Chapter 37: Nawaki and Orochimaru.

In the ninja world where extraordinary power exists, as long as you have high enough strength and a relatively healthy mindset, you belong to "vast lands with great prospects."

Hanma deeply understood that people's prejudices are like a mountain in their hearts. Doing well by oneself is already quite difficult.

To vindicate the Uchiha name, you need to bring down the higher-ups of Konoha, change the villagers' prejudices, and persuade the clan members' attitudes through a series of high-difficulty operations.

Trying to save the Uchiha clan in all aspects within Konoha is as problematic as making Madara Uchiha bow and admit mistakes to Tobirama Senju.

However, this former Uchiha clan leader has already fled, setting a good example for Hanma.

The land of Konoha, rich in heroes, has given birth to many geniuses and heroes; conversely, it is also home to not a few mentally ill and perverted individuals.

In Konoha, there are the most extreme ideological clashes in the ninja world, gathering heroes from various paths.

There are those who believe in prophecy and travel across the ninja world like Jiraiya.

There are those who burn themselves out, sharpening a blade for thirty years just to protect those in front of them, like Might Duy.

There are those like Orochimaru, who capture their village's ninjas for cruel experiments and collude with outside villages to kill their masters.

There are those who sacrifice themselves to protect their companions, like Rin Nohara.

There are those who talk about righteousness but use unscrupulous means to become Hokage, like Danzo.

There are also those as noble as Hokage who willingly sever links for the next generation, like Tobirama Senju.

Among others like Sakumo Hatake, who committed suicide for his beliefs, Hashirama Senju who disbanded his clan, and Kabuto Yakushi who started ninja wars.

Complex people and complex situations make the Will of Fire a creed that can inspire everyone, but it can also be a brainwashing tool for Konoha's higher-ups, devouring others without spitting out the bones.

However, now it is evident what situation Konoha is in.

Hanma has no interest in playing a rigged game with a pre-assigned losing hand.

Born in the Uchiha clan, in the current Konoha, it's almost like being sentenced to death by default.

As someone well-versed in ninja world history, Hanma has his plans, and there's no need to be a mere decorator for Konoha.

Why stick to Konoha? Besides the Beasts' Sealing Scroll, there's nothing else of value to Hanma here.

Hanma is calculating the future; once these decaying higher-ups reveal their filthy teeth, he can start gathering like-minded allies.

For now, though, some people still hold unrealistic hopes.

Uchiha Training Grounds

Hanma warmly chatted with Orochimaru as they watched Minato, Nawaki, and Kushina sparring in the distance.

Orochimaru had a somewhat helpless expression. Although he was friends with Hanma, they weren't that close.

However, since Nawaki became Hanma's student, they had more opportunities to interact.

When Hanma was frantically completing missions in the Anbu to build his foundation, he and Tsunade could only be considered to have an ambiguous relationship.

With little time to spend together, he naturally had little interaction with Nawaki.

Orochimaru was different. Having veered toward scientific research early, he was always conducting research within the village.

Orphaned at a young age, Orochimaru, before experiencing the loss of friends and family, still had a yearning for immortality in his heart, but it wasn't so pathological.

He valued the camaraderie and mentorship from the Sarutobi class.

Due to the dissolution of his clan, Nawaki often found himself alone. Being naturally enthusiastic, he clung to Orochimaru, and they got along quite well.

Orochimaru also treated him as his own family. In the original storyline, Nawaki's death even brought Orochimaru to tears and accelerated his darkening.

Hanma invited Orochimaru today not only to add another layer of protection for Nawaki but also to build a communication bridge between them.

Hanma smiled and watched the three training, exclaiming, "The new generation in the village is gradually growing up."

"Hehe...Hanma-kun, I didn't expect you and Tsunade to get together so smoothly. That idiot Jiraiya is quite upset."

Hanma nonchalantly waved his hand; Jiraiya was currently not of much concern.

Glancing at the look in Orochimaru's eyes as he watched Nawaki, Hanma silently waited for Orochimaru to speak.

Sure enough, after a stick of incense, Orochimaru spoke up, "This child Nawaki, I hope Hanma-kun will take good care of him."

Hanma crossed his arms and replied lightly, "That depends on you; after all, Nawaki intends to become your apprentice."

Orochimaru was surprised, "Oh, you're not planning to continue teaching Nawaki?"

Hanma explained, "Minato is my personal disciple; I only took care of Nawaki for a while in the capacity of a brother-in-law."

Nawaki's greatest potential lies in his direct Senju bloodline from Hashirama Senju. The best person to unlock his full potential would be Orochimaru.

Orochimaru squinted his eyes, "This doesn't seem to conform to Konoha's rules."

In Konoha, the first mentor of a genin is often considered a lifelong master and disciple.

Hanma chuckled. Oh, so Orochimaru also knows how to talk about rules?

"Rules, shmules, this is also for Nawaki's good. Reassigning teams isn't unprecedented in Konoha, and besides, Nawaki is very determined about this."

Beckoning to Nawaki, he signaled him to come over.

Nawaki jogged over, respectfully saluted Hanma, and greeted Orochimaru with a bright smile.

Hanma raised his eyebrows, signaling Orochimaru. Seeing Nawaki's response, Orochimaru also smiled satisfactorily.

The usually aloof Orochimaru felt quite regretful for not being Nawaki's teacher, although he had never voiced it.

"Nawaki, Orochimaru wants to take you as his direct disciple. Are you interested?" Hanma asked straightforwardly. For this kind of passionate idiot, being direct was the best approach.

"Of course, I want that! Orochimaru-san is one of my best friends!" Nawaki replied enthusiastically.

Hanma twitched his mouth; this statement truly gave a sense of déjà vu similar to Naruto.

Looking at Hanma, Nawaki felt a faint uneasiness. He had a great affection for this brother-in-law who reasoned with and took care of him.

Hanma chuckled, "Why are you looking at me? Orochimaru and I are also friends. Although you are excellent, how could I take what someone else loves?"

Nawaki delightedly looked at Orochimaru. Was he, Nawaki, so popular?

Orochimaru looked at Nawaki with affection, his usual cold expression melting as he gently nodded.

Watching them walk away and chat, Hanma nodded in satisfaction.

Now, he only needed to wait for Konoha's higher-ups to make their move, and Orochimaru would naturally start thinking like him. When the time came, they could discuss leaving the village to start anew.

Hanma walked towards Minato and Kushina, ready to see how much progress his disciple had made. Next, it was time to prepare for the upcoming war!