The insults hurled by those Hyūga Main Family children had reached Orochimaru's ears, and an idea spontaneously formed in his mind: What would happen if a boy with dual pupils and impure Hyūga bloodline awakened the Byakugan?
A stream of data from his past life flashed through Orochimaru's memory, giving him a faint hypothesis about the child's condition. Combined with the strange properties of Yamata's breath, this situation might allow him to improve the Cursed Seal.
Growing increasingly confident, Orochimaru already considered taking this child as a subordinate. If the boy could awaken the Byakugan, it would be quite interesting and he would be a valuable asset!
Moreover, by helping this grandson of Elder Harano awaken the Byakugan, not only would he gain a good subordinate, but his relationship with Elder Harano would undoubtedly be greatly strengthened. This would be extremely beneficial for obtaining the Hyūga clan's forbidden and secret jutsu data. The whole affair was nothing but advantageous.
While Orochimaru's mental abacus was clattering away, Elder Harano had already quickly walked toward the children. Although he valued the clan highly, it didn't mean he was indifferent to his own grandson. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made a special exception to allow the child to be born in the first place.
Orochimaru didn't interfere, watching as Elder Harano sternly reprimanded the Main Family children, then gently led his unfortunate grandson away.
Holding his grandson's hand, Elder Harano's old eyes repeatedly scanned the bruises and wounds on the child's body. He sighed, his heart heavy.
However, he had already anticipated this when the child was born. This ancient, rigid, and obstinate clan was deeply prejudiced against a child with an impure bloodline. Even as an Elder second only to the Clan Head, he could only protect the boy for a while, not for life.
But if the child couldn't awaken the Byakugan, and was forbidden to learn Ninjutsu because of his Hyūga blood, what strength could he possibly have to protect himself?
With this thought, the old man tightened his grip on the child's hand, his heart aching even more.
The child seemed to sense the change in Elder Harano's mood. He looked up, and a rare trace of warmth touched his downcast eyes. He quietly called out, "Grandfather!"
Elder Harano's eyes were filled with affection. He gently stroked the child's head. On the boy's delicate face, the old man seemed to see the beautiful features of his most beloved daughter.
Seeing this moment, Orochimaru became even more certain. He stepped forward and said to Elder Harano: "Elder Harano, I am deeply fond of your grandson's temperament. Why don't you let him stay at my house? While I can't promise him endless riches, it would at least be better than staying here in the Hyūga clan and constantly being bullied!
Moreover, my family is sparsely populated, and I've adopted a few children his age. They can play together, and perhaps it will make the child happier! What do you think?"
It must be said that Orochimaru's words were highly persuasive. Combined with his effortlessly sincere tone, the speech deeply resonated with Elder Harano.
Elder Harano considered the matter carefully, then nodded and agreed: "Very well. Thank you in advance, young friend."
Orochimaru smiled and waved his hand.
Orochimaru and his new charge exited the Hyūga clan's gates.
Standing at the entrance, Elder Harano spoke kindly to his grandson: "Bluebird, go. This older brother and I are very close. Go stay at his house for a while and be good. Grandfather will come to see you."
Hyūga Bluebird did not reply, only looked up at the Hyūga clan's gate, then nodded. In that instant, he felt like an abandoned bird crying out alone in a cold winter night, greeted only by deepening darkness and the coming morning.
Bluebird passively took Orochimaru's hand.
Orochimaru looked at the child. His eyes, like Chi's once were, were dead, desolate, and despairing, seemingly devoid of life. The only difference was a faint trace of deep unwillingness hidden in the boy's depths.
Taking all this in, Orochimaru smiled slightly, holding Hyūga Bluebird's hand as they walked away.
One minute, two minutes... ten minutes passed, and the child remained silent.
Orochimaru smiled wickedly and said slowly: "Impure bloodline, ostracized by the Hyūga clan, insulted by other children, unable to awaken the Byakugan, unable to become a ninja... Don't you feel unwilling?"
Hyūga Bluebird kept his head down and remained silent, but the hand holding Orochimaru's tightened, betraying the fierce turmoil within him.
Orochimaru stopped. His dark-golden snake eyes fixed on Hyūga Bluebird, whose eyes were equally unique. A smile, tinged with excitement and interest, slowly widened on his lips: "What if I could give you the power to make your bullies look up to you, the power to reclaim your dignity, the power to make your mother rest in peace, and your grandfather proud?"
Listening to Orochimaru's highly seductive words and description, a brilliant halo appeared in Hyūga Bluebird's dead, desolate eyes. He stared blankly at Orochimaru, seemingly trying to ascertain the credibility of his promise.
Orochimaru stroked Hyūga Bluebird's head: "What I need is for you to always follow my path, obey my commands, and even give everything you have, until the end of your life! Can you do that?"
Hyūga Bluebird was still just a child. He hesitated. He lowered his head, finding it difficult to decide.
Orochimaru smiled: "Take your time to think about it. For now, let's go home."
Orochimaru was not in a hurry. He was confident that the child would soon give him a satisfactory answer.
Returning home, Jiraiya and Tsunade were still waiting for Orochimaru.
Orochimaru gave Manji a few instructions, settled Hyūga Bluebird, and then walked with Jiraiya and Tsunade toward the Hokage Tower.
Suddenly, Orochimaru paused. His spiritual energy had detected a "rat" nearby. Recognizing the chakra signature—dark and characteristic of that one clan—he quickly surmised what was happening. He smiled faintly and continued walking forward with Jiraiya and Tsunade.
Inside an antique study in the Uchiha clan compound, Clan Head Uchiha Tamakatsu was practicing calligraphy while listening to a report from his subordinate.
"Clan Head, that prized disciple of Hiruzen Sarutobi—Orochimaru—went to the Hyūga clan today. It appears he has allied himself with the Hyūga. Should we still try to recruit him?" The Uchiha ninja's tone was somewhat uneasy. He cautiously looked up to gauge his Clan Head's reaction.
"No need. Since he has been recruited by the Hyūga, then so be it. It is that brat's loss for not joining the Uchiha clan!" Uchiha Tamakatsu said flatly. His right hand, holding the calligraphy brush, moved with powerful strokes, writing a huge character for "Shadow" (Kage). The sheer sharp edge and arrogance burst through the paper with every stroke.
Uchiha Tamakatsu looked at the character for "Shadow," smiled slightly, and nodded faintly, waving his hand to dismiss the subordinate.
The study fell quiet again. Uchiha Tamakatsu stared at the character "Shadow," his eyes flickering with unknown thoughts.
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