Walking once more through the familiar streets of Konohagakure, Orochimaru—draped in a long hooded cloak—was silently overcome with emotion.
Compared to the era when he had defected from the village, the atmosphere now felt entirely transformed. After the devastating aftermath of the Nine-Tails' rampage, Konoha had sunk into a long period of gloom. But now… the village had been reborn.
The streets bustled with vibrant life. Shops stood clean and well-kept, children laughed freely, and the expressions of the villagers were filled with ease and warmth, a stark contrast to the tight-faced fear that once lingered in the air.
"The Fifth Hokage! It's Hokage-sama!"
"Hokage-sama, good morning!"
Wherever Namikaze Mirai walked, he was greeted with enthusiasm. People bowed respectfully or waved with admiration in their eyes. The reverence in their tone wasn't just for his strength—it was gratitude. He had given the village back its peace.
Orochimaru, walking just beside him, kept his hood low, the shadow hiding his pale face.
He was no longer welcome in these streets.
Though his presence beside the Hokage should have caused a stir, the villagers gave him no more than curious glances.
"Who's the one walking with Hokage-sama?"
"No idea. He's covered head to toe."
"Anyway, if he's walking with Hokage-sama, he can't be a bad person, right?"
Orochimaru's lips twitched.
He hadn't expected this level of acceptance by proximity alone. Just a few years ago, his name struck fear and revulsion among the populace. Now, with a hood and a powerful ally beside him, he was simply 'a mysterious guest'.
…
Their walk took them across the village until they reached the front of the Konoha Ninja Academy.
Mirai paused and gestured across the gate, where students ran across the courtyard, their laughter echoing across the open grounds.
"Orochimaru." he said with a smile, "Do you know that Konoha now enforces nine years of compulsory education?"
"Nine years?" Orochimaru arched a brow beneath his hood.
Back in his time, the academy system spanned six years—at most. During wartime, even those six years were often compressed into mere months. Talented children were forced onto the battlefield before their bodies or minds could fully develop. Genius students like Hatake Kakashi had graduated at five, killing at six.
"Nine years seems excessive." Orochimaru commented. "Some students don't even need six."
Mirai nodded but didn't waver.
"Six years is enough to produce genin capable of combat." he said. "But we aren't trying to raise killers anymore—we're raising protectors. Shinobi who serve not just in war, but in peace."
He glanced through the academy gate again.
"I've reviewed Konoha's wartime records. You know what I found? Most shinobi don't die from lack of skill. They die from psychological collapse—panic, trauma, emotional instability."
Orochimaru listened quietly.
"Now…" Mirai continued, "Three of the nine years at the academy are dedicated to mental health and psychological training. I intend to raise shinobi who are not only strong in body, but in mind."
"…Hmph." Orochimaru exhaled through his nose, begrudgingly impressed. "That does sound like something only you could implement."
After leaving the academy, Mirai led Orochimaru further across the village, this time toward its outskirts.
Orochimaru recognized the path immediately.
"This direction… you're leading me toward the old Root base?"
His voice was tinged with suspicion. The Root Division, once under Danzo's iron grip, had always operated from the shadows. And only recently, the world had learned that Mirai had obliterated Danzo and dismantled his organization from the inside.
He narrowed his eyes. "Why are you taking me there?"
"You'll see." was all Mirai said.
They reached a dark underground passage. Orochimaru followed wordlessly as they descended, shadows shifting along the cold concrete walls.
Then, the darkness ended.
A massive underground facility spread out before him—gleaming metal walkways, high-tech labs, research pods, and a central digital screen glowing with the symbol of a red and white umbrella.
Orochimaru's eyes widened.
"What is this place…?"
"Welcome to the Umbrella Research Center." Mirai said with a casual wave of the hand.
"The… Umbrella…?"
"The name is arbitrary…" Mirai shrugged. "It symbolizes protection and innovation. I gathered the top researchers and rogue talents from all over the continent—those willing to work toward science, not war. This is Konoha's future."
As scientists bustled about in pristine coats, and experimental drones hummed through the air, Orochimaru's lips slowly parted.
It was everything he had once dreamed of… but better.
"You've built a research utopia beneath the village." he whispered. "You lunatic genius…"
"Wait." Mirai smiled slyly. "There's more."
He led Orochimaru to a nearby greenhouse chamber, separated by thick transparent walls.
Inside, a young man knelt in a field of cultivated rice, his chakra gently brushing over the soil. With a single hand seal, he activated his jutsu—Wood-style.
The saplings sprang up rapidly, growing to full maturity in seconds. Rich, golden ears of rice swayed gently under the artificial lights.
"Wood-style …" Orochimaru muttered in awe.
"His name is Yamato." Mirai said. "One of my disciples. He's working on hybrid rice cultivation."
"Hybrid rice?"
Mirai chuckled.
"You don't have to understand agriculture to appreciate the results. By crossbreeding high-yield strains and catalyzing them with Wood-style, we're aiming to solve food shortages across the Land of Fire."
Orochimaru turned away from the greenhouse glass, slowly shaking his head.
"Tell me the truth, Mirai-kun… are you really from this world?"
Mirai laughed. "Would you believe me if I said yes?"
Orochimaru smiled repeatedly for the first time in years.
"…Maybe."
Then, Mirai fixed him with a serious look.
"Stay here, Orochimaru. Stay in Konoha. Help me build a new world."
Orochimaru paused.
"I'm still labeled a traitor, Mirai."
"And I'm the Hokage." Mirai replied sharply. "I'll revoke your bounty. I'll declare your innocence. As far as I'm concerned, everything was Danzo's doing."
Orochimaru was visibly shaken by his words.
To be forgiven.
To be offered redemption by someone like Mirai.
"I…"
But before he could finish, his expression darkened.
"There's something I must tell you."
Mirai raised a brow. "What is it?"
"I joined the Akatsuki."
The air turned cold.
Mirai's eyes narrowed.
"…Akatsuki?"
"Yes." Orochimaru said solemnly. "They are not just criminals. They are powerful—terrifying. Their leader… he possesses the Rinnegan."
The name alone caused Mirai's pupils to contract.
"The eyes of legend." Orochimaru continued. "The ones that can control life and death… and resurrect the dead."
Resurrection…?
Mirai's heart skipped a beat.
*****
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