On the surface, sending Sasuke to Orochimaru seemed equivalent to delivering the boy's body to the Snake Sannin.
But that wasn't actually the case.
Even setting aside Richard's previous warning to Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin wasn't prepared to transfer bodies immediately.
Since his arms hadn't been sealed by the Third Hokage's Reaper Death Seal, Orochimaru had no urgent need to find a new vessel.
Sasuke didn't respond to Richard's suggestion immediately. Instead, he fell silent.
After more than ten seconds, he asked, "Would you rather send me to Orochimaru than teach me yourself?"
"It's not about preference," Richard replied. "Compared to me, Orochimaru will be a superior teacher."
"My strength exceeds his, but I'm genuinely not as skilled at guiding students."
Richard wasn't being modest—he was stating facts.
Though he'd grown immensely powerful, he wasn't a true ninja by origin.
Even after mastering forbidden techniques like Flying Thunder God and Eight Inner Gates, and possessing the Rinnegan, it didn't change the fundamental reality that he wasn't born into this world's shinobi system.
"Is he really as good as you claim?" Sasuke looked at Richard skeptically.
"Absolutely," Richard replied quickly. "You've seen Jiraiya's tutelage of Naruto. Compared to Jiraiya, Orochimaru's teaching abilities are superior, not inferior."
Having not mastered Sage Mode, Orochimaru's combat capability was slightly below Jiraiya's.
But only slightly.
In a genuine confrontation with Jiraiya, Orochimaru's chances of survival were actually higher.
The reason was simple: Orochimaru possessed far more methods of self-preservation.
By comparison, Jiraiya's survival techniques were considerably fewer.
"I'll consider it seriously," Sasuke said before turning and walking toward the Uchiha district.
After watching Sasuke depart, Richard returned to his residence.
The following morning, after breakfast, Richard was about to leave when he heard a knock at the door.
Using his enhanced vision, he spotted Sasuke carrying a backpack outside.
Richard walked from the living room to the entrance and opened the door.
"I've decided to find Orochimaru," Sasuke stated without preamble. "Can you tell me where he is?"
"He should still be in Otogakure," Richard replied.
"Otogakure?" Sasuke echoed. "I see. Thank you for your guidance and assistance." He bowed respectfully to Richard.
Richard studied Sasuke thoughtfully. "Though Otogakure isn't terribly distant from Konoha, traveling there alone would waste time and potentially expose you to unnecessary risks."
"I'll take you there myself. I can also speak with Orochimaru to ensure he doesn't harbor any inappropriate intentions."
"Take me there?" Sasuke looked surprised.
"Won't that inconvenience you?" he asked, frowning.
"Not at all. I fly very quickly," Richard said with a smile.
Fly quickly?
Sasuke knew Richard could fly, but had no concept of his actual speed.
To be precise, nobody except Richard himself knew.
Before Sasuke could respond further, Richard called to Yugao in the living room: "I'm stepping out for a while. I'll return soon."
"Alright, be careful!" Yugao's voice carried from inside.
After hearing her response, Richard stepped outside and closed the door.
He gripped Sasuke's shoulder and took flight.
Initially, Richard maintained subsonic velocity.
When they reached several thousand meters above Konoha, he first channeled his magical energy to create a protective barrier, then began accelerating.
BOOM!
Within moments, his speed surpassed the sound barrier and continued climbing.
Sasuke, held firmly by his shoulder, wore an expression of utter disbelief as he experienced his first supersonic flight.
Only now did Sasuke truly comprehend why Richard had described his flight as "quick."
Though he couldn't gauge their exact velocity, Sasuke knew one thing with certainty—he had never witnessed such astonishing speed.
Konoha's buildings and the surrounding forests vanished from sight in the blink of an eye.
Traveling by foot, a ninja required three days to journey from Konoha to Sunagakure.
The distance between Konoha and Otogakure was comparable.
Had Sasuke attempted the journey independently, it would have taken at least three days.
Instead, they arrived above Otogakure in just over ten minutes.
Richard, ignoring Sasuke's stunned reaction, descended with him at the entrance to Orochimaru's hideout.
"We've arrived. Follow me," Richard instructed the still-dazed Sasuke.
"Right," Sasuke nodded, following Richard into the base.
Their arrival quickly attracted attention from the hideout's "sentries."
Orochimaru had stationed numerous non-human guards throughout the facility.
More precisely, he'd positioned many genetically enhanced snakes as sentinels.
Compared to ordinary serpents, these guard snakes possessed higher intelligence.
Though incapable of speech or writing, they retained the ability to distinguish friend from foe.
Recognizing Richard, these enhanced sentinels permitted them passage deeper into the facility.
Shortly thereafter, Richard encountered Orochimaru's lieutenants, Kimimaro and Kabuto Yakushi.
Whether because he'd never fallen ill or because Orochimaru had treated him, Kimimaro appeared completely different from his canonical counterpart—remarkably healthy.
"Lord Orochimaru is currently in the laboratory," Kimimaro informed them. "Sir Richard, please wait in the reception room."
Richard nodded without comment.
Soon they arrived at the reception area.
After inquiring about refreshments, Kimimaro and Kabuto departed.
Once alone, Sasuke turned to Richard. "Do you maintain a good relationship with Orochimaru?"
"Not particularly close," Richard answered. "We're acquaintances who have collaborated occasionally."
"Collaborated?" Sasuke frowned immediately. "Regarding what? Was it connected to the attack on Konoha?"
"I understand your concern," Richard replied calmly. "But I can assure you that Orochimaru's attempt to destroy Konoha had nothing to do with me."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't have intervened at the Chunin Exam arena."
"If anything, I simply chose not to interfere in his battle with the Third Hokage."
At this point, Sasuke remained unaware of the truth behind the Uchiha clan massacre, and harbored no animosity toward Konoha.
After hearing Richard's explanation, Sasuke fell silent.
Though Richard hadn't elaborated on his previous collaborations with Orochimaru, Sasuke wasn't particularly interested in those details.
He had only wanted confirmation that Richard hadn't participated in the plot against Konoha.
Time passed gradually.
Several minutes later, Kimimaro returned with tea.
Accompanying him was Orochimaru, freshly emerged from his laboratory.
Upon entering the reception room, Orochimaru first examined Sasuke, then sat opposite them. "You've brought him to me," he observed. "Are you offering him as a gift?"
Though he suspected the likelihood was low, Orochimaru asked anyway.
"Certainly not," Richard replied. "I've brought him here because I believe you'd be an excellent teacher for him."
"He feels his growth in Konoha is progressing too slowly and wishes to gain power more rapidly."
"I don't make a habit of accepting students indiscriminately," Orochimaru responded quickly.
"I'm aware," Richard acknowledged. "But I also know you currently lack a suitable student to inherit your legacy."
"Kimimaro's Kekkei Genkai isn't compatible with your techniques, and he lacks research aptitude."
"Kabuto excels at research and provides valuable assistance, but his talent ceiling is insufficient to truly inherit your ninjutsu."
"While Sasuke may not be research-oriented, he would be the ideal successor for your techniques."
Richard stated matter-of-factly.
In the original timeline, Orochimaru had invested heavily in training Sasuke because he coveted the boy's body.
Now, without the incentive of claiming Sasuke's body, he might lack motivation to teach him.
Therefore, Richard needed to present an alternative appeal—the legacy of Orochimaru's techniques.
"Your argument has merit," Orochimaru conceded. "But I see no need for succession."
"I am immortal. I require no 'successors.'"
"Yes, you do," Richard countered, fixing Orochimaru with a serious expression.
Noting Richard's gravity, Orochimaru recognized he had little choice in the matter.
Continued refusal would likely result in Richard forcing compliance.
After sighing, Orochimaru asked, "Why not teach him yourself?"
"Enough games," Richard said firmly. "Do you simply want me to acknowledge that my teaching ability falls short of yours?"
"If that's what you want to hear, fine. My teaching skills don't match yours. I'm entrusting Sasuke to you so he can fully realize his potential."
Hearing this, Orochimaru's face brightened with satisfaction. "You've indulged me, so I'll grant your request."
"He may stay. I'll teach him well."
After Orochimaru's pronouncement, Richard turned to Sasuke, giving him a meaningful look.
Sasuke immediately understood. "I am Sasuke Uchiha," he stated formally to Orochimaru. "It's an honor to meet you, Lord Orochimaru."
"Don't address me so formally," Orochimaru interjected. "Call me sensei."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sensei," Sasuke promptly replied.
As Sasuke completed his introduction, Richard stood. "I'll leave Sasuke in your care," he told Orochimaru.
"By the way, Naruto is now Jiraiya's student and has learned both Summoning and the Rasengan from him."
"If you don't want to lose to Jiraiya, you'll need to apply yourself."
Orochimaru responded dismissively, "Don't concern yourself. Jiraiya has never defeated me—not before, and never in the future."
"Excellent," Richard nodded. "Nothing more to discuss. I'll take my leave."
With that, he departed the reception room.
As Richard left, Orochimaru turned to Sasuke. "What has Richard taught you previously?"
Without hesitation, Sasuke recounted Richard's swordsmanship instruction and demonstrated how quickly he'd learned to defeat opponents.
Listening to Sasuke's account, Orochimaru frowned.
"He taught you no ninjutsu?" he inquired.
"None," Sasuke confirmed.
After exiting Orochimaru's hideout, Richard activated his flight ability and soared toward Konoha at supersonic speed.
Though the circumstances differed from the original timeline, Sasuke had finally embarked on the path of apprenticeship under Orochimaru.
Whether Sasuke would attain the same level of power as in the original timeline three years later depended on two factors: Orochimaru's dedication to teaching and the intensity of Sasuke's hatred toward Itachi.
Time passes swiftly.
Almost imperceptibly, three years elapsed.
During this period, aside from occasionally undertaking missions through his firm, Richard spent his time either relaxing in Konoha, enjoying a leisurely lifestyle, or traveling the world to experience the unique cultures of various nations.
Beyond the Five Great Shinobi Countries, he had visited every minor nation at least once.
He had also journeyed to Mount Myoboku, Ryuchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest, meeting the Great Toad Sage, White Snake Sage, and Slug Sage respectively.
Despite these pilgrimages, Richard hadn't learned Sage Mode.
This wasn't due to lacking aptitude, but rather his minimal interest in the technique.
Or more precisely, the limitations of Sage Mode were too restrictive—it couldn't be utilized outside this particular world.
Sage Mode required sage chakra to perform, which represented a balanced fusion of natural energy, physical energy, and spiritual energy.
Though the Marvel universe contained natural energy, it differed fundamentally from the natural energy present in the Naruto world.
Throughout these three years, Richard had made few significant moves.
Nevertheless, he had established himself as a renowned S-rank ninja with his own distinctive title.
Silver Nightmare.
Initially, his moniker had been "Silver Flash."
During the Third Great Ninja War, the Fourth Hokage Minato had earned the title "Yellow Flash" through his mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Richard, having also mastered this technique, and having faced the Cloud Village's A-B combination of Fourth Raikage A and Eight-Tails Jinchuriki Killer B (just as Minato had done), received the title "Silver Flash."
However, finding this title unsatisfactory, Richard had undertaken certain actions that others considered somewhat ruthless.
Consequently, his designation evolved from "Silver Flash" to "Silver Nightmare."
Though "Silver Nightmare" carried more sinister connotations, Richard preferred it.
After all, "Silver Flash" made him feel like a mere successor or junior counterpart to the Fourth Hokage.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~