https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-38-Nature-Transformation-of-Lightning-Release/12558955/
Chapter 39: Graduation
Chapter 39: Graduation
"Hehehe... No need to hide it..."
Orochimaru noticed Feng Ye lowering his head, seemingly to conceal the turmoil of emotions within him, and let out a hoarse chuckle. "Whether it was your performance in the Chunin Exams or your enduring patience, they are all manifestations of your unconcealable ambition. I was certain of it from the first moment I laid eyes on you; I just didn't know what your ambition was."
"Then, can you tell me what it is that you desire?"
Hearing Orochimaru's words, Feng Ye appeared somewhat startled, but his heart remained calm. He was well aware that Orochimaru was unlike Danzo; his desire for control was not as strong, and he wouldn't mind if his disciple or subordinate had ambitions of their own.
In fact, in Orochimaru's eyes, ambition was a desirable quality—it meant a stronger conviction and a more worthy candidate for cultivation.
Feng Ye's body swayed slightly as he hesitated for a few seconds. Then, he took a deep breath, lifted his head to meet Orochimaru's gaze, and said, "...What I desire is power."
It was impossible to completely hide his true self from Orochimaru, so Feng Ye had thought about how to handle this situation many times. The best approach was to not hide his ambition at all.
Different people required different approaches, and Feng Ye had once considered numerous strategies even in the worst-case scenario of falling into Danzo's trap and being forced to join the Root.
"I think Father's death was due to his weakness," Feng Ye said, his voice slightly louder as he clenched his fists, his emotions seemingly difficult to contain. "If he had been strong enough, he wouldn't have had to choose between saving his comrades and completing the mission. He could have done both!"
This wasn't entirely an act.
These were indeed his true thoughts, and not a single word was a lie. No one would be able to detect any flaws in his performance.
However, his goal was not merely to surpass the White Fang of Konoha but to stand at the pinnacle of the ninja world, towering above the Six Paths!
"I see," Orochimaru said, a smile spreading across his face as he looked at Feng Ye.
Feng Ye took a breath, as if recovering from his brief loss of control, and looked at Orochimaru with a slightly apprehensive expression.
"Your thoughts are correct," Orochimaru interrupted, his serpentine eyes fixed on Feng Ye. A smile that seemed capable of seeing through people's hearts, and enchanting them, appeared on his face. "Having sufficient strength does indeed allow you to achieve anything and handle any situation. No one would fault you for having such ambition."
"You are still very weak now, but as long as you follow in my footsteps and keep moving forward, you will become stronger. You will inherit the name of the White Fang and surpass it."
It would be natural to show a touched expression at this moment, but it could also easily expose his deception, especially since he had already revealed his true thoughts to Orochimaru. If he messed up here, the consequences could be dire.
So, Feng Ye revealed a confident look and took a deep breath.
"Teacher Orochimaru..."
"Mmm, you are exceptional and full of confidence," Orochimaru said, a faint smile appearing on his face that seemed slightly out of character, almost sunny. "I also believe that you can surpass your father."
"Then go and continue your training. If you have any questions, feel free to come to me."
"Yes." Feng Ye replied respectfully and turned to leave.
As he made his way out of Orochimaru's research base, Feng Ye maintained a calm demeanor, but inside, he heaved a long sigh of relief.
By deliberately exposing his ambition for power in front of Orochimaru, he had likely ensured his safety for the short term. Such dangerous topics probably wouldn't come up again anytime soon.
As for the long term...
Well, there was no need to worry about that now.
"The next goal is to become a Kage-level ninja!"
Feng Ye's eyes sparkled as he murmured to himself.
...
Time flew by, and another two months passed.
The Ninja Academy finally welcomed the graduation and class allocation of this batch of students, including Shisui Uchiha and Might Guy, among others. Everyone passed the graduation exam.
At that time, in Feng Ye's home, Kurenai Yuhi was looking at the silver-haired youth sitting on the sofa with a somewhat shocked expression.
"That Orochimaru-san, one of the Legendary Sannin, actually took you, Feng Ye, as his disciple?"
She hadn't seen Feng Ye's name on the Ninja Academy's graduation and class allocation list, and after her initial astonishment, she had come to inquire, only to find out that Feng Ye had become Orochimaru's disciple.
"Yes."
"It seems that Orochimaru-sensei doesn't plan on leading a team of three."
Feng Ye nodded and smiled, knowing what Kurenai was thinking. Now that he had become Orochimaru's disciple, he wouldn't be able to be in the same class as her.
Feng Ye sighed inwardly. His initial plan had been to graduate normally, be allocated to a regular class, and become an ordinary Konoha genin.
Then, he would happily and leisurely execute genin missions while also taking the opportunity to promote his relationship with the girl in the three-man squad and truly experience the vitality and beauty of this age.
However, unexpected events kept occurring.
Now, the possibility of being allocated to the same team as the three-man squad had also vanished.
After Kurenai got over her shock, she looked a little dejected as she said, "So, I won't be able to be in the same team as you, Feng Ye..."
If it were any other situation, she could also try to ask her father to make some changes to the class allocation. But since Orochimaru was involved, it was impossible to make any alterations.
"Shizune has also been personally taken in as Tsunade-sama's disciple."
Standing by the side, Rin Nohara spoke up.
Feng Ye replied in a relaxed manner, "In that case, only Jiraiya-sama hasn't taken in any disciples."
Rin Nohara smiled adorably and said, "Although Jiraiya-sama hasn't taken in any disciples, his only disciple has taken in a disciple, and your younger brother, Kakashi, is one of them."
"The Jonin, Minato?"
Feng Ye smiled lightly and said, "Let me guess... The other two are you and Shisui Uchiha."
Rin Nohara looked at Feng Ye in surprise and asked, "Feng Ye, have you seen this period's class allocation list?"
"No."
Feng Ye shook his head. "Kakashi told me."
"I don't remember saying this."
Kakashi Hatake, who had appeared in the living room at some point, mumbled before sighing. "Why did it turn out like this? One dead last and one troublesome girl. This team feels even more troublesome than before."
"... "
Kakashi's ruthless comment left Rin with an awkward smile.
Hearing Kakashi's words, Feng Ye stuck his tongue out at Rin and gestured with his thumb toward Kakashi. "You heard that, Rin. He thinks you're troublesome, so from now on, don't use medical ninjutsu on him. Let him bandage himself."
"... "
Hearing Feng Ye's words, Kakashi couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Rin couldn't help but laugh at this and said to Kakashi, "I'll work hard at medical ninjutsu and won't hold the team back."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
