That evening, when Shisui visited Ryuken, they talked long about the fight.Shisui asked how it had happened, and Ryuken told the truth:that the Hokage himself had likely decided and registered the match on his behalf.
Shisui was surprised… but he couldn't hide his pride in his younger brother.
When they returned home, Shisui handed him both a graduation certificate and a forehead protector."The Hokage asked me to give this to you when you woke up," he said. "He also wants you to visit him soon."
Ryuken took both, gave his brother a small smile, and replied,"Then let's skip cooking tonight. When I get back, we'll go eat Yakiniku and celebrate properly."
Shisui chuckled. "Then we won't hold back."
Later that night, Ryuken stood before the Hokage's Office, knocking lightly until he heard the old man's voice from inside.
"Come in."
Inside sat the smiling Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, pipe in his mouth and warmth in his tone.
Ryuken met his gaze with a poker face and thought:
This shameless old man forced me to become a shinobi in the middle of a war. I'll make him pay for that someday…
"Congratulations on your graduation," Hiruzen said calmly."I hope you enjoyed my little invitation. The injuries are… part of the job. But it seems it paid off for you."
Ryuken understood immediately.
He's not hiding it — he's framing this as a favor, so I can't accuse him later. What a fox. For now, I'll play along.
He bowed slightly."Thank you, Sandaime-sama. I wasn't sure I could do it, so I didn't apply for early graduation."
Hiruzen exhaled smoke through his pipe and thought:
He's sharp. Not childish like the others. He knows how to play the game.
Then he spoke, "With your abilities, it would be strange if you hadn't passed. But I didn't summon you for that.It's about your Team Assignment. It won't be a normal one.Tomorrow morning, meet your team leader at Training Ground 7, at sunrise. Don't be late — he's a perfectionist."
Ryuken thanked him again and left. That night, he and Shisui went out to eat together.
The Next Morning
At the training ground, Ryuken noticed a slightly older girl — instantly recognizing her.
"You're Anko… from the exam, right? Are we on the same team?"
Anko yawned, half-awake, and thought:
That's the kid who lost to Guy.
"I see," she said lazily, "but it can't be that I'm paired with a weakling like you."
Ryuken frowned but ignored her. Then — movement.Snakes.
He pulled out a kunai, slicing a few that slithered too close.But before he could relax, he felt a cold hand on his shoulder.
That killing intent — it was overwhelming.He froze, forcing himself not to move as he turned and met the gaze of a human serpent.
Orochimaru.
The sannin's golden eyes glimmered with faint bloodlust, testing him.
This first encounter would be written in the history of shinobi — the moment that birthed a legend between master and disciple.Ryuken Uchiha and Orochimaru — two souls fated to clash and converge. Not like Jiraiya & Minato… not like Naruto… both cold-blooded warriors, yet bound by the same flame.
Orochimaru's voice slithered through the air."You have… interesting eyes. They're like mine at your age.But I see it — fear. If you don't face it, you'll stay where you are forever."
Ryuken swallowed hard, forcing his thoughts into order.Anko stepped forward, unaware of the tension."We're supposed to meet our new sensei here. Are you him?"
Orochimaru smiled faintly."That's right. I am your Jōnin-sensei. I will train you — if you can pass my test.Fail… and you'll no longer be shinobi. You won't return to the academy either."
His gaze fell on Ryuken as he continued to think:
Normally I'd threaten to send them back to the academy, but this boy… he delayed graduation on purpose. Better to give him no way out.
Orochimaru's fingers moved swiftly through hand signs."Kuchiyose no Jutsu" (Summoning Technique).
A cloud of smoke burst open, and a massive purple serpent slithered out.Manda's eyes gleamed with contempt.
"Orochimaru… why summon me? There are only two children here."
Orochimaru smirked."I want you to test them — shinken shōbu (a fight to the death).If you kill them, you may eat them. I've prepared offerings so your effort won't be wasted."
Manda's voice hissed, deep and offended.
"You dare summon me for such weaklings? Fine. Then double the offerings."
Orochimaru nodded — and stepped back to watch.
Ryuken stood beside Anko, both stunned.That damn snake… throwing us into Manda's jaws.
He's testing us — to see our limits. If he's satisfied, he'll call it off. Fine… I'll give him a show he won't forget.Even if you killed your own sensei, Orochimaru… you're exactly like him.
Before his eyes, a blue system window appeared.
[System Notification] New Main Quest Unlocked: All or Nothing
Objective: Fight the Great Serpent Manda using every ounce of your strength and skill to earn Orochimaru's recognition. Prove yourself worthy to become his disciple.
Restriction:If any of your comrades die during the battle, the quest will immediately fail.Retreating or abandoning the mission will also count as failure.
Reward:★ Skill Unlocked — [Dokueki Taisei] (Toxic Resilience)(Grants permanent resistance against all forms of poison, venom, and harmful substances.)
Skill Duration: Permanent
Description:A skill born from surviving the brink of death.Your body adapts to toxins, evolving beyond human limits — a gift earned through absolute resolve.
[Status: Active]
Ryuken clenched his fists.
So the System is forcing me to play along again. Fine… this time I won't hold back like against Guy.
He turned to Anko."You use the Water Element, right? Do you know any Suiton (Water Release) Jutsu that works with oil or flammable liquids?"
Anko, trembling, gathered her courage."I know one… but I didn't bring any oil."
Ryuken pulled out a scroll, unsealing two barrels."We have one chance. Let's not waste it."
Orochimaru watched, a faint smirk curling on his lips. He bit his thumb."So… you want to test us with your summoning?" Ryuken said."Then I won't hide mine."
Orochimaru's eyes widened — the hand movements were identical to his own.
Ryuken pressed his palm to the ground, voice steady:"Kuchiyose no Jutsu — Come forth, Gōkaryū!