Xiao Ding soon returned with a delicate, adorable little girl. Qing Lin poked her head out from behind him, looking at the unfamiliar man who had asked for her with confusion and fear. "Um, sir..."
"Your name is Qing Lin, right? My name is Ye Uchiha. From now on, you'll be my disciple. I'll teach you the knowledge and experience you need to become strong. I won't interfere with your freedom or your thoughts, but in return, you must obey my instructions when necessary."
Ye Uchiha walked up to Qing Lin and gently rubbed her head, speaking in a tone that brooked no argument.
Overwhelmed by his words, Qing Lin opened and closed her little mouth, unsure how to respond.
Seemingly aware of her confusion and uncertainty, Ye Uchiha did not expect an answer right away from a girl who was only thirteen or fourteen. He would be raising one disciple either way, so he might as well raise two together.
Ye Uchiha lowered the hand resting on Qing Lin's head and said gently, "There's no hurry to answer me. For now, just stay by my side. Tell me once you've thought it through."
"I'll take this child with me and train her as my disciple. As thanks for taking Qing Lin in, please accept this potion." Turning to Xiao Ding beside him, Ye Uchiha took out a transparent vial filled with green liquid and placed it in his hand.
"This medicine grants tremendous vitality and regenerative ability. It's especially effective for someone with a wood affinity. As for its precise effects, you'll have to try it yourself to discover its wonders. If you don't mind, please accept it."
It was a lesser version of the Wood Release Awakening Potion, a formula Orochimaru had developed with leading researchers from several