As Nawaki said this, his eyes shone with anticipation. He raised both hands and continued:
"Teacher Orochimaru, think about it. If I get married and have more than ten children, that'll be more than ten direct descendants of the Senju Clan in this generation. That's already as many people as a medium-sized clan has.
"Then, once they grow up, if they all get married and have more than ten children too, our Senju Clan will have one or two hundred members. Only then will we have the foundation of a thriving clan."
Nawaki paused briefly, a blush rising on his face, before continuing:
"Our Senju Clan doesn't lack money, ninjutsu, or a place to live. All we lack are clan members.
"And as long as we follow the method I just described, our Senju Clan will begin to recover within forty years. By the time the third generation grows up, only fifty or sixty years will have passed. I'll only be sixty or seventy then, so I'll still be able to see it."
Orochimaru was momentarily stunned by Nawaki's words. He had never expected this unfailingly honest, simple disciple of his to say something that so thoroughly overturned his understanding.
Though Orochimaru felt something was off, he opened his mouth but could find no words to refute him.
After all, if Nawaki actually put his plan into practice, there really would be no problem with it. Especially with his sister, the Fifth Hokage, there to protect him, along with the Senju Clan's accumulated wealth, it would hardly be difficult.
But Orochimaru had not come here to discuss how to make the Senju Clan flourish.
So, just as Nawaki finished speaking, Orochimaru's expression darkened. As Nawaki watched him uneasily, Orochimaru flicked out his long tongue, licked his lips, and said with