Orochimaru's Request

"Since every challenger has been defeated, I hereby declare the winner of this Genin graduation exam—Ryuuzaki Eiji!!!"

A gong rang out, and waves of cheers quickly engulfed the Arena.

Plenty of people had lost money, but they felt that witnessing the rise of someone so powerful was worth more than any wager. It even gave them greater confidence about the war on the horizon!

The Daimyo tapped his folding fan against his palm, looking thoroughly pleased.

He glanced at his daughter and found Sayuri staring down at Ryuuzaki Eiji, utterly spellbound. He gave her shoulder a gentle pat.

This is troublesome. I can hardly bring up a marriage proposal now.

He had first considered it because the boy seemed talented. Then, thinking Eiji might become Hokage with Lady Mito's strong support, he had decided to lend him a hand.

But after seeing the destruction caused by that enormous azure sphere, the thought had left him.

Someone so powerful had already shown such strength at such a young age. He could not make such an important decision for Eiji; he could only see whether fate brought the two of them together.

Still, this visit to Konoha had left him thoroughly satisfied. He had enjoyed delicious food and watched a splendid match.

Then a brilliant idea struck him: once he returned to the Daimyo's Palace, he would gather skilled chefs from across the land.

He would devise all manner of difficult challenges for a cooking competition. That way, he could satisfy his appetite and enjoy an exciting contest at the same time.

"Great! Eiji won! Eiji really won! Eiji, you're amazing!!!"

Kushina waved to Eiji below, and he waved back at her.

Eiji's performance had already left admiration written all over the faces of many young girls. When they saw him wave toward the stands, they all turned to look at Kushina, filling her with pride.

Just then, the girls' excited cries surged up like a tidal wave.

"Lord Eiji~!!!!! Look over here!!!!"

"Aah~~~ Lord Eiji is so cute!!!"

"Lord Eiji, I love you!!!"

As the cries grew more outrageous, Kushina puffed out her cheeks in anger.

You've got to be kidding! Eiji is going to be my most important partner. How could I let you steal him away!?

Even someone as composed as Eiji found the endless waves of cheering from the stands a little hard to handle.

Still, it felt strange to be called "lord" by women twice his age.

The Shinobi World respected strength above all else. Plenty more people might call him that someday, so he might as well get used to it.

Listening to the villagers' fervent cheers, Hiruzen Sarutobi pulled the brim of his Hokage hat lower.

To be honest, he had mixed feelings. A child this talented emerging in Konoha's younger generation was certainly a good thing.

But he had held the Hokage Position for only a few years, and he had heard cheers this fervent only at his inauguration. He could not help feeling a little envious.

Hiruzen looked at Eiji's handsome young face, then touched his own.

Is my face just not charming enough?

No. When we were young, Biwako said I was one of Konoha's most handsome men—even better-looking than Danzo back then.

He noticed Utatane Koharu storming out of the VIP Area. When Mitokado Homura saw her leave, he hurried after her.

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. Not one of his old friends gave him any peace of mind.

"What a spectacular match! A hero at such a young age! With someone like you in Konoha, I'm sure the village will only grow more prosperous!"

Afterward, Eiji stood on the awards platform and received a Certificate of Commendation and a Medal from the Daimyo, watched by countless envious eyes.

To praise Eiji's valor, the Daimyo also planned to give him gold and silver wares, silk, and grain. The gifts would be delivered from the Daimyo's Palace to the Senju Ancestral Home in Konoha over the coming days.

Another thunderous wave of cheers followed.

Genin, Chunin, and Jonin alike looked at him with envy so intense it was almost tangible.

Eiji, however, saw nothing particularly special about the gold Medal in his hand.

He cared more about the gold and silver. At least those could be turned into money; no one would dare buy the Medal from him.

As he headed back to the Senju Ancestral Home, Orochimaru intercepted him along the way.

Eiji wondered if Orochimaru had turned evil early and immediately went on guard.

"Congratulations on your victory, Eiji."

"You're too kind, Orochimaru."

"Oh? You know me?"

You're second only to Shimura Danzō when it comes to stirring up trouble. How could I forget you?

Still, credit where it was due: Orochimaru was quite polite. He could speak calmly with anyone, even a mortal enemy. Eiji had to admire that.

"You're the Third Hokage's student, after all. As a member of Konoha, of course I know about you. Besides, my teacher is Tsunade, and she's told me plenty about you. Want to hear what she thinks of you?"

Orochimaru smiled and waved a hand, declining to pursue the topic.

"In that case, this should be easy to discuss."

A glint appeared in Orochimaru's eyes.

"I have a rather forward request. Your Kekkei Genkai fascinates me, Eiji, and I'd like a genetic sample for research. Just body hair, blood, saliva, and the like. In return, I'll give you my treasured Kusanagi Sword. What do you say?"

Body samples? That's all?

Eiji had thought Orochimaru wanted his eyes. He could not hand those over carelessly before developing the Reverse Cursed Technique, but hair and saliva were easy enough.

So Eiji readily agreed. His quick acceptance seemed to take Orochimaru by surprise.

Orochimaru was not one to fuss, though. He immediately led Eiji to his Underground Laboratory.

Honestly, Orochimaru's laboratory was incredibly dim.

"Do you have to make your experiments this creepy? Couldn't you use brighter lights?"

Orochimaru coughed. He clearly did not know how to answer at first, but after a moment's thought, he did.

"It's a personal preference. But perhaps you're right, Eiji. Brighter lights might be better."

Orochimaru went to the workbench and began adjusting its precision instruments.

The Shinobi World's technology really is strange. Its communications are absurdly poor, yet it has microscopes and all kinds of advanced technology. Its biological research has nearly caught up with Blue Star's.

"But aren't you afraid of these dead animals, Eiji? Children your age usually find them revolting."

Orochimaru chatted with Eiji as he prepared a needle to draw blood.

"No. Once they're dead, they're no threat. There's no reason to be afraid."

Orochimaru's hand paused on the needle. He gave Eiji a searching look.

"That's true. Perhaps you're even more dangerous than I thought, Eiji. We might have a great deal to talk about."

Orochimaru then took samples of Eiji's blood, saliva, fine body hair, eyelashes, and other tissues.

When he was done, Orochimaru looked with satisfaction at the carefully stored samples, a smile curling his lips.

"Honestly, I didn't expect you to cooperate so readily. In the Shinobi World, everything about a Ninja can be a valuable source of intelligence."