Speed wasn't one of Uchiha Gen's standout strengths, but it was no weakness either; after acquiring the Young Madara card, his explosive burst while moving had clearly increased.
While tracking earlier, Gen had clearly seen that Minato Namikaze used the most basic Body Flicker Technique—a D-rank Ninjutsu that simply channels chakra to the legs to boost instantaneous explosive force.
Minato's undeniable talent practically spilled from his body, and since he had no ninja clan behind him, the Third Hokage—unless his brain had melted—would definitely pull him into his own faction and cultivate him.
Facts, in truth, unfolded just as Gen had predicted.
"Orochimaru, what do you think of that boy Minato?"
Walking at the head of the group, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke to Orochimaru beside him.
"Oh, Lord Sarutobi, sending another person my way? Still, I am somewhat interested in the boy."
Orochimaru licked his lips and chuckled.
"Your squad is already full; adding another is inappropriate. I meant to ask if we should let Jiraiya train him," Hiruzen said gravely.
Jiraiya could be dependable when he wanted to be—and absolutely unreliable when he wasn't. The Third Hokage feared that handing Minato Namikaze to Jiraiya might ruin such a fine sapling.
"Today I put the squad under Jiraiya's lead; you can ask him how his teaching is going."
"Mm, if Jiraiya's instruction is adequate, that would be good news..."
The Third Hokage nodded slightly, planning to ask his own son later.
"I've seen Enju's recent progress, but Uchiha Gen has improved even more. Orochimaru, it seems my ability to teach disciples has been learned by you."
"Lord Sarutobi, his rate of improvement has exceeded my expectations as well—perhaps the change brought by the Sharingan he only recently awakened."
Orochimaru shook his head. By his calculations, Gen should have improved, but not this much—after all, he had only just equipped the Young Madara character card.
"No matter what, his current strength owes much to your guidance. If Jiraiya's tutelage proves insufficient, I hope you can offer pointers to the boy."
The Third Hokage currently held Orochimaru's teaching ability in high regard. Orochimaru's eyes sharpened.
"One year from now, or..."
"Mm... I suppose you can see it too. This year's fifth-year Academy students will graduate early. With Kumogakure's actions, even those who wish to negotiate and ease the war pressure will never be agreed with.
The war between Konoha and Kumogakure will restart because negotiations failed, and from the outset, it will enter high-intensity combat. Our fronts toward the Land of Rain and the Land of Wind are equally urgent; manpower pressure is enormous. Not only will your batch, back from the front for a month's rest, return, but even the new generation of ninja will head to the front to reinforce.
When the High Council meets, they will likely pass a resolution for upper-grade Academy students to graduate early. But what makes me decide this isn't that—it's Danzo."
"Danzo..."
Understanding flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. Danzo's Root members are near-emotionless fanatics; no clan is willing to send its promising children there. So he either drafts members of his own Shimura clan or sets his sights on civilians—especially orphans. Minato Namikaze fits every one of Danzo's requirements; with talent overflowing, Danzo wouldn't be able to resist.
"Mm, I noticed the boy two years ago. His personality isn't suited to Root; with Danzo's training methods, his spirit would be ground away. Temperamentally, I believe he and Jiraiya are the best match.
Before he graduates, I'll block Danzo's covetous gaze; after graduation, it'll be up to you to cultivate these gifted children. When I grow old, they'll become flourishing branches helping you support the village."
Hiruzen spoke meaningfully to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru understood. He could feel that the Third Hokage truly treated him as a successor, raising him to be a future Hokage.
But... Hokage?
Orochimaru lifted his gaze to the bright moon rising in the distance. That was not the dream that had set him on the path of a shinobi; it was an expectation from the Third Hokage and those close to him.
In a trance, through the moon he seemed to see his former student Nawaki again, fervently shouting his goal of becoming Hokage. Orochimaru turned his head toward Gen, who was chatting and laughing with Minato and Kushina.
Hokage it is; he would simply do what he should and what he wished. If one person lacked the energy, he could follow Lord Sarutobi's example and raise a capable disciple to do the donkey-work...
When Gen returned to the clan compound, it was already late at night. As usual, he bathed, changed clothes, burned incense, prayed, then drew cards.
[System drawing...]
[Acquired: Item Card: Paper Bomb ×3 (White)]
[Item Description: Upon use, obtain three standard paper bombs.]
Gen's eyes flickered; he raised a palm.
[Use this item card?]
[Yes.]
Three white tags with red edges, the classic paper bombs, lay neatly before him.
"Standard-issue paper bombs—tch—not bad; together they're worth quite a bit of coin."
Gen looked satisfied. Though a white-grade item, it was top-tier among whites. Paper bombs come in many patterns, and the three he drew were the classic variety. Only three, but still pricey; used well, they could produce impressive results.
The next day.
Although negotiations had broken down and Orochimaru's mission should have ended, he still hadn't returned to his squad; as Jonin squad leader, he assisted the Hokage with war preparations. The Orochimaru Squad remained under Jiraiya's temporary command.
Everyone could clearly feel the tense atmosphere in Konoha: Anbu constantly dashed across streets and rooftops, delivering messages from the Hokage. Not until the third morning did Orochimaru reappear before the team.
Yet he did not take them back to training.