Naruto: Reborn as Orochimaru

Danzo was ambitious, but he wasn't a fool.

Faced with the simultaneous siege from three nations, even he had to tread carefully.

So, this time, he didn't suggest tearing up the treaty and going to war with the Cloud Village. Instead... Tsunade should practice Wood Release?

Danzo didn't need to say it outright; Hiruzen caught on immediately.

"Do you think I don't want to?" Hiruzen said solemnly. "But you should know very well."

"Although Tsunade has awakened Wood Release, she hasn't used it in combat for the past twenty years!"

"It would be impossible for her to reach a level where she could wield Wood Release effectively in large-scale battles within such a short time!"

"Moreover, her medical skills are invaluable on the battlefield. Why would she give up medical ninjutsu to train in Wood Release? The strategic value isn't as high as you might think."

"Well, that's true."

Homura nodded, about to add something, when a knock came at the office door.

"Lord Hokage!"

"Come in."

An Anbu operative pushed the door open and entered.

"Hokage-sama, Lord Orochimaru has returned!"

"Orochimaru?"

The room fell silent as everyone immediately paused their discussion and called for Orochimaru to join them in the conference room.

"Orochimaru, what's the situation?" Hiruzen asked as soon as he walked in.

"Kushina is safe, but I took down the three Kumo shinobi."

"..."

Orochimaru's expression was calm, but the Third Hokage was rendered speechless.

At this moment, killing them wasn't the ideal outcome.

Leaving one alive would have given them leverage in negotiations with the Cloud Village.

With the Jinchūriki's attempted abduction, Konoha could demand compensation. But now that the perpetrators were dead, the matter would be considered settled.

Konoha had lost its chance to use the incident as a bargaining chip.

But with the Kumo ninjas now gone, there was no point in discussing it further…

After Orochimaru delivered his report, he left the Hokage's office with a casual demeanor.

Although he found himself caught in Konoha's political currents due to the pursuit of power, he wasn't genuinely interested in such matters.

Advising or strategizing was one thing, but managing the entire village? That was never on his agenda.

What he was more curious about now was… Would Tsunade really try to butter him up?

"Orochimaru-sama, um, about last night…"

A gentle voice interrupted his musings.

Orochimaru looked up and saw a young man with spiky blond hair and a bright smile standing in front of him, wearing a tracksuit.

This boy was Namikaze Minato.

A super-genius, destined to become Jiraiya's student and eventually the Fourth Hokage.

A rising star known for mastering the Flying Thunder God technique.

For now, however, Minato, like Kushina, was still just a newly graduated genin.

And the two had yet to truly interact.

Orochimaru wasn't surprised to see him.

The night before, Orochimaru, to be cautious, had sent a clone to intercept Minato when he noticed him following the incident.

So, it made sense for Minato to show up now to ask about last night.

"Oh, it's you, Minato!" Orochimaru offered a small smile. "She's fine. No need to worry."

"Really? That… That's good!" Minato responded with an awkward smile.

Although he had a budding affection for Kushina, he hadn't yet confessed his feelings. So now that he knew she was safe, he wasn't quite sure what else to say.

Orochimaru didn't linger, exchanging only a few polite words before heading toward his home.

Before his time-travel experience, he had liked this sunny and spirited young man, but now…

Whatever future awaited Minato, it no longer had any connection to him…

---

"Orochimaru's cooking is amazing!"

"Really? I never knew Orochimaru-sama could cook!"

"Believe me, it's a hundred times better than anything my sister makes. You'll crave it once you try it."

"Is that something you should be saying about your sister?"

"Ah? I… I didn't mean it that way! Haha…"

"Alright, alright, but you know your teacher is capable of anything. He is your brother-in-law, after all…"

Before Orochimaru even stepped inside, he heard the conversation coming from the front yard of his house.

He pushed the door open and entered to see everyone gathered there.

Tsunade, Nawaki, and Kushina.

They were all casually dressed and sitting in the front yard, chatting.

"Lord Orochimaru!"

Kushina quickly stood up and greeted him politely.

Since he'd rescued her, her fear of him had lessened considerably.

And for some reason, there was a newfound brightness in her smile.

"You didn't sleep last night. Aren't you tired?"

"N-No, I rested a bit just now!"

"Is that so?"

Seeing Kushina's shy, flustered expression, Orochimaru was curious and was about to ask more when Tsunade tugged at his arm and pulled him inside.

"What is it?"

"Well… Before I head to the battlefield, I want Kushina to stay with us."

"…" Orochimaru blinked. "You need my approval for that?"

"I was worried you'd say no."

"Is that so?" Orochimaru smirked slightly. "Seems like you're finally embracing your role as a wife."

"Oh, say whatever you like. I just want to rest for a while and enjoy your cooking these next few days!"

"Cooking? Not happening. I'm too busy."

"Busy? I know you're working on research, but can't you take a break for a few days?"

"No."

"What if… I give you a massage tonight?"

"It's not that, I'm genuinely occupied."

"At most, I'll use medical techniques to enhance it…"

"Do you think I'd give in for that?"

"Alright, alright. What if I let you do it on my face?"

"…."

***

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