He sought immortality.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, who ultimately died at Orochimaru's hands, once said: "In those turbulent times, he was brimming with talent."
"Also, this kind of assessment would already be extremely demanding for an ordinary genin."
"The fact that you completed it, Yukika-kun, is all due to your own strength."
"Besides, Tsunade wouldn't want to see me make things difficult for her younger cousin."
That last line sounded as if Orochimaru were convincing himself more than anyone else.
Looking at his pale face, Senju Yukika smiled faintly.
Uncle Snake would always carry his pride.
"Thank you,"
Yukika said simply, pausing slightly before his gaze turned sincere.
"Orochimaru… sensei."
Yes.
From today onward, he would be the disciple of the cold-blooded Orochimaru!
The head of the Senju clan becoming a disciple?
He was also Tsunade's cousin…
And his grandfather was Orochimaru's teacher's teacher.
That seniority…
Orochimaru fell into deep thought.
"But I suspect the days ahead for you won't be any easier."
He glanced toward Sarutobi's direction. Yukika sighed.
"I, Orochimaru, don't need my student worrying about me."
With a snort, Orochimaru turned and left without saying another word to Sarutobi.
Sarutobi, now stepping into Orochimaru's place, also tactfully chose not to question him.
Some conversations were not meant for this kind of setting.
With a gentle expression, he handed the forehead protector to Yukika and slowly spoke.
"Yukika, congratulations on becoming a genin of Konoha."
"I was too cautious before. I hadn't expected your strength to have reached this level. I promised that if you could protect yourself, I would allow you to become a shinobi and go through trials."
"This forehead protector is not just a symbol—it's your responsibility."
"Still, there's something this old man must remind you."
As he personally fastened the protector onto Yukika's forehead, Sarutobi's words came through at just the right volume:
"Being a shinobi is a high-risk profession."
"For the sake of the Senju bloodline, please do your best to protect yourself."
Was that a warning?
Yukika gave a small nod. Right in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen, he calmly untied the protector from his forehead, pulled out the one engraved with the Senju clan's crest, and fastened that one instead—casually tucking the Konoha forehead protector into his pocket.
Then he looked Hiruzen straight in the eyes.
"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Hokage."
"And allow me to remind you to take care of your health. After all, judging by age, you're the one in the high-risk category."
Age?
This old man is still in his prime!
Hiruzen's mouth twitched.
Though he looked prematurely aged, he certainly didn't see himself as old yet!
There they were on the field—an old man and a youth, each with their own agendas.
To onlookers, their mutual reminders looked like a touching moment between a caring elder and a respectful young man.
But in truth, a new round of confrontation had already begun.
Hiruzen admitted to underestimating Yukika.
But he still didn't believe that Yukika posed any real threat to his position.
In fact, this entire exam had forced the boy to reveal his trump cards too early!
Like being a ninja?
A ninja was supposed to follow the Hokage's orders!
Even someone like Uzumaki Mito couldn't say otherwise.
Opportunities would arise—there was no need to panic, but he would remain vigilant.
And he would investigate how this boy's power had advanced so rapidly.
As for the farce of an assessment—
It was already finished.
*********************************************************************************************************Hey everyone! Want to read ahead and unlock up to 100 early-access chapters? 📖Plus, enjoy even more exclusive novels! Join my Patreon now and dive into the adventure!
patreon.com/Rawink00
Hurry Up..!!!! Join Now !