The Beginning of Fate

The wind of Konoha's forty-fourth year carried an increasingly heavy scent of gunpowder and an intangible sense of urgency. The accelerated curriculum at the Ninja Academy, the ever more solemn expressions on those around him, and the almost insane pace at which Might Guy and Kakashi were advancing all silently proclaimed one fact: Kyohaku Uchiha did not have much time left to grow in peace.

Graduation was drawing near, and every student was either preparing for or worrying about their future path. For Kyohaku, however, the conventional route of joining a ninja squad had been almost completely blocked off by his right foot. No Jonin would be willing to take in a Genin who would clearly slow the team's mobility, especially with the clouds of war hanging overhead.

But he had long planned another path for himself—Konoha Hospital. It valued ability over taijutsu, making it an ideal shelter and a place where he could continue accumulating knowledge. However, it would not be easy for an ordinary graduate to remain at the hospital directly, especially during a time when manpower might be tight and experienced ninja were more likely to be transferred in.

He needed a powerful "pass."

After months of meticulous thought and discreet investigation from multiple angles, he set his sights on a dangerous person who might be the only one capable of understanding his "value"—Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin.

Choosing Orochimaru was a gamble made after careful consideration. Orochimaru was obsessed with forbidden jutsu and the mysteries of life and would certainly be intensely interested in the Uchiha's Kekkei Genkai. At the same time, he held a lofty position within the village and possessed enough influence to arrange a position for a medical ninja. More importantly, Orochimaru appreciated people with ambition, methods, and the courage to break conventions in pursuit of knowledge and power.

This was an extremely risky choice. If he misjudged the situation, the consequences would be unimaginable. But after assessing it, Kyohaku believed that the "bargaining chip" he could offer at this stage, together with how easily Orochimaru could control him, made the deal worth it for the other party.

One afternoon, he took leave and went neither to the academy nor the hospital. He changed into clean clothes, leaned on his crutch, and made his way step by step toward a relatively secluded residential district at the edge of the village.

At last, he stopped before an old-fashioned courtyard with a strong Japanese style, though it somehow exuded an eerie stillness. This was Orochimaru's residence.

He took a deep breath, suppressing all nervousness and distracting thoughts. His gaze returned to its usual calmness. Raising his hand, he knocked on the heavy-looking wooden door.

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound was exceptionally clear outside the silent courtyard.

After a while, the door slid open soundlessly by a crack. The one who opened it was a pale young man with vacant eyes—perhaps he had once been a ninja. He stared mechanically at Kyohaku without speaking.

"I am Kyohaku Uchiha. I have an urgent matter and wish to see Lord Orochimaru," Kyohaku said calmly, neither humble nor overbearing.

The man silently examined him for a moment, especially the conspicuous crutch, before slowly stepping aside to clear the way.

Leaning on his crutch, Kyohaku entered the courtyard. It was kept very clean, yet devoid of life. Several strangely shaped plants grew in the corners, and the air carried a faint smell of medicinal herbs mixed with an indescribable, slightly fishy scent.

He was led to a Japanese-style room. The paper door was drawn open, revealing a slender man in a kimono standing with his back to him, gazing out the window. Long black hair cascaded down his back, and an icy, dangerous aura surrounded him.

"Lord Orochimaru." Kyohaku bowed slightly.

Orochimaru slowly turned around. On his pale face, golden snake-like pupils regarded this uninvited, young yet unusual visitor with a hint of amusement and scrutiny. "A little Uchiha brat... and carrying an interesting crutch. What do you want from me?" His voice was hoarse and magnetic, carrying a cold, slick quality.

Kyohaku raised his head and looked directly into those chilling snake eyes without the slightest evasion. "Lord Orochimaru, I am about to graduate from the Ninja Academy. But because of my disabled right foot, I am unable to handle the duties of a conventional ninja squad."

"Oh? So you came seeking pity?" Orochimaru's tone carried a trace of mockery.

"No. I came to make a deal with you." Kyohaku's voice remained calm. "I hope to enter Konoha Hospital after graduation and become a medical ninja. That is where I am better suited to demonstrate my abilities. In exchange..."

He paused, then slowly lifted his head. Deep within his eyes, a tomoe quietly emerged and began to rotate.

"...I can offer you my Uchiha Bloodline as an observation subject for your research into Kekkei Genkai. And I am confident that I already have a certain foundation in Medical Ninjutsu, so the person you recommend will not appear incompetent."

He held out his palm. A gentle, steady green glow of chakra lit up and gathered into form, displaying his refined mastery of the Healing Technique.

Orochimaru's golden snake eyes narrowed slightly as his gaze shifted between the tomoe and the green chakra light. The amusement on his face gradually gave way to genuine interest.

An eight-year-old Uchiha orphan, physically disabled, yet already awakened the Sharingan and mastered impressive Medical Ninjutsu. More importantly, he had the nerve and icy mindset to come to someone like him, a notorious "dangerous figure," to make a deal, using his own body as a bargaining chip...

Interesting. Very interesting.

"Heh... hehehe..." Orochimaru let out a low laugh, like the hiss of a venomous snake. "How surprising, Kyohaku Uchiha. You have more courage than many adult ninja... or perhaps you are simply more insane."

He stepped forward several paces and looked down at Kyohaku, his golden pupils seemingly intent on seeing through him. "Do you know what an 'observation subject' means?"

"I know the risks." Kyohaku met his gaze without retreating. "But compared to living an ordinary life, or dying worthless on the battlefield because I cannot complete missions, I choose to seize this opportunity. I will use everything I can, including myself, to exchange for a future where my value can be better realized."

Silence spread through the room. Only the faint rustling of the strange plants outside in the wind could be heard.

After a long while, the corner of Orochimaru's mouth curved upward. His smile was cold and full of the desire to investigate. "A fine resolve. Those who change their own fate are always worthy of appreciation. I appreciate your honesty and... value."

He turned away and waved a hand. "I accept your request. After graduation, you will enter Konoha Hospital. As for the 'observation'... I will arrange a part-time position for you as a laboratory assistant. Perform well, little one."

"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru." Kyohaku bowed deeply. The tomoe in his eyes quietly faded, as though it had never appeared.

Leaning on his crutch, he slowly withdrew from the Japanese-style room and left that sinister courtyard. Sunlight fell across his body, driving away the icy chill.

He knew that from the moment he knocked on that door, his fate had set foot upon an entirely different road—one fraught with danger, yet filled with limitless possibilities.

The deal with Orochimaru had been made, and his path after graduation had been laid. Kyohaku Uchiha, a name that might once have been marginalized, was about to step onto the stage of the era as a medical ninja at Konoha Hospital. Behind the scenes, a dangerous thread bound him tightly to that scientist who pursued immortality.