Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Orochimaru’s Acknowledgment

In the Hokage’s office.

"Natsuki’s rate of improvement is truly impressive."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded approvingly.

The spar between Natsuki and Uchiha Mikoto had been a major event at the Ninja Academy. Naturally, he had watched the entire match through his crystal ball.

To be honest, when he first heard the matchup, he hadn’t favored Natsuki.

His reasoning was the same as everyone else’s: Uchiha Mikoto had four more years of training and was a genius of the Uchiha clan.

Although Natsuki’s teacher was Orochimaru, he still shouldn’t have had an advantage.

Mikoto also had Jonin instructors within her own clan.

"Was that final Yin Release technique taught by Orochimaru?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up his pipe and took a puff.

He was certain that Phantom Blow wasn’t any known Yin Release ninjutsu.

But Konoha had many similar techniques—such as the Yamanaka clan’s secret jutsu.

At that moment, his eyebrow rose. He turned toward the window.

"Why do you always come through the window?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked with mild exasperation.

"It’s faster."

Jiraiya walked over, retrieved a scroll, and handed it over. "This is the current situation in the Land of Rain."

Sarutobi Hiruzen’s expression turned serious as he opened the scroll.

The contents were extensive, but could be summarized in two points.

First, the conflict between Iwagakure and Sunagakure in the Land of Rain was gradually escalating.

Second, Amegakure was growing restless—stockpiling war supplies, suspected of preparing to join the conflict.

"Hanzo is indeed bold."

Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke gravely after reading.

Since the establishment of the "one village per country" system, the ninja world had been dominated by competition between the Five Great Shinobi Countries and their Five Great Villages.

As for smaller nations and villages, their primary role was serving as buffers and battlefields for the great powers.

It couldn’t be helped. The gap in strength was simply too vast.

"Hanzo is powerful and ambitious. Now that he sees an opportunity, he definitely won’t let it pass."

Jiraiya spoke slowly. "Especially with his summoning beast, the salamander. That thing is a natural-born war machine."

The salamander’s greatest threat was its ability to release large-scale poisonous mist.

Moreover, its toxin remained unanalyzed to this day.

Its appearance on any battlefield was essentially a death sentence for the vast majority of ninjas.

"For now, this war hasn’t affected Konoha."

Sarutobi Hiruzen tapped his pipe. "But the Land of Rain borders the Land of Fire. Once the scale expands, staying uninvolved will be impossible."

"Indeed."

Jiraiya agreed. "Konoha must prepare early."

"I’ll have Koharu and the others handle this."

Sarutobi Hiruzen paused. "You’ve worked hard. Take a few days to rest."

"Understood."

Jiraiya nodded.

"Since you’re back, have Minato continue learning from you."

Sarutobi Hiruzen added with a hint of humor. "You’d better work hard—otherwise, Natsuki will steal all the spotlight."

"What did he do this time?"

Jiraiya asked curiously.

"He just defeated the sixth-year Uchiha Mikoto."

Sarutobi Hiruzen replied.

Jiraiya froze. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Although he didn’t know Mikoto personally, he understood the Uchiha clan’s strength.

A sense of urgency instantly surged within him.

From childhood to adulthood, he had competed with Orochimaru—but he always lost more than he won.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had once called Orochimaru "a genius seen only once in decades."

Jiraiya had even felt jealous, thinking their teacher only had eyes for Orochimaru.

Of course, he had let go of much of that after growing up.

But the rivalry between Minato and Natsuki reminded him of his past with Orochimaru.

In short—he couldn’t let that damn snake be so smug.

"It’s not just defeating Uchiha Mikoto."

Sarutobi Hiruzen produced a Blue Healing Potion. "If war truly breaks out, this might help us gain an advantage."

"What is this?"

Jiraiya asked, confused.

"A Blue Healing Potion. Invented by Natsuki."

Sarutobi Hiruzen briefly explained the circumstances.

"...?"

Jiraiya was dumbfounded.

This kid is seven years old?

Meanwhile, at Orochimaru’s residence.

"Teacher, I defeated Uchiha Mikoto."

Natsuki got straight to the point.

"Mm."

Orochimaru nodded. "You didn’t waste your efforts this past month."

"Teacher, I’ve been studying Yin Release recently. Today I had a sudden inspiration and created a Yin Release technique."

Natsuki referred to Phantom Blow.

"You’ve already created a shadow technique?"

Orochimaru looked genuinely surprised.

"It’s not a shadow technique."

Natsuki shook his head. "Let me demonstrate."

Shadow Space and Shadow Assassin far exceeded Phantom Blow in both effect and learning difficulty.

Demonstrating those directly would seem too monstrous.

Besides, he hadn’t even unlocked Shadow Assassin yet.

Phantom Blow!

Natsuki raised his hand and aimed at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru stood in place. He felt a brief moment of dizziness.

But he wasn’t Uchiha Mikoto. He broke free instantly.

Orochimaru nodded slightly. The surprise on his face faded.

Phantom Blow was essentially the most basic application of Yin Release—sending out a mental wave to impact the target.

For Natsuki to create such a technique at his age was acceptable.

However, it was still enough to impress him.

Perhaps Natsuki really could become the second Senju Tobirama.

From another perspective, he could also perfectly inherit Tobirama’s legacy.

"From now on, you are my student."

Orochimaru spoke.

Natsuki’s heart jolted.

He’d finally become an official disciple?

From today on, he could walk sideways in Konoha.

Nawaki smiled upon hearing this.

It was now confirmed—Natsuki would be his teammate.

The next afternoon.

Natsuki arrived at Konoha’s main gate at the agreed time.

Uchiha Mikoto was already waiting.

Natsuki’s eyes narrowed.

Today’s Mikoto didn’t look as calm as yesterday. Something gloomy lingered about her.

Could the Uchiha clan be dissatisfied with her loss?

That was entirely possible.

After all, the entire clan was a bit... intense.

"Senior Mikoto."

Natsuki walked up and greeted her.

"Mm."

Mikoto nodded. "I’ll take you to the crow clan. They live in the Forest of Death."

So that’s why she asked to meet at the village entrance.

The trees surrounding Konoha were all part of the Forest of Death.

Natsuki followed her for several minutes until they arrived at the crow clan’s territory.

He stopped, looked up, and saw densely packed crows perched on the branches.

The scene was rather eerie.

Mikoto stepped forward and explained their purpose.

To Natsuki’s surprise, the crow clan agreed quite readily.

[Congratulations, Host. You have acquired the Crow: Kurobane.]

[When summoned using the Ten Shadows Technique, Kurobane’s flight speed is permanently increased by 30%.]

Natsuki nodded in satisfaction.

The greatest use of a crow summon was delivering intelligence.

An increase in flight speed was perfect.

Natsuki didn’t take Kurobane with him, leaving it in the Forest of Death.

When needed, he would simply summon it.

"Natsuki."

Uchiha Mikoto, who had hesitated for some time, finally spoke. "When are you free? I’d like to spar with you again."

"Senior Mikoto, our strengths are evenly matched. Either of us could win or lose. A single fight doesn’t prove much."

Natsuki thought for a moment. "How about three more matches? Including yesterday’s, we might end up tied."

Two wins and two losses each. And considering he was Orochimaru’s student, the Uchiha clan would likely find that acceptable.

As for himself, he didn’t care much about winning or losing. He cared about his system and character templates.

Moreover, Mikoto knew both genjutsu and Fire Release—perfect for helping him unlock the Shippo template.

Mikoto looked up instinctively.

Shock was evident in her eyes.

Natsuki’s implication was obvious. She understood immediately.

Not only had he noticed her predicament—he had also devised a solution?

For a moment, her feelings were deeply complicated.

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