"You've crossed the line. Even disciples have their privacy. If you want more detailed information, you should bring out your research results first, Orochimaru-sensei..."
With a half-smile, Hua Yue refused to answer as usual, earning a helpless laugh and tolerance from Orochimaru. Though that tolerance meant little to Hua Yue.
Orochimaru was never stingy with talented students who shared his goals, telling them most of what he knew.
But when it came to such a "trivial" matter as the source of the First's cells, he chose to keep it hidden.
"Controlling Tailed Beasts and sweeping across the entire Ninja World... it sounds like a myth. Was the First really that powerful, Orochimaru-sensei?"
Anko's face was full of disbelief. To her, the First was simply too distant, not to mention that modern ninja had no interest in discussing those predecessors at all.
"It's true. The current Third Hokage, Sarutobi-sensei, is known as the Professor of Ninjutsu, but before the two ninja hailed as the 'Gods of Shinobi,' even the title of 'Professor' pales in comparison."
Hearing Orochimaru's answer only made Anko more confused, and she could not help asking further.
"Then why don't the other ninja villages talk about the First's fame now? If he was a legendary God of Shinobi, he should have left behind many titles, shouldn't he?"
The question left Orochimaru silent. His serpentine eyes turned toward Hua Yue, and a faint expectation flickered within them.
What kind of judgment will you make? Will you praise that almost naïve benevolence, or extol the Uchiha Clan's power, equal to the Senju? I'm truly looking forward to it...
Under Orochimaru's expectant gaze, Hua Yue spoke, completely overturning every evaluation he had heard before. Even eyes tempered in terrifying wars trembled slightly.
"Probably because they... no, the First was an idiot!"