So, it's a gacha system.
Not the worst outcome.
In fact, it's rather beneficial. If this system functions as I suspect, then I am no longer bound by the limitations of this world alone. The possibilities are… intriguing.
Orochimaru
Race: Human
Characters Assimilated:
Fully Assimilated: None
In Progress: [Empty] [Empty]
Summons: None
Powers: Chakra manipulation, transformation, shadow clone, etc.
Equipped Items: None
I scan the list with a critical eye. A modest start, but potential outweighs immediate results. The structure is clear I gain a single point per day, requiring three to draw a single card.
A slow process, but patience has always been a virtue of mine. After all, power is best acquired in increments, lest one becomes reckless with newfound strength.
Still, the delay is an annoyance.
For now, I must wait.
A faint presence at the window. My gaze shifts.
"Lord Orochimaru, Hokage-sama requests your presence."
So, the invitation has arrived.
I regard the Anbu for a brief moment before dismissing him with a wave of my hand. "You may go."
He vanishes.
As expected.
So, Sarutobi-sensei has decided to act.
The timing is unsurprising. With the war concluded and the village's future in question, the political landscape is shifting. The Hokage selection looms, and no doubt, he wishes to secure his successor without disruption.
And me?
I have my own considerations.
Without further hesitation, I get up and leave. Might as well see what the old man wants.
When I arrive at the Hokage's office, I can already sense the people inside. A lot of them.
I step in.
Right in front of me, sitting in his usual spot, is Hiruzen Sarutobi the Third Hokage, the ever-so-persistent preacher of the Will of Fire.
To his right are Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, his two loyal advisors. A bitch and a dog wearing goggles, always yapping about village stability.
And to their left Danzo Shimura. The darkness of the shinobi world, or so he likes to think. One functioning eye and enough paranoia to fill a room. The Pot King himself.
The rest of the room is packed. Clan leaders sitting in neat rows, expressions unreadable. Jōnin standing along the walls, quiet but watching everything.
"Orochimaru, you finally came."
That voice. Jiraiya.
I glance over.
And next to him, shining like the village's favourite golden child, is Minato Namikaze Konoha's Yellow Flash.
"Senior Orochimaru."
I nod at the greetings from those present before taking my seat a place I earned through years of service, fighting in not one but two ninja wars, just like Jiraiya.
Minato stands behind him. Despite his battlefield achievements, despite the countless lives he's taken, his political standing remains low. A soldier, not yet a leader.
But that won't matter soon, will it?
"Since everyone's here, let's start the meeting," the old man begins.
Straight to the point. No unnecessary words. Efficient. Expected from someone who's had to do this for decades.
"We've signed a peace treaty with Kirigakure."
No one reacts. Not because they don't care, but because they already know. It wasn't some grand victory just a settlement after negotiations. A nice way of saying both sides were too tired to keep throwing bodies at the problem.
My eyes drift to the silver-haired boy standing among the jōnin. A mask covers most of his face, but it does nothing to hide the exhaustion in his visible eye.
Kakashi Hatake.
Poor thing.
Then there's Fugaku Uchiha. His face is unreadable, but I can feel the displeasure radiating from him.
And why wouldn't he be upset? The Uchiha were sent against the Mist.
Too many lives lost, too much blood spilled. And now, with a single agreement, it's all settled?
The smart ones can see it for what it is a calculated move to weaken the Uchiha.
I ignore most of the chatter, especially how Minato's name keeps coming up. Again and again.
As if this isn't already decided.
Then, the real discussion begins.
"Now, let's discuss the most important matter."
Sarutobi finally makes his move.
"This war has cost us much lives, resources, stability." His voice is measured, carefully chosen. The tone of a leader who understands burden but wields it to his advantage. "But war is also an opportunity. We have gained strength, experience, and new generations ready to lead."
A classic political maneuver. Acknowledging loss, but immediately shifting focus to gains. Turning tragedy into necessity.
"And with the war coming to an end," he continues, voice steady, controlled, "it is time for Konoha to look toward the future."
There it is. The next step.
"I have decided that the village must be led by new hands."
Not an offer. Not a discussion. A statement.
Presented as a personal decision, but in truth, this was set in motion long ago. Carefully built through alliances, favours, and quiet conversations behind closed doors.