[85] Flying Thunder God Technique

"Tengen may be Konoha's future." Minato mused with a faint smile, watching Tengen's retreating figure.

He thought of his teacher, Jiraiya.

According to Jiraiya, Tengen was like a younger brother to him.

The dynamic between Minato and Tengen was somewhat peculiar in terms of hierarchy, though neither had ever addressed it openly. In Konoha, strength was the ultimate prerequisite.

"Kakashi, you lost. Looks like you're not Konoha's number one genius anymore." Obito Uchiha teased from the sidelines.

"When did I ever claim to be Konoha's number one genius?" Kakashi replied coolly, glancing at Obito.

"Ahem, didn't you?" Obito coughed awkwardly.

"No." Kakashi said, his expression unchanged.

"Enough of that. Tengen is incredible. He might even rival the First Hokage." Rin Nohara suddenly interjected.

"The First Hokage." Obito murmured.

The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, had founded Konohagakure and inspired the other five great nations to establish their own ninja villages. The current state of the shinobi world owed much to his influence.

But there was another figure from that era, Madara Uchiha.

Madara, however, was a forbidden topic, both in Konoha and among the Uchiha clan.

"Alright, Kakashi, Obito, Rin, since you're all here, let's begin your training." Minato said to his students.

"Got it, Sensei." Obito and the others replied.

Meanwhile, in a grand building within Konoha, a meeting was unfolding in one of its rooms.

Two figures well-known in Konoha were present: Danzo Shimura and Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin.

"Orochimaru, you don't look well. What's wrong?" Danzo asked, noting Orochimaru's pallid complexion.

"It's nothing, just some experiments." Orochimaru replied indifferently, his gaze detached.

"Experiments." Danzo nodded. "How's the research on the First Hokage's cells progressing?"

"You've got a test subject who can use Wood Release, though its power is hardly impressive." Orochimaru said, glancing at Danzo.

"You mean Kinoe. His abilities are decent enough." Danzo responded.

Kinoe, later known as Yamato, was the sole survivor of Orochimaru's experiments. While he could wield Wood Release, his abilities paled in comparison to Hashirama Senju's. Yamato was merely an ordinary Jonin with Wood Release techniques, far from mastering the formidable Wood Dragon Technique or the True Several Thousand Hands.

"Rest assured, we'll continue the research. We are partners, after all." Orochimaru said with a chilling smile.

As the leader of Root, Danzo had been involved in countless unsavory deeds over the years. Collaborating with Orochimaru on human experiments was just one facet of his operations, which also included power struggles and actions that undermined fellow Konoha shinobi.

"Good." Danzo nodded. "I called you here to discuss something. What are the chances of bringing your disciple, Tengen, into Root?"

"Tengen." Orochimaru's expression darkened briefly before returning to normal. "You want Tengen in Root?"

"He's a rare genius. If he joins Root, I have ways to control him. Don't you want to study him? He seems to possess some unique Bloodline Limit." Danzo said, his words laced with temptation.

"Danzo, you should take this up with Sarutobi-sensei." Orochimaru replied.

"Sarutobi." Danzo said slowly. "He wouldn't approve, but since Tengen is under your command during missions, we could handle this discreetly."

"Discreetly." Orochimaru sneered. "That's impossible, Danzo-sama."

"Impossible?" Danzo's face darkened as he stared at Orochimaru. "Are you serious, Orochimaru?"

"Absolutely." Orochimaru affirmed.

"Fine, have it your way." Danzo said, taking a deep breath.

"Danzo-sama, I currently need more shinobi, particularly from the Uchiha clan." Orochimaru said gravely.

"Sharingan." Danzo's eyes flickered with caution. He had witnessed the power of Madara Uchiha in his prime.

"Yes." Orochimaru confirmed.

"Very well, but the supply of test subjects is limited. There are only so many Uchiha." Danzo cautioned.

"I understand." Orochimaru nodded.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." Orochimaru said, nodding to Danzo before exiting the room.

As Orochimaru departed, Danzo's gaze grew pensive.

"Protecting your disciple, Orochimaru? That's unlike you. Is there something I don't know?" Danzo muttered, stroking his face thoughtfully.

Orochimaru's behavior toward Tengen was atypical. But Danzo was unaware that the previous day, Tengen had revealed the immense power of his Mangekyo Sharingan to Orochimaru.

As long as Orochimaru didn't betray the village, their relationship would remain an odd balance of harmony and tension. On the surface, Tengen was Orochimaru's disciple, but beneath that facade, they were veritable enemies.

This dynamic was carefully concealed.

Unless a critical moment arose, both would maintain this delicate balance. Tengen, after all, found some of Orochimaru's research intriguing.

But such matters were secondary.

Neither Danzo's discussions with Sarutobi nor his talks with Orochimaru could sway Tengen.

Tengen understood one truth: in the shinobi world, strength was paramount. If one day his power could dominate the world of Naruto, or even transcend it, what would there be to fear?

After parting with Minato, Tengen returned home.

He unfurled the scroll Minato had given him, revealing a remarkable technique: the Flying Thunder God Technique.

***

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