"Orochimaru-sama?!" Shisui's young face displayed sheer astonishment.
While it might not be odd for one of the legendary Sannin, Tsunade-sama, to mentor a team as Jonin, it was quite unexpected for another Sannin to assume the role of a teacher.
After all, since the Second Ninja World War, Orochimaru had seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving behind a cloud of mystery about his activities.
Now, as a Jonin sensei, he had materialized before Shisui, seemingly with the intention of becoming his mentor. Even though Shisui was just a child, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the situation.
"What? Not thrilled about having me as your sensei?" Orochimaru's grin took on an eerie quality.
The three girls glanced at him, shivering at the spine-chilling aura that Orochimaru and his snake-like eyes exuded.
"Hey, what are you up to this time?" Tsunade's gaze turned slightly askew, her beautiful eyes revealing a faint suspicion as she addressed Orochimaru.
Even young Shisui, at only five years old, could detect that something was awry.
She'd known Orochimaru for more than two decades and felt something was wrong, let alone Shisui.
"Hehe, I'm simply aiming to achieve something that the Second Hokage couldn't," Orochimaru replied with a cryptic smile.
Even Tsunade wouldn't have been able to predict this. After the conclusion of the Second Ninja War three years ago, Orochimaru rarely responded to the calls of Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo.
As a member of the Root organization, he joined the research and experimentation program involving the cells of the First Hokage.
Orochimaru's decision to participate was not born out of loyalty to Sarutobi Hiruzen or Shimura Danzo; rather, it was driven by his innate inclination as a curious scientist. And to use the vitality present in Hashirama cells to achieve immortality.
Additionally, he had enthusiastically embraced a proposal put forth by Danzo just two days prior. What would result from the merging of the Senju and Uchiha, the two most formidable bloodlines in the ninja world?
Contemplating this proposal had Orochimaru brimming with excitement.
With no solid reasons to refute the proposition, Tsunade could only watch as Orochimaru departed with Uchiha Shisui.
"Let's go," Tsunade sighed, massaging her temples, eager to put these thoughts behind her. She shifted her attention to the trio of girls beside her.
"Yes!" The three girls chimed in unison.
...
...
Within the Uchiha clan's enclave.
Uchiha Fugaku, recently elevated to the role of patriarch, was presiding over a high-level meeting within the family. Elite members of Jonin rank and above were assembled and informed of Uchiha Shisui's transfer to Orochimaru for training.
"Orochimaru is a disciple of the Third Hokage... Patriarch, are you considering including yourself with the Hokage faction?" A tinge of scepticism laced Uchiha's query.
The Uchiha clan had finally produced a prodigy, and the prevailing sentiment was to nurture him within the clan, rather than relinquish him to the Hokage's influence.
Hence, among the numerous Uchiha Jonin in attendance, many harboured dissatisfaction with Uchiha Fugaku's decision.
"Everyone, please remain composed and consider this carefully. As the Third Hokage ages, the selection of a Fourth Hokage will eventually become imminent. So, who stands as the most plausible candidate?" Uchiha Fugaku's statement led to a palpable hush among the dissenters.
Approximately two minutes later, a chorus of voices echoed in unison, naming the same individual:
"Orochimaru."
Despite the growing acclaim surrounding the name Namikaze Minato, also known as the "Yellow Flash," it still paled in comparison to Orochimaru's numerous achievements during the Second Ninja War.
As for Tsunade, he contemplated the fate of Uchiha's rival clan, the Senju. Could a similar destiny be in store for her?
"Yes, should Orochimaru ascend to the position of Fourth Hokage, Shisui would indeed become the Hokage's disciple," Uchiha Fugaku stated emphatically.
"In this manner, whether my decision is deemed right or wrong is a matter for public perception."
One couldn't deny that Uchiha Fugaku possessed a shrewd mind.
Considering the advancing age of the current Hokage, it was only a matter of time before discussions about a Fourth Hokage candidate gained momentum.
Undoubtedly, Orochimaru stood as the most qualified contender for the role.
From Uchiha Fugaku's perspective, he harboured the belief that Shisui would inevitably match the accomplishments of his ancestor, Uchiha Kagami.
If the added prestige of being an Orochimaru disciple cast its halo once again, it was practically a foregone conclusion that the Uchiha clan's standing would be solidified. The path to the Fifth Hokage's position would likely be open for the Uchiha clan.
Upon hearing Uchiha Fugaku's rationale, the fervour among many radical members began to wane.
Although the Uchiha clan often wrestled with feelings of envy, they were not devoid of rationality.
While it was true that the clan boasted a higher average of Jonin members compared to other major clans, there hadn't been a Kage-level figure akin to Senju's Tsunade emerging for many years.
As such, the Fourth Hokage's seat was a rather distant aspiration. Hopes had to be adjusted toward the young generation.
With the confirmation of Uchiha Fugaku's proposition at the meeting, a sense of finality settled in, leading to the adjournment of the gathering.
Uchiha Fugaku's perspective exhibited meticulous consideration from every angle.
However, as a normal inhabitant of this world, he was blind to the unforeseeable future, unable to predict that his own candidacy for Fourth Hokage might arise.
Some turns of events would spell an untimely end for Namikaze Minato and disrupt Orochimaru's schemes.
Moreover, Tatsuya had also conceived a plan to preemptively shorten Tsunade's rise to the Hokage position.
Thus, his scheme to establish a connection between Uchiha Shisui and Orochimaru seemed to have reached its conclusion before it even began.
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