Orochimaru was lost in his memories.
Once upon a time, he believed that, as the disciple of the Third Hokage, he would devote his life to Konohagakure, showcasing his worth to its fullest.
Under Sarutobi Hiruzen's guidance, Orochimaru had gone from a boy curious about why life was so short, to a capable shinobi of the Leaf—willing to do whatever it took to complete a mission.
He thought life would go on like that forever. Missions when needed, research during downtime, and by his side, Tsunade and Jiraiya—two trusted comrades. He had thought himself the winner of life's lottery.
But then... his student died.
Orochimaru had always been a cold, indifferent person. If someone unimportant died, so be it. But Nawaki wasn't just his first student—he was also Tsunade's younger brother.
A direct descendant of the First Hokage, and he died for something so ridiculous—stepping on an explosive tag. Tsunade had screamed in agony, her heart broken. Even though she could crush enemies into pulp on the battlefield without flinching, she completely crumbled when faced with her brother's corpse.
Everyone knows life is a one-way journey—sooner or later, we all reach the end. When we see strangers get off the train early, we sigh, but deep down, we always hope our loved ones and ourselves can stay just a little longer.
Orochimaru had always treated his students well—especially Nawaki, who was far too special. Orochimaru had gone to great lengths to ensure Nawaki only operated in secure zones. Every route had been scouted multiple times. And yet, in the end, Nawaki stepped on a single trap and couldn't be saved.
Both Orochimaru and Tsunade were left with a shadow over their hearts. They began to doubt. Then, not long after confirming their relationship, Tsunade's lover, Kato Dan, also died mysteriously on the battlefield—deepening their suspicion.
Kato Dan had mastered the Spirit Transformation Technique. None of the other villages had jutsu that could target souls. As long as his body was protected while his spirit was out, he should have been invincible on the battlefield.
So how did he die?
After that, Tsunade withdrew from the warfront. Still young, she became obsessed with gambling and refused all suitors. She feared any man she cared for would meet a bizarre death. And just like that, the First Hokage's bloodline was at its end.
...
Later, the war ended, and the village needed to choose the next Hokage.
To some, Sarutobi Hiruzen's willingness to step down looked generous. But to Shimura Danzō and others, it reeked of hidden agendas.
Anyone in the spotlight gets their every move overanalyzed. That's just human nature—people always project their own schemes onto others.
Tsunade left. Jiraiya had no interest in politics. He recommended Namikaze Minato—a bright and sunny young man.
Orochimaru, obsessed with his research, didn't campaign for the role. Yet his name was still put forward as a candidate. According to Danzō, it was Hiruzen himself who added it to the list.
But in the end, Hiruzen chose Minato. He said Orochimaru wasn't fit to be Hokage.
What could Orochimaru do?
Science had always been his first love. If he couldn't be Hokage, then so be it. Still... he couldn't help but feel a bit resentful—resentful that his teacher had abandoned him.
Rumors spread. People whispered comparisons between him and Minato in the streets—how Orochimaru was cold and sinister, and how someone as warm as Minato was better suited to lead.
It all gave Orochimaru a strong sense of déjà vu. He sent a few small snakes to spy on the loudest gossips in the crowd...
The next day, Orochimaru went straight to Hiruzen's office to ask: why couldn't he be Hokage?
He wanted to hear the reason from his teacher's own mouth.
Hiruzen hesitated, then said: "Your methods are too dark. Your actions too cold."
Orochimaru didn't even hear the rest. He'd already understood his place in his teacher's eyes—a talented student, a powerful weapon, and a stepping stone for the Fourth Hokage...
Everything Orochimaru had learned was from Hiruzen himself. Did the Third think Danzō taught him to be this way?
That was the moment Orochimaru realized—he no longer belonged in Konoha. The petty politics, the backstabbing and games—they'd only steal more and more time away from his research.
It was time to cut ties.
Maybe his teacher saw he was slipping out of control and planned to eliminate him.
He had been caught red-handed performing human experiments on Konoha shinobi. But Tobirama Senju had done the same. Root had experimented with Wood Release too. Yet when others did it, the consequences were different.
For reasons unknown, Hiruzen had let him go.
Not that it mattered. Orochimaru was finally free to chase immortality.
The years since his departure had changed Konoha drastically. Once, he thought the village was still worth saving. But now...
Heh.
...
As these memories flickered through his mind, Orochimaru reached up and tore the false face from his skin—revealing a completely unfamiliar visage underneath.
"What the hell?!"
Everyone saw it—Orochimaru, who should be well over fifty, was using the body of a young woman.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes widened. Even his movements slowed.
"So... that forbidden jutsu of yours... it worked."
"Yes. Let me show you the fruits of my labor."
"You really are a twisted soul... Looks like I was right not to choose you."
There was regret in Hiruzen's voice. But Orochimaru no longer felt anything. He had found the right path, and right now, he was only showing off to his former teacher.
(In Boruto, Orochimaru remains young and healthy, with no sign of aging. Whether his quest for immortality is right or wrong remains unclear—but he has certainly climbed higher and gone further than most.)
Ignoring Hiruzen's rebuke, Orochimaru spoke on his own terms.
"Konoha really is a fun place. Tell me, sensei—have you truly been blind this whole time? Let's not even talk about other hidden threats. But a massive human-meat ramen shop operating right in the village? And the top brass didn't notice a thing?"
That one genuinely shocked Hiruzen.
"A... human meat ramen shop?"
Orochimaru didn't elaborate. He was clearly disappointed—Hiruzen's grasp on the village had grown so weak. And now he was trapped inside a barrier. His most trusted man, Danzō, hadn't even shown up. The two Hokage advisors were nowhere to be found either...
...
Outside the Four Violet Flames Formation, the ANBU were still watching from a distance.
"If we wanted to break this barrier from the outside, we'd need several times the power of the shinobi who cast it," one of them said. "But the village is in chaos. We're seriously short on manpower."
Another tried to see the bright side.
"Well, at least the barrier keeps Orochimaru contained. His large-scale jutsu won't harm the villagers."
They whispered among themselves, then concluded—
"Whatever happens... all we can do now is trust in the Third."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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