"You're here, Ran."
"Did the Hokage-sama send ANBU to summon me for some specific instructions?"Uchiha Ran asked calmly as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who sat comfortably behind his desk, sipping tea with an unhurried expression.
Instead of answering directly, Hiruzen began speaking about a recent phenomenon in Konoha—the Konoha Hero Card Game, which had been drawing widespread attention throughout the village.
He spoke with clear approval and praise.
According to Hiruzen, the emergence of this game had allowed Konoha's villagers to better understand the characteristics and heritage of the Uchiha clan, significantly reducing long-held misunderstandings toward them.
At the same time, it had enriched the villagers' leisure lives, bringing a new sense of variety and enjoyment while further narrowing the distance between people—helping them better grasp the true meaning of the Will of Fire.
Moreover, through vivid card illustrations and engaging storylines, the game presented the Uchiha clan's unique charm and long-standing history in an accessible, entertaining way.
As one of Konoha's most important clans, the legends and stories of the Uchiha had, through the expansion of the game, become popular topics of conversation among villagers.
In addition, the Konoha Hero Card Game had greatly diversified recreational activities within the village.
In the past, villagers' entertainment options had been relatively limited, lacking both diversity and innovation.
Now, through this game, villagers could showcase their strategy, intelligence, and judgment.
Not only did it offer a fresh form of entertainment, but it also created new opportunities for social interaction.
Within the game, villagers could form teams, cooperate to overcome challenges, and solve problems together—cultivating teamwork and strengthening bonds between people, encouraging communication and collaboration throughout the village.
All things considered, the appearance of the Konoha Hero Card Game had undoubtedly brought numerous benefits to Konoha.
Hiruzen expressed his clear affirmation and support.
Only then did he finally turn his attention back to Ran.
"Ran, becoming the Uchiha clan's Director of Public Relations… you've been making quite a few bold moves lately."
"Heh, it's all thanks to Hokage-sama's guidance," Ran replied with a polite smile."Developing a game like this—besides enriching the villagers' free time—was also meant to improve the living conditions of ordinary Uchiha clan members."
"A fine idea, Ran," Hiruzen said approvingly. "You're someone who truly does things. Whether for the sake of the Uchiha or the village as a whole. The Uchiha need someone with insight like you to change both the clan and Konoha itself. If you have any other good ideas, the village will support you."
Catching the deeper meaning behind those words, Ran immediately responded,"Thank you for the village's trust and cultivation! I'll work even harder. If I ever need support for my ideas, I'll be sure to consult Hokage-sama."
"…Mm."Hiruzen gave a vague acknowledgment and lowered his head, returning to the documents on his desk.
Ran noticed that the Hokage neither dismissed him nor continued speaking.
That could only mean one thing.
Hiruzen was waiting.
Either waiting for Ran to speak further—but it was obvious the Hokage already knew everything worth knowing.
Which meant…
He was waiting for someone else.
Who?Ran couldn't think of anyone. His social circle was still fairly limited, and he wasn't particularly close to many other ninja yet.
At that moment—
"Teacher Hiruzen, I've arrived."
A voice sounded beside Ran.
It was deep and magnetic, with a faint rasp. In just a short sentence, it carried coldness and arrogance, as though the speaker viewed the world from a detached, superior vantage point.
It was a voice that naturally drew attention—yet created an instinctive sense of distance, making others feel unable to approach.
"Orochimaru," Hiruzen said as he straightened up, gesturing for the newcomer to sit beside him."I've been waiting for you."
The man was Orochimaru, just as Hiruzen had said.
He stood around average height, with long black hair cascading smoothly down to his waist, sleek and glossy.
His eyes were sharp and unfathomably deep, radiating a chilling indifference. His facial features were well-defined, angular—yet carried an unmistakable sense of cold menace.
He wore a black-and-white robe. Long black hair framed a pale face, golden slit pupils gleaming beneath purple eye markings that stretched toward the bridge of his nose. Blue-green magatama-shaped earrings hung from his ears.
True to his name—
He looked exactly like a cold, emotionless snake.
"Orochimaru," Hiruzen said, "the one sitting across from you is the disciple I've chosen for you this time—Uchiha Ran. I know you've never been fond of taking students, but I believe Ran suits you rather well."
At this moment, Hiruzen felt that aside from being a bit cold in temperament, Orochimaru was excellent in every other way.
Ran's warmth and enthusiasm reminded him of Nawaki.
Perhaps letting Ran become Orochimaru's disciple would allow their personalities to complement one another.
"An Uchiha?" Orochimaru's lips curved slightly."How interesting…"
He hadn't expected Hiruzen to introduce an Uchiha to him.
In that instant, Orochimaru thought of Danzo's interest in initiating research on the First Hokage's cells.Perhaps… Sharingan research could also be worth considering.
The thought amused him.
"So?" Hiruzen asked calmly. "Do you agree, Orochimaru?"
"Of course, Teacher Hiruzen," Orochimaru replied smoothly."I've never taken an Uchiha as a disciple before. This may turn out to be a rather… intriguing fate."
He then turned his gaze to Ran, studying him with curiosity.
"And you, Ran-kun—what do you think? Are you willing to become my student?"
Meeting Orochimaru's probing eyes, Ran answered naturally, without hesitation,"Then I'll be in your care, Orochimaru-sensei."
Satisfied, Orochimaru nodded and turned back to Hiruzen.
"Then, Teacher Hiruzen, I'll take Uchiha Ran with me. After all, I need to properly evaluate the strength of my newly accepted disciple."
"Go ahead," Hiruzen said. "Just remember to hold back. You've already reached Kage-level strength."
"Understood."
Orochimaru inclined his head, then motioned for Ran to follow as they left the Hokage Tower together.
"Ran-kun," Orochimaru said casually as they walked,"I've heard you've been quite active lately—deeply involved in Uchiha clan politics, earning them a favorable reputation."
"Yes," Ran replied with a smile. "That's right, Orochimaru-sensei."
"Don't lose sight of what matters," Orochimaru said coldly."A shinobi ultimately speaks with strength. If one possessed power like the First Hokage—or Uchiha Madara—none of these tactics would be necessary."
"Orochimaru-sensei," Ran said instantly, eyes lighting up,"Have you actually witnessed the First Hokage's power? Or Uchiha Madara's?"
That single line completely woke him up.
"I haven't," Orochimaru replied calmly."But that doesn't stop me from making reasonable deductions."
His golden pupils narrowed slightly.
"As for you… I'll soon see for myself what level of disciple Teacher Hiruzen has recommended to me."
"Orochimaru-sensei," Ran said after a moment, noticing something off,"this doesn't seem to be the way to the training grounds."
"Of course not," Orochimaru replied without stopping."Combat in the forest is also part of a shinobi's training."
They stepped into the depths of the woods.
Orochimaru finally stopped and turned around, his gaze sharp and expectant.
"Now then," he said softly,"let me see what you're really capable of."