The feeling of fire release coursing through one's chakra system was actually quite pleasant. I thought it would either hurt or simply be uncomfortable. I've never been one for heat, always preferring cold weather over being uncomfortably hot. Even expelling the fire out of my mouth wasn't all that bad sure it took some getting used to and I was nervous I would mess up and end up in the field hospital.
I guess I should thank Orochimaru for doing what he did. I have been putting off fire releases for some time now.
The other day I just started rambling about my life telling Orochimaru a bunch of stuff. I didn't think he was really listening but when I mentioned I'd yet to do anything with the fire jutsu scroll he gave me he looked at as if I had insulted him.
He threw me out of the Command tent and told me to master fire release. So here I am familiarizing myself with the jutsu that Orochimaru gave me on our first meeting.
It took me a bit and some help from a Shinobi who didn't introduce themself nor did I ask her name but I'm fairly certain if I ever saw her again I would remember.
She knew who I was though, and even called me Little Snake.
Turns out I'm famous for being the student of Orochimaru, the five year old who became the student of the legendary snake sannin. I even show up in the latest bingo book. I don't have my own page but I'm mentioned on Orochimaru's… pages.
How it was already leaked that I was Orochimaru student. I haven't a clue given how quickly I graduated and became his student in the span of like an hour before Immediately being sent to where I am now. I thought my existence wouldn't really be noticed until I was spotted with Orochimaru a few times but I guess I underestimated how much Shinobi gossip.
I mean seriously I've only been out here three months. How do Shinobi from completely different villages already know I even exist?
Returning my focus to my Ninjutsu training I went through the hand signs for the jutsu slowly getting a feel for how my chakra moved.
Converting one's chakra into fire release was… interesting to say the least. I could feel the heat burning within but it didn't hurt. I knew the Ninjutsu could be just as dangerous to the user if not properly controlled or directed. Shinsetsu had filled my head with stories of Ninjutsu training accidents or foolish Genin not ready for elemental Ninjutsu who ended up in the hospital.
So I was using as little chakra as I could. If I put too much chakra into the jutsu I would prioritize keeped the jutsu under control. Saving some chakra wasn't worth the risk.
I had large reserves of chakra for someone my age but I'm still a five year old… actually I think I'm six now? Hmm…? Oh well, what I'm trying to say is I may have more chakra than your average six year old. Most six years old didn't have much to begin with so I wasn't about to be beating anyone in a battle of endurance.
Or would I? I'm not normal. I'm am an abnormality. I was still wide awake after a week of no sleep. I didn't feel sluggish or any negative effects until whatever was going on with me wore off.
Letting out a sigh I wasn't about to rely on something I had no control over so yeah as far as I was concerned I wasn't going to out last a chunin. Maybe a genin but only a fresh one out of the Academy.
…
"Orochimaru?" Pushing the flap of the Command tent out of the way I peer inside looking for Orochimaru.
It had been a few weeks since I had been banished. I had decided to take Orochimaru literally and was going to master fire release before I even thought about approaching Sensei. The only reason I'm here now is because I was summoned by Orochimaru.
Orochimaru was off to the side at his other desk.
Why he had two I didn't know but… oh that's why he and two chairs… im stupid. He never sat at that desk anytime I saw him near it he was always standing.
Anyways he looked to be in a good mood so I got a little closer before speaking up.
"Sensei? You called…."
"Little Snake," he spoke smiling
"Oh no," that nickname is gonna stick isn't it.
"We are leaving. grab your things."
Were leaving?
"Where are we going?"
"I have finally been released from my position as Commander," he said with joy clear on his face.
"Uhh… congratulations?" I knew he didn't care about the war. He always seemed like he'd rather be somewhere else but I guess he really did not like being here.
Leaving the tent I grabbed my things before making a quick stop at the field hospital. Shinsetsu had promised me a letter of recommendation to get official training in medical jutsu. It wasn't required but he said it would make the whole process less of a pain.
With the letter and a goodbye to Shinsetsu and the rest of the medical Shinobi I was on my way.
Orochimaru's replacement was already here so we left with the Shinobi returning to the village.
…
"So Sensei, now that you're no longer bound by the burden of being a Commander, what's gonna happen?"
"Upon returning to the village we will take a day before beginning your training."
Oh my God he's actually going to teach me something.
"Because you're my student and your age the label of genius now applies to you whether it's accurate or not doesn't matter. The world has noticed you, Little Snake, your failure or success will affect my reputation."
"You promised protection if I became your subordinate Sensei. I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain."
Things between us momentarily got a little serious as we locked eyes. I think he expected me to shy away at the weight he just dropped on my shoulders.
"Of course but I won't fight your battles for you, Sozo-kun."
"I know Sensei, don't worry I'll protect your precious reputation."
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I have gone to long without writing. I was pretty good about getting words down on a page before. I wrote multiple drafts in a few days like it was no problem. I gotta get back into that routine.