Chapter 41: Discussing Life with Orochimaru
Toneri's short blade danced up and down, slicing through the large snake. Its massive size actually made it too cumbersome to capture the swiftly moving Toneri.
Blood splattered everywhere.
When Toneri delivered the final blow, the snake couldn't withstand the attack and, with a "pop," vanished in the lab.
Toneri slowly sheathed his short blade, feeling he must have looked quite cool right now—like a true swordsman. However, as the chakra of the Two-Tails receded and he returned to his normal state, Toneri collapsed on the ground.
Looking cool only lasted three seconds. That was how he felt now.
But, regardless, he believed he had passed Orochimaru's test. Only with the cooperation of the Two-Tails could Toneri manage to unleash power beyond his usual level in a short span, while anyone else would likely have ended up as the snake's meal.
It was remarkable; Toneri had only been training as a shinobi for a bit over two weeks. His skills were quite impressive.
Don't underestimate this snake—its strong body could hold its ground even against most chunin. Even Naruto, when he took the chunin exams, had to use the Nine-Tails' chakra to barely fend off Orochimaru's summoned snake.
A slow clap echoed through the lab as Orochimaru applauded, breaking the silence.
"Well done, Toneri-kun."
Toneri, lying on the floor, could barely hold back tears. Auntie, you can save the praise for your precious Sasuke.
"Originally, the old man wanted me to take you as a student, and I was going to be half-hearted about it. But you've surprised me quite a bit," Orochimaru said, licking his lips, openly admiring Toneri.
Toneri, supporting himself on his knees, slowly got up. His gaze toward Orochimaru was filled with awe. Facing just an "ordinary" summon had pushed him to his limits.
It was a stark reminder of the gap in power.
Seeing Orochimaru's overwhelming strength removed any trace of fear in Toneri. The difference in power was too vast for fear; it was pointless to feel frightened when he had no power to resist.
Toneri felt he might now understand what Sasuke would feel in the future. When one pursued strength, fear could be ignored.
Orochimaru possessed that kind of allure.
"Teacher Orochimaru," Toneri said respectfully.
Orochimaru gave him a meaningful look and began rearranging the lab, cleaning up broken containers and samples.
Toneri, though exhausted, immediately joined in, helping Orochimaru organize the lab.
Initially, Orochimaru intended to stop him. Though the lab didn't contain anything too critical, not just anyone could touch these chemicals—mixing some could lead to unintended reactions or even explosions.
But soon, Orochimaru's eyes widened in surprise.
Compared to the previous astonishment of seeing Toneri as the Two-Tails' jinchuriki and his power, Orochimaru was even more shocked by what he was witnessing now.
Orochimaru could see Toneri's familiarity with the equipment; he handled it with skill, clearly someone experienced in a lab setting.
Orochimaru's gaze lingered on Toneri, but Toneri pretended not to notice, counting silently in his mind.
One… two… three… turn around.
"Yes, Teacher Orochimaru?"
The look, the expression, the natural attitude… If there were an Oscar for shinobi, Toneri would definitely win!
Orochimaru took a deep look at him and then continued organizing his items.
Toneri: "???"
Something seemed off with the script. Did he grab the wrong one, or did Orochimaru?
A quiet tension grew between the newly acquainted teacher and student. In the silent lab, only the occasional clink of glass or metal could be heard.
After a long silence, Orochimaru broke it with a low, raspy voice, magnetic yet weary.
"Toneri-kun, why do you think, despite life's fragility, people still keep charging forward, knowing they're no match for their opponents?"
Toneri fell silent.
If anyone understood Orochimaru, it was Toneri. He was likely among the top few in this world who could see through Orochimaru's inner struggles.
Orochimaru lost his parents young and, during the recent Second Great Shinobi War, lost his first disciple and his close friend's younger brother.
He knew all too well the fragility of life.
After a pause, Toneri spoke slowly. "Life's fragility is undeniable. It's why so many different professions exist. In the past, there were samurai; now, there are shinobi, and even before them, there were paths for humans to pursue greater strength.
I think it's precisely because of life's fragility that we're compelled to grow stronger."
Orochimaru's question wasn't easy to answer, and understanding his mindset only made it harder to reply.
"So that's why… they seek strength?" Orochimaru's distant gaze started to sharpen.
Now, as the Cold Lord Orochimaru, famed as one of the Legendary Sannin, he was no longer the lost young man he once was.
If life is so fragile, he would make it strong—strong enough to break through the barriers of species.
"Toneri-kun, you seem to know a bit about lab work?" Orochimaru asked, no longer concealing his interest, as if he were eyeing a rare gem.
Toneri's hand froze for a moment, but he nodded honestly. "I've dabbled in it a little."
"In that case, you'll be my assistant from now on. Help me with my work, and I'll teach you ninjutsu," Orochimaru offered, licking his lips, feeling the proposal was quite fitting.
Toneri immediately nodded.
Who in their right mind would refuse? He wanted to learn from Orochimaru!
He had passed today's challenge by the skin of his teeth. The closer he got to Orochimaru, the better he would understand his changing mentality, his research projects, and prepare himself for what was to come.
Besides, wasn't Kabuto always by Orochimaru's side as his assistant and still managed to learn powerful forbidden techniques and even gained access to the Sage Mode of Ryuchi Cave?
In truth, Toneri was quite interested in Orochimaru's research.
"Have you tested your chakra attributes?"
"I've used chakra paper. They're fire, earth, and water."
Orochimaru took three scrolls from his robe and tossed them to Toneri. "Three elements—not bad. Here are ninjutsu scrolls for each attribute. Go study them and come back with questions. I'll answer three per day."
"You can leave now."
Tomorrow was his official start day.
With Shadow Clone Jutsu, he shouldn't be too overwhelmed.
The scrolls Orochimaru provided contained techniques for Fire Style: Flame Bullet, Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu, and Earth Style: Earth Wall—all C-rank jutsu.
Teacher, you're a bit stingy…
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