Chapter 18: Master and Disciple (2/2)

"I hope this child can help Orochimaru find his way again..."

The Third Hokage exhaled a puff of smoke.

This would be a mutually beneficial process.

The "Will of Fire" burning within this child was a bit too intense...

But that was precisely what Orochimaru lacked.

Don't think that simply agreeing with everything I say will secure you the position of Hokage, Orochimaru...

Do you really believe that saying such things proves you're the most suitable candidate?

"I understand, Sensei."

At this stage, Orochimaru's level was still slightly below that of the Third Hokage.

Although he concealed his joy well, it hadn't escaped his teacher's notice.

The key to reconciliation between the Uchiha and the village...

If this matter is resolved perfectly, then perhaps... Sensei will finally pass the mantle of Hokage to him, right?

...

"Clan leader, I caught two spies today."

After leaving the Hokage building, Wakaho headed straight to the Konoha Military Police Force.

Since it involved his own clan leader, it was only right to report the matter.

Besides, he could save on a meal that way.

"Spies?"

Sitting by a small lake, Fugaku looked at Wakaho, who was devouring his lunch, with a sense of foreboding.

The incident from the previous day was still fresh in his mind. Could this kid have run into another drunk or something and ended up in a fight?

"Hmm... what kind of spies are you talking about? Ninja spies or..."

As he asked the question, Fugaku realized something wasn't quite right.

If he had targeted civilians, it would be severe, but if he had encountered spy ninja, the situation might have been even more dangerous.

"Of course they were ninjas, clan leader!" Wakaho mumbled through a mouthful of rice ball. "But they weren't very smart."

"I used the ninjutsu you taught me yesterday, that rather unconventional Great Fire Annihilation, and subdued them instantly."

So he really did encounter spy ninja!?

Fugaku perked up. "Where did you run into them? Were you alone? Did they escape? Were you hurt?"

"Clan leader, you're underestimating me..." Wakaho grumbled, displeased. "I said I caught them, didn't I? How could I have let them get away?"

"There were plenty of Anbu present at the time; they took them straight to the Konoha Hospital. I'm fine."

"I see..." Fugaku felt a bit disappointed.

It was a pity that Wakaho wasn't a member of the Konoha Military Police Force; otherwise, this would have been a great achievement for them.

"So, where exactly did you encounter these spy ninja?"

"Ah, at the Hokage building."

"The Hokage building, no wonder the Anbu would be..." Fugaku paused, his face stiffening. "Which Hokage building!?"

"The one where the old man Hokage works, of course."

Wakaho said matter-of-factly, grabbing another rice ball. "Those two spies were disguised as guards at the Hokage building, but I saw through them."

"I even thought they had kidnapped the old man Hokage, so I gave them a good roasting with Fire Style."

"The old man Hokage even praised me, though some of the Anbu kept saying I'd caused trouble. It's really strange."

"..." Fugaku fell silent.

As Wakaho finished off the rice ball, he enjoyed watching the various expressions play out on Fugaku's face.

Honestly, at this rate, it seemed likely that Fugaku might have to resign in a few years.

But just then...

"They weren't wrong."

"If your Fire Style had been a bit more precise, you really would have caused trouble, Wakaho-kun."

A voice, raspy yet alluring, sounded from behind them.

"Orochimaru-senpai." Fugaku stood up, nodding respectfully in the manner of a junior.

"It's been a while, Clan Leader Fugaku." Orochimaru smiled and nodded in return.

"I'm here to see this child... He submitted an application for early graduation, and I'll be his examiner."

"And if he passes the test, he will also become my disciple."

"..."

This time, it was Wakaho's turn to fall silent.