Monster
Chapter IX: Monster
Today’s training was nothing compared to when Hiruzen Sarutobi was still their sensei. As a teacher, Yamato was not bad per se, but the training itself was underwhelming utmost. Orochimaru did not bother to hide his displeasure.
Orochimaru's disappointment stems from a lack of true challenge, which is understandable given his own ambition and thirst for greater power. Even Jiraiya, though often underestimated, has a knack for unconventional thinking that can turn the tide of battle.
“You do not usually pout, but when you do then something bothers you. Out with it.” Just like Jiraiya, the Senju princess could see the discontentment on Orochimaru’s serpentine eyes which made her decide to match her best friend’s pace in walking. On the other hand, Jiraiya joined Naruto since the two of them has become surprisingly close, as if the pair of boisterous boys co
“I do not pout, Hime.” As if offended, Orochimaru found himself denying his best friend’s observation. He knew that Tsunade could read them like a book, but that doesn’t mean he’ll admit that he is sulking.
“Uh huh” Orochimaru could deny all he wants, but they both know that she is correct.
“Fine—They are not worth our time. Even their so-called genius is weaker than Jiraiya. I am disappointed, Hime.” It was believed that Sasuke was a genius like Orochimaru which was a complete lie. While fighting the pompous Uchiha, all he can see was ill tempered brat who needs a reality check because he is no doubt weaker than Jiraiya. Much to his chagrin, he finds no thrill in fighting the last Uchiha again despite Tsunade’s reassurance that he’ll be thrilled to face Sasuke Uchiha again during their upcoming trainings with them.
“They are genin, Maru. Even if we look younger than them, we are superior to them. Sarutobi-sensei told us that despite our lack of memory, our skills are finely honed. Plus, we have the rank of jounin before losing our memories or did Maru already forget about that hmmm?” Tsunade can’t blame her childhood friend about the lack of stimulation or challenge when they fought Kakashi Hatake’s genin team. However, she believes that if given time then the brats could match their elite team.
“No. Even when we were genin, we were not that weak during our time. Is this what the current generation could offer? If yes, they might as well quit.” Orochimaru has always been known for his lack of empathy to those who were inferior to him and his team.
Kakashi and Yamato eyed each other the moment the Senju princess and Yashagoro heir’s topic shifted to Kakashi’s genin team. The two jounin were not surprised to hear that even Sasuke Uchiha did not pose any thrill or challenge for the de-aged Snake Sannin. Even without their memories, the Legendary Sannin are no doubt stronger compared to a bunch of genin.
On the other hand, Naruto was glad that he could get along well with Jiraiya. Although Tsunade was not that bad if not for her temper. She somewhat reminds Naruto of Sakura. Meanwhile, the blond genin’s distrust towards Orochimaru remains stronger day by day. After all, the older Orochimaru did not only threaten their team during the chunin exam, but he also marked Sasuke like cattle waiting for slaughter. If not for Anko’s help, the Snake bastard’s henchmen would have succeeded in killing Sasuke.
“Say, do you want to come with me later? I have something to show you, Naruto. Unlike Orochimaru-teme, I am sure that your company will be fun.” Grinning, Jiraiya pulled Naruto closer. There’s a glint of mischief and excitement on his eyes.
“Huh? Where are we going?” Naruto was clueless, but it was rare for anyone to invite him to go with them anywhere. Sure, he is friends with Choji and Shikamaru. However, they rarely spend time with him as of late.
“That’s a secret, but I am sure that you’ll love that place” Jiraiya almost giggled. Wrapping an arm around Naruto’s shoulder. He made sure that neither Orochimaru or Tsunade could hear them.
“Okay?” Although reluctant, Naruto agreed. After all, he likes Jiraiya’s company, and he feels responsible for the well-being of the younger-looking ninja.
While they are on their way to Ichiraku Ramen shop, Orochimaru observes the lack of enthusiasm coming from ninjas and civilians alike whenever they see Naruto. The fact that they were not subtle about their hatred towards the blond boy, he became curious. As far as he could remember, Uzumaki clan were revered even after Uzushiogakure was destroyed. After all, Mito Uzumaki was not only the 1st Hokage’s wife, but she too is also a powerful kunoichi. The Yashagoro heir made a mental note to ask their former sensei why the village seem to hate the Uzumaki boy.
“Stop overthinking, Maru.” Tsunade could not resist, and she pinches her best friend’s cheek. Even when they first met, she has always seen Orochimaru as one of her own.
“I am not— Hime, don’t you find it weird that they don’t like that boy Naruto even if he is from the Uzumaki clan?” As a friend, the Senju princess is no doubt the best. However, she tends to nag him and Jiraiya whenever she thinks that they are being reckless and restless. Orochimaru respects Tsunade-hime because she has always put their well-being over her own.
“I heard that he is infamous prankster. That might be the reason for them not liking him.” Disinterested with the blond Uzumaki’s personal affair, Tsunade shows no enthusiasm at the idea of talking about Naruto to Orochimaru of all people. Sure, she was glad that Maru and she became closer than before. However, she is completely unwilling to befriend the genin team that they were partnered not so long ago.
“I doubt that’s the only reason, Hime.” The fear and disgust on their eyes were similar whenever they could see Orochimaru even after his entire clan were wiped out and his parents were killed during a skirmish. He could not shake the feeling that Naruto is hiding something. Just like in his case, wherein their fear was baseless, and they were just prejudice arseholes, their hate for Naruto was somewhat similar and different at the same time.