"I came to take a look at the children…"
Facing Hizashi, Orochimaru unconsciously smiled, his expression unusually friendly.
In a sense, this man could be considered a reflection of his teacher.
Moreover, after Orochimaru had persuaded Hyūga Tenzō to abandon the Caged Bird Seal, he had already established a naturally amicable relationship with the Hyūga branch family.
He also shared the bond of bloodline and cursed seal transplantation with Hizashi. Maintaining a good relationship with him would at least make Danzō think twice before stirring up trouble...
'It was Sensei's idea...'
A thought crossed Orochimaru's mind, and he added: "Sensei has been urging me to take on another disciple. After giving it some thought, I feel that if I find a suitable candidate, choosing a child from the orphanage would be ideal."
"When Sensei accepted disciples back then, it was Jiraiya and me—both civilian shinobi—along with Tsunade..."
"That composition would still work very well today."
"Hizashi, you know the situation. Konohagakure has been making many moves abroad lately. Taking in a war orphan and bringing them into the Hokage's faction is the least I can do as Sensei's student."
As the Hokage's disciple—and the man widely regarded throughout the village as the most likely candidate to become the Fourth Hokage—Orochimaru could not choose a disciple lightly.
The selection had to take into account the village's current circumstances, balancing the proportion between clan shinobi and civilian shinobi while deciding which clans to involve.
If special circumstances arose, he could even follow Tobirama's example and recruit additional close aides under the banner of a "Shadow Guard Unit," expanding the ranks of his allies.
Although Hiruzen had no intention of interfering in whom Orochimaru chose as a disciple...
Orochimaru himself had to consider what was best for the Hokage.
It was a reflection of his overall judgment and capability.
Hizashi's somewhat stiff smile immediately became more animated when he heard Hiruzen's name.
In his view, given Orochimaru's status and lineage, almost no one in the village would refuse the opportunity to become his disciple. There was no need for him to come searching here...
So if he had come to the orphanage looking for a disciple, then just as he claimed, it was to help shoulder the Hokage's burdens.
Hizashi was both a Konoha Council member and Tenzō's son.
Naturally, he understood that Amegakure in the present—and Kirigakure in the future—had a high probability of integrating with Konohagakure.
At a time like this, choosing an orphan who had not originally been born in Konohagakure as a disciple was indeed an excellent move.
It would subtly demonstrate Konoha's inclusiveness.
"Councilman Orochimaru, you've worked hard."
"There are several promising children here. One of them may even surprise you."
Hizashi pointed toward a silver-haired boy and introduced him in particular: "This kid has exceptional learning ability and remarkable talent for medical ninjutsu. Even Candidate Yakushi Nonō praises him highly and says he has a good personality."
"His name is Yakushi Kabuto. He took Nonō's surname, and his given name means protection."
A kabuto was an ancient style of helmet.
The meaning behind the name Nonō had given him was to encourage Kabuto to become Konoha's armor in the future and protect his comrades.
Orochimaru nodded slightly and quietly asked: "Thank you for the recommendation... What brings you here? Was it Sensei's idea, or...?"
"No, no." Hizashi hurriedly waved his hands.
"Ever since the village began providing financial support, the orphanage has expanded significantly. Candidate Nonō has taken in many war orphans, and if we're talking about backgrounds alone, they're a very mixed group."
"Although Candidate Nonō was once known as the Wandering Miko and was among the finest intelligence shinobi, no matter how experienced a person is, there's always the possibility that disguised spies could slip through."
"I'm here to screen for spies and also to ensure the orphanage's funding is being properly used."
Looking at the children of the orphanage, Hizashi smiled faintly.
"And to provide them with some necessary education about loving the village."
"These children have suffered greatly because of war. They need to understand who it is that truly brought them hope."
Orochimaru nodded in approval.
Under the guidance of Nonō, an outstanding educator in medical ninjutsu, Konoha's orphanage had already produced a number of competent medical shinobi.
With projects such as the Sage Region Pills and Medical Chakra Scrolls flourishing throughout Konoha, these medical shinobi who could quickly be put to work were exactly what the village desperately needed.
But desperate need was one thing.
Konoha's core industrial technologies still had to be entrusted only to people whose loyalty was beyond question.
Nonō would screen them once.
Hizashi would screen them again.
Then Danzō, together with the Yamanaka and Uchiha clans, would conduct the final inspection.
Three rounds of review from multiple perspectives to prevent spies from infiltrating.
As for the other talented orphan shinobi, after joining Konoha as supplemental personnel...
Having grown up eating the Hokage's food and wearing the Hokage's clothes, with no preexisting factional ties of their own, they would become one of the most reliable pillars among the village's middle ranks, loyally supporting every decision the Hokage made.
"Take your time looking around. I have work to attend to."
Hizashi nodded to Orochimaru before turning and leaving.
"Kabuto, huh?"
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes as he studied the silver-haired child.
He found Nonō and asked her to bring Kabuto over.
"Young man, would you like to join Konohagakure?"
Orochimaru spoke with a cheerful smile.
"Nonō tells me you possess both perseverance and talent in medical ninjutsu. Why don't you show me what you can do?"
Nonō's eyes immediately lit up.
She had thought something serious had happened in the village...
First Hizashi arrived, then Orochimaru.
If Danzō showed up too, the full set would be complete.
It had been rather frightening!
But it seemed they were simply here to recruit a disciple?
"Kabuto, this is Mr. Orochimaru—the disciple most highly regarded by the Hokage, an authority in both research and medicine, and the most respected member of the Konoha Council..."
Nonō introduced him earnestly.
"Oh, not at all..."
Orochimaru let out the refined chuckle of an old-money gentleman and replied with practiced modesty: "It's true that Sensei favors me, but I'm still merely a student in the fields of research and medicine. Calling me an authority would be an exaggeration."
"At most, I have a few modest insights."
The moment he heard the title disciple of the Hokage, Kabuto's eyes instantly began to shine with excitement.
Before he had been taken in by the orphanage, he had lived a life without proper clothing and often went hungry.
Barely surviving on a ninja's enhanced physique, he had managed to stay alive by scavenging for scraps despite his young age...
But after arriving at the orphanage, although the conditions there could not compare to the Konoha Ninja Academy, life was still comfortably above average.
There was never any shortage of thick, warm clothing, and every meal came with hot food and plenty to eat.
Director Nonō, along with several teachers who had come from the Konoha Ninja Academy to assist with instruction, always taught the children ninjutsu with patience and kindness, gradually nurturing their sense of belonging to and admiration for Konoha.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the most passionate dream in every child's heart at this orphanage was to become a proud shinobi of Konohagakure.
Kabuto was no exception.
He had long since come to regard the gentle Nonō as his real mother, and since the director was a candidate for the Konoha Council, he naturally wanted to follow in her footsteps.
Moreover, after Hiruzen's special funding and support policies were implemented, life at the orphanage became increasingly stable and comfortable.
Nonō sincerely spent every day telling the children stories about the Hokage's deeds and kindness.
Over time, the children's loyalty to Konoha and the Hokage had nearly reached the level of Root!
Kabuto took a deep breath and looked nervously at Orochimaru as green medical chakra gathered in his hand.
Mystical Palm Technique!
Kabuto concentrated completely as he controlled the technique, demonstrating astonishing chakra control.
Despite being just a child, the skill he displayed was no less impressive than that of industrial medical shinobi who had trained under Tsunade for years.
That was talent...
Talent was inherently unreasonable. Sometimes all it needed was a little nourishment to produce results far beyond those of ordinary people.
"Interesting..." A trace of surprise flashed through Orochimaru's eyes.
He had not come here with high expectations.
After all, compared to Konohagakure, the orphanage's pool of candidates was bound to be on a completely different level.
Orochimaru had not found many youngsters in the village itself who caught his eye...
Yet here was a hidden gem overlooked by the world?
"Councilman Orochimaru, this child loves to study. Not only is his chakra control excellent, but he's also very interested in reading all kinds of books and records..."
A thought occurred to Nonō, and she spoke gently.
She was not exaggerating.
One of the primary ways they fostered the children's identification with Konoha was by telling them stories about the village's famous figures and great accomplishments...
Among them, Kabuto had shown a particularly strong interest in Orochimaru.
"Councilman Orochimaru, could you give me your autograph?"
Kabuto glanced at Nonō, took a deep breath, and gathered his courage.
"I've admired you for a long time!"
He pulled out a card bearing a hand-drawn portrait of Orochimaru.
The likeness was somewhat distorted, but it was still clearly recognizable as Orochimaru.
This was quite popular in the orphanage. Many children drew pictures of their favorite Konoha shinobi and kept them as treasured collectibles.
"Hehe..."
Orochimaru took the card and examined it carefully.
The condition of the paper and the degree of wear made it obvious that this was not something Kabuto had hastily prepared today. It had clearly been carried in his pocket for quite some time...
He was reminded of the group photo of Team Hiruzen that Hiruzen treasured so dearly.
His heart softened involuntarily.
"As for an autograph, that won't be necessary."
Orochimaru slipped the card into his own pocket. Looking at the disappointment on Kabuto's face, he rubbed the boy's head and said with a smile: "Would you like to come with me?"
"Become my disciple."
Kabuto's disappointment vanished instantly.
His little heart began pounding wildly.
He stared up at Orochimaru, his gaze frozen in place.
Lord Orochimaru wanted to take him as a disciple?
Though Kabuto was still young, children who grew up in poverty matured quickly. He could vaguely understand what this meant...
"I would! I would!"
He agreed immediately.
Suppressing the overwhelming joy in his heart, he turned to Nonō.
"Director, Lord Orochimaru is taking me as his disciple!"
"You should call him Orochimaru-sensei from now on," Nonō said with a bright smile.
"Councilman Orochimaru, I'll leave Kabuto in your care. If this child ever becomes disobedient, please don't hesitate to discipline him strictly."
"Although he's a very well-behaved child, so I doubt that will happen."
"Kabuto, make sure to learn as much as you can from Councilman Orochimaru. Do everything within your ability to help your teacher. In the future, become a powerful shinobi who protects the village!"
Nonō spoke earnestly.
"Don't worry, Director! I'll do everything I can for Orochimaru-sensei!"
Kabuto clenched his fists.
"I'll become very, very strong and protect the village! Protect Lord Hokage!"
Orochimaru couldn't help laughing.
Protect his teacher?
The sentiment was admirable. He could understand the sincerity and passion in a child's heart.
But the moment he remembered Hiruzen lifting Hanzō into the air and slamming him into the ground, he almost lost his composure.
At present, Hiruzen was not someone who needed much protection.
He was the one protecting the village.
"Speaking of teachers, since you're my disciple, I should take you to meet him."
Orochimaru said with a smile.
Only then did Kabuto realize something.
Orochimaru was the Hokage's disciple.
And he was Orochimaru's disciple...
Which meant that he now had a connection to the Hokage as well?
Kabuto felt dizzy with excitement, his face turning red without him realizing it.
As a war orphan, he had never imagined he would one day receive such an opportunity.
He had never even dreamed of something like this happening.
Nonō rubbed Kabuto's head, her heart filled with joy.
The significance of a child from the Konoha Orphanage entering the Hokage's faction was immense.
Before this, the orphanage had merely been a peripheral institution used to shelter war orphans. Even with the Hokage's financial support, it had never truly enjoyed a high level of recognition within Konoha's system.
But now, one of its children had become Orochimaru's disciple—and a member of the Hokage's lineage...
It was equivalent to stamping the entire orphanage system with the mark of the Hokage's faction and granting it official endorsement from Konoha's highest leadership.
Kabuto was like a lamp, illuminating a path that every child in the orphanage could see and reach.
Their dream of becoming Konoha shinobi now had a tangible example to follow.
Kabuto's story would show them that even war orphans raised in an orphanage could earn the village's recognition and the favor of the Will of Fire, so long as they remained loyal to Konoha and worked hard to improve themselves.
For the orphanage, the emergence of someone like Kabuto would make it much easier for future village support policies to be implemented and carried out.
Orochimaru rubbed Kabuto's head and suddenly found himself lost in thought.
In truth, his own background was somewhat similar to Kabuto's.
Both were orphans who had lost their families to war.
In terms of material conditions, the young Orochimaru had probably not lived as well as Kabuto did now...
'The talent I displayed back then may have been somewhat better than Kabuto's, but it wasn't exceptionally outstanding...'
'I could even be described as a bit dense at the time.'
Remembering his childhood self, Orochimaru's lips twitched, though a genuine smile also appeared on his face.
The memory was a little embarrassing, yet precious enough to savor again and again.
'How did Sensei ever decide to take me as his disciple?'
'Perhaps it was simply fate...'
Orochimaru took Kabuto's hand and led him toward the orphanage gate.
"Come on. There's no need to pack your belongings. Once we get to the village, I'll buy you new ones."
Feeling the coolness of Orochimaru's hand, Kabuto turned around and waved reluctantly at Nonō.
"Then I'm leaving with sensei, Director..."
Nonō's eyes curved into crescents.
"Go on, go on! Come back and visit the orphanage whenever you have time. Chat with the other children too..."
Kabuto nodded vigorously.
After one final look at Nonō and the orphanage, he turned away.
This place was wonderful. If he had to spend the rest of his life here, he would have been willing...
But going to Konoha would clearly open up a much broader future.
Besides, Kabuto understood that Director Nonō hoped every child in the orphanage would someday enter Konohagakure.
The Hokage had sheltered them from the wind and rain, so naturally they should grow into capable people and repay that kindness.
'I'll come back one day...'
Kabuto made a silent vow.
'I'll work hard and become the next director!'
Holding Kabuto's hand, Orochimaru squinted slightly against the midday sunlight.
Long ago, Hiruzen had held his hand in much the same way and led him into a new life...
'Passing the torch, huh?'
Orochimaru sighed inwardly.
'The Will of Fire truly does exist...'
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