The results of the exam, huh…
With a gentle smile and a humble expression, Yukika spoke calmly. "If I'm not mistaken, once I pass the assessment, Lord Orochimaru will most likely become my jonin instructor."
"So as a student, I don't see anything wrong with preparing a small gift for my future teacher."
A gift?
The Second Hokage's Ninjutsu Handbook?
Orochimaru fell silent.
Something he had deeply valued… turned out to be just a gift to curry favor with a potential instructor.
For a moment, he didn't know how to respond.
"It seems you're very confident, Yukika-kun."
After a while, Orochimaru took a deep breath and gave Yukika a nod. "I'll accept the gift. But during the assessment, I won't go easy on you."
"That said, I will evaluate you as I would a true disciple—fairly, and without outside influence."
"If you truly have the strength to graduate, then you will graduate."
His words were subtle.
But Yukika understood them clearly.
What Orochimaru meant was simple: he was promising not to sabotage the assessment. In fact, he'd conduct it fairly and without interference from others.
That was, in essence, already helping Yukika.
A return gift for the ninjutsu handbook.
But as Yukika quietly watched Orochimaru walk away, he shook his head slightly.
Orochimaru was mistaken.
He misunderstood the intention.
Giving Orochimaru a gift? How could it be just for some trivial assessment?
"You're a crucial piece in the plan to bring down Hiruzen Sarutobi's reputation."
"Orochimaru…"
"The Senju clan needs a reason for revolution."
"And if the old and young of the Senju learn that someone has desecrated the First Hokage's grave…"
"Wouldn't that be reason enough?"
When Orochimaru took the handbook…
He had already taken the bait!
The handbook was just the beginning.
Especially since that handbook had been edited—personally modified by Senju Yukika.
Hmm…
Lord Orochimaru…
That pursuit of immortality you hold so dear—
I'll be the one to lead you down that path!
With a grin, Yukika stretched out his hand and summoned the Moonlight Sword.
Training resumed.