Chapter 21: The Gift in Hand, Body Replacement Technique

Kazuyama didn't care about Orochimaru's reaction. If Orochimaru wanted him as a disciple, acceptance was a necessary gift—otherwise, Kazuyama would simply walk away. Besides, Orochimaru was now a cornerstone of Konoha; refusing publicly wasn't an option for him.

"Heh... Alright, I'll accept you as my disciple," Orochimaru said with a sinister grin. "As for the gift you mentioned... Come with me..."

With that, Orochimaru turned and leapt down, heading toward the Academy's exit.

Kazuyama's mouth curled into a slight smirk. It would be foolish not to seize an opportunity like this. Even if the other party was Orochimaru, when it came to underhanded schemes, Kazuyama considered himself an expert.

"You two, go back to class. It's over," he instructed sharply, leaving no room for argument.

"I've got a fortune to cash in on!"

With those parting words, Kazuyama flashed away, leaping off the roof to follow Orochimaru.

…

Orochimaru's residence wasn't located in the village center. His obsession with ninjutsu and science had driven him to seek a quieter environment, so he had relocated his home and laboratory to the outskirts.

The house, surrounded by trees, was small but radiated an unsettling aura. Several snakes—clearly Orochimaru's guards—slithered about, spitting venom near the entrance.

"Welcome, Kazuyama," Orochimaru said with a sly grin. "I must say, since I moved here, very few people have come."

He entered the house, his pale clothing slightly illuminating the dark interior.

"Wow, Lord Orochimaru," Kazuyama said casually, "you really live up to the title of Konoha's coldest ninja and master of snakes. This place… I wouldn't last a day."

As he spoke, Kazuyama mentally noted the Flying Thunder God Technique seals he'd placed along the way as a precaution. With his escape route secured, he felt little fear.

"Haha, geniuses are lonely, aren't they?" Orochimaru mused. "Here, this is a gift for you. From today onward, you'll be my disciple."

From a nearby box, Orochimaru casually retrieved two scrolls. One was labeled "Ninja," and the other "Snake."

The sight of the scrolls made Kazuyama's eyes gleam. The first was surely about ninjutsu, while the second could be related to summoning or something similarly intriguing.

"Oh? Oh dear, Sensei, please accept my respect," Kazuyama said with exaggerated politeness, flashing a quick smile. He bowed deeply at a perfect 90-degree angle, then swiftly snatched the scrolls from Orochimaru's hands.

Orochimaru's amused smile remained intact, unaffected by Kazuyama's antics. "Kazuyama, what do you think of Kekkei Genkai?" he asked, watching his apprentice's excitement.

Kazuyama shrugged, replying casually, "Not much. They're useless."

He gestured at himself. "Master, look at me. I'm a Kekkei Genkai user too. What's the result? Aside from gathering intelligence, what else can I do?"

It was true—the Transparent Escape Technique's primary value lay in espionage and surprise attacks. Beyond that, it offered little utility.

"Heh, but even that is a gift, isn't it?" Orochimaru countered. "If not for the Transparent Escape Technique, you wouldn't have been able to spy on the Scroll of Seals so boldly."

Kazuyama's expression stiffened slightly. Here we go again. No matter what was said, he, Kazuyama Gekkō, would never admit to it.

"Sensei, you're joking. I really didn't do that."

Orochimaru smiled faintly, letting the matter drop. He had no need to press Kazuyama for the truth.

His interest in Kazuyama had started at the request of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Sakumo Hatake. Initially, Orochimaru had merely intended to observe the young ninja. But the potential Kazuyama had displayed was undeniable—enough to change Orochimaru's mind about taking him as an apprentice.

After all, to observe closely... hehehe... that was the best approach.

"That's enough for today. Remember the location and come back early tomorrow morning," Orochimaru said calmly. "Since you are my disciple, it is important to cooperate with my experiments."

Kazuyama's smile froze momentarily. Orochimaru's words suggested he intended to use him as an experiment subject.

His mind immediately turned to Anko Mitarashi, Orochimaru's previous disciple. Hadn't she been used as a test subject for the Cursed Seal?

Not that he particularly cared about the Cursed Seal—it was just a defective derivative of Senjutsu. He was confident he could overcome it if needed. After all, his system could grant him new attributes whenever necessary.

When he'd received the scroll earlier, something strange had happened. He had inexplicably learned a new ninjutsu...

It wasn't one he liked very much: Body Replacement Technique: Mud Form.

While undeniably practical, the technique wasn't appealing. Turning into a puddle of mud wasn't exactly dignified. Then again, someone like Orochimaru might appreciate it.

"Yes, Sensei. I will definitely be here tomorrow!" Kazuyama said with a practiced smile. He bowed politely and immediately activated the Flying Thunder God Technique to leave without delay.

Orochimaru's laughter echoed softly behind him. "Hehe, you're very cautious. It seems you left a jutsu in the village."

Pausing for a moment, Orochimaru muttered to himself, "Flying Thunder God Technique... heh..."

For some reason, a flicker of disdain crossed Orochimaru's face as he repeated the name.

After leaving Orochimaru, Kazuyama didn't head home. Instead, he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and teleported straight to a friend.

"Oh? Kazuyama, why are you here? And wait—when did you place a jutsu on me?"

The speaker was none other than Minato Namikaze, who at that moment was diligently practicing ninjutsu in an open training ground. Well, it was training in name, but there was an air of ease about it.

Standing nearby was Minato's Sensei, Jiraiya, his unmistakable white hair catching the sunlight.

"Hey? Kazuyama, why are you here?" Jiraiya called out. "Don't tell me you've brought some new material?"

To Jiraiya, Kazuyama Gekkō was practically a walking library of inspiration, and he envied the seemingly endless well of content Kazuyama possessed.

"Calm down, calm down, Minato. Forget the techniques for now," Kazuyama said dismissively. "I have some good news to share—I've become a disciple."

The real reason Kazuyama had come was to share this news with Minato Namikaze. After all, Minato constantly talked about his Sensei. Every other sentence seemed to start with, "My Sensei said..." or "My Sensei taught me..." It had been driving Kazuyama crazy.

Now, things were different. Kazuyama had a Sensei of his own, and he was eager to show Minato that he was no less impressive.

"Oh? Kazuyama, you've found a Sensei?" Jiraiya asked with a hearty laugh. "Who's the poor soul that got stuck with you?"

Jiraiya was all too familiar with Kazuyama's antics. This was a kid who excelled at scheming and mischief but treated training like it was a death sentence.

Kazuyama grinned mischievously and said, "Lord Jiraiya, my Sensei is just like you—one of the legendary Sannin, Lord Orochimaru."

That proclamation left both Jiraiya and Minato momentarily stunned. Neither had expected Kazuyama to choose Orochimaru as his sensei.

Recovering from their surprise, Kazuyama turned his gaze to Minato with a smirk. "Minato, do you remember our bet?"

"What would you do if I found a Sensei?" he added with a teasing edge, his expression practically dripping with mockery.

Minato, faced with Kazuyama's smug grin, felt an involuntary shiver run down his spine.