"If the question crosses the line, even a disciple has privacy. If you want more detailed information, you should at least show me your research results, Teacher Orochimaru..."
With a half-smile, Huayue refused to answer as usual, earning only Orochimaru's silent laugh and tolerance. Though that tolerance meant little to Huayue.
Orochimaru had never been stingy with talented students who shared his goals, revealing most of what he knew.
But regarding such a "trivial" matter as the source of the First Hokage's cells, he chose to remain silent.
"Controlling Tailed Beasts and sweeping across the entire Ninja World... It sounds like a myth. Was the First Hokage really that powerful, Teacher Orochimaru?"
Anko's face was full of disbelief. To her, the First Hokage was simply far too distant, not to mention that modern ninjas were fundamentally unwilling to discuss those predecessors.
"It's true. The current Third Hokage, Teacher Sarutobi, is known as the Professor of Ninjutsu. But before the two ninjas hailed as the 'God of Shinobi,' even the title of 'Professor' could only pale in comparison."
After hearing Orochimaru's answer, Anko became even more confused and could not help asking, "Then why don't the other ninja villages discuss the First Hokage's fame now? Since he was the legendary God of Shinobi, he should have left behind many titles, right?"
The question rendered Orochimaru silent. His serpentine eyes turned toward Huayue, carrying a faint expectation.
What sort of evaluation will you make? Will you praise that almost naive benevolence, or extol the Uchiha power equal to the Senju? How intriguing...
Under Orochimaru's expectant gaze, Huayue spoke, completely overturning every evaluation Orochimaru had heard before. Even his eyes, tempered through horrific wars, trembled slightly.
"Probably because they... no, the First Hokage was an idiot!"
"Even if the entire Ninja World of