"You've arrived, Ran."
"Hokage-sama had ANBU summon me—was there something you needed?" Uchiha Ran asked, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who sat calmly at his desk, sipping tea as if nothing in the world could disturb him.
Hiruzen did not answer immediately. Instead, he began speaking about a recent phenomenon that had drawn widespread attention within Konoha—the Konoha Hero Card Game.
He spoke highly of it.
In Hiruzen's view, the game had done far more than entertain. It had allowed the villagers to better understand the Uchiha clan—their traits, their legacy—and in doing so, it had noticeably reduced long-standing misunderstandings and prejudice.
More than that, it enriched the villagers' daily lives, giving them new forms of leisure and interaction. People spoke more, gathered more, and through shared enjoyment, came to better grasp the essence of the Will of Fire.
The game's vivid artwork and engaging storylines brought the Uchiha clan's long history and unique charm to life. As one of Konoha's founding clans, their legends—once distant or distorted—had become common topics of discussion among the villagers.
It also diversified entertainment in the village.
In the past, leisure activities in Konoha had been relatively monotonous. Now, villagers could test their wits and strategy through gameplay, form teams, overcome challenges together, and naturally build bonds.
Through cooperation and shared victories, trust grew.
Taken as a whole, Hiruzen concluded, the appearance of the Konoha Hero Card Game had brought undeniable benefits to the village.
He approved of it. Fully.
Only then did he look up at Ran again.
"Ran, you've made quite a splash since becoming the Uchiha clan's Public Relations Director."
"Yes," Ran replied respectfully. "Thanks to the Hokage's guidance. Developing a game like this wasn't just about giving the villagers something fun to do—it was also meant to improve the living environment of ordinary Uchiha clansmen."
"A good mindset," Hiruzen said with a nod. "You're someone who truly does things. Whether for the Uchiha or for the village itself. The Uchiha need someone like you—someone with insight—to change both the clan and its relationship with Konoha."
He paused briefly.
"If you have other ideas in the future, the village will support you."
Catching the implication beneath the words, Ran responded immediately.
"Thank you for the village's trust. I'll continue to work hard. If I have ideas that require support, I'll be sure to consult you, Hokage-sama."
"Hm." Hiruzen answered vaguely and returned to his paperwork.
Ran did not leave.
Hiruzen had not dismissed him.
Which meant… he was waiting.
Waiting for Ran to speak? Unlikely—everything that needed to be said already had been.
So he was waiting for someone else.
But who?
Ran's circle was still small. He didn't have many connections within the upper ranks.
Then—
"Hiruzen-sensei, I'm here."
The voice appeared beside him without warning.
Low. Magnetic. Slightly hoarse.
Just a single sentence carried with it an unmistakable sense of detachment and arrogance—as though the speaker stood apart from the world itself.
It was the kind of voice that drew attention effortlessly… yet made others instinctively keep their distance.
"Orochimaru," Hiruzen said, straightening up and gesturing for him to come closer. "I've been waiting for you."
The man who entered was Orochimaru.
He stood around average height, with long black hair flowing down to his waist, smooth and glossy. His eyes were sharp and vertical like a serpent's, golden irises gleaming beneath purple markings that stretched from his eyelids to his cheeks.
His skin was unnaturally pale. A black-and-white robe hung loosely over his frame, and bluish magatama-shaped earrings swayed lightly by his ears.
Cold. Sinister.
True to his name—he resembled a snake in human form.
"Orochimaru," Hiruzen said, "the one standing before you is the student I've chosen for you—Uchiha Ran. I know you've never been keen on taking disciples, but I believe he suits you well."
In Hiruzen's eyes, Orochimaru's only flaw was his frigid temperament. In all other aspects, he was outstanding.
Ran's warmth and enthusiasm reminded Hiruzen of Nawaki.
Perhaps letting these two become master and disciple would allow their personalities to balance one another.
"An Uchiha?" Orochimaru said, his lips curling slightly. "How interesting."
He hadn't expected Hiruzen to recommend someone from the Uchiha clan.
At once, thoughts stirred in his mind—Danzō's interest in Hashirama's cells… and perhaps, the potential for Sharingan research as well.
A soft, intrigued chuckle escaped him.
"So, Orochimaru," Hiruzen asked, "do you agree?"
"Of course," Orochimaru replied smoothly. "I've never taken an Uchiha as a disciple before. This could be… an interesting bond."
Then his gaze shifted to Ran.
"And you, Ran-kun. Are you willing to become my student?"
Meeting Orochimaru's curious stare, Ran answered without hesitation.
"I'll be in your care, Orochimaru-sensei."
Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction and turned back to Hiruzen.
"Then I'll take Ran with me now. A newly accepted disciple needs to be… evaluated."
"Go ahead," Hiruzen said. "Just mind your limits. You are already at Kage-level strength."
"I understand."
With that, Orochimaru turned and led Ran out of the Hokage Tower.
"Ran-kun," Orochimaru said as they walked, "I've heard you've been rather active in Uchiha politics lately—earning the clan quite a reputation."
"Yes," Ran replied. "That's correct, Orochimaru-sensei."
"Don't confuse priorities," Orochimaru said calmly. "A shinobi ultimately relies on strength. If one possessed power like the First Hokage—or Uchiha Madara—there'd be no need for such roundabout methods."
"Oh?" Ran's eyes lit up instantly. "Orochimaru-sensei, have you actually witnessed the First Hokage's power? Or Madara's?"
Orochimaru glanced at him.
"No. But that doesn't stop me from extrapolating."
Then his smile deepened.
"As for you—I'll be seeing the level of student Hiruzen-sensei has recommended very soon."
"Sensei," Ran said after a moment, noticing their surroundings, "this doesn't seem to be the way to a training ground."
"Of course not," Orochimaru replied lightly. "Combat in the forest is also part of a shinobi's training."
He stopped beneath the canopy of trees and turned around.
"Now then… let me see what you're capable of."
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