Chapter 33 — I'd Rather You Become Hokage, Sensei!
"Sensei, are you sure your relationship with Orochimaru is just 'ordinary'?
Because it feels like he tells you everything," Ritsu said, sidestepping Hiruko's earlier question and instead poking curiously at their connection.
Hiruko sighed helplessly.
"Orochimaru is… a creature of strange tastes," he muttered.
"Honestly, even I can't read him. But I can guess one thing—he's extremely interested in you. Everything you've done in the village—he was the one who told me."
"Just strange tastes, huh…"
Ritsu stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Don't change the subject."
Hiruko leaned forward, staring sharply at him.
"Orochimaru said your situation has gotten dangerous. What exactly does that mean?"
Ritsu shrugged.
"It's nothing dramatic. I wiped out the Hyūga main family. The higher-ups didn't like that."
"The Third and the elders want you dead?"
"Sensei! You're saying it way too bluntly."
Ritsu rolled his eyes.
"My guess? They're hoping I 'accidentally' die fighting the Mist."
"That's the same thing."
Hiruko's frown deepened.
"So what's your plan?"
"Play it by ear."
"Ritsu."
Hiruko's voice hardened.
"Tell me what you're actually thinking."
He finally understood his disciple well enough—Ritsu wasn't the type to bow his head and endure.
The main family drove him to flee the village, forced him to rely on a forbidden technique just to live.
So he came back—and erased the main family entirely.
Now the village treated him as a problem.
Hiruko feared Ritsu would recognize a pattern… and try to eliminate the village seniors the same way.
"Ritsu," he said gravely,
"I'll speak plainly. Dealing with the Hyūga main family was internal clan business.
But the Hokage is the Hokage of the entire village.
If you ever raise a hand against him, every clan, every civilian shinobi—everyone—will turn on the Hyūga.
Your clan can't survive a war against the village."
It was a warning he felt obligated to give.
Ritsu snorted and rolled his eyes again.
"Sensei, what are you imagining? I'm not stupid enough to pick a fight with the Hokage!"
"Good.
If you had that idea, you'd better kill it now."
"I know exactly what lines cannot be crossed," Ritsu said calmly.
"The Third has ruled for decades and is well-loved. I'm not planning anything against him."
He smiled faintly.
"What I am thinking about… is the Fourth Hokage."
"The Fourth?"
Hiruko blinked, then his gaze sharpened.
He nodded slowly.
"That's smart. Build a relationship early. Once the Fourth takes office, your situation will improve.
…Wait."
His eyes narrowed.
"You asked about my relationship with Orochimaru earlier… because you think Orochimaru will become Fourth Hokage?"
"It's what everyone's saying, right?
That the final choice will be between Orochimaru and Namikaze Minato.
Sensei, you really haven't heard?"
"I've heard."
Hiruko waved a hand dismissively.
"I just didn't care."
Ritsu lifted his teacup, took a sip, and watched his teacher silently ponder.
Hiruko rubbed the rough porcelain cup, brows furrowed in thought.
"Orochimaru and Minato… both seem possible," he murmured.
"Orochimaru is the Third's direct disciple, Minato is practically his grandson, and their achievements are hard to compare…
Ritsu, are you rooting for Orochimaru?"
"No," Ritsu smiled. "I think Minato-senpai has the better chance."
"Then why ask about Orochimaru?"
"Because Orochimaru is obsessed with forbidden techniques.
If he becomes Hokage, life will be easier for the two of us."
"Obsessed with forbidden techniques?"
Hiruko froze.
He instinctively glanced around, lowered his voice, and whispered:
"Where did you hear that? I've never heard anything like it.
Why would Orochimaru research forbidden arts? What does he gain from it?"
To him, it made no sense.
He studied forbidden jutsu because he was desperate—desperate to break free from mediocrity, to chase the three geniuses who had left him behind.
But Orochimaru?
A prodigy among prodigies.
Top of his generation.
The Hokage's personal student.
Born standing on the summit of the shinobi world.
Why would someone like that willingly risk everything to touch taboo techniques?
What could he possibly be seeking?
Ritsu lowered his voice to a whisper.
"You haven't heard because almost no one knows.
I only caught hints thanks to my eyes… and a bit of luck.
From what I've seen—he's searching for… immortality."
The word was spoken softly, but Hiruko heard it clearly.
His expression shifted instantly.
"So that's it…"
He exhaled with sudden understanding.
"No wonder. I always wondered what he was after…
Well, whatever his goal is, it's not our place to meddle."
He straightened, serious again.
"Right now the real issue is your situation.
Making friends with the future Fourth Hokage is a long-term plan.
But if you don't survive the present… there is no future."
"I said it already—I'll improvise."
Ritsu looked completely unbothered.
Hiruko's eyes widened.
"Ritsu, that's far too passive!"
"Do you have a better plan?"
"…If not, I could go ask Orochimaru to assign you a safer mission—"
"That won't work."
Ritsu shook his head.
"Orochimaru-senpai is the Third's disciple. I'd bet anything the new vice commander brought him very clear instructions.
Unless Orochimaru wants to openly oppose the Hokage, your request won't change anything."
Hiruko fell silent, troubled.
Ritsu smiled faintly.
"Sensei, you're worrying too much.
It's not as dangerous as it looks.
Remember—I have two kekkei genkai now.
Whatever comes, I can handle it."
Hiruko blinked—then smacked his forehead.
"I almost forgot… Ritsu, how do you feel after using the Chimera Technique? Any side effects?"
"None. Everything's normal."
Ritsu raised his hand.
A sharp, ivory-white bone spike slid out from his palm.
"I feel great.
After gaining Shikotsumyaku, not only did the Caged Bird Seal dissolve on its own, but my Byakugan's pupil power skyrocketed.
My chakra reserves increased by more than ten times.
Honestly, it feels like I've leveled up in every possible way."
He held nothing back, explaining his transformation completely.
Hiruko listened, thought deeply for a moment, then nodded.
"It all fits.
Maybe you really are right—Byakugan and Shikotsumyaku must share the same origin.
The Hyūga and the Kaguya might actually descend from the same ancient bloodline.
That would explain the perfect compatibility."
Ritsu grinned.
"So, Sensei… do you want to use the Chimera Technique too?"
Then he added sincerely:
"Honestly, between Orochimaru and Namikaze Minato…
I'd much prefer you becoming Hokage."
"Don't talk nonsense," Hiruko laughed.
"How could I possibly become Hokage?
I'm mediocre, my achievements are ordinary…
If I ever became Hokage, it would mean the village is already doomed!"