Time slipped away unnoticed as the trio continued their daily routines of survival, enduring Garp's relentless training, and keeping up with their studies. Ever since Ace learned about Orochimaru's childhood beatings at Garp's hands, Orochimaru had completely abandoned all pretense of dignity, behaving with shameless obsequiousness in Garp's presence.
As for why they still had to study, there were two main reasons. First, Ace needed to learn proper etiquette as the elder brother responsible for his younger siblings, wanting to properly thank Red Hair when they eventually met. Orochimaru saw no real necessity for this, but conceded that basic manners were essential. Second, Orochimaru firmly believed that "knowledge shapes destiny," arguing that setting sail while illiterate would be humiliating.
And so, beaten and taught by Garp, the three boys gradually grew older.
This year, Ace turned seventeen, while Orochimaru and Luffy were fourteen.
The others remained largely unchanged. Orochimaru, however, seemed to have grown increasingly talkative, his personality... well, it defied description, and no one knew who he'd picked it up from.
The Village Chief, Makino, and Dadan's bandit family stood on the shore to bid farewell to Ace.
Ace adjusted his hat. "See you later, Orochimaru, Luffy. I'm heading out first."
"Yeah, I'll be even stronger by the time we set sail in three years," Luffy replied.
Ace grinned brilliantly, his face completely free of shadow.
As Ace prepared to leave, Orochimaru couldn't resist pulling out a megaphone. Where did he get it? Don't forget, Orochimaru had the System Shop, stocked with all sorts of random junk.
A uniquely raspy voice boomed through the megaphone: "Ace! You idiot! Button up your pants! Straighten your belt! And close your shirt! Are you some kind of pervert?!"
The others twitched, slapping their foreheads. Orochimaru's intermittent fits of madness had struck again.
( ̄口 ̄)!! Ace furiously rowed the small boat, sending water splashing everywhere as he sped away. Orochimaru was just getting more unbearable with age. How had he developed this fussy, old-lady personality, even worse than Dadan's? He used to be so shy... Wait a minute... shy? Why am I describing that cunning snake as shy? Something's not right. He's just a bratty younger brother—nothing endearing about him. Luffy's much cuter. Oh no... now I'm suddenly a little worried about Luffy... Oh well.
Ace's departure ultimately earned everyone a beating from Garp, leaving them scattered on the ground like broken toys. Even Orochimaru wasn't spared. Garp merely sighed, saying nothing.
Life went on. The news seagulls occasionally brought word of Ace, and Sabo could sometimes be spotted in the Revolutionary Army's reports.
Three more years passed, and it was finally Luffy's departure day. He earnestly asked Dadan, "Are you really not coming to see me off?"
Dadan turned her back to him. "No. We're bandits. Our presence would only frighten the villagers."
Luffy grinned. "Even though I hate bandits, I really like you, Dadan! Thanks for taking care of us all these years. Orochimaru's packing now. He told me to tell you... you've been an amazing foster mother."
Dadan wiped away tears (or something like them) with mock sentimentality. "Get lost, you brat! Always trying to make me cry! Even if you're the captain now, you still need to listen to Orochimaru sometimes. Pay attention to his feelings! He's been weirdly twisted ever since he was little, never cute. But he's still your younger brother, you know?"
Despite her gruff words, Dadan's family secretly hid in a corner, watching as Luffy and Orochimaru were cheered by the villagers. After Luffy knocked out the King of the Near Sea with a single punch, they finally set sail (??-??).
Out on the open sea, a small wooden boat bobbed alone, with only Luffy aboard. He had refused the villagers' offer of a fishing boat, preferring to sail solo. Orochimaru, disliking the cramped space, had transformed into a snake and curled up inside a clean wooden box.
Luffy squatted down, peering at the snake. "Orochimaru... aren't you getting even more claustrophobic these days?"
"The boat's too small to move around in," Orochimaru hissed. "They're all the same, but at least this box is cleaner."
"We're finally setting sail!" Luffy grinned. "From now on, Orochimaru, you're not just my younger brother—you're my first mate too! I'm the captain, so you're the vice-captain! Wow, that sounds so cool!"
Luffy struck a serious pose. "I'm Captain Luffy! And this is Vice-Captain Orochimaru! We'll have ten crewmates max, but first, we need a musician, right, Orochimaru?"
"Y-yes, Captain Luffy... Look out! There's a whirlpool ahead! Steer clear!"
Orochimaru warned, but Luffy was still lost in his goofy daydreams. By the time he realized they were being sucked into the swirling vortex, he panicked, grabbed Orochimaru's box, and dove into the wooden barrel.
Darkness enveloped them in the cramped, suffocating space. Orochimaru found himself haunted by memories of his days in the Ninja World, trapped in eternal darkness.
What was I thinking back then? Probably nothing at all, because I knew someone would come for me. Kabuto was my most loyal subordinate; even if he failed, so be it.
I never had any expectations for that world. As for this one... at first, it was just the memories in my head, being picked up by Garp, and choosing to stay.
Later, I gained brothers and formed bonds. I wanted to live alongside them.
But now? Luffy had already set sail, chasing his dream of becoming King of the Pirates. Everyone around him was drawn together by their own dreams.
So what was my dream? Immortality? It seemed I had already achieved it. Years of studying this body revealed it was still my original body from my previous life, just younger. It was a perfect product of the technology perfected after Naruto became Hokage.
Thanks to the Devil Fruit, I didn't need frequent clone replacements. Shedding my skin was enough to maintain my youth and vitality. As long as I preserved the severed snake bodies I shed, I could revive myself indefinitely. Immortality was mine.
Therefore, the next step was decided: I would help Luffy become King of the Pirates. After all, I had plenty of time to unravel the mysteries of this new world. Thinking about it, it didn't sound bad at all. With renewed determination, I quickly shook off my lethargy.
But… ugh, so dizzy. The vortex's frantic spinning made Orochimaru see stars — he hadn't been this embarrassed and helpless in so many years. Better to wait until we get out and kill Luffy first; he's going to die!! Does he even remember he's a Devil Fruit user? Wait! I am too! Of course — once we're out I absolutely have to beat him a hundred times!!!! A hundred times!!
To be continued...