After escorting Kitsuchi back to Konoha, everything that followed had little to do with Uchiha Ran.
What the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wanted most was stability along the border. As for the incident involving Iwagakure, it would likely be brushed aside and quietly shelved.
One immediate consequence of this was that the Uchiha Special Operations Unit, which had only just been established, lost its chance to operate as a group on the front lines.
During peacetime, Hiruzen simply couldn't risk allowing a large number of Uchiha to act freely along the border—
even if the one leading them was technically his own grand-disciple.
After bringing Kitsuchi to the Hokage's reception room, the Third Hokage deliberately held Ran back for a moment, making it clear that if trouble flared up again on the border, he would still be counting on Ran and the Special Operations Unit.
Ran naturally agreed.
After that, he found an excuse and slipped away to look for Orochimaru.
Even though the possibility of awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan was now in sight, Ran's respect for Orochimaru remained unchanged.
After all, in the ninja world—
science, too, could change the future.
That day, when Ran went to see Orochimaru, he was surprised to find that his teacher wasn't surrounded by experimental equipment as usual.
Instead, Orochimaru was wearing casual home clothes.
…Huh.
Turns out Snake-sama looked oddly stylish in everyday wear.
No wonder he'd once been the heartthrob who captivated an entire generation of peers.
"Orochimaru-sensei, this is rare," Ran said with curiosity.
"You're dressed like this—something special today?"
It was the first time Ran had ever seen Orochimaru in casual clothes.
"Ah, Ran-kun, you're back," Orochimaru replied smoothly.
"Perfect timing. Later, you'll come with me to Mitarashi Marute's house."
"He specifically asked me to take his daughter as my disciple today."
As he spoke, Orochimaru retrieved a short blade from his laboratory.
"Normally, I wouldn't bother with weapons like this," he added,
"but after taking you in as my student, I had a few custom-made. This just happens to be the right occasion to use one."
"Mitarashi…?" Ran paused.
Of course he knew that surname.
After all, there was a rather famous character in the future named Mitarashi Anko.
By his estimate, the girl should only be seven or eight years old right now.
If he remembered correctly, Orochimaru hadn't taken Anko as a disciple this early… had he?
"Yes, the Mitarashi family has always been loyal supporters of mine," Orochimaru said lightly.
"This time they came to me with a request. I'll take a look—if she's suitable, you may be getting a junior sister, Ran-kun."
Seeing that familiar smile, Ran silently thought:
As expected… a natural-born child magnet.
Before he could think further, Orochimaru had already dragged him along to serve as a glorified bag carrier.
By the time the sun dipped toward the horizon, the two finally arrived at Marute's home.
"Sorry to intrude," Orochimaru said politely.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ran and Orochimaru were welcomed inside.
The Mitarashi household wasn't large, but it radiated warmth.
The furniture and plants were carefully arranged, revealing Marute's meticulous attention to daily life. In the living room stood an antique wooden table set with refined tea ware and a hanging scroll painting, giving the space a quietly elegant atmosphere.
Mrs. Mitarashi held the hand of a timid little girl.
The child's eyes flickered with curiosity and caution as she kept sneaking glances at Ran and Orochimaru, clearly trying to figure out who these strange visitors were.
Ran smiled faintly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Orochimaru, standing beside him, let his earlier smile fade away. His gaze sharpened, pupils narrowing—
like a snake locking onto prey.
In an instant, the small living room filled with tension.
The girl's heartbeat quickened. She clutched her mother's clothes tighter, instinctively seeking reassurance. Mrs. Mitarashi gently squeezed her daughter's hands, signaling her to stay calm.
Marute, who had personally guided them inside, understood perfectly—
This was Orochimaru-sama's test.
A faint killing intent, just enough.
If his daughter could withstand this pressure, then she truly had the qualifications to become Orochimaru's disciple.
"Mom," the little girl suddenly looked up, blinking her big watery eyes,
"didn't you say some uncles were coming today and we'd have cake tonight? Why… haven't we started eating yet?"
"Oh, we'll eat soon," Mrs. Mitarashi replied softly.
She felt a wave of relief.
Her daughter was performing far better than expected.
Watching closely, Marute also relaxed slightly, silently praising her.
With talent like this—after passing this stage, she was probably just one step away from becoming Orochimaru-sama's disciple.
Still young, still rough around the edges… but more than good enough.
Turning to Orochimaru, Marute said respectfully:
"Orochimaru-sama, Ran-kun, please take a seat. Though today isn't my daughter's birthday, I hope you'll join us in some cake."
Once Ran and Orochimaru sat down and the meal began, the girl's earlier shyness vanished completely.
She became lively and cheerful, her cheeks flushed red with excitement. She kept lifting her plate to offer Ran pieces of cake, and constantly asked Orochimaru which jam he liked best.
"Thank you, Anko-chan~" Ran said with a smile.
"What an extraordinary child," Orochimaru added, his voice low and hoarse.
Then he asked casually,
"Anko, what kind of ninjutsu do you like?"
"Hm?" Anko paused mid-bite and tilted her head.
"All kinds are okay?"
"Of course," Orochimaru replied.
"All chakra natures included—even the jutsu I created myself."
There was a hint of mischief in his tone.
"Wow, that's awesome!"
The girl jumped up from her chair in excitement.
"Then, Orochimaru-san," she asked eagerly,
"can you show me one of your original jutsu?"
Ran sucked in a sharp breath from the side.
Oh no.
He remembered that Orochimaru had once asked him the same thing.
And the moment he imagined slippery snakes crawling out of sleeves…
Yeah. He'd chosen the path of survival and firmly declined learning snake techniques.
"Of course," Orochimaru said cheerfully, forming a hand seal.
Shadow Snake Hands!
Several pitch-black snakes burst forth from his arm, stopping abruptly right in front of little Anko.
"Cute! Slippery little snakes!" Anko exclaimed happily.
"Orochimaru-sama, can I touch them?"
"…You're serious?" Ran stared in disbelief.
"Of course you can," Orochimaru said warmly. "Go ahead."
The little girl gleefully reached out with her chubby hand, touching the cool, smooth, squirming snakes—
And she smiled.
A bright, delighted smile.
Ran looked at the scene, then slowly nodded to himself.
Heh.
This kid… her future is definitely promising.
Interesting.
Little girl—you've officially caught my attention.
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