Konoha Village. Fourth Training Ground.
Gen arrived ten minutes early, settling under the broad shade of an old tree.
Eight minutes later, he opened his eyes. From the earth beneath another tree's shadow, a figure emerged.
Long black hair. Golden slit pupils. Purple markings trailing from eyelids to nose. Skin pale as bone. A light-yellow kimono cinched with a purple rope.
A faint, knowing smile. Confidence, indifference and mystery.
"Orochimaru-sama."
Gen stood, straight-backed, bowing with neither arrogance nor deference.
"Gen-kun, was it? Anko told me you wish to become my student."
His voice rasped like a snake's hiss — low, dangerous.
"Yes."
A chuckle, dry and humorless.
"I know you. The Uchiha twins. Talented. Strong. But why," Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed, "should I accept you?"
Gen's tone was even. "Because the Uchiha clan can help Orochimaru-sama become Hokage, with resources, with funding, with influence."
"Oh? And if I refuse… the clan will throw its weight behind Namikaze Minato?"
The words weren't finished before killing intent burst forth, pressing against him like an avalanche. Gen's brow tightened for a heartbeat, then smoothed again.
Terrifying. For most, this aura would crush their composure — maybe even their mind. But I'm not some greenhouse flower.
"The Uchiha clan will fully support no one, and offend no one," Gen said calmly. "For example, Uchiha Shisui has already gained Minato-senpai's approval, joining Team 7. If his performance pleases Minato-senpai, he'll become his disciple."
"Oh?"
The pressure eased. Orochimaru tilted his head, interest flickering in his eyes. "A clever idea. Whoever wins, you profit. Though… it's an unpleasant strategy."
Gen didn't flinch. "We are not a minor clan. We have no need to gamble everything. We walk the most stable path — and we have the strength to play both sides."
Orochimaru didn't argue. The largest clan in the shinobi world could afford that luxury.
"Does Minato know?"
"Not yet."
"And you're not afraid I'll tell him?"
"With Minato-senpai's temperament, he might be displeased, but he wouldn't go back on his word. Besides…" Gen's eyes narrowed slightly, "with your pride, Orochimaru-sama, you wouldn't bother with such a petty move."
"Heh… so you've studied me?"
The tongue flickered from between pale lips, eyes glinting like a coiled viper's. For a moment, Gen felt the chill of venom close at hand.
But he didn't look away. "I wouldn't dare. Human nature is fickle. Anyone who is certain they can control it completely… is not far from death."
The sense of danger vanished.
"You're not a fool blinded by your own cleverness," Orochimaru said. "I like that."
"And… these ideas — they're yours, not Fugaku's."
"Orochimaru-sama has a sharp eye."
"It's the perfect moment for change at the top. Not taking advantage would be wasteful. If the old guard dislikes us, we can at least make ourselves useful in the new era."
Orochimaru turned the words over in his mind. Opportunity must be seized that much he agreed with. And he knew Danzo's dislike for the Uchiha ran deep.
"It seems your clan has produced a rare one," he said at last. "Most Uchiha I've met are warriors, not strategists."
"You're too kind. I just read more than most, and think more than most."
A faint smirk. "Very well. I'll make this deal with the Uchiha. But I want funding and... don't give Minato more than you give me."
"Of course," Gen said smoothly. "I'll pass that to the young clan leader. There will be no issue."
"Good. You'll handle the transfers from now on." Then Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "Now… let's see your strength. If you impress me, I'll teach you personally. If not… this will be nothing but a transaction in name only."
"I'll earn your approval," Gen said. And he meant it.
There was much to gain from Orochimaru — knowledge, skill, resources. Recognition was only the first step.
After all, Orochimaru's track record with his true disciples was undeniable. Anko had been an exception, left behind when he defected, wounded by betrayal, she'd stagnated into a special jōnin. But even she had once been a prodigy under his hand.
And Sasuke… was proof enough of what Orochimaru could make of a genius.