Orochimaru really seemed to think of himself as a snake. Instead of living in a proper house, he insisted on squatting in a cold, damp cave.
Yami had no such preferences, so he asked Yakushi Kabuto to take him to find a relatively spacious house within the village.
After entering the room, Yakushi Kabuto carefully inspected it. Once he confirmed there were no traps, he immediately knelt on one knee.
"Greetings, Yami-sama."
"No need to be so formal, stand up."
Yami casually sat on a chair and looked around. The room was bare—no furniture, not even a cup to drink water.
Kabuto lowered his voice thoughtfully, "I'll bring in supplies shortly."
"Alright. I trust you with the task. Don't go overboard though, I won't be staying long."
Yami looked at him curiously. "Let's talk about you. How did you end up with Orochimaru?"
Kabuto gave a bitter smile and slowly began to explain his experience.
After successfully inciting Hoshigaki Kisame to defect, Kabuto's mission in the Land of Water was complete. He spent some time tying up loose ends, then faked his death to escape and prepare for his return to Konoha.
Unexpectedly, by chance, he ran into Orochimaru, who had come to the Land of Water to purchase supplies.
Having read countless intel reports back in Root, Kabuto knew exactly what kind of person Orochimaru was.
Those deemed useless were killed without hesitation. Only by demonstrating one's value and catching his interest could one hope to survive.
So Kabuto immediately showcased his talent in medical ninjutsu. As expected, Orochimaru took a liking to him. Rather than being killed like other ordinary shinobi, he was brought back—essentially kidnapped.
But Kabuto was still Kabuto. In Orochimaru's organization, he was like a fish in water.
In just a short time, he had become one of Orochimaru's most trusted subordinates. At the very least, he was now an experimental assistant rather than a test subject.
After hearing this, Yami couldn't help showing a look of pity.
To run into such a low-probability encounter, it could only be chalked up to fate.
Yami consoled his capable subordinate. "It's alright. Now that you're here, staying under Orochimaru is not a bad thing. You two are quite compatible."
"Even if he hadn't caught you, I had planned to send you here as a spy. He has things I need."
"If you get the chance, study more of his ninjutsu and scientific knowledge. Orochimaru is a good teacher. As long as he doesn't kill you, your future potential is limitless."
Kabuto gave a speechless glance.
What does he mean by as long as Orochimaru doesn't kill me? That's too much pressure.
Living every day beside a cold-blooded snake, Kabuto was constantly on edge, afraid of revealing any flaws.
"You'll understand later."
Yami didn't explain much. Kabuto hadn't been here long enough to experience Orochimaru's mentor-like side.
The clearest example was Sasuke.
Sasuke trained with Orochimaru for two and a half years. Naruto trained with Jiraiya for the same amount of time.
That was the period where the strength gap between Naruto and Sasuke was the widest.
Sasuke, with only the Three Tomoe Sharingan, the Curse Seal's power, and the Forbidden Technique Kirin, already had Kage-level power. His taijutsu and ninjutsu had also improved greatly.
And Naruto?
Aside from stronger physical abilities and an increase in chakra, there was barely any noticeable change. He was completely overshadowed by Jiraiya.
He couldn't even release the power of the Nine Tails when facing Sasuke.
This alone showed the difference between Jiraiya and Orochimaru as teachers.
One teaches you how to be a person and raises you like a son.
The other finds a vessel and gives you everything you want.
Kabuto would eventually learn advanced techniques as well. Not only the complete version of Impure World Reincarnation, but also the ability to integrate the cells of many shinobi and master Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave.
"My lord."
While Yami was lost in thought, Kabuto spoke again.
"Kisame wants to meet you."
Hearing this, Yami snapped out of it and nodded. "Arrange it. Contact Kisame and let me know the time and place."
To avoid Orochimaru's suspicion, Kabuto quickly left. Not long after, a Sound shinobi delivered all the daily necessities.
The next day, Yami found Orochimaru.
Orochimaru also began fulfilling his role as a teacher.
Dressed like a researcher, if one ignored the strange eye shadow and snake-like pupils, he did have a scholarly air.
"Yami-kun, I'm best at tailoring my teaching to the student, but when it comes to you, I don't know where to begin. I know little about you, or what you're interested in."
"Hashirama cells. Impure World Reincarnation."
The smile on Orochimaru's face froze. He looked deeply at the boy.
"You've chosen quite boldly. Those are two of the most difficult subjects."
"Impure World Reincarnation is still incomplete. As for Hashirama cells, progress has been nonexistent."
"I know."
Yami interrupted, "That's exactly why I came to you. The village has completely abandoned these studies, but you've been working on perfecting them."
"Well then." Orochimaru gave a slight smile. "To be honest, I'm not confident I can perfect Impure World Reincarnation. But with you joining in, maybe I'll find new inspiration."
"Let me show you a few of my treasures first."
Orochimaru led Yami out of the lab, taking several turns through the winding cave passages before arriving at the prison sector.
A white-haired boy with green eyes and two red dots on his forehead sat quietly on a bed. He only looked up when he saw the two of them enter.
"Lord Orochimaru."
"This is Kaguya Kimimaro, a member of the Kaguya clan."
Orochimaru first nodded at the boy, then introduced him to Yami. "The Kaguya clan rebelled against Kirigakure. He's the sole survivor. I was lucky to find him."
"And then you locked him up here?"
"No. Kimimaro simply prefers the quiet here. I haven't restricted his freedom."
Hearing their conversation, Kimimaro's calm eyes wavered slightly as he looked at Yami with hostility.
[You have formed a 'hate' bond with Kimimaro. Reward: Physical Fitness Enhanced.]
Yami was amused.
"Kid, what's that look for?"
"You disrespected Lord Orochimaru."
Kimimaro stood up. He was a bit thinner than Yami.
"Anyone who disrespects Lord Orochimaru is my enemy. I will kill you."
"You know why Orochimaru brought you here?" Yami asked, intrigued.
"I know."
To Yami's surprise, Kimimaro nodded. "I will do my best to become a qualified vessel."
Now Yami was truly shocked. In just a few months, he'd already been brainwashed to this extent.
"Impressive."
Yami gave Orochimaru a thumbs up. Orochimaru gave a modest smile but said nothing.
"A lot of people want to kill me. You'll have to wait your turn."
"Train hard. Just don't die of your illness before you have the strength to kill me."
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed.
Yami had already walked to the next cell.
Orochimaru quickly followed and whispered, "Yami-kun, you noticed?"
"Bloodline disease? It's common in the Kaguya clan."
Yami replied indifferently, "Not a good choice for reincarnation."
"Everything depends on human effort. There's always a chance it might succeed."
"Then we'll see."
After touring the place, Yami saw several familiar faces.
Kidomaru, Jirōbō, Sakon and Ukon, Tayuya, Suigetsu, and Jūgo who was born with a natural energy body.
When he saw Tayuya, Yami looked at her for a bit longer.
None of the others really caught his interest.
As for Jūgo, the natural energy within him had significant research value and became a focal point for Yami.
After finishing the tour, Orochimaru took Yami back to the lab and began teaching from basic cell theory.
Although Yami was average in some areas, he had acquired Kabuto's scientific talent long ago, and even spent two thousand bond points to upgrade it to high level.
Even Orochimaru was surprised by his learning speed.
Not only was Yami a monstrous ninja, but he also had terrifying scientific research abilities.
If it weren't for being wary of Yami's strength, Orochimaru would've wanted to brand him and keep him as a permanent research assistant.
Time flew by. Half a year passed in a blink.
During this time, Yami frequently traveled between Otogakure and Konoha. Thanks to Flying Thunder God, no one suspected anything.
No one realized the village's rising star had essentially become Orochimaru's son.
On the contrary, due to his recent low profile, Hiruzen was in a better mood and shifted his attention to training Kakashi.
Kakashi had recently gained fame after completing several difficult missions. The title of "Copy Ninja" had become even more renowned.
Yami understood Hiruzen's plan.
He wanted to build up Kakashi's reputation and prepare him to succeed as Hokage.
It was a decent plan. In peaceful times, strength mattered, but reputation and public image mattered even more.
What Itachi once said made sense.
It's not that becoming Hokage earns you everyone's approval. Only by earning everyone's approval can you become Hokage.
Whether that approval is truly understood—well, that's another story.
After all, how many times had Konoha ever let the people truly decide?
The Second Hokage was chosen by the clan heads, the Third was appointed by the Second, and the Fourth was basically manipulated into position by Orochimaru. If there had been a real vote, it's hard to say who would've won between Minato and Orochimaru.
Minato was strong, but Orochimaru had made countless contributions as a front-line commander. He wasn't someone easy to deal with.
As for Tsunade, her selection was decided by the elders and Jiraiya. The ordinary people weren't even given a chance to choose.
The so-called recognition of the villagers was nothing but lip service.
Yami had seen through Hiruzen's intentions, so he no longer cared.
He had quietly investigated the shopkeepers who bullied Naruto.
Some were driven out, others fined to the brink of bankruptcy.
Clearly, this was Kakashi's doing.
The seeds planted had begun to sprout.
In the future, Kakashi would grow further and distance himself from Hiruzen.
Yami had no obsession with the Hokage position, so there was no need to interfere.
Hiruzen's plan was doomed to fail.
The village remained peaceful. Yami focused more on Otogakure, researching Hashirama cells and the Reaper Death Seal with Orochimaru.
As for Akatsuki, changes began to emerge.
Uchiha Itachi and Biwa Jūzō encountered the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, during a mission in Kirigakure. When Yagura transformed into a full Tailed Beast, Biwa Jūzō created a legendary scene by slicing off its tail.
He then died, and Itachi escaped.
In truth, all of this had been orchestrated by Uchiha Obito to make room for Hoshigaki Kisame, who would replace Jūzō as Itachi's new partner and monitor him.
Upon receiving the order, Kisame grinned, passed the news to Kabuto, and arranged to meet that adult in the Land of Waves.
Yami agreed without hesitation.
In the Land of Waves, the Sun and Moon Garden enveloped this small island nation.
Kisame stood in the appointed spot, holding the massive Samehada sword.
Swish!
A figure appeared five meters away without him noticing.
The heavy mist was slightly blown away by the breeze.
Kisame squinted and carefully examined the person. After a while, he recognized him.
"Konoha Shinigami, Shimura Yami?"
"I'm also the adult Kabuto mentioned, and your future boss," Yami reminded.
"Hehehe."
Kisame laughed loudly. "How interesting. A kid not even grown up yet, knowing so many secrets of the ninja world and even seeing through my heart. How did you do it?"
"Age isn't a problem. I know far more secrets than this."
Yami waved his hand casually. "As a reward for working under me, I'll help you see through this false world and unlock your doubts."
"As for truth or lies, you can confirm it yourself later. That's part of the fun, isn't it?"
Kisame nodded in agreement. "You're right. The pursuit of truth is meaningful."
"But!"
Whoosh!
Samehada slashed through the air, aimed straight at Yami.
"That alone isn't enough to convince me. You have to prove you're qualified to command me—through strength!"
"You want me to beat you?"
"Exactly." Kisame smiled ferociously. "You, the so-called Konoha Shinigami, won't refuse my challenge, will you?"
"Of course not."
Yami cracked his knuckles joyfully. Uncle Snake had been too cooperative lately and hadn't given him any chances to move.
The girls at home were just sparring partners, and he couldn't go all out on them.
He hadn't gotten proper exercise in a while.
Kisame was barely suitable. With his massive chakra reserves, he was the perfect punching bag.
"Let's go. Demonstrating your strength also boosts employee morale. Don't feel pressured. Just use your full power."
"Refreshing. I like that."
Kisame praised, then planted Samehada into the ground and began forming hand seals honestly.
Yami's mouth twitched.
He really is the most honest man in the ninja world.
(To be continued.)
***
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