Orochimaru had made significant scientific progress, at least by Konoha's standards. However, he wasn't ready to reveal all of his discoveries just yet. He preferred to keep the more significant results to himself, saving them for the right time or for his own future use. Occasionally, he'd share a minor invention, but nothing that could truly jeopardize his long-term plans.
He knew that his destiny was uncertain. If he were to ever leave the village, he would need powerful tools to protect himself. His research had been slow, and the path to scientific breakthroughs was long and grueling. When he thought about how quickly someone like Naruto Uzumaki grew in power from a rookie Genin to someone who could stand against a goddess like Kaguya in just 5 years Orochimaru couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated.
By comparison, Orochimaru had spent the past three years in Konoha, and while his progress was impressive, it was only scratching the surface of what he knew he could achieve. He understood that science and technology would eventually give him power far beyond that of any ninja. Still, the time required for such research, and the isolation that came with it, weighed heavily on him.
He remembered that in the original story, during his later years, he had a loyal and capable subordinate Kabuto Yakushi who shared his passion for scientific research. But Kabuto wouldn't be born for at least another 20 years, so for now, Orochimaru was on his own.
He knew he needed subordinates if he was to make significant progress. Someone to share the burden of research and carry out tasks for him. He spent hours that night pondering possible candidates, but by the time he reached the middle of the night, he had come to a disheartening conclusion: there was no one suitable. Some were skilled, but lacked the knowledge he needed. Others had the right status or potential, but their abilities fell short.
In the end, Orochimaru decided he would have to wait. Timing, as always, was crucial.
---
The next morning, Orochimaru made his way to the Hokage's office, ready to take on another mission. His experiments were currently in a phase where the cells were still growing, so he had some free time. He figured it would be useful to complete a few more missions, broaden his experience, and see more of the world beyond Konoha.
However, when he arrived, Hiruzen had some unexpected news for him.
"Orochimaru, given your current abilities, only B-level and above missions are suitable for your growth. But to put your potential employers at ease, you'll need to pass a test."
"A test?" Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed slightly. "The Chunin Exam?"
"Exactly."
For Orochimaru and his team, C- and D-level missions were of little interest. They were mostly menial tasks, far below their abilities. But higher-level missions often came with skeptical employers people who doubted the capabilities of such young ninjas. Orochimaru recalled the trouble they'd had with Bach, the merchant who had doubted their skills due to their age.
Hiruzen had taken that into account, deciding that it was time for Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya to take the Chunin Exam. Once they were promoted to Chunin and donned the official vest, no one would question their competence again.
"Understood," Orochimaru nodded. "We'll take the exam."
To him, the Chunin Exam was merely a formality.
---
After being in this world for so long, Orochimaru had come to understand that the Chunin Exam was quite different from the one depicted in the original story. What most people knew was the politically motivated, inter-village version of the Chunin Exam a grand spectacle designed to showcase military power and foster relations between nations. That version only took place once every few years, and only invited participants from allied or neutral countries.
The real Chunin Exam, however, was much simpler. It was held every six months and was strictly an internal affair, only for Konoha's own ninjas. Any Genin whose Jonin-sensei deemed them ready could participate, regardless of age or background. Some, like Kakashi Hatake, were promoted at an extremely young age, while others, like Might Dai, remained Genin well into their 30s or 40s.
At the training grounds, when Jiraiya heard about the Chunin Exam, he was bursting with excitement.
"Alright! I, Jiraiya sama, will give it my all for the Chunin Exam!" he shouted enthusiastically.
Tsunade rolled her eyes, her head full of frustration at Jiraiya's antics. "That idiot is always so over-enthusiastic."
Orochimaru watched Jiraiya with a contemplative look. He couldn't help but wonder where Jiraiya's boundless energy came from. Was it pure willpower, or did this guy have some kind of hidden stimulant?