Renzou felt a primal unease under Orochimaru's intense gaze, akin to being scrutinized by a majestic serpent. Forcing himself to remain calm, he lifted his head and met those golden, slit pupils. "Hello, Orochimaru-sama. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Uchiha Renzou, a third-year student at the Ninja Academy. I have a keen interest in biological experiments. I dislike impulsive people and insects. My dream is to become Hokage." Renzou delivered his self-introduction with a deliberate spark of youthful enthusiasm. That's right, project the image: a passionate young man with a scientific bent, inheriting the Will of Fire, and aspiring to the Hokage title.
Orochimaru was a treasure trove of knowledge, his ninjutsu repertoire rivaling that of his teacher, the "Professor" Sarutobi Hiruzen. A ninja with mastery over all seven chakra natures (fire, thunder, earth, wind, water, yin, and yang), his ultimate pursuit was immortality. A true Kage-level powerhouse, far surpassing the likes of the Fourth Kazekage.
"Uchiha?" Orochimaru's gaze flickered over Renzou's bright, ordinary eyes. "No Sharingan… you are the child of Uchiha Shanzhou and Hyuga Mina."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama. They are my parents," Renzou confirmed.
Orochimaru paused for a moment. "Your father and mother were admirable ninja. Please forgive my bluntness."
"I will honor their memory and work hard," Renzou replied, his eyes reflecting determined passion.
A hint of something akin to expectation flickered in Orochimaru's gaze. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Orochimaru. No need for such formality, Renzou-kun. I too have a fondness for science. Perhaps we have common ground." A rare smile touched Orochimaru's lips as he introduced himself.
"Really? Orochimaru-sama also likes science? Then, do you know if there's anything besides silicon that lies between an insulator and a conductor? I didn't learn this in the textbooks, but I have a feeling there must be something else." Renzou looked at Orochimaru with hopeful anticipation.
"Hmm… I recall germanium," Orochimaru said, a moment of contemplation before the answer surfaced. I studied this topic for a while, but felt it lacked immediate practical application and set it aside. To hear such advanced knowledge from a child… interesting. Orochimaru flicked his tongue, licking the corner of his mouth. His chakra is beyond the average Chūnin, and the weighted training gear on his limbs is far heavier than what others his age would use. This child grows increasingly intriguing.
"As expected of Orochimaru-sama! So knowledgeable. Then, may I ask what Orochimaru-sama's dream is?" Renzou asked, feigning admiration, baiting the hook.
Orochimaru was indeed intrigued. "Haha, my dream? That is a profound question." He chuckled softly, then turned his gaze towards the sprawling village below. He recalled the white snake remains he'd found at his parents' memorial as a child, and the tragic death of his student Nawaki. Since then, Orochimaru had been searching for the meaning of life, and he felt he was finally on the verge of understanding. His scientific pursuits were leading him down a path towards something… more. He was a pioneer on the road to eternal life, though he hadn't yet reached his ultimate goal. "Haha, my dream… it should be to truly understand the meaning of life. Human existence is so fragile, a fleeting moment. Tangible things will eventually decay, but intangible concepts… they can be eternal. Perhaps… I should pursue that… eternal life!" As he spoke, Orochimaru spread his hands, his eyes shifting from contemplation to a fervent intensity as he gazed at Konoha. He seemed to have found the answer he had sought for so long.
"Huh?" Renzou's eyes widened in surprise. Orochimaru realized the truth of eternal life this early? This is different from what I anticipated. "Eternal life? Can anyone truly achieve that?" Renzou murmured, his gaze fixed on Orochimaru's back.
Hearing this, Orochimaru turned, his serpentine gaze settling on Renzou once more. "Perhaps. And thank you for your… compliment, Renzou-kun. As a reward, if you have any questions about cultivation or scientific research, feel free to ask me." It had been a worthwhile venture to seek fresh air. He had unexpectedly encountered someone with a similar intellectual curiosity.
"No, Orochimaru-sama is too kind. I wouldn't want to impose further," Renzou said, scratching his nose sheepishly, offering a polite smile.
"Hehehe, I shall take my leave then. I still have… matters to attend to. Farewell, Renzou-kun." With his life's goal reaffirmed, Orochimaru was eager to return to his experiments. After his parting words, he turned and walked towards the woods, a subtle flick of his sleeve leaving a small, white snake at Renzou's feet. "Uchiha Renzou… a most interesting young man…"
"Haaah…" Renzou breathed a sigh of relief, clutching his knees. He truly is a Kage-level powerhouse. Even his casual release of pressure was overwhelming for someone of Renzou's current level. If Orochimaru had been serious, Renzou estimated his own chances would have plummeted by at least thirty percent! But… a small smile touched Renzou's lips. At least Orochimaru seemed to have his focus. Renzou, a top science student in his previous life, had knowledge of quantum information and other advanced fields. In exchange for that, Orochimaru possessed a vast library of ninjutsu, something Renzou's current skillset lacked. Time to start filling in the gaps.
"Hmm?" A sudden coolness at his ankle made Renzou look down. The small white snake was nuzzling against him. Gently, Renzou picked it up. It coiled around his hand, looking up at him with its beady eyes, flicking its tongue. "You're quite cute, little guy. I'll call you Iguro Obanai from now on." The snake didn't react, merely glancing at Renzou before settling like a bracelet around his wrist, its pale scales blending somewhat with his skin. "Well, this is convenient. Looks good too."
Renzou stood up, took one last look at the Hokage Rock below, and began to walk slowly down the mountain path beside it. No need to rush. It was pleasant to simply observe the scenery. Konoha Village was unique among the great ninja nations. The Land of Water, home to Kirigakure, was an island nation surrounded by seas, its interior mostly mountains and scattered isles, dotted with lakes, and characterized by a cool, foggy climate with snowy winters. The Land of Wind, where Sunagakure lay, was the largest nation, a desert with sparse rainfall, its people dwelling in distinctive sand-based structures. The Land of Earth, with Iwagakure, was predominantly barren rock, hindering transportation and diplomacy, and known for "rock rain" caused by winds carrying small stones from its mountainous terrain. The Land of Lightning, home to Kumogakure, boasted towering peaks and deafening thunder, its coastline rugged due to rivers originating in the central mountains. In contrast, the Land of Fire, where Konoha thrived, was a hilly region with a mild climate and abundant sunshine, fertile land, a strong economy, and a large population. Its central location made it a crucial transportation hub. Moreover, with the most powerful ninja village, Konoha, the Land of Fire held significant influence, arguably the true leader of the ninja world. Sometimes, Renzou couldn't help but marvel at Konoha's naturally advantageous position.
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