บท 51: Chapter 51: Orochimaru, You’ll Never Be Hokage
Mirai didn't choose to kill Orochimaru.
Letting a mad scientist like him die here would be such a waste.
Besides, with Orochimaru's endless array of survival tricks, there was no way he'd die so easily.
"Well, Mirai-kun, you really have taken me by surprise," Orochimaru panted, shedding yet another layer of snake skin as he slithered out from his discarded body. Though he looked a bit worse for wear, there was barely a scratch on him. However, while his snake-substitution jutsu could block all damage, it drained his chakra significantly. Even someone like Orochimaru felt a trace of fatigue after using it twice in quick succession.
Yet, it wasn't the toll on his body that left him so shaken. It was Mirai's astonishing strength. Not only had he held his own in their clash of taijutsu and swordsmanship, but he also wielded the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Rasengan.
Seeing Mirai use the Rasengan, Orochimaru could still comprehend, after all, his close relationship with Minato Namikaze wasn't exactly a secret. But to master the Flying Thunder God Technique? That left Orochimaru utterly baffled. This was a forbidden technique from the Scroll of Seals. Without the Hokage's permission, no shinobi could ever hope to learn it. Just what kind of deal did Mirai strike with Minato for him to risk being branded a traitor and teach him that technique?
Noticing the confused look on Orochimaru's face, Mirai didn't bother to explain. He sheathed his sword and spoke calmly, "Orochimaru, let's make a deal."
"A deal?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Once I control Konoha, I'll give you all the resources you could ever want if you work for me."
Orochimaru froze, staring at him in disbelief. "Mirai-kun, do you realize what you're saying?"
Mirai chuckled. "Don't believe me?"
Orochimaru fell silent. Yes, Mirai was strong, he admitted that much. But that was all. If he hadn't expected Mirai to possess the Flying Thunder God, today's fight would not have ended like this. And no matter how strong one person might be, when it came to the village—a colossal power in itself—even the strongest seemed insignificant. Control the village? What a joke. He, with all his years rooted in Konoha and the reputation as a Hokage candidate, wouldn't dare to utter such words.
"What's more," Orochimaru fixed his gaze on Mirai. "Mirai-kun, have you forgotten? I'm going to be the next Hokage."
"Are you sure you're making this offer to the right person?" Orochimaru reminded him.
Mirai's ambition to control the village would inevitably put them at odds. How could they possibly work together?
Mirai laughed, unable to contain himself. "Orochimaru, you'll never be Hokage."
"Oh?" Orochimaru's eyes glinted dangerously. "Mirai-kun, what do you mean by that?"
"Who in the village could possibly be a better Hokage than me?" he demanded.
Mirai's gaze remained calm. "You're aware of Danzo Shimura's ambitions, right? During the Hokage election, he'll surely spread rumors about the things you've done."
"Even just the secret human experiments would be enough to ruin you."
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed, and his smile froze. "Mirai-kun, I've underestimated you. So, you even know about that."
"However, with my reputation, Danzo's petty schemes won't change anything." Orochimaru sounded confident. He'd always been cautious, conducting his experiments in the 'Root' base, never leaving any evidence. Besides, after the Second Great Ninja War and years of building his renown, countless shinobi supported him. Danzo's rumors alone wouldn't bring him down.
"Danzo alone, of course, wouldn't be enough. But if the Third Hokage also quietly supported him?"
Orochimaru's expression finally darkened. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Mirai's voice was calm. "Your reputation and influence might help you win the Hokage election, but they also make you a threat. Hiruzen Sarutobi will never let you take the title."
"My eyes," he continued, his Sharingan glinting, "have already seen your future."
Staring into those crimson, three-tomoe Sharingan, Orochimaru felt a rare moment of unease. As Hiruzen's student and long-time subordinate, he understood his mentor all too well. After a moment's thought, he realized that Mirai's words weren't entirely out of the question.
"So, how about it? Will you accept my terms?" Mirai gave him a moment to consider before adding, "You don't have to give me anything now—just a promise."
Orochimaru suddenly laughed. "Mirai-kun, you certainly know how to make an impression. I almost felt persuaded."
Seeing Orochimaru's grin, Mirai shrugged. "If you don't believe me, that's fine. Time will prove me right."
"One day, you'll see me sitting on the throne."
At Mirai's confident statement, Orochimaru put away his smile, stood up, and gave him a long, calculating look.
"Aren't you afraid I'll tell the Hokage about this? He is my mentor, after all."
Mirai laughed. "I know. It'd cost extra, right?"
"…Hmph."
"Just kidding," Mirai said with a wave as he turned to walk back toward the camp. "I wouldn't have told you all this if I was worried. My offer stands. Come find me anytime."
After Mirai left, Orochimaru felt an unfamiliar emotion rise within him. From as far back as he could remember, he had never encountered anyone quite like Uchiha Mirai. It was as if he'd been completely seen through.
Could it be… would things really unfold as Mirai had predicted?
After a long pause, Orochimaru steadied himself, a small smile creeping back onto his face. Under his breath, he muttered,
"Mirai-kun, if you're so certain, then let's see who prevails."
"I'll uncover every secret you're hiding."
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