The secret mission in the Land of Rivers, which had lasted about ten days, was finally over. The utterly exhausted Orochimaru didn't know the exact agreement reached between Sarutobi and Hanzō, but the sudden, significant expansion of Maeda Take's territory and influence undoubtedly told him that the Land of Fire, backing Maeda Take, had gained substantial benefits from the negotiations.
With the mission complete, Orochimaru returned to the village and was granted a lengthy vacation by Sarutobi.
The golden sunlight, warm like a lover's soft hand, pierced through the window and shone into Orochimaru's bedroom.
Orochimaru was lying relaxed in his futon on the tatami floor, his clothes open, revealing his small but beautifully sculpted, sinewy body.
Little Manji was intently running her hands up and down Orochimaru's body, diligently manipulating her chakra. Her small face was flushed red, and fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead, making her look exceptionally delicate and sweet.
Orochimaru's pale, handsome face, bathed in the warm sunlight, showed a rare, soft expression. He rested his hands behind his head, his eyes half-closed, gazing at the ceiling. The coldness and ruthlessness of battle were gone from his dark-golden eyes, replaced by a sense of faint warmth and enjoyment.
"Are you done, Manji?" Orochimaru asked with a soft chuckle.
"Almost, Big Brother!" Manji's voice was slightly breathless. "Just a little longer. How do you feel, Big Brother?"
"Mmm, very comfortable. Manji is really amazing!" Orochimaru felt an irrepressible smile bloom.
"Really, Big Brother?" Manji's pink, small face, red like a ripe apple, suddenly rushed to within centimeters of Orochimaru. Her watery eyes blinked, showing endless girlish innocence and little secrets. She asked seriously, "Is Manji's Healing Jutsu really that amazing?"
Orochimaru sat up, leaning against the wall behind him. He looked directly at Manji's cute little face and bright, dark eyes. The pure, pleasing fragrance of the little girl drifted into his nose. Manji's hands, which were emanating an oval cluster of bright-green chakra—seemingly containing dense vitality and life force—came closer, about to touch the faint, barely visible scars on Orochimaru's body.
Orochimaru gently stroked Manji's head, affectionately mussing up her hair, and smiled warmly.
Manji pouted her rosy little lips and looked at Orochimaru with a look of mock "fury." Just as she was about to scold him for messing up her hair again, her eyes, fixed on Orochimaru, suddenly froze.
Orochimaru's dark-golden pupils had become incomparably clear, like two exquisitely polished jade stones, cleansed of impurities. They contained endless wisdom and mystery, yet were calm and utterly tranquil.
The perfectly curved smile on his lips also revealed a hint of wicked, demonic laziness and unruliness.
In the brilliant golden sunlight, the moment a smile bloomed on Orochimaru's pale, handsome face, he seemed to gather the most dazzling light between heaven and earth. His entire being radiated an astonishing charisma that was hard to resist.
Little Manji's apple-red cheeks turned even redder. She lowered her head to hide her face.
Orochimaru didn't mind. He chuckled and said, "You've learned the Healing Jutsu that Yakushi Tenshu taught you in just a few days. Manji, your talent truly is incredible!"
With that, Orochimaru stood up. He cinched his loose, pale-moon robe with a faint-gold belt and looked into the mirror. His expression was wicked and unrestrained, yet with an added sense of nobility and gravitas.
"Orochimaru, come out! Let's go! Tsunade and Sarutobi-sensei are here!" Jiraiya's loud voice rang out from outside.
Orochimaru smiled, turning to look at little Manji, who was still kneeling on the floor, inexplicably shy. He sighed helplessly, walked over, smoothed her hair, and asked teasingly, "What are you thinking about? Today's your brother's birthday. Let's hurry, Sensei and the others are waiting!"
"Mmhmm!" Manji replied softly, stood up, straightened her clothes, and followed closely behind Orochimaru.
Walking out the door, Orochimaru called for Chi, who emerged from one of the shadows. He then walked out with both of them.
Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Sarutobi were waiting listlessly by Orochimaru's door. Suddenly, Sarutobi's eyes brightened.
Walking steadily down the wooden corridor of the estate was a pair of "Golden Boy and Jade Girl."
The boy was wickedly handsome, and the girl was cute and well-behaved. They instantly became a beautiful focal point. Sarutobi's brow, which had been furrowed due to the recent political struggles between the clans and various forces, relaxed. He smiled contentedly: Yes, today is Orochimaru's birthday. Let's put those things aside for now.
Tsunade, seeing Orochimaru and Manji walking side by side, had a flash of unperceived sadness in her eyes. Then, she was the first to rush forward, smiling as she handed her gift to Orochimaru: "Happy Birthday, Orochimaru!"
It was an exquisitely folded paper crane.
Jiraiya, in his usual rough-and-tumble way, gave Orochimaru a "Lord Jiraiya" hug.
Sarutobi's gift was a delicious birthday feast.
Everyone laughed and celebrated, spending the entire day eating and playing to celebrate Orochimaru's seventh birthday before finally calling it quits.
In the evening, everyone walked down the streets of Konoha with smiles on their faces. The cool, refreshing breeze brought a feeling of tranquility and peace to their hearts.
Orochimaru looked at Sarutobi beside him, thought for a moment, and said, "Sarutobi-sensei, you are going to be the Third Hokage, aren't you?"
Sarutobi's body stiffened. He was once again surprised by his disciple's sharp insight. He replied with a troubled look: "Although the Second Hokage left a will, and the proposal from the Daimyō's office was passed, the Jōnin vote in the village hasn't started yet. It's too early to say!"
"Wow, Sarutobi-sensei is going to be Hokage?" Jiraiya, who had finally dropped the "Old Man Sarutobi" nickname after a long time, asked in surprise.
Sarutobi smiled at Jiraiya and Tsunade, then changed the subject, telling Orochimaru: "You need to focus not only on Ninjutsu training but also prioritize strengthening your body. The resilience of your body is crucial if you want to become a Jōnin!"
Orochimaru nodded. He knew it was time to begin training using secret medicine and Forbidden Jutsu.
Seeing Orochimaru lower his head in thought, Sarutobi said no more. He knew his disciple rarely needed worry; one instruction was enough.
After walking a bit further, the group, having enjoyed the day, separated and headed toward their respective homes.
Orochimaru returned to the family estate with Manji and Chi.
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