A New Snake In The Shinobi World

Tsunade's quiet actions, such as carefully covering Orochimaru with a blanket, were naturally unknown to him.

Having drunk more than usual, Orochimaru was completely defenseless, something uncharacteristic of him. If someone had the intent to assassinate him, this moment would have been their best opportunity.

Unfortunately for any would-be assassins, this was Konoha, one of the safest places in the ninja world. And with Tsunade by his side, the chance of such an attempt was virtually nonexistent.

Despite Konoha's notorious internal political struggles, it remained far safer than the ninja villages of smaller nations, where the risks of betrayal or sudden attacks were significantly higher. Here, under Tsunade's watchful protection, Orochimaru had nothing to fear.

---

In truth, Orochimaru's relationships with the other ninjas of Konoha were distant at best.

While his name was known by all, he had always been a solitary figure, more preoccupied with his research than with forming connections. The wedding, as grand and lively as it appeared, was attended by many who came out of curiosity or simply for the spectacle rather than genuine affection.

This stark reality left Orochimaru with a peculiar sense of loneliness amidst the crowd. Tens of thousands had come to celebrate his wedding, yet only a handful were people he truly knew or cared for. And among them, there were no real family members to speak of, a feeling only a true orphan could understand.

---

The extravagant wedding stirred Konoha for days, with its astonishing cost of 200 million ryo becoming the talk of the village.

However, despite the buzz, no one dared attempt to replicate such a spectacle. The sheer price tag was beyond the reach of ordinary citizens and even most ninja clans.

As the excitement gradually faded, Konoha's life returned to its usual rhythm.

For Orochimaru, however, marriage wasn't the end, it was the beginning.

What changed in his life after marriage? Not much.

If asked, Orochimaru would likely respond that there was no significant difference at all. Having known Tsunade for so long, the formalities of marriage didn't alter their day-to-day lives. It was little more than a label, a recognition of what had already existed between them.

---

After the wedding, Jiraiya who had briefly returned to Konoha for the event found himself restless. Unable to remain idle, he soon left again, making his way back to the Sound Ninja Village, where his work awaited him.

Meanwhile, Danzo began searching throughout Konoha for new experimental subjects to meet his and Orochimaru's requirements.

With these things in motion, Orochimaru found himself with an unusual amount of free time. And being someone who detested idleness, he naturally sought out a new project to occupy his mind: the development of androids.

Although conducting large-scale experiments in Konoha was out of the question, theoretical research and small-scale verifications were still possible.

---

One afternoon, Tsunade curiously approached him as he worked.

"Orochimaru," she asked, "how exactly did you manage to merge bloodline limits? What's your secret?"

"Science," Orochimaru replied simply.

"Science?" Tsunade echoed, thinking it over. "That makes sense. If you'd had this ability as a child, I would've known about it."

Orochimaru didn't elaborate further, leaving her to draw her own conclusions.

Although he had shared a great deal with Tsunade over time, there were still things he kept from her, such as the existence of his system. Nonetheless, he had been unusually open with her about his other abilities. Even his possession of the Mangekyo Sharingan wasn't a secret to her.

By now, Tsunade also understood the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of the Third Kazekage.

It wasn't just luck or divine intervention that had brought the Kazekage down, it was Orochimaru's calculated and methodical work.

The conversation drifted toward ninjutsu, a topic that always fascinated Tsunade.

"Ninjutsu… The more, the better, right?" she mused aloud.

Orochimaru shook his head. "Not necessarily. A wide variety of skills is meaningless if you lack mastery or focus. 'Take Kakashi, for instance. He knows a thousand techniques, but in battle, he relies primarily on a handful: the Sharingan and Raikiri.'

His point was clear quality over quantity.

For Orochimaru, the path of development was equally selective. His focus was on techniques that complemented his goals and personal strengths: the Sharingan, Wood Release, Magnet Release, the Flying Thunder God Technique, and Senjutsu.

Combining these abilities gave him the versatility and power to handle any situation.

By July of Konoha Year 36, the village had settled into a peaceful routine.

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen stood by the large floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the bustling streets below.

With the war behind them, the Third Hokage's attention turned inward, focusing on Konoha's development. While occasional border skirmishes persisted, they posed no significant threat.

Under Tsunade's persistent advocacy, a professional training institution for medical ninjas had been established, even though her proposal to integrate medical ninjas into every team had yet to gain full approval.

Konoha's schools, medical facilities, research programs, and training systems were all progressing steadily.

Yet, even with these successes, one concern lingered in Hiruzen's mind: Danzo.

Danzo had been a thorn in his side since their youth, but his ongoing collaboration with Orochimaru was what truly worried the Third Hokage.

Orochimaru was his most talented and cherished disciple, someone with limitless potential. But the frequent interactions between Orochimaru and Danzo were a troubling sign.

If their actions strayed too far, the consequences could be dire.

Hiruzen sighed deeply, a shadow of unease clouding his expression. "I can only hope neither of you does anything that can't be undone…"

That night, on the outskirts of Konoha, within a concealed laboratory, Orochimaru stood before a group of seven or eight children, each varying in height and build.

A faint smile crossed his lips. "Have they been prepared properly?"

Danzo, standing nearby, nodded. "As instructed. They've been cleaned, fed, and haven't consumed any water."

"Good," Orochimaru replied, pulling out several pristine syringes filled with a clear, shimmering liquid.

As he began to draw doses from the vial, Danzo's expression darkened slightly.

"Orochimaru, Sarutobi is likely aware of our frequent interactions," Danzo said, his voice low and serious.

"Isn't that to be expected?" Orochimaru replied without looking up, his tone calm.

"Expected, yes. But we must remain cautious. If he discovers the full extent of these experiments, it'll be disastrous for both of us."

"What's your plan?"

"I've ordered my subordinates to construct additional labs elsewhere. If this one is discovered…"

"We'll abandon it," Orochimaru finished for him, nodding slightly. "That aligns with your usual methods."

Danzo nodded as well. "Do you need anything else here?"

"There's one thing," Orochimaru said, injecting the first child with the diluted genetic enhancement serum. He glanced at Danzo. "The First Hokage's cells. We're still lacking."

"How much more do you need?"

Orochimaru paused, his golden eyes gleaming faintly. "Take me to the remains of the First Hokage," he said, his voice steady.

Danzo considered this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Finish your work here first. I'll wait for you outside."

Without another word, Danzo exited the lab.

Orochimaru methodically injected each child, their frightened eyes betraying their terror as the serum entered their veins. Once the procedure was complete, he left the laboratory, following Danzo out.

Danzo gave instructions to his Root operatives to monitor the children and ensure their survival before leading Orochimaru to a hidden location near Konoha.

Deep within a heavily guarded chamber lay a reinforced coffin, bound with thick iron chains and surrounded by intricate seals.

Orochimaru's gaze lingered on the coffin, his expression calm yet calculating.

This must be where the remains of the First Hokage are kept…

***

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