Chapter 7: Tsunade's Determination

In the current Senju clan, even though the First Hokage has passed away, both the parents of the Second Hokage and Tsunade are still alive.

Moreover, Tsunade's younger brother, Nawaki, hasn't even been born yet!

Therefore, Tsunade isn't burdened by the pessimism or sadness that will later characterize her. Instead, she's just a lively, cheerful little girl who already has a love for gambling and a bit of a violent streak!

Orochimaru, calm as ever, responded to her presence with, "It's just unexpected. Come in and sit down if you want."

After saying that, he turned back to his living room, nonchalantly playing with his ninja tools, paying her little mind.

Tsunade, not at all bothered by Orochimaru's indifferent attitude, strolled in, her hands clasped behind her back, her little feet tapping lightly as she walked. But midway into the room, she stopped and wrinkled her nose.

"Hey, Orochimaru, why does your living room smell so bad? Didn't you always like to keep things clean?"

"A stray cat got in just now," Orochimaru lied smoothly, then walked to the side and opened the window to let the room air out.

He knew that what Tsunade was smelling was actually the lingering odor from the impurities his body had expelled after drinking the gene enhancing serum.

But of course, there was no way he would admit to that!

Hearing his response, Tsunade looked puzzled but didn't think much of it. "I see. Well, whatever. Let's not talk about that. How about we go to the training ground?"

"The training ground? For what?"

"Obviously for sparring!" Tsunade said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "None of the other kids are any challenge for me. That's why I came to you!"

As the princess of the Senju clan, she had every right to be confident.

Because right now in Konoha Village, there were very few children of their age who could match Orochimaru's level.

After all, how many regular ninjas could compare to a prodigy from the Senju clan?

Jiraiya?

At this point, he didn't even know who Tsunade was!

Uchiha Fugaku?

He was only one year old at this time!

Hyuga Hizashi?

They weren't even born yet!

However, faced with Tsunade's eager request for a fight, Orochimaru wasn't particularly interested. "Maybe some other time. I have something to take care of today."

"Something to take care of?" Tsunade blinked, confused. "What could be more important than improving your strength?"

"No comment," Orochimaru said as he packed up his ninja tools, slung them over his shoulder, and made his way out of the house. "When you leave, make sure to close the door behind you. Thanks."

Before Tsunade could react, Orochimaru was already out the door, leaving her standing there, stunned.

"What's up with him? Hey, wait!" she called after him, but he was already long gone.

Orochimaru hadn't ignored Tsunade to act cold or superior.

It was because, as a reincarnator, he now had a very different mindset.

In his eyes, both Jiraiya and Tsunade were still just six-year-old children.

Sure, their abilities were far beyond what adults in his previous world could manage, but to him, they were still brats!

As a 21-year-old in a child's body, he had no real interest in sparring with them.

Even though this made him seem a bit out of place in this world, Orochimaru's naturally withdrawn personality, which had become even more pronounced after his parents' deaths, meant his behavior wouldn't raise too much suspicion.

Suddenly, Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, and he quickly sidestepped to the right!

Several pebbles flew past where he had just been standing!

Looking up, he saw three brats blocking his way, grinning maliciously.

"Damn it, we missed?" said the kid at the front, wearing a black shirt with a red and white fan the Uchiha clan symbol emblazoned on the back. His voice was filled with frustration.

The two kids behind him, both around the same size, were also glaring at Orochimaru with open hostility.

"Is that Orochimaru? Hey, he dodged pretty fast!"

"Yeah, didn't expect that! He looks so weak, but his reaction time isn't bad!"

Weak?

Orochimaru had always looked rather thin and pale, even as a child. His naturally pale complexion and slightly gaunt appearance gave off a sickly vibe.

But Orochimaru wasn't bothered by their insults. He knew better than to get riled up by people like this.

In any world, when someone tries to mock you, the best way to respond isn't by defending yourself.

It's by using your strength to shut them up for good!

And right now…

"Uchiha brats, huh?" Orochimaru recognized the group in front of him.

The one who had first spoken was a classmate, a kid from the Uchiha clan. This boy often bullied civilian-born ninjas, relying on the reputation of the Uchiha name.

According to Orochimaru's memories, this same kid had tried to pick on him three days ago, only to end up getting beaten.

As for the two kids behind him, Orochimaru didn't know them, but judging by their clothes, they were also from the Uchiha clan.

They also seemed to be a bit older than him.

"Orochimaru, you'd better behave yourself today, or else…" the lead Uchiha began to threaten.

"Three against one, is that it?" Orochimaru cut him off, his voice calm.

Hearing Orochimaru's interruption, the Uchiha kid's temper flared. "You bastard! Just because you're number one in the class, you think you're better than me? Big brothers, help me teach him a lesson!"

"Heh, sorry, kid," one of the older boys sneered as they rolled up their sleeves. "We don't usually bully kids younger than us, but since you messed with our cousin, we'll make an exception!"

In their minds, Orochimaru was just the child of a civilian ninja. They didn't feel the least bit of guilt about beating him up.

But just as they were about to step forward, a loud voice suddenly called out.

"Hold it right there! Do the Uchiha clan think it's okay to gang up on someone just because you have numbers on your side?"

A small figure with a ponytail came running from behind them, panting heavily as she approached.

"Oh? Who do we have here? The little princess of the Senju clan?" Uchiha Shu, the leader, paused for a moment, then smirked. "What? Are you going to stand up for Orochimaru?"

It was none other than Tsunade, standing there with her arms crossed, her gaze sharp.