I had to admit that Orochimaru could charm when he set himself such a task, and even I was no exception, although I knew more about his dirty deeds, current and future, than anyone else and was initially inclined to treat him with suspicion and caution, of course, without obvious demonstration.
Penalizing myself for my lack of vigilance, I resumed my movement, pondering the situation. Would I continue my interactions with the snake sannin? Absolutely yes!
I have gained more valuable information in one current day than in a month of painstaking research and digging through the clan library in search of information on hand seals, having already gained a couple of ideas that in the long run will optimize and improve several of my personal ninjutsu designs. Just by talking to the Hokage's apprentice.
There's no denying that Orochimaru's head cooks very well and he's called a genius for a reason. It's tempting to have such a person among your acquaintances, even if the downsides are pretty solid and you never know what's on his mind.
As long as he doesn't become my outright enemy, why not take advantage of the situation? Especially since a good number of people have seen us together today in a lively conversation, and the Hokage won't miss it.
We're on opposite sides of the political divide, and we should be wary of a direct rival. I wonder how badly Hiruzen will be burned when the old monkey finds out? And to put a little fuel on the rumor mill....
***
- Orochimaru.
- Sensei? It's a pleasure to see you in my hermit's den," the snake sannin turned with a practiced smile to the frowning Hokage who had decided to show up in his student's 'private' laboratory, "to what do I owe the pleasure?
- Yesterday you were seen chatting animatedly with the second heir of Nara for most of the day," the old shinobi's tone was completely neutral, but Orochimaru, who had known Hiruzen since he was a child, clearly picked up a note of discontent, "and today there are rumors in the village that you have decided to defect to the coalition of clans. What's that supposed to mean?
- Empty rumors," the jonin rolled his eyes irritably, "what do we care about the arguments of ignorant fools who can't even get a jonin? Who I talk to and what I talk about is my own business, even if it's just sharing my ninjutsu knowledge.
Even back in the arena, when he had proposed to the young genius Nara, Orochimaru had been aware of the consequences of such a move, but the ninjutsu on display was too tempting to pass up the opportunity to obtain it, and it might not be available any time soon, given the political situation in Konoha.
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