Chp-48: Farewell and New Paths

"Lord Orochimaru, please accept me as your disciple!"

Anko's voice echoed clearly in the empty corridor, making Orochimaru pause. He turned around and looked at her calmly.

Anko didn't raise her head, continuing to bow deeply. Her face, buried in her chest, was filled with unprecedented determination.

"Why do you want to become my disciple?"

Orochimaru asked with a slightly playful smile, looking Anko up and down.

...

"Anko..."

In the hospital room, everyone was shocked by this sudden scene.

Rin Uchiha had a look of surprise in her eyes. That was Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin. Even she didn't have the courage to directly approach him like that. She never expected the usually timid Anko to do something so bold.

But why did Anko want to become Orochimaru's disciple so badly?

Shibi Aburame sighed. He had noticed Anko's recent changes but never thought she had this kind of courage.

He didn't have high hopes that Anko would become Orochimaru's disciple. Orochimaru was known for his discerning eye among the Jonin. Anko, who had been under his tutelage for so long, wasn't exceptionally talented.

He hoped she could handle the disappointment.

Satoru had a faint smile on his face. Was this fate's encounter? Or the self-correction of the timeline?

Originally, Anko hadn't become Orochimaru's disciple due to his influence. Yet now, she mustered the courage to request an apprenticeship from Orochimaru.

Maybe this result was destined from the start.

...

"Why do you want to become my disciple?"

In the corridor, Orochimaru's voice replayed in Anko's mind, causing her to be slightly dazed.

Why did she want to become Orochimaru's disciple so badly? Anko asked herself this in her heart.

Suddenly, scenes flashed through her mind...

Facing the enemy helplessly...

Seeing Rin Uchiha and Kakashi fighting and only being able to frantically seek help...

Encountering unbeatable enemies and having to flee desperately...

Seeing the severely injured Satoru in the ruins during a heavy rain...

"Satoru, am I a worthless person? I really hate myself, I hate it..."

Memories surged like a tide, instantly overwhelming her. She subconsciously clenched her fists, her body trembling with emotion. Her face, buried in her chest, was already soaked with tears.

"Because I hate myself, I hate being worthless! I hate being powerless!"

"When my companions are in danger, all I can do is watch. I want to... I want to help... but I..."

"Lord Orochimaru, please accept me as your disciple! I want power, I want to protect my companions, I have... completely hated the old me!"

She almost shouted the last sentence.

She bowed even lower, fists clenched tightly, with tears dripping onto the floor in front of her.

...

It was unclear when, but the hospital room had fallen into complete silence.

Anko's hoarse, sorrowful voice echoed from the corridor, striking their hearts like a hammer.

Shibi Aburame suddenly remembered the first time he saw Anko. That cheerful girl had introduced herself, saying, "I love sweets and hate people who harm my companions."

Now, it sounded so resolute.

Maybe I was an irresponsible teacher who didn't develop her true potential... He couldn't help but blame himself.

Rin Uchiha was silent. Anko's presence had always been low in her eyes. She had always seen Anko as timid and useless, like Satoru's shadow. Now she realized how much the delicate girl's heart struggled...

In the corridor.

Orochimaru suddenly laughed, his raspy voice echoing.

"You want to protect your companions? Interesting thought."

"I agree."

What?

Anko, still bowing, doubted her ears. She slowly lifted her head, hesitantly looking at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru smiled at her and repeated.

"I agree. From now on, you are my disciple."

"Re... really? Lord Orochimaru, no, Teacher Orochimaru."

Orochimaru smiled and nodded at her.

"That's wonderful!"

Anko almost jumped up with joy. The sudden happiness almost made her faint. She hadn't hoped too much to become Orochimaru's disciple; she just wanted to try if there was a chance.

Unexpectedly...

She joyfully rushed into the hospital room, grabbing Satoru's hand.

"Satoru, did you hear? Lord Orochimaru agreed to take me as his disciple."

"I heard." Satoru smiled weakly at her. "Could you be gentler? I'm still injured."

"Oh, sorry!"

"Rin, did you hear?"

"Yeah, congratulations."

"Shibi-sensei..."

"Congratulations, Anko. Orochimaru is one of the Legendary Sannin. I hope you won't slack off under his guidance."

Shibi Aburame adjusted his sunglasses. He hadn't expected Orochimaru to agree, but he was genuinely happy for Anko.

"Yes, I won't!"

Satoru exhaled, looking at the ceiling. The ninja world seemed to be changing a lot because of his presence. He wondered if Orochimaru would still defect from Konoha.

For now, becoming Orochimaru's disciple seemed the best outcome for Anko.

"Congratulations, Anko." He smiled at her with a hint of complexity in his eyes. "You'll be training with Orochimaru from now on."

"Yes." Anko nodded gently, subconsciously lowering her head.

Becoming Orochimaru's disciple also meant leaving Team Three.

"Anko, don't worry. I'll handle things with the Hokage."

Shibi Aburame spoke solemnly. Becoming Orochimaru's disciple meant Anko would temporarily leave Team Three. He would handle the necessary procedures with the Hokage.

"Thank you, Shibi-sensei."

Anko's voice was much softer. Despite becoming Orochimaru's disciple, the thought of separating from her teammates made her feel a bit sad.

"Anko, don't think too much," Satoru said with a smile. "We're happy for you. Go ahead; Orochimaru is waiting for you outside. I look forward to seeing your growth."

"Yes."

Anko gently responded, looking at her teammates with reluctance, trying to memorize their faces...

After Anko left, the room fell silent for a long time.

Shibi Aburame sighed, looking at Satoru.

"I was planning to tell you this news later, but since Anko is gone, it's better to say it now."

"The Hokage has specially promoted you to chunin. This means..."

"You might have to lead a team or undertake missions alone. Team Three is disbanding..."