Chapter 30: Orochimaru's Respect for His Teacher and his Ninja ways

Chapter 30: Orochimaru's Respect for His Teacher and his Ninja ways

During this period, something unusual happened among the higher-ups of Konoha: Orochimaru, who was known to be at odds with the Third Hokage, suddenly started showing concern for his teacher.

This development left many informed members of Konoha's leadership puzzled, unable to understand what had changed.

After all, the relationship between the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and his student Orochimaru had never been good. Describing it as hostile would not be far off, as it was marked by deep-seated grievances.

Especially after the selection of the Fourth Hokage, it was clear to all that Orochimaru had become estranged from his teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Some clan leaders even worried that Orochimaru, a renowned Sannin, might consider defecting from the village, a possibility that seemed not entirely out of the question given Orochimaru's temperament.

However, for reasons unknown, Orochimaru suddenly began to take an interest in his teacher's well-being, occasionally sending him high-quality tobacco.

What kind of person was Hiruzen Sarutobi? Although some no longer considered him a competent ninja, his years of political experience had honed him. Thus, he was suspicious of his student's sudden kindness.

Despite investigations, the tobacco was found to be ordinary and without issue. Orochimaru even personally accompanied Hiruzen to the store to buy it once.

Aware of the rumors, Orochimaru, seemingly trying to prove his innocence, often smoked with his teacher, leading to a smoky atmosphere at Hiruzen's home.

Hiruzen's wife, Biwako, privately criticized her husband numerous times for this.

Regardless, the change in Orochimaru was visibly apparent.

Rumors about Orochimaru "turning over a new leaf" and "respecting his teacher" began to circulate, and Hiruzen knew who was likely behind these rumors—most likely the work of Danzo, the old schemer.

"Hah, trying to pull the wool over my eyes," Hiruzen remarked disapprovingly, taking another puff of his cigarette.

"Lord Third, perhaps Lord Orochimaru has truly changed his ways. That would be a good thing, wouldn't it?" Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, said with a resigned smile, trying to comfort his predecessor.

Minato felt troubled. Despite successfully becoming the Fourth Hokage, Hiruzen and the village elders showed no signs of retiring.

They frequently offered advice and even visited the Hokage's office to listen in, especially Danzo, who often warned Minato about the Uchiha clan's potential rebellion, predicting future troubles for Konoha.

This made Minato doubt whether Hiruzen had chosen him as his successor because he lacked Orochimaru's connections and prestige, making him easier to control.

However, Hiruzen often respected Minato's opinions, though he occasionally demonstrated his seasoned political acumen, making Minato feel somewhat embarrassed about his own inexperience.

Still, things were manageable overall.

"Sigh, Orochimaru could have been an exceptional ninja," Hiruzen mused, not using the tobacco Orochimaru had sent him.

Although Orochimaru appeared harmless and no issues were found, Hiruzen chose not to use it, selling it all instead.

Hiruzen always suspected his student had ulterior motives, but he couldn't pinpoint what they were.

Minato glanced at Hiruzen, sensing something was amiss. He wasn't a fool; his time as Hokage had brought some growth, and he could tell Hiruzen was implying something.

But without Hiruzen speaking up, Minato didn't press the matter.

"By the way, Fourth, your wife's due date is in a month, right? Make sure to keep it a secret during this time," Hiruzen said, his gaze deepening.

Although no longer purely a ninja, he was still a former Hokage of Konoha, willing to sacrifice everything for the village.

The safety of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was paramount. If anything happened to the Nine-Tails, Konoha would suffer greatly, possibly even a severe blow to its vitality.

"I understand. I'll need your help when the time comes," Minato said, his tone becoming more serious when mentioning his wife.

"I know," Hiruzen nodded, taking another puff of his cigarette.

Kushina Uzumaki was Konoha's Jinchuriki, a blessing and a curse. During this time, Minato often wished his wife wasn't a Jinchuriki.

A Jinchuriki was a pillar of a village, and a pregnant Jinchuriki was at her most vulnerable. The consequences of an attack during this time were unimaginable.

Yet, Minato was more concerned about the safety of Kushina and their unborn child. If something happened to them...

Minato shook his head, dismissing the thought. Even Danzo, who often opposed him, understood the importance of a Jinchuriki. Kushina would be safe.

"Sensei, everything seems normal in the village," Kenichi said, assisting his teacher with an experiment. The subject's neck was turning white.

The subject had passed the initial rejection test with Hashirama's cells, but complications arose after the transplant, and the subject was dying.

"Hmm," Orochimaru wiped his hands, knowing the subject was doomed—a conclusion drawn from his extensive experimental experience.

Danzo's desire for Hashirama's cells, particularly his Wood Release ability, was well-known. This was why Danzo had taken a successful test subject for further development.

Kenichi glanced at his teacher, noting Orochimaru's increased smoking. He could sense cancer cells forming in Orochimaru's lungs, but they were quickly eliminated.

Kenichi had no intention of harming his teacher, knowing that even if Orochimaru was terminally ill, he could use the Living Corpse Reincarnation to obtain a new body.

Besides, their relationship was currently amicable.

"The more normal it seems, the more abnormal it is. The day is approaching," Orochimaru said with a smile.

(End of Chapter)