30 - Orochimaru: I Want to Take a Disciple Again!
The scene was once extremely awkward.
This somewhat unpleasant little episode finally ended under the persistent persuasion of the boss...
Yuto Souta's decisiveness caught people off guard, especially the stark contrast with his previous gentle and frail scholar-like demeanor, which made it even harder for others to adjust.
On the other hand, there was Obito Uchiha.
While walking toward Kakashi Hatake's house, Obito Uchiha noticed that the gazes of the female classmates still lingered on Yuto Souta. It gave him a strange feeling of being overshadowed...
It wasn't the first time Yuto Souta had stepped in for him.
He had already gotten used to it... Last time, Yuto Souta had directly broken the arm of that Hyuga guy!
It wasn't a big deal...
The key point was, today was supposed to be his moment to shine, right?
What was up with those girls staring at Yuto Souta so intently?
Forget it.
Women were just too much trouble.
It was better to focus on training hard and becoming Hokage—that was the real priority.
Once he became Hokage...
Konoha... no, the eyes of every girl in the entire ninja world would be on him!
Obito Uchiha thought to himself with smug satisfaction.
...
"You're early. Dinner hasn't started yet."
"But this dinner is being prepared for me, isn't it?"
In Konoha, within the Hatake clan's territory, inside the main hall.
Sakumo Hatake looked at the man in front of him and let out a hearty laugh.
This guest, technically his junior, was one of the few true friends he had in Konoha.
Unlike those ninja friends with whom he shared only a professional bond, or those comrades he could entrust his back to in battle, this friend before him was one of the rare few with whom he could truly connect on a deeper level.
One of the three legendary Sannin of Konoha, the cold lord, Orochimaru.
Orochimaru's talent and vision were qualities Sakumo Hatake admired.
Likewise, Sakumo Hatake's strength and insight had earned Orochimaru's recognition.
In the original story, when Kakashi Hatake visited his father's grave in the future, there were times he would occasionally notice a bouquet of fresh flowers.
Those were from Orochimaru, a gesture of regret for the passing of the only person in the ninja world who could understand his pursuits.
That was why, when Orochimaru defected, all the Anbu sent to pursue him met gruesome ends, yet Kakashi Hatake was spared and left with his life.
"No matter what, I'm glad you could come," Sakumo Hatake said with a smile.
Indeed.
Right now, Konoha saw him as a failure who abandoned a mission and broke the rules—a sinner.
The fact that Orochimaru had come, especially amidst his busy preparations to head to the front lines at Sunagakure, genuinely warmed Sakumo Hatake's heart.
This smile was naturally heartfelt... though the bitterness in his eyes was something he couldn't hide.
"Emotions are just useless things."
"But still, thank you for the invitation, Sakumo-kun."
Orochimaru's voice remained as hoarse as ever.
Sakumo Hatake waved his hand to brush off the thanks.
He understood that this was Orochimaru's way of comforting him.
Both of them longed for the beauty of life, respected it, and cherished its value.
People didn't understand, so they questioned his decision to abandon a mission to save his teammates.
Orochimaru's point... was that it didn't matter whether others understood.
Sakumo Hatake naturally got it.
But...
"Kakashi! Eat my Great Fireball!"
"Idiot! Our enemy is Souta-san, you moron!"
"I don't care! Fire Style! Great Fireball Technique!"
At that moment, the noise and commotion from outside interrupted Sakumo Hatake's thoughts, shattering the harmonious moment in the hall...
Sakumo Hatake's face darkened.
"Sorry, Orochimaru-kun, it's my failure to discipline them..."
Having guests over while the house was filled with such racket was truly a breach of manners.
Sakumo Hatake prepared to get up and drag the three little troublemakers back inside.
But Orochimaru stopped him.
"Sakumo-kun... I heard Kakashi graduated too. It's been a while since I last saw him..."
Orochimaru's implication was that he wanted to go take a look at the trio's training.
Sakumo Hatake paused, then, after a few seconds, let out a hoarse chuckle.
"Alright."
"My son's a bit of a disappointment, so feel free to give him some pointers."
The two shared a smile, and in the next instant, they appeared near the Hatake training grounds.
The three kids in the field were in the middle of a heated fight...
It was a free-for-all.
Each of them had two opponents... except for Obito Uchiha.
His target was unwavering.
No matter what, he was determined to beat Kakashi Hatake senseless, even if it meant taking a sneak attack from that jerk Souta!
"Souta! Don't hit me yet! Take care of Kakashi first, okay?!"
"Fire Style! Flame Dragon Ray! Turn into light, my Flame Dragon Bullet!"
"Ah! Obito, you idiot! He's targeting you so much, and you're still helping him hit me?!"
"I'm hitting you!"
...
Outside the field.
Watching this lively battle, Sakumo Hatake finally let a smile spread across his face.
His son... had found two really great friends!
Beside him, Orochimaru's eyes were filled with burning intensity!
That technique the kid was using... it was one he had left behind!
Combining one C-rank ninjutsu into another C-rank ninjutsu?
A genius idea!
And that technique where the form was altered without changing the hand signs...
Orochimaru admitted he'd never thought of that. Beyond mastery and experience with Fire Style, it took an incredibly brilliant mind to come up with such a method!
Orochimaru clearly noticed that the technique's power had increased significantly, and its speed had undergone a qualitative leap!
"Souta-kun..." Excitedly sticking out his tongue to lick his cheek, Orochimaru's heart was surging like a stormy sea!
What a genius child...
The Uchiha didn't deserve him, and that old Third Hokage deserved him even less!
Only he himself!
Was the one worthy of teaching and guiding him down the right path!
After a long while, when Sakumo Hatake came back to his senses, he realized the spot beside him was already empty...
The three in the field had finally settled their match.
His son hadn't won. The victor was that interesting little guy who'd asked him for money the other day.
"What will your futures turn out to be?"
Sakumo Hatake's voice carried a hint of anticipation.
But even more than that, it held a longing for release...
Yes.
With his son having two such great companions, perhaps... there was nothing left for him to worry about?
--- Translator Note ---
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