Konoha, an unknown underground laboratory.
The air was filled with a strange smell of formalin and earth, which was cold, damp, and made people feel uncomfortable all over. Under the dim light, huge glass jars stood in the darkness, soaked in various strange biological tissues, and even some vaguely identifiable human organs.
This is the secret laboratory of Orochimaru, a forbidden area that ordinary ninjas cannot set foot in their entire lives.
At this moment, Senju Chen is standing in this place, looking at everything around him curiously.
He did not show any fear or discomfort, but his big black eyes shone with a light called "exploration" and "excitement", like a child who came to a candy house.
"Haha, kid, why did you choose me? Aren't the other Elite Jonin good? I heard that many people are vying to be your mentor."
A hoarse and deep voice came from deep in the laboratory. Orochimaru, wearing a white research coat, slowly walked out from behind the rows of experimental equipment. His golden vertical pupils looked particularly penetrating in the dim light, and they were locked on Senju Chen for an instant.
"Because you have gone further than them in the exploration of Ninjutsu and life." Senju Chen raised his head with an innocent smile on his face, "Teacher Orochimaru, you said that you would let me take over your class. Isn't it more reasonable for an apprentice to take over from the master?"
The title "teacher" made Orochimaru grin in a strange way. And the statement that the apprentice succeeded the master spoke to Orochimaru's heart.
He is Third's disciple. According to Senju Chen, wouldn't it be reasonable for him to succeed Third and become Fourth?
Well, there's nothing wrong with this sentence in his opinion, because that's what he thinks in his heart.
He walked up to Senju Chen and slowly looked into his eyes.
"Haha, you're right." Orochimaru looked at Senju Chen with satisfaction, then changed the topic and gently tapped the glass jar behind him, "Little Chen, what do you think the meaning of life is?"
Does this change from "little devil" to "Little Chen"?
Senju Chen complained in his heart, but his face showed a confused expression that was consistent with his age.
He tilted his head, thought seriously, and then replied in a childish but extremely serious tone, "I don't understand any big principles. But, I think the meaning of life is to keep getting stronger, strong enough to protect the people you want to protect, strong enough to explore all unknown things."
This answer made Orochimaru's golden vertical pupils flash with a strange light.
Protecting the people you want to protect... this is too childish. However, exploring all the unknown things... this is what he pursues.
The kid in front of me is indeed the same kind of person as him.
"That's a good answer." Orochimaru stood up, the smile on his face no longer so weird, but with a hint of real interest, "From today on, you are my disciple. However, I will not teach you anything Three Basic Techniques like a teacher in school."
He turned and walked towards a huge experimental table, which was filled with various precision surgical instruments and drafts filled with complex formulas.
"All my knowledge is here." He pointed to his unusual head. "If you want to learn something, you have to observe, think, and practice by yourself. I will provide you with the best environment and resources, but how far you can go depends entirely on yourself."
"Yes, teacher!" Senju Chen nodded heavily, acting like a little fan recognized by his idol.
But my heart blossomed with joy.
Yes, yes, yes! That's it! Orochimaru You must leave me alone, free-range is the best teaching for me! You are busy with your immortality, and I am engaged in my stealing business. We do not interfere with each other, it is perfect!
"As a gift for your apprenticeship..." Orochimaru picked up a scroll from the experimental table and threw it to Senju Chen, "These are some research notes from my early years, about how to use Chakra more efficiently, as well as some... interesting psychic beast contracts. Maybe it will help you understand your own Wood Release."
Senju Chen took the scroll and held it lightly. He knew that the value of this thing was probably no less than any A-level Ninjutsu.
"Thank you teacher!"
"And this." Orochimaru handed over another strange-looking key, "This is the key to Training Ground 7. From now on, it will be your exclusive training ground. No one can enter without my permission. You can test your Ninjutsu in it at will without worrying about being disturbed."
Senju Chen was overjoyed. Someone would give him a pillow when he fell asleep. With the exclusive training ground, it would be much more convenient for him to study Rasengan, Wood Release and so on in the future.
"Okay, I've said all that needs to be said." Orochimaru seemed a little impatient. He waved his hand as if to shoo away flies, "Follow me. As my disciple, the first lesson is to let you understand how ninjas create value for the village and support themselves."
Orochimaru took Senju Chen through the dark passage and returned to the ground.
The long-lost sunshine made Senju Chen squint his eyes comfortably.
The two of them walked one behind the other on the bustling street of Konoha. One was tall and had a cold temperament, while the other was short, well-behaved and cute. This strange combination attracted the attention of many passers-by.
Soon, they came to a building with a "Mission Center" plaque.
The place is bustling with people coming and going. The walls are covered with various task orders, ranging from finding lost pets, to escorting caravans, to assassinating important officials of the enemy country. The air is filled with the sounds of ninjas talking, arguments about handing over tasks, and the smell of fireworks.
Orochimaru obviously didn't like this noisy environment. He frowned and walked directly to a counter with Senju Chen.
"Hey, isn't this Lord Orochimaru? What brought you here?" A middle-aged ninja behind the counter who was responsible for dispatching tasks immediately had a flattering smile on his face when he saw Orochimaru.
"Register him, my disciple, Senju Chen." Orochimaru said concisely and concisely.
"Ouch! It turns out that this is the legendary...Senju Clan young master!" The middle-aged ninja looked at Senju Chen, and instantly became extremely awe and enthusiasm, "I have admired my name for a long time, I have admired my name for a long time! He defeated Ryōnosuke Jonin at the age of five. What a hero!"
Senju Chen gave him a polite smile and said nothing.
The middle-aged ninja quickly completed the registration procedures for Genin for Senju Chen, and then asked respectfully, "Lord Orochimaru, do you need to take on any tasks today? B-level or A-level. We have a few that have just been released here, and the rewards are very generous!"
He felt that with Orochimaru's strength and Senju Chen's identity, it was only natural to take on B-Rank Mission.
However, Orochimaru just glanced at him coldly.
"Little Chen, see clearly." Orochimaru pointed to the area on the wall, "Here is the division of task levels. From high to low, they are divided into five levels: S, A, B, C, and D. As a Genin who has just graduated, no matter how talented you are, according to the rules, you can only start with the simplest D-Rank Mission."
He paused and continued in his hoarse voice, "Ninjas are not just about fighting. Completing these seemingly boring tasks, accumulating experience, and understanding the operation of the village are also part of the practice. Come to me when you have completed ten D-Rank Mission."
After saying that, he didn't give Senju Chen a chance to react at all. He didn't even say another word to the ninja at the counter. His figure flickered, turned into an afterimage, and disappeared from the place.
Senju Chen was left alone, standing there blankly.
The atmosphere in the entire mission center became much more relaxed because of Orochimaru's departure.
"Uh...Lord Chen?" The middle-aged ninja looked at Senju Chen carefully, "Then... look, D-Rank Mission here..."
Senju Chen's mouth twitched.
Good guy! I'm just good guy!
Orochimaru, are you too skilled at being the hands-off shopkeeper? You brought me here, said a few words, and then disappeared?
What about the first lesson you promised? Is this your first lesson?
Although this is exactly what I want, you are too... free!
Senju Chen took a deep breath, suppressed the countless frustrations in his heart, and turned his attention to the colorful D-Rank Mission order form on the wall.