The next morning.
"I'm off to school."
Orochimaru's childish voice rang out at the door.
"Be careful on the way."
Yanbai stood at the door, smiling as he saw Orochimaru off.
At his words, Orochimaru couldn't help saying, "I know, I know. I'll be careful. I won't kill any passersby... as long as they don't provoke me."
That reminded Orochimaru of how Madara had stored "Flower of Thorns" in his "Projection Ninjutsu" the night before.
Though Madara was a man of few words, he actually cared a great deal about him.
Orochimaru wondered why he had insisted on defying Madara in the first place.
Ah... I can't even remember the reason anymore. Maybe... it was just because Madara was too powerful, and I didn't want to be controlled by such a formidable father?
As Orochimaru's thoughts wandered, a lunchbox wrapped in fine cloth appeared before his eyes.
Yanbai was holding it out to him.
Orochimaru looked at Yanbai in confusion for a few seconds, then seemed to realize something and went rigid.
But Yanbai said with a warm smile, "The birds told me you wanted to eat at the Ninja Academy cafeteria yesterday, but Tsunade wouldn't let you. She insisted you join her for that huge, awful lunch."
"You're such a gentle child. You didn't refuse because you wanted to spare Tsunade's feelings. Though Tsunade is my granddaughter, you're my son."
"Take this. If Tsunade does the same thing again today, you can share your lunch with her. I'm sure she'll be happy."
"Oh, right-I packed enough for three. That Jiraiya will probably pester you, won't he? Look after him a little too."
Orochimaru accepted the lunchbox, a happy smile spreading across his face. "Thank you. Well, I'm off to school."
"All right." Yanbai smiled.
This time, Orochimaru took a