Chapter 30: The Wind's Direction
After praising Kagenori, Orochimaru shifted to critiquing his flaws. "First, your hand seal speed requires more practice. In equal-level ninja duels, victory often goes to whoever seals faster. Slowness loses initiative, creating disadvantage. Thus, we'll add seal training."
"This is the primary issue. Other minor flaws observed during regular training will continue being addressed afterward."
"Overall performance was satisfactory. Given your previous numerous issues, summoning training was postponed. Once these minor flaws are resolved, you'll contract with Ryūchi Cave and gradually master summoning and my secret techniques."
Kagenori felt particularly interested in Orochimaru's secret techniques. Hearing he could finally learn them, he responded excitedly, "Yes, Orochimaru-sensei!"
Patting his shoulder, Orochimaru suddenly changed topics, whispering, "Kagenori, I understand your thoughts. Konoha is your prison. You strive so desperately to break free from it. Eventually, you'll leave Konoha..."
"Orochimaru-sensei—"
Frowning, Kagenori began protesting, but Orochimaru continued uninterrupted, "I said we're alike. I wish to learn all ninjutsu, but this limited body will inevitably become my burden—just as Konoha is your prison, this body is mine."
"I'll break free from this prison at any cost. As someone like you, I naturally recognize your intentions."
A wind gust stirred, lifting both their hair.
Gazing at the bright moon, Orochimaru's rasp held unique magnetism. "My expectations for you have risen. I want to see where this wind carries you—as my student."
Kagenori stared blankly, uncertain of Orochimaru's meaning. Regardless, stating his position seemed wise now. "Orochimaru-sensei, I'll always be Konoha's ninja."
Glancing down with a smile, Orochimaru's eyes revealed indescribable emotions. He too was currently confused.
Having witnessed friend Kato Dan and student Nawaki's deaths during the Second Shinobi World War—especially Nawaki, whose personality opposed his yet resembled Jiraiya's, remaining his most beloved student—Orochimaru pondered life's meaning. Seeing wartime disregard for life convinced him of its fragility.
Yet he believed human bodies contained untapped lifetime potential—only by learning all ninjutsu could one grasp world truths. But the sheer volume made complete mastery impossible within one lifespan. Thus, his body felt increasingly burdensome.
Secretly killing guards, he'd infiltrated Konoha's forbidden technique repository, seizing numerous scrolls—including the crucially important Impure World Reincarnation, allowing summoning dead souls back to life.
Though not yet mastering it, studying this technique provided inspiration: the soul. Human bodies were containers, souls the essence. If transferring one's soul into another's body were possible, could immortality be achieved?
Currently, Orochimaru remained theoretical, not officially experimenting. But human experimentation would inevitably involve taboos—strictly forbidden across the ninja world as unethical, especially for Konoha's Hokage's student.
He felt bound not only by his body but societal ethics. Were he not the Hokage's student or Konoha ninja, he'd experiment freely.
Now deeply conflicted, he couldn't abandon ethics for unrestrained human experimentation.
Regarding Kagenori—initially, Orochimaru had merely humored Sarutobi's request to assess his suitability. The boy's talent was undeniable, but what truly decided Orochimaru was Kagenori's unconsciously revealed expression—the ends-justify-means determination Orochimaru himself had worn during the Second War.
Recalling when he, Jiraiya, and Tsunade were trapped by Iwa-nin in a cave, Jiraiya severely wounded, Orochimaru had considered killing him to avoid burdening Tsunade and himself. Tsunade accused him of unscrupulousness toward comrades.
She was right—he would do anything to achieve goals. Had he remained that person, he'd have conducted human experiments without hesitation.
Seeing Kagenori now felt like observing his past self—Orochimaru found him immensely appealing. He wanted to see whether this similar wind would soar or stall midway.
Under Orochimaru's gaze, Kagenori grew intensely nervous, clueless about his thoughts.
Turning away, Orochimaru said, "Don't overthink. Proceed with your plans. I won't hinder you—I'll assist you. Because you're my student, I'll train you thoroughly, making you the wind that can soar."
Kagenori watched his back with strange emotions. Something felt off about Orochimaru currently. His attitude seemed different somehow.
'Because you're my student'—it sounded like genuine acknowledgment. But would self-centered Orochimaru truly accept him? Unlike Orochimaru's other subordinates, all mere tools?
Currently confused, Kagenori decided against speaking further. Orochimaru recognized his eventual departure from Konoha, but since he said "proceed with your plans," presumably his true intentions remained safe for now.