Hiruzen Sarutobi, Utatane Koharu, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo Shimura rarely saw eye to eye. Every policy discussion turned into a prolonged debate, each of them arguing fiercely before any consensus could be reached.
Being Hokage under such conditions was exhausting. Hiruzen often felt suffocated, forever balancing the will of the village against the ceaseless opinions of his advisors. In contrast, his teacher, the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, had ruled with an absolute hand. Tobirama's decisions were final—no one dared to challenge him.
The greatest obstacle to Hiruzen's reforms wasn't the common villagers or the ninja ranks. It was the advisors and the Assistant Hokage who questioned everything he proposed.
Orochimaru saw this clearly. Hiruzen-sensei's reign feels stifling—and indecisive, he thought. The old man considered every opinion so many times that he often became paralyzed. If only he were stronger and more decisive, Utatane Koharu, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo Shimura would have been mere advisors, offering suggestions instead of interfering in every matter of state.
A single firm declaration—I was appointed by the Second Hokage—would have silenced them. Would they dare challenge Tobirama's choice? Of course not.
Orochimaru mused that if Hiruzen hadn't been so emotionally hesitant in the original timeline, many things would have turned out differently. Orochimaru himself might have left the village long before he planted the cursed seal on Anko Mitarashi or spied on the world through her.
He tapped the end of his pen against a notebook, eyes scanning rows of dense notes and experimental sketches. Nearby lay another notebook decorated with the image of a Desert Eagle pistol, along with data about various firearms.
Guns are far more efficient than shuriken or kunai, he thought. Given the technological level of this world, manufacturing firearms wouldn't even be difficult. Imagine bullets infused with elemental chakra—how devastating would that be? He grinned at the possibility, jotting down more details.
Technology, after all, was the true force of progress. If chakra hadn't appeared, this world's development might have paralleled Earth's, he reflected. But the emergence of chakra had diverted history, stunting technological growth even as it advanced other forms of power.
"Technology changes the world," Orochimaru murmured. "But without money, it's only a dream."
He sighed, abandoning the notebook. "Never mind. I'll just…plant something."
Orochimaru straightened his notes, confident no one could understand them. Even the legendary Sage of Six Paths would be baffled unless he happened to be another wanderer from Earth. Outside, the sky had darkened to deep indigo, the streetlights casting a soft, yellow glow.
He slipped silently into the night, heading toward the deserted training grounds. The evening was cool, and the gentle hush of leaves soothed him. Forming rapid seals, he released a puff of smoke—four shadow clones appeared at his side.
A flicker of movement caught his eye. Hidden watchers.
Root operatives again?
Their masks resembled those of the regular Anbu, but their aura was different—colder, more controlled. Orochimaru ignored them, a faint smile tugging at his lips. After all, his teacher was the Hokage. What could Root do to him?
He raised a hand toward the still lake. "Wind Release: Night Wind."
A sharp snap of his fingers sent wind chakra swirling. The lake's surface churned as a tiny cyclone formed, mist spraying into the air until the atmosphere turned heavy and damp.
Mastery of nature transformation was the true challenge. Once understood, creating new jutsu was a matter of imagination. Orochimaru was particularly proud of this one.
"Well done," came a slow clap from the shadows.
A bandaged figure stepped into view, flanked by two masked guards. His single visible eye glinted with something between admiration and calculation.
"Lord Danzo," Orochimaru said, his voice neutral.
"You truly live up to the Third Hokage's praise," Danzo said, his tone almost warm. "To develop an original Wind Release jutsu at such a young age—remarkable."
"Anbu?" Orochimaru asked cautiously.
Danzo's mouth curved faintly. "No. I am Assistant Hokage Shimura Danzo."
Orochimaru blinked in feigned surprise. "The same Danzo who aids my teacher, the Third Hokage?"
The words carried a subtle edge, and Danzo's eye narrowed slightly. If I had been acknowledged sooner, perhaps I would have been Hokage instead of Hiruzen, he thought grimly. But aloud he simply corrected, "I assist the Hokage, yes—but only while he remains Hokage."
Orochimaru tilted his head, masking his curiosity. "So, Lord Danzo, are you here to train, or is there another reason for this visit?"
"I came for you." Danzo stepped closer, his expression unreadable.
"For me?" Orochimaru widened his eyes in mock confusion, though his mind raced. Why target me? Recruitment? Or something more?
Danzo's gaze softened just enough to seem sincere. "Your family gave their lives for the village. They were heroes. You are a hero's child—and a rare genius. I believe you, too, will one day protect the village as a hero."
He studied Orochimaru carefully. The boy was clearly stubborn, with a mind of his own. Winning his loyalty would require patience, not pressure.
Danzo extended a hand, and one of his Root operatives stepped forward, offering a tightly bound scroll. "My personal insights on Wind Release. Accept it as a gift—and as a token of welcome. I hope you will become a guardian of the Leaf, just as your parents were."
With that, Danzo placed the scroll gently on the ground, then vanished with his guards into the night.
Orochimaru stared at the scroll, a thin smile curling his lips. A so-called olive branch, hmm?
He picked it up, unrolling it just enough to glimpse the carefully written notes. He knew exactly what Danzo intended. Joining Root was out of the question—but there was no harm in accepting the gift.
Elsewhere, Danzo listened to a report from his operative. "Lord Danzo, Orochimaru is reading the scroll."
"Good," Danzo said, a rare smile flickering across his face. Thank you, Hiruzen, for discovering such a prodigy. I look forward to the day you learn he has volunteered to join Root.
---
The next morning, the training grounds were alive with birdsong and a soft, salty breeze. Orochimaru extended his hand toward a patch of wild grass.
"Wind Release: Night Wind."
A small tornado swirled into existence, scattering the weeds.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, arriving silently, watched in astonishment. He had been skeptical when Orochimaru claimed to have developed a new jutsu, but seeing it firsthand left him speechless.
No hand signs. Pure control.
"How old are you?" Hiruzen murmured, eyes wide. A child developing a signless jutsu—and he's training in all five elemental natures. Given time, his achievements might surpass even the First or Second Hokage.
Orochimaru explained calmly, "By injecting Wind Release chakra into the air and guiding the current, I can create a cyclone anywhere I choose. But it requires fine mastery of nature transformation. It's…difficult to perfect."
"You've done remarkably well," Hiruzen said warmly. "There's no need to rush. With your talent, you'll master it completely in time."
But Orochimaru was already thinking ahead. "There is still so much to learn, so many jutsu to create. If only I had more time…"
Hiruzen hid a concerned frown. The boy's drive was relentless. "Don't overexert yourself. Balance work and rest."
Changing the subject, he added, "By the way, Jiraiya has returned to Mount Myōboku for more training. I wonder how much stronger he'll be next time."
"Teacher," Orochimaru asked suddenly, "do you know where the other two of the Three Great Sage Locations are—Shikkotsu Forest and Ryūchi Cave?"
"You wish to form a summoning contract?" Hiruzen raised a brow, sensing the boy's ambition.
"A strong ninja must have a strong summoning beast," Orochimaru replied. "Your Enma is a powerful partner, capable of becoming an adamantine staff."
"The locations aren't truly secret," Hiruzen admitted, "but few can enter and even fewer leave alive. Whether Shikkotsu Forest or Ryūchi Cave, both are extremely dangerous for someone your age."
Orochimaru nodded lightly. "I understand. When I am stronger, I'll consider it."
Hiruzen smiled faintly, relieved. "Then let's test your Night Wind's strength. Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!"
He deliberately slowed his hand seals before slamming his palms to the ground. Chakra surged, and a massive wall of packed earth rose with a deep rumble.
Orochimaru's eyes glinted. How can I ensure Teacher finds that scroll from Danzo? The thought flickered and vanished as he focused.
"Teacher, please stand back."
A sudden gust of chakra-laden wind swept past Hiruzen, making his robes snap. What immense chakra for someone so young, Hiruzen thought, retreating behind the barrier.
"Wind Release: Night Wind!"
Orochimaru snapped his fingers. The air roared to life, merging into a towering vortex that engulfed the earth wall. In moments, the solid structure crumbled into dust.
"This isn't a mere whirlwind," Hiruzen breathed. "It's a storm of countless tiny blades of wind… astonishing!"
---
Orochimaru lowered his hand, expression unreadable. He had shown his strength—and planted another seed of curiosity in his teacher's mind. Behind his calm eyes, thoughts of Danzo's visit lingered like a shadow.
The game has only begun.