After escorting Kitsuchi back to Konoha, everything that followed no longer had much to do with Uchiha Ran.
What the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, wanted most was stability along the border. As for the Iwagakure incident, it would likely be quietly shelved and fade away without further escalation.
One direct consequence of this was that the Uchiha Special Operations Unit, which had only just been established, could no longer operate as a group on border missions.
During peacetime, Sarutobi simply wouldn't risk allowing a large number of Uchiha to be active at the frontier—
even if the one leading them was his own grand-disciple.
After escorting Kitsuchi to the Hokage's reception chamber, the Third Hokage deliberately stopped Ran for a moment, making it clear that if trouble were to break out again at the border in the future, he would still need Ran and the Special Operations Unit to step in.
Ran naturally agreed.
After that, he casually found an excuse and went off to look for Orochimaru.
Even though the hope of advancing to the Mangekyō Sharingan had now appeared before his eyes, Ran's respect for Orochimaru-sensei remained unchanged.
After all—
In the shinobi world, science could also change the future.
When Ran found Orochimaru that day, he was surprised to discover that his teacher wasn't surrounded by piles of experimental equipment.
Instead, Orochimaru had changed into a set of casual home clothes.
…Well damn.
Ran had to admit—
even dressed casually, "Snake-sama" somehow had a unique kind of charm.
As expected of the handsome man who once captivated an entire generation of peers.
"Orochimaru-sensei, this is rare," Ran said with a smile. "Dressed like this—did something good happen today?"
This was genuinely the first time Ran had ever seen Orochimaru in homewear, and his curiosity slipped out naturally.
"Ah, Ran-kun, you're back," Orochimaru replied. "Perfect timing. You'll be coming with me shortly—we're going to Mitarashi Marute's house. He specifically asked me today to take his daughter as a disciple, no matter what."
As he spoke, Orochimaru reached into the laboratory and took out a short blade.
"Normally, I wouldn't bother with weapons like this. But after taking you as my student, I had a few custom-made. Looks like they'll finally come in handy."
"Mitarashi…?"
Of course Ran knew that surname.
After all, there was a very famous character in the Naruto world named Mitarashi Anko.
If I remember correctly, she should only be seven or eight years old right now…
Did Orochimaru really take her as a disciple this early?
"That's right," Orochimaru said casually. "The Mitarashi family has always been one of my most loyal supporters. Since they've come to me with a request, I'll take a look. If everything's suitable, you may be getting a junior sister, Ran-kun."
Seeing Orochimaru's smile, Ran couldn't help but think—
As expected of a natural-born kid magnet…
Before he could think further, Orochimaru had already dragged him along, assigning him the role of bag carrier.
By the time the sun dipped toward the horizon, Ran finally arrived with Orochimaru at Mitarashi-senpai's home.
"Sorry to disturb you," Orochimaru said politely.
After a round of formal greetings, Ran and Orochimaru were ushered inside.
The Mitarashi household wasn't particularly large, but it was filled with warmth. Every piece of furniture and every plant had been carefully arranged, reflecting Marute's attention to life's details.
In the living room stood an antique wooden table, topped with an elegant tea set and an old painting, giving the space a refined, tasteful atmosphere.
Mrs. Mitarashi was holding the hand of a timid little girl.
The child's eyes were filled with curiosity—and a hint of wariness—as she kept sneaking glances at Ran and Orochimaru, trying to figure out who they were and why they had come.
Ran smiled faintly, a playful glint flickering in his eyes.
Beside him, Orochimaru's earlier smile vanished completely. His gaze sharpened, pupils narrowing like a snake's as he stared directly at the little girl.
In that instant, the small living room filled with tension.
The girl's heartbeat seemed to quicken. She instinctively tightened her grip on her mother's clothes, searching for reassurance.
Mrs. Mitarashi gently squeezed her daughter's hands, silently telling her to calm down.
Only Mitarashi Marute, who had personally led them inside, understood what was happening—
This was Orochimaru-sama deliberately releasing a trace of killing intent, testing his daughter.
If she could withstand Orochimaru's pressure, then it meant she truly possessed the qualifications to become his disciple.
"Mom…"
The little girl suddenly looked up, blinking her watery eyes at Mrs. Mitarashi.
"Didn't you say some uncles were coming tonight, and that we'd get to eat cake?" she asked innocently.
"Why… haven't we started eating yet?"
"Oh, we will soon," Mrs. Mitarashi replied gently.
She couldn't help feeling relieved—
Her daughter was performing far better than she had expected.
Watching from the side, Marute also let out a quiet breath of relief, praising her inwardly.
With talent like this… after passing this test, she should only be one step away from becoming Orochimaru-sama's disciple.
She's still a bit immature, but this is more than enough.
Turning toward Orochimaru, Marute said respectfully,
"Orochimaru-sama, Ran-kun—please have a seat. Today isn't my daughter's birthday, but please enjoy some cake with us."
Once Ran and Orochimaru sat down and the meal began, the girl who had been timid just moments ago seemed to transform completely.
She became bright and lively, her small face flushed red with excitement, lips trembling slightly as she talked nonstop.
She kept lifting her plate to offer cake to Ran, and repeatedly asked Orochimaru which kind of jam he liked best.
"Thank you, Anko-chan," Ran said with a smile.
"What an extraordinary child," Orochimaru added, his voice low and hoarse.
Then Orochimaru asked casually,
"Anko, what kind of ninjutsu do you like?"
"Hm?"
The girl stopped eating and tilted her head. "Anything? Any jutsu at all?"
"Of course," Orochimaru replied with amusement.
"All chakra natures are fine—including jutsu I created myself."
"Wow! That's amazing!"
Hearing that, the little girl jumped up from her chair in excitement.
"Then, Orochimaru-san," she asked eagerly,
"Can you show me one of your original jutsu?"
"Hiss—"
Ran sucked in a sharp breath at the side.
Come to think of it, Orochimaru had once asked him whether he wanted to learn his original techniques too.
But the moment Ran imagined slippery snakes crawling out of his sleeves—
He had chosen survival and firmly declined.
"Of course," Orochimaru said with a cheerful smile, forming a hand seal.
Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!
Several pitch-black snakes suddenly burst forth from Orochimaru's arm, stopping abruptly right in front of Mitarashi Anko's face.
"Wow! They're so cute—slippery little snakes!"
Anko clapped excitedly, then stretched out her chubby little hands.
"Orochimaru-sama, can I touch them?"
"Heh… of course," Orochimaru replied softly.
"Go ahead. Touch them as much as you like."
Anko happily reached out with her soft, pudgy hands, touching the slick, cool, squishy snakes.
Not only did she not panic—
She broke into a bright, delighted smile.
"…Wait," Ran blurted out, staring in disbelief.
"Kid, are you serious?"
Watching this scene, Ran suddenly felt a powerful intuition—
This girl's future was boundless.
Heh.
Interesting…
Mitarashi Anko—
you've officially caught my attention.