Time passed by without them realizing it.
The three of them routinely survived, were disciplined by Garp, and had to study cultural lessons. Ever since Ace found out about Orochimaru being beaten by Garp when he was a child, Orochimaru completely let go of himself, acting shamelessly obedient in front of Garp.
As for why there were still cultural lessons, one reason was that Ace needed to learn etiquette because he was the older brother and had to take care of his younger brother. He wanted to thank Red Hair when he saw him in the future. Orochimaru thought it was unnecessary but politeness was still important. The second reason was Orochimaru's belief that knowledge changes destiny, and it would be embarrassing to go out to sea without even knowing how to read.
Thus, the three of them grew up while being beaten by Garp.
This year, Ace was 17, and Orochimaru and Luffy were 14.
The other two were still the same, but Orochimaru seemed to have become more long-winded, and his personality... well, it's hard to describe, it's unclear who he was infected by.
The Village chief, Makino, and Dadan's family of mountain bandits stood on the shore, seeing Ace off.
Ace adjusted his hat, "Goodbye, Orochimaru, Luffy, I'm heading out first."
"Hmm, I'll be stronger when we set sail in three years."
Ace smiled brightly, without a hint of gloom.
Watching Ace about to leave, Orochimaru finally couldn't resist pulling out a megaphone. As for where the megaphone came from, don't forget Orochimaru's system shop, which didn't have many good items.
A unique hoarse voice came from the megaphone, "Ace... you idiot!! Button up your pants! Tidy up your belt properly!!! Don't leave your clothes open!! Are you a hentai!!"
Everyone else twitched their mouths, slapped their foreheads... Orochimaru's intermittent madness was acting up again.
(￣mouth￣)!! The small boat's oars were being rowed so fast by Ace, splashing water everywhere, leaving like a flash. Orochimaru really became less and less cute as he grew up. How did he develop such a nagging, motherly personality, even more so than Dadan! He was so shy when he was little... Wait... shy? Why would I use shy to describe that cunning snake... Something's not right. He's just an uncute stinky younger brother. Luffy is much cuter... What to do... I'm suddenly a little worried about Luffy... Oh well.
Despite Ace's departure, everyone still received a beating from Garp... They lay scattered on the ground, even Orochimaru wasn't spared. Garp just sighed, but said nothing.
Life had to go on. News Coo would occasionally bring back news of Ace, and sometimes Sabo's figure could be seen in the Revolutionary Army's section.
Another three years passed, and it was the day Luffy set sail. Luffy earnestly asked Dadan if she really wasn't going to see him off.
Dadan turned her back to Luffy, "No, we're mountain bandits. Going down the mountain would scare the people in the Village."
Luffy smiled happily, "Although I really dislike mountain bandits, I really like Dadan and everyone! Thank you for taking care of me all these years. Orochimaru is packing his things, and he asked me to tell you that you're an excellent foster mother."
Dadan wiped away tears emotionally (இ ω இ), "Get lost, you stinky brat! You only know how to make me cry. Although you're the Captain, you should occasionally listen to Orochimaru. Pay more attention to Orochimaru's emotions; he's become so twisted and perverted. He's never been cute since he was little, but he's still your younger brother."
Although they said they wouldn't see them off, Dadan's family still secretly hid in a corner, watching Luffy and Orochimaru being sent off by the villagers, and then departing after Luffy punched down the Lord of the Coast (꒦ ິ - ꒦ ິ).
On the vast sea, there was only a small wooden boat and a wooden barrel. Luffy refused the fishing boat the villagers wanted to provide. There was only Luffy on the boat. As for Orochimaru, he disliked the small space and transformed into a snake, curling up in a clean small box.
Luffy squatted on the ground, looking at the snake, "Orochimaru... don't you dislike crowded, confined spaces more and more ( ⌯ ' ' ⌯ )"
"The boat is too small, I can't move around. Everywhere is the same, at least it's cleaner here."
"We're finally at sea! From today onwards, Orochimaru is not only my younger brother but also a Companion! I'm the Captain, so Orochimaru will be the first mate! Wow, that sounds so cool!"
Luffy put on a serious expression, "I am Captain Luffy! This is first mate Orochimaru. We'll have ten Companions, but the first one will be a musician, right, Orochimaru ✧(≖ ◡ ≖ ✿)"
"Yes, yes, yes... Captain Luffy... Please note the whirlpool ahead, please turn."
After Orochimaru spoke, Luffy was still immersed in silly laughter until he was caught in the whirlpool and reacted, hurriedly clutching Orochimaru's box and diving into the wooden barrel.
It was dark, crowded, and confined. Orochimaru had recently been recalling memories from the Naruto World, being sealed in darkness.
What was he thinking at that time? It seemed he wasn't thinking anything because he knew someone would rescue him. Kabuto was his most loyal subordinate, and even if he failed, he failed.
He had no expectations for that world, so what about this world? At first, it was just because of the memories in his mind, being picked up by Garp, and choosing to stay.
Later, it was because he also had brothers, had bonds, and wanted to live with them.
What about now? Luffy had already set sail, for his dream of becoming the Pirate King. Every one of his Crewmates was gathered for a dream.
So what is my dream? Immortality? It seems I already have it. Through years of research on this body, I found that the body is still my past life's body, just a different age. It's a perfect product after the technology was completed after Naruto became Hokage.
Because of the Devil Fruit, there's no need to frequently replace clones; simply shedding skin can maintain the state and youth. As long as the differentiated snake bodies are preserved, I can revive. Immortality is already achieved.
So, the next step, for now, will be to help Luffy become the Pirate King. After all, I still have a lot of time to explore the secrets of different worlds. Thinking about it, it's not bad. I quickly reaffirmed my goal and broke free from my slump.
But... ugh, I'm so dizzy. The crazy spinning of the whirlpool made Orochimaru see stars. How many years has it been since I was this disheveled? I'll kill Luffy first after we get out! I'm going to die!! Does he still remember that he's a Devil Fruit User? Wait! I am too! As expected, I must beat him 100 times after we get out!!!! 100 times!!