"Where'd this come from?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned the severed tentacle over in his hand, studying the Eight-Tails' flesh with interest. "You've got some nerve. Even brought back a little souvenir from the Hidden Cloud Village. At a glance, it's not that different from octopus legs…"
Orochimaru felt the tension in his chest ease.
Sensei hadn't asked why he failed to report it immediately.
That alone meant he was already halfway safe.
"When the Eight-Tails fell under Genma Kurama's genjutsu, I used the Kusanagi Sword to slice a piece off from a distance," Orochimaru replied softly. "This isn't all. There's another segment as well."
He gestured roughly to indicate the length.
"You brat…" Hiruzen chuckled. "If you'd kept quiet, no one would've known."
Orochimaru smiled in return. "It's a Tailed Beast. How could I not tell you?"
"I just wasn't sure how you'd feel about it. This is dangerous material. I was thinking of keeping a sample for experimental data, just to study it a little. But overall, I'll follow your decision."
A flicker of surprise crossed Hiruzen's eyes.
As expected of his most outstanding student. He already knew how to retreat in order to advance.
And it did feel pleasant to hear.
Still, techniques and tactics in conversation couldn't create something from nothing. At most, they smoothed the surface, reduced friction.
What mattered was whether their bottom lines clashed, and whether their interests aligned.
Hiruzen understood clearly. For a shinobi like Orochimaru, absolute obedience to every rule was impossible.
That strong sense of self was, at times, the very source of his value.
As long as the line wasn't crossed, some freedom had to be granted.
"You've formed a fixed impression of me," Hiruzen said with a faint sigh, pulling out his pipe. "In a way, the history of war in the shinobi world is also the history of ninjutsu evolving. I've never held any aversion to research."
"It's just that innovation often comes with bloodshed. In the past, I feared the price would crush the village before the results could take root."
"Now, I see it differently. We find ways to shift the cost. The village can support you."
He exhaled a slow stream of smoke.
"But things like half-coaxing, half-deceiving members of the Iburi and Tsuchigumo Clan away to study the First Hokage's cells using their unique traits… that must not happen again."
"They may not be Konoha shinobi, but they've lived in the Land of Fire for a long time. When our finances improve, you and I will draft a plan to settle the matter properly."
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. "I understand, Sensei."
Shift the cost. The village will help.
How could he not grasp the meaning behind those words?
Hiruzen's bottom line was equally clear. Without permission, he was not to lay hands on members of the village or the Land of Fire.
That wasn't unreasonable.
"We are both shinobi of Konoha," Hiruzen continued. "I grew up sheltered by Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama."
"And you were raised by the village as well. I placed Konoha's ninjutsu scrolls in your hands. You grew stronger through the village's resources."
"When you mature, when you gain power, you should think about giving back. As long as that heart remains, researching Tailed Beasts is hardly a crime."
His tone was earnest, almost reflective.
"Sensei, with those words from you, if anything like this happens again, I'll report it immediately," Orochimaru said, grinning.
Hiruzen shook his head as if exasperated and laughed. "You little rascal."
"Take a look at this list."
Orochimaru accepted it, one brow lifting slightly.
It was a roster for the Konoha Commissioner position. Several names were marked in red.
At the top was his own name. Then Jiraiya, Tsunade, and the heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho.
After that came the clan heads of the Inuzuka, Aburame, and Kurama clans, along with Sakumo Hatake and Shinku Yuhi.
"These eleven names overlap in the lists submitted separately by Koharu, Homura, and Danzo," Hiruzen explained. "And I approve of them."
Orochimaru nodded, though his gaze lingered on two pairs in particular.
Hizashi Hyuga and Tenzo Hyuga.
Fugaku Uchiha and Isshin Uchiha.
The remaining names he skimmed were mostly non-clan shinobi, such as Kosan Shirakumo.
One unfamiliar name caught his eye.
Kosuke Maruboshi.
"This one… he's probably not a Jonin, is he?"
Orochimaru arched a brow. Two slots were still unfilled.
"Do you have any candidates? I'd like to hear your opinion," Hiruzen said with a smile.
Orochimaru's heart skipped.
What is Sensei doing?
He was merely a Jonin himself, just one of the Konoha Commissioners. How could he be involved in something as significant as personnel authority?
That didn't seem proper at all.
Yet his lips curved into an honest grin, and a voice inside whispered, This is treatment reserved for the heir apparent.
"…I do have a friend. Also a Jonin. His name is Hiruko," Orochimaru said after a moment's thought. "His combat ability isn't outstanding among Jonin, but he has sharp insight into ninjutsu. His understanding of research surpasses that of most shinobi."
Hiruzen searched his memory and realized the name left little impression.
Balanced in all aspects. Nothing exceptional.
Then again, that was normal. Not every research talent was Orochimaru, a Hokage's disciple with abundant resources.
Gold buried in sand didn't shine.
"All right. Have him come see me tomorrow," Hiruzen said, writing Hiruko's name onto the paper.
Orochimaru felt thoroughly satisfied.
Whether Hiruko was ultimately selected or not, having his name personally added to the candidate list was recognition in itself.
"I'll keep this piece of the Eight-Tails."
"As for the rest of the Eight-Tails' tissue, be careful during your research. If you have ideas, come discuss them with me. I'm interested in the peculiar nature Tailed Beasts display."
The Tailed Beasts were something Hiruzen still couldn't fully grasp.
At times they seemed pure Chakra. At others, living organisms. Almost like embodiments of resentment.
Some texts recorded that even after death, a Tailed Beast would re-form years later, as if shaped by heaven and earth itself, governed by rules unlike ordinary life.
There had to be a great secret hidden within.
"I understand, Sensei. I'll need your wisdom as well," Orochimaru replied with a smile.
"You looked puzzled at the inclusion of Isshin and Fugaku, Hizashi and Tenzo. You're wondering why I put them on the list."
"I placed Hizashi in the Anbu not to suppress the main house, but to ensure the Hyuga serve the village."
"Giving the main house a seat preserves their dignity and keeps them from being driven to extremes. It also confines the conflict within the framework of branch and main houses. The first line of tension won't be between the village and the Hyuga."
"As for Isshin Uchiha and Fugaku… that's a different matter."
Hiruzen patiently laid out his reasoning.
"Isshin Uchiha is, in some ways, like I once was. Or like Homura and Koharu. Fundamentally conservative."
"Making him a commissioner won't change his mindset. It ensures numerical balance between the Uchiha and the Hyuga."
"According to Sakumo's report, Fugaku Uchiha has been proactive from the start about allowing his clansmen to participate in the Patrol Unit. That's where he differs from Isshin. He's someone we can work with."
"Establishing a bridge for communication will benefit relations between the village and the Uchiha."
"You probably sensed this in vague terms already. I'm just organizing it for you. It'll help in your future work."
Hiruzen patted his student's shoulder with quiet emotion.
"I'm not young anymore. The future will depend on you."
The Hokage grows frail. You must strive on?
"Sensei, please don't say that…" Orochimaru's pupils contracted slightly. He steadied himself and offered auspicious words. "You could lead Konoha for another hundred years."
"Another joke? Only a sage could work a hundred years without tiring," Hiruzen waved it off.
Yet in his heart, he admitted there might truly be a path to prolonged life.
If that came to pass, would Orochimaru cry out that there was no such thing as a fifty-year crown prince?
The thought amused him.
Still, that possibility had to be grounded in practical steps. The village and his talent needed to flourish together.
So he let the thought pass.
"How goes your research into Lord Tobirama's notes?" Hiruzen asked casually, shifting the topic.
"I've found many fascinating points. I'm close to completing a Forbidden Jutsu."
"When it's fully done, I'll give you a surprise. Or perhaps a fright," Orochimaru said with a teasing smile.
In the past, he had hesitated. A possession technique capable of transferring one's body was too shocking. Better not let Sensei know.
But after reading the jutsu and concepts Tobirama Senju had explored, he felt at ease.
Compared to that man, he was almost restrained.
And Sensei was Tobirama's disciple. His tolerance should be high.
"Good. Then I'll look forward to it."
"There's no such thing as a wrong jutsu. Only a wrong use," Hiruzen said, as if seeing through him. "Don't burden yourself. At worst, we place it in the Scroll of Sealing."
Orochimaru listened comfortably.
After he took his leave, Hiruzen contemplated his next move.
Once Kushina and Tsunade finished visiting Mito Uzumaki, it would be his turn.
The Administrative Department had already begun fanning the winds in the Land of Fire. The Daimyo had shown intense interest in the so-called miracle medicine and had repeatedly requested a meeting.
That steady stream of cash flow needed to be established.
"Perhaps I should revisit Sensei's hidden archive," Hiruzen murmured, eyes glinting.
If Orochimaru's line of thought aligned with his own, then it was time to prepare a new identity and a new body for his teacher.