Chapter 43 Konoha
The Third Hokage silently smoked, and Orochimaru remained silent as well.
He seemed to be enjoying the moment of leisure.
Perhaps he was using the excuse of congratulating the teacher on moving to a new house to shirk his responsibilities.
This is what the third generation was thinking.
After all, he could guess that Orochimaru must be very tired lately.
The aftermath of the Nine-Tails' attack, the need to balance the relationships between the various parties in the village after becoming Hokage, and the preparation and implementation of the joint security company plan all required his attention as Hokage.
Such a series of events piling up on one person would exhaust anyone who wasn't made of iron.
Well, the Third Hokage observed Orochimaru and found that Orochimaru did indeed look somewhat weak.
A moment later, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly and leaned back, seemingly taking the opportunity to rest.
The third generation didn't want to disturb them and stood up.
However, the sound of him getting up seemed to disturb Orochimaru, who wanted to rest.
"Teacher, what are you going to do?"
"You look so tired, I don't want to bother you."
"No disturbance, I'm just a little tired. I've been using Shadow Clone Technique too much lately."
Have you been using Shadow Clone Technique too much?
I see.
The Shadow Clone Jutsu does indeed easily accumulate fatigue.
This is also a major reason why this ninjutsu is considered a forbidden technique.
Some people have accumulated too much fatigue from using shadow clones for high-intensity work, and when they release the technique, all the fatigue rushes into their minds, resulting in brain death.
Of course, as the Hokage, one of the world's top fighters, Orochimaru's use of shadow clones to assist in his work, as long as it was done in moderation, would not lead to such serious consequences.
But fatigue is still inevitable.
"Then get some rest."
"Um."
Orochimaru nodded.
He closed his eyes again.
The Third Hokage moved even more quietly, going to a place where he would be less likely to disturb Orochimaru while smoking.
Orochimaru didn't rest for long; he woke up after only about half an hour.
He looked much more energetic, probably because he used some kind of technique to fall into a deep sleep, thus minimizing fatigue.
Feeling much refreshed, Orochimaru approached the crib and looked at Naruto inside.
"He will definitely be a strong person in the future."
Orochimaru asserted.
"As long as you make good use of the Nine-Tails' power, you are destined to become a strong person," said the Third Hokage, who was sitting not far away on the other side.
Orochimaru shook his head.
"Teacher, he is so young, yet he can contain the Nine-Tails.
This shows how amazing his innate chakra is. Even without the Nine-Tails, his chakra would probably be astonishing."
"After all, it's the Vortex bloodline."
"There must be such a reason.
It should also be related to the fact that he is the child of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Perhaps he was influenced by the Nine-Tails' chakra, and the power of the Uzumaki bloodline was brought to its extreme."
"Perhaps that's how it is." The Third Hokage nodded and said, "You know, the Uzumaki are distant relatives of the Senju."
Orochimaru nodded as well.
Yes, the Uzumaki clan is a distant relative of the Senju clan.
The two families have been allied and intermarried for generations, and their relationship is extremely close.
Both possess astonishing chakra.
It's important to know that the limits of the Senju bloodline were embodied in the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.
With an example like Hashirama Senju, it's not surprising that another Naruto Uzumaki, who is born with an astonishing amount of chakra, would appear.
"Naruto, who is destined to be a strongman, is now in your care, teacher."
The third generation waved his hand.
"Four generations of children, it's only right."
Orochimaru then reached out and touched Naruto's sleeping face.
Seeing that Naruto seemed slightly uncomfortable while sleeping, he frowned.
He smiled and withdrew his pale, somewhat cold hand.
"Then I'll take my leave."
He had originally planned to take advantage of his teacher's move to escape the hustle and bustle, and also visit the village's important Jinchūriki, Naruto, the Fourth Hokage's son.
Now that everything that needed to be done has been done and a rest has been taken, it's time to leave.
The Third Hokage silently smoked, watching Orochimaru walk out of his new house…
After Orochimaru went outside, he saw Yamato.
Yamato, upon seeing Orochimaru, became somewhat nervous.
Orochimaru looked at the mud on Yamato's body and his more vivid eyes.
The aura of Root gradually dissipated from Yamato, and he seemed to be gradually returning to normal.
"Lord Fifth Hokage." Despite being a little nervous, Yamato stepped forward to greet him.
After all, Lord Orochimaru is the Hokage of the village.
He was also an important Wood Release ninja in the village.
Since I've met the Hokage, I should at least show my respect.
Orochimaru smiled and nodded gently.
"Yamato, I'm relieved to see that you're doing so well."
"Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama."
Yamato immediately bowed in greeting.
Are you there?
"...I'm planting something," Yamato said somewhat nervously.
He was somewhat worried that Orochimaru would be displeased with his use of the village's important Wood Release ninjutsu for planting.
Can I see what you've planted?
"...Please follow me."
And so, Orochimaru followed Yamato to Sachiko's orphanage, which was not far away.
There were vegetable gardens and orchards where a lot of vegetables and fruits were grown.
You can also see staff members in nuns' habit at some orphanages, and some children picking vegetables and fruits in vegetable gardens and orchards.
Seeing Lord Orochimaru watching this scene, Yamato said somewhat embarrassedly, "I heard the people in the orphanage complaining that some vegetables are too expensive, and the director asked the children to have a balanced diet, so I used Wood Release to grow vegetables and fruits to ease the burden of daily life for everyone in the orphanage."
"Well done." Orochimaru smiled and patted Yamato's head.
This gave Yamato courage, and he spoke again: "Last night, the Third Hokage told me that I can use Wood Release to cultivate high-yield seeds.
If these high-yield seeds can be distributed, more people can have enough to eat!"
Orochimaru was slightly taken aback, then he nodded.
He fell into deep thought.
Yamato didn't dare to disturb them.
After a while, Orochimaru looked at him again, chuckled, and patted his head.
"This is a great idea.
If you can really do it, many people will have their future extended because of you."
Upon hearing such praise, Yamato couldn't help but smile.
"However, a future that can continue is not necessarily happy; it may be painful."
Orochimaru continued.
Looking at the distant sky.
Yamato fell silent, looking at his hands, which were covered in yellow mud.
"Of course, whether the future will be painful." Orochimaru lowered his hand and looked at the vibrant orchard and vegetable garden in front of him: "It is our responsibility as adults.
If we can shoulder everything well and continue the future with more hope, then we can let you plant even better seeds in this more hopeful future."
"..."
"Then the seed takes root, sprouts, and grows into a more robust leaf."
"Konoha?"
"Yes, Konoha."
Orochimaru turned around.
He left behind his last words.
"Konoha is a place where hope is nurtured and extends, a future that everyone yearns for..."
Watching Orochimaru's figure disappear completely without a trace, Yamato looked back at the orchard and vegetable garden he had created.
Not long after.
A gust of wind blew by.
The tender leaves are waving.
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End of this chapter...