Chapter 92: Stolen Kekkei Genkai
"I appreciate the warning, Orochimaru. But I'm not unprepared."
Hiruko spoke calmly. "Regarding this matter, I've already made arrangements. As for Ritsu—though he's young, his mind is more mature than most adults. He understands what he's doing and the potential consequences."
"Is that so?" Orochimaru's interest was piqued. "You seem quite confident. Did you prepare some trump card?"
"Something like that." Hiruko didn't elaborate. "In any case, thank you for the concern, old classmate. But I'm not the naive researcher I was years ago. I've thought through the possible scenarios quite thoroughly."
Orochimaru studied him for a moment, then smiled. "You've changed, Hiruko. The you from back then would have been far more anxious, perhaps even reckless in your excitement over this achievement."
"People grow up." Hiruko's expression softened slightly. "I've learned patience. And more importantly, I've learned that having powerful abilities means nothing if you can't protect them—or yourself."
"Wise words." Orochimaru turned back to gaze at the ocean. "Speaking of which, your student is quite interesting. That performance in battle just now... the way he seamlessly combined Gentle Fist, Shikotsumyaku, and various ninjutsu. It's not just about having multiple abilities—it's about the tactical acumen to use them effectively."
"Ritsu is talented," Hiruko agreed with undisguised pride. "More than that, he's ambitious and pragmatic. A rare combination."
"And dangerous," Orochimaru added. "For someone so young to possess such power and ambition... it reminds me of certain other individuals throughout history. People who changed the shinobi world—for better or worse."
"Is that a warning or an observation?"
"Both, perhaps." Orochimaru's smile turned enigmatic. "I have no intention of becoming an enemy to either of you. In fact, I find your research fascinating. If circumstances were different, I'd love to examine your technique more closely."
"Maybe someday," Hiruko said noncommittally. "If you become Hokage, perhaps we can discuss it then."
"You keep saying that." Orochimaru chuckled. "You're quite invested in my potential ascension, aren't you? Is it truly just about having protection from the top, or is there something else?"
"Isn't mutual benefit enough of a reason?" Hiruko countered. "You gain the Hyuga clan's support—no small thing. I gain a Hokage who understands the value of research and won't immediately try to confiscate my life's work. Ritsu gains a village leadership more amenable to... unconventional shinobi."
"Unconventional," Orochimaru repeated, seeming to savor the word. "That's certainly one way to put it. Though I suspect the Third Hokage and certain elders would use far harsher terms."
"Let them." Hiruko's expression hardened. "I'm done living according to others' narrow definitions of what a ninja should be. I've spent too many years being dismissed as mediocre, as someone who couldn't keep up with the 'true geniuses.' Well, now I've surpassed most of those so-called geniuses—and I did it my way."
There was a fierce pride in his voice that Orochimaru hadn't heard before. This wasn't the insecure Hiruko of their academy days, constantly comparing himself to others and coming up short in his own mind. This was someone who'd found his path and walked it successfully, regardless of what others thought.
"I can respect that," Orochimaru said quietly. "The strength to forge your own path, even when the entire world tells you you're wrong... that's rarer than any Kekkei Genkai."
"Coming from you, I'll take that as high praise."
"It is." Orochimaru turned to face him fully. "Alright, Hiruko. I think we understand each other. When we return to the village, expect more scrutiny. I'll do what I can to deflect the worst of it, but you'll need to handle yourself carefully. Especially around Danzo—he has a particular interest in unique abilities, and he's not known for taking 'no' for an answer."
"I'm aware of Shimura Danzo's reputation." Hiruko's eyes narrowed. "If he tries anything, he'll discover I'm not so easily coerced."
"Bold words. Try not to start a civil war in the village, though. That would be inconvenient for all of us."
"I'll try to restrain myself," Hiruko replied dryly.
Orochimaru laughed—a genuine sound of amusement. "You know, I think I actually enjoy this new version of you more than the old one. Less neurotic, more sardonic. It suits you."
"Glad you approve. Now, if we're done here, I really do want to see if there's anything worth salvaging from this battlefield before the vultures pick it clean."
"By all means." Orochimaru gestured magnanimously. "One more thing, though—that technique of yours. If you ever do decide to share details, I'd be very interested in a discussion. Purely academic, you understand."
"I'll keep that in mind," Hiruko said, though they both knew he had no intention of sharing his secrets so easily. Still, leaving the door open for future cooperation wasn't a bad idea.
As Hiruko turned to leave, Orochimaru called out one last time: "Hiruko? Your student—keep an eye on him. That level of power in someone so young... it can be intoxicating. Make sure he doesn't lose himself in the pursuit of more."
"Ritsu understands the costs," Hiruko replied over his shoulder. "Better than most, actually. He's seen what happens when ambition isn't tempered with wisdom. He won't make the same mistakes others have."
"I hope you're right."
Hiruko didn't respond, simply walking away across the blood-stained beach. Behind him, Orochimaru remained standing in the sunlight, his expression thoughtful.
The war with the Mist ninja might be ending, but Orochimaru had a feeling the real interesting developments were just beginning. Hiruko and his technique to steal Kekkei Genkai, Ritsu and his rapidly growing power, the political maneuvering for the position of Fourth Hokage...
Yes, things were about to become very interesting indeed.
A smile played across Orochimaru's lips as he finally turned away from the ocean and headed back toward where the other Konoha ninja were regrouping. There was still much work to be done, but for the moment, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the warmth of the sun and the satisfaction of a battle well won.
The future, as always, would take care of itself.
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