a teacher, shouldn't one lead by example..."

Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could finish, a cold laugh interrupted him. Orochimaru had no interest in being drawn into the flames of war unless he encountered interesting research material.

"Since Teacher Sarutobi cannot make a decision, then I will decide for you. Uchiha Hanazuki will serve as reinforcements and head to the Sand battlefield to face Chiyo."

"As for the compensation, I will negotiate with him on your behalf, Teacher. Let the battle at Mount Kikyo be handled by Jiraiya's disciple, Namikaze Minato. How about that?"

Covering his face with one hand, Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head helplessly.

"Since things have reached this point, this is the only decision we can make. Classify this as an S-rank mission and relay it to Uchiha Hanazuki. If he requires any preparations, the village will provide a certain degree of support."

His smile grew increasingly radiant, softening even the cold, rigid lines of his face. Orochimaru turned and left, either failing to notice or simply not caring about Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression.

Orochimaru, my most valued student, why would you suddenly take Uchiha Hanazuki as your apprentice? Have you completely sided with Danzo?

The ninja from the intelligence division who had come to report looked around, unsure of what to do, until Sarutobi Hiruzen turned and barked at him.

"What are you still standing there for? Go and tell Minato to hurry back to Mount Kikyo to deal with the Fourth Raikage!"

"Yes!"

He bolted away as if flying. Once his figure had vanished into the distance, Sarutobi Hiruzen could not help but heave a heavy sigh.

"Is it truly right to leave matters in the hands of Orochimaru and that child?"

Meanwhile, inside the Konoha Hospital.

"With such a measly sum, it's really hard for me to do things for you!"