5 - Orochimaru Discovers a Kindred Spirit
The summer morning arrived swiftly, sunlight pouring in.
But in this cramped single-room home, the two figures within seemed strikingly cold.
Due to their height difference, the man stood silently, gazing down at the boy before him. His slit pupils didn't bother hiding his intrigue.
The boy, meanwhile, stared back—seemingly impassive but inwardly impatient.
One tall, one small, they looked somewhat mismatched.
Their temperaments clashed too.
One was sinister and charismatic, the other refined and scholarly.
Yet, they were so alike…
In the depths of their eyes flickered an almost identical prideful solitude.
This was the first meeting of two scientists.
"Not a bad reaction."
Orochimaru slightly tempered the excitement in his eyes, his demeanor softening.
He'd witnessed yesterday's fight.
The boy's performance had surprised him—decisive, ruthless, leaving no room for mercy.
So much like himself!
But.
That alone wouldn't have been enough to stir Orochimaru, a man driven by self-interest above all else, into such excitement.
What truly thrilled him to the point of near-uncontrollable fascination was the technique the boy had used!
He recognized those hand signs.
A C-rank Wind Release—nothing special about the seals, he'd seen them clearly.
Yet what the boy unleashed was a highly destructive Water Release technique!
What did that prove?
It proved this five-year-old boy had single-handedly optimized a jutsu!
It proved that in this vast ninja world, Orochimaru wasn't alone!
Loneliness—people might grow accustomed to it, but they never cherish it.
Even snakes are social creatures…
Aside from that man, no one understood why he was so obsessed with researching ninjutsu.
But now, after silently observing the boy all night, Orochimaru suddenly felt he'd found a companion.
Every fleeting expression the boy showed in the dead of night felt so familiar to him!
"Souta-kun… would you be interested in becoming my… disciple?"
Souta-kun—a polite, respectful address.
Orochimaru's use of honorifics showed he'd already acknowledged the boy before him, even if the boy's current strength was insignificant in his eyes.
As the Third Hokage's once-prized disciple, Orochimaru's manners and composure were top-notch.
Even with enemies, if they earned his recognition, he'd offer them his respect.
Let alone this boy…
"The ninja academy has little to offer you. I'm sure you wouldn't waste your time on such trivial things…"
Orochimaru spoke without reservation.
But Yuto Souta's brow remained furrowed.
Orochimaru's sudden appearance hadn't caught him off guard.
On the contrary, once he confirmed it was Orochimaru, he felt a strange sense of "of course it's him"…
Anything this guy did seemed par for the course.
Including this situation.
It seemed yesterday's impulsiveness had really cost him…
Beating up a few brats earned him some proficiency points—and a giant white snake.
Regrets?
A little.
He should've just let Obito take the beating… It wouldn't have stopped him from becoming a big boss later anyway.
Looking at Orochimaru, whose gaze was increasingly filled with curiosity, Yuto Souta felt a growing sense of exasperation…
This… was probably Orochimaru at his gentlest, right?
"What are you hesitating about… Souta-kun?"
Seeing Yuto Souta hadn't responded, his eyes even drifting, Orochimaru couldn't help but ask.
He didn't understand what there was to hesitate over…
He was one of the legendary Sannin, renowned across the ninja world.
In all of Konoha, aside from that man, his teacher, and his teammates, his prestige was unmatched.
To receive his invitation—how many dreamed of such an honor!
Though puzzled, Orochimaru wasn't impatient.
The boy's penchant for deep thought was a trait he'd noticed during his overnight watch—one he was willing to praise.
He was simply curious: What was this five-year-old—who shared his same pursuit—hesitating about?
"Do you want the truth?" Yuto Souta finally spoke.
But his expression… was a bit odd.
"Of course," Orochimaru said, spreading his hands. "Though, aside from those I trust, everyone's words are lies to me."
This unabashed statement was yet another subtle attempt to recruit Yuto Souta.
"Sorry… I'm hesitating about how to refuse you."
"Lord Orochimaru."
Yuto Souta dearly wanted to roll his eyes, but reason told him… better not.
It'd be too hurtful…
"The ninja academy indeed has little to teach me—negligible, even—but the question is…"
"What can you teach me?"
Immortality through body-switching? The Impure World Reincarnation? The Eight-Headed Serpent Technique?
Sorry, wrong field.
He was into physics and chemistry, not biotech…
And…
If it came down to sheer knowledge reserves, who in the ninja world could rival him?
The smile faded from Orochimaru's face.
Only now did he finally spot a flaw in the boy.
A flaw he knew well—one his companions had warned him about countless times.
Arrogance!
How long had it been… since someone dared speak to him like this?
The earlier warmth vanished, replaced by a chilling killing intent that flooded the room!
In that moment, the Cold Lord Orochimaru revealed his true face.
Icy, sinister, ready to seize everything!
Right now, only one thought filled Orochimaru's mind: If he couldn't have it, he'd destroy it!
But…
If he did, would there ever be another kindred spirit like this in the world?
Orochimaru wasn't sure.
"My offer stands."
The frigid killing intent slowly withdrew, his hoarse voice lingering.
"Souta-kun… if you ever tire of the Uchiha, feel free to find me."
"After all, this narrow-minded clan might not understand people like us."