Chapter 18: Master and Disciple (1/2)

When Wakaho left the Hokage building, he was feeling somewhat frustrated.

Quite a lot had happened that morning.

He had put two arrogant guard ninjas in their place, and because he was still under the newbie protection period, he hadn't faced any repercussions yet.

His early graduation had also been finalized. If all went according to plan, by Monday, he'd have his dual tomoe Sharingan.

"But I'm just here to take advantage of the system," Wakaho muttered to himself.

He turned to glance back at the Hokage building, specifically at the second-floor window.

Could it be that I didn't perform well enough?

Or did the Third Hokage compromise with Fugaku's little schemes?

He had hinted so clearly that Fugaku didn't even have any Fire Style techniques left to teach him. Shouldn't the famed professor of ninjutsu step in and offer something?

"Well, it's fine. You shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you."

"If they're showing no leniency, then when we meet on the battlefield in the future, there's no need to remember old ties."

Wakaho continued walking forward with an expressionless face.

But he quickly realized a problem he couldn't ignore.

"Speaking of which, who's going to be my supervising ninja?"

"I didn't see Minato today either…"

"Hmm… it couldn't be Orochimaru, could it? Heh."

Wakaho shook his head with a smile.

If Orochimaru were really to become his supervising ninja, things would get interesting.

First Lesson: The Development and Use of Cursed Seals and Hashirama Cells.

Second Lesson: The Most Effective Ways to Destroy Konoha.

Third Lesson: The Succession of the Fourth Hokage.

...

"What do you think of this child, Orochimaru?"

In the Hokage building, watching the gradually distant figure of the young boy swaying his head, the Third Hokage took a puff from his pipe and asked.

"He's highly vigilant and incredibly talented, though he lacks some common sense…"

Orochimaru also watched the figure, his eyes full of interest.

"You often say that common sense is just the accumulated prejudice of a ninja over time, don't you?"

"Indeed, Sensei." Orochimaru smiled gently.

"What this child did today may seem immature both in intent and execution, but I won't deny the merit of his starting point."

The Third Hokage remained silent, taking another drag from his pipe, signaling for Orochimaru to continue.

"This child has a strong sense of justice."

"It's likely related to the environment he grew up in. The Uchiha clan controls the Konoha Military Police Force, and their methods have always been swift and decisive, even to the point of being merciless."

"Having been influenced by this, the child has absorbed his clan's tendencies… he is vigilant and decisive."

"Today's incident may seem like him acting out, but if you change the scenario slightly…"

"His so-called antics might actually be able to prevent a tragedy."

"..."

The Third Hokage exhaled a cloud of smoke, obscuring his gaze so much that even the reflection in his glasses was unclear.

In that moment, no one could guess what the Third Hokage was thinking.

After a brief silence, he finally spoke.

"I'm glad to hear you praise a junior once again, Orochimaru."

"So I'll leave this child in your care…"

"Teach him well. I have a feeling that this child might one day become the key to changing the relationship between Konoha and the Uchiha clan."

Just like how Nawaki once was.

The Third Hokage kept the last part to himself.

Back then, the Senju clan had also had a strained relationship with the village, especially after the First Hokage's passing.

Nawaki had been the hope for reconciliation between the Senju and the village.

He had entrusted Nawaki to his most outstanding disciple, Orochimaru, hoping that one day everything would return to how it used to be.

But unfortunately…

That bright and cheerful child ultimately died on the battlefield.

Since then, Orochimaru had changed in certain ways…

And now, the Senju clan had vanished, and their past conflicts had become nothing but memories.

But the tension between the Uchiha and the village was growing, the rift deepening with each passing day.