Memory

Orochimaru sank into his memories.

Once, he had believed that, as the Third Hokage's disciple, he would devote his entire life to Konoha and fully demonstrate all his worth.

Under Hiruzen Sarutobi's guidance, Orochimaru gradually changed from a youth who was merely curious about "why life was so short" into a qualified Konoha ninja who would stop at nothing for a mission.

He had thought the future would continue like that: doing missions when there was work, conducting research when there was none, with Tsunade and Jiraiya by his side as companions. He had practically been a winner in life.

But then, Orochimaru's disciple died.

He had always been rather indifferent. If someone unimportant died, then they died. But Nawaki was not only his first disciple; he was also Tsunade's younger brother.

As a direct descendant of the First Hokage, Nawaki had died for the absurd reason of stepping on an Explosive Tag. Tsunade had wept her heart out. Even though she could calmly pound enemies into pulp with Chakra Enhanced Strength on the battlefield, she still broke down before her younger brother's corpse.

Everyone knew that life was merely a one-way journey, one that would eventually reach its end. Seeing unfamiliar travelers get off early only prompted a few sighs. Yet people could not help hoping that they and their loved ones would leave a little later.

Orochimaru had always treated his disciples well, especially Nawaki. His status was far too special, so Orochimaru had tried to keep Nawaki in safe areas. Every route forward had been scouted several times, yet Nawaki had happened to step on an Explosive Tag trap and could not be saved.

A shadow fell over both Orochimaru and Tsunade's hearts, and both began to harbor certain suspicions. Later, Tsunade's lover, Dan Katō, whom she had only recently begun dating, also died inexplicably on the battlefield, deepening those suspicions.

—Dan Katō had mastered the Spirit Transformation Technique. Other ninja villages had no techniques that targeted the soul. As long as his body was protected while his soul left it, he should have been able to dominate the battlefield.

Why, then, had Dan Katō died?

Afterward, Tsunade withdrew from the battlefield. At such a young age, she became addicted to gambling and refused to accept anyone else's pursuit. She feared that any boyfriend she had would die mysteriously. The First Hokage's bloodline would end with her.

Later still, the war ended, and the village had to choose the next Hokage.

This decision could be seen as Hiruzen Sarutobi generously relinquishing power, but in the eyes of Shimura Danzō and others, it carried an entirely different conspiracy theory.

When someone stood high above the masses, every action they took would be excessively interpreted. That was normal. People always liked to judge a gentleman's heart by their own petty minds.

Tsunade left, and Jiraiya had no interest in the position. He recommended Minato Namikaze, a sunny, cheerful young man.

Orochimaru was engrossed in research, but his name was still added to the list of Hokage candidates. According to Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi had personally added it.

Unfortunately, in the end, Sarutobi-sensei chose Minato. He said Orochimaru was not suited to be Hokage.

What could Orochimaru do?

Science was what he loved most anyway. If he could not become Hokage, so be it. Though he felt a little unwilling to accept it, unwilling to accept that his teacher had actually abandoned him.

During that time, he often heard passersby comparing him unfavorably to Minato, saying he was cold and sinister, and that only someone warm like Minato was suited to become the Fourth Hokage.

Orochimaru felt an intense sense of déjà vu. He summoned several small snakes to keep an eye on the few people who spoke most actively among the crowd...

The next day, Orochimaru went to the office to ask Hiruzen Sarutobi why he could not become Hokage. He wanted to hear Hiruzen Sarutobi explain it personally.

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent for a moment, then said that Orochimaru's methods were too sinister and his way of doing things too ruthless...

Orochimaru did not hear a single word after that, because he had already understood his place in Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart—a talented disciple, a high-end combat unit, a stepping stone for the Fourth Hokage...

As the Third Hokage's disciple, who had taught Orochimaru all his skills? Had Danzo taught him all those methods?

From that moment on, Orochimaru finally realized that he was no longer suited to remain in Konoha. Tedious scheming and power struggles would consume far too much of his research time.

He decided to sever his ties with Konoha.

Perhaps his teacher also felt that he was gradually slipping out of control and planned to deal with him.

He had been caught red-handed conducting human experiments on Konoha ninja. The Second Hokage had also conducted human experiments, and Root had conducted human experiments involving Wood Release. The same act, committed by different people, led to different outcomes.

For some reason, Hiruzen Sarutobi had let him off. None of that mattered anymore. He could finally pursue immortality freely.

During the years he had been away, Konoha had changed too much. He had once thought Konoha was still worth saving, but now...

Heh.

Memories flashed through his mind as Orochimaru reached up and peeled a false face from his own. An unfamiliar face was revealed beneath it.

"How could this be?!"

Everyone saw it. Orochimaru, who should have been past middle age, possessed the body of a young woman.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes widened, and even his movements slowed. "That forbidden technique of yours... it has succeeded..."

"Yes. Now, let me show you the results."

"What a twisted soul. It seems I was right not to choose you back then."

There was regret and remorse in Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone, but Orochimaru's heart no longer stirred. He had found the correct path. At this moment, he was merely showing off before Hiruzen Sarutobi.

(Orochimaru was still young and healthy in Boruto, and his lifespan appeared to remain very long. It was impossible to judge whether his path to immortality was right or wrong, but at least he had stood higher and gone farther.)

Orochimaru treated Hiruzen Sarutobi's rebuke as though he had not heard it and continued, "Konoha truly is a place full of amusement, Sensei. As Hokage, did you really fail to notice anything from beginning to end? Never mind the other hidden dangers. There was such a massive human-flesh ramen shop, yet the higher-ups knew nothing and allowed it to produce and sell its goods within Konoha..."

This time, Hiruzen Sarutobi was truly stunned. What human-flesh ramen shop?

Orochimaru did not elaborate further. Clearly, he was deeply disappointed. Hiruzen Sarutobi's control over the village was actually this poor. Now, Hiruzen Sarutobi was trapped inside the barrier, his most trusted Danzo had not even shown his face, and the other two Hokage advisors were nowhere to be seen...

Outside the Four Violet Flames Formation, the ANBU were still watching the spectacle. "If we want to break this barrier from the outside, we'll need combat power at least several times greater than that of the barrier's casters. Unfortunately, the village is in chaos and severely short-handed."

"We can look on the bright side, can't we? At least the barrier confines Orochimaru inside as well, and large-scale ninjutsu won't accidentally harm the villagers."

Several ANBU spoke quietly among themselves before finally reaching a conclusion. "Forget it. Right now, all we can do is trust the Third Hokage."