Chapter 10: Natural Energy Affinity Entry
Orochimaru's snake-like eyes locked onto Minato's group as they prepared for their mission. His gaze shifted past Kakashi, who barely caught his attention. As the son of the White Fang, Kakashi's information was well-documented—a known genius, but predictable.
But the Uchiha boy? Something was unusual.
As a ninja who had extensively modified his own body, Orochimaru's perception was far beyond ordinary. Chakra, the balance of spiritual and physical energy, was second nature to him. Yet, the spiritual energy of this Uchiha child was bizarrely active, far outpacing his physical energy. It was unnatural.
"That Uchiha brat…" Orochimaru whispered, licking his lips, "Interesting."
Jiraiya noticed Orochimaru's fixation and turned his head. "Huh? Which Uchiha is it?"
"The more handsome one, obviously," Tsunade quipped, raising her eyebrows. Despite her usual nonchalance, her sharp senses as a Senju and descendant of the Second Hokage had also picked up on something strange.
"The Yin Chakra within that kid…" she murmured. "It's far too active. It's like his spiritual energy is trying to overpower his body."
Orochimaru smirked but said nothing, savoring the enigma. Tsunade continued, "Let's go. A closer look might explain this anomaly."
The air grew tense as Minato's team made their final preparations. Obito and Rin, momentarily excited by the news of their first C-rank mission, quickly fell silent, showing the discipline expected of any ninja, even Genin. They carefully checked their gear, confirming that nothing was amiss.
Minato's calm voice cut through the moment. "Are you all ready?"
"Everything is ready!" Obito chimed confidently.
"No problem," Kakashi added, his tone curt but assured.
"Everything is fine, Minato-sensei," Yuma said with a polite nod.
Minato's smile widened. Leading his team on their first mission outside the village was not only a milestone for them but also for him as their sensei.
"Then, let's set off!"
"Oh~!" Obito cheered, earning a light chuckle from Rin.
The group had barely begun to leave the training ground when three figures appeared in a swirl of motion, their presence radiating authority.
"Minato, today is your first mission as a team leader," Jiraiya said with a grin. "We're here to give you our blessings. Surely, you don't mind us crashing the party?"
Minato's brows rose in surprise but quickly softened into a warm smile. "Of course not, Jiraiya-sensei. Your blessing… no, the blessing of a great Sannin is an honor."
Jiraiya's chest puffed out. "Hahaha! That's right—an immortal's blessing is invaluable." He turned to Tsunade, his expression shifting to one of exaggerated smugness. "Even you, Tsunade, could use a bit of my divine luck."
The subtle twitch in Tsunade's brow was the only warning. "Do you really want to 'bless' me, Jiraiya?" she asked, her voice deceptively calm.
Jiraiya's confidence evaporated as cold sweat trickled down his face. "Ahahaha! Just kidding! Just kidding!" He quickly pivoted, addressing Minato's team.
"You must be Minato's disciples. Energetic bunch, eh?" he said, his grin wide.
The three young ninjas, well aware of the legendary status of the Sannin, bowed deeply.
"It's an honor to meet you, Jiraiya-sama," Yuma said, followed by Rin and Obito's respectful greetings.
Orochimaru gave a curt nod, his golden eyes cold and calculating. Tsunade barely acknowledged them with a bored wave of her hand. Jiraiya, ever the lively one, clapped his hands together.
"Listen up! Today marks your first mission as a team outside the village. As your teacher's teacher, I wish you success and a safe return to Konoha!"
"Thank you, Jiraiya-sama!" the team chorused.
After the formalities, Orochimaru's gaze lingered on Yuma. His voice was smooth, almost hypnotic. "What is your name, young Uchiha?"
Yuma hesitated, pointing to himself in surprise. "Me? My name is Uchiha Yuma, Orochimaru-sama."
Orochimaru's interest deepened. "Yuma, should you one day rise to the rank of Chūnin or Jōnin, consider joining my department. There is much we could achieve together."
"Orochimaru!" Jiraiya interrupted sharply. "He's Minato's disciple. His future will be decided by him, not by your schemes."
Orochimaru chuckled softly, stepping back. "Of course, Jiraiya. I meant no harm."
Jiraiya patted Yuma on the shoulder. "Don't let him get to you, kid. If you ever need help, come find me. As Minato's disciple, you're practically family."
Yuma nodded politely, his Sharingan briefly flickering with curiosity.
As Jiraiya spoke, Yuma's system quietly activated.
[Natural Energy Affinity (Blue)]:
A trait of those in harmony with nature, allowing them to absorb natural energy with ease.
Effects:
Slight enhancement of Chakra reserves. Improved natural energy affinity.
Yuma frowned. "A blue entry? Why not purple?" Then realization dawned. The system's criteria weren't about sheer power but addressing his weaknesses. Among the Uchiha, the ability to use Sage Mode was unprecedented. Even Sasuke, a prodigy, had never achieved it.
"So, the system gave me the key to overcoming that limitation," Yuma thought. He clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes.
Departure
After bidding farewell to the Sannin, Minato addressed his team.
"Let's set off. Our mission is to escort our employer safely to the Land of Tea."
"Yes, Minato-sensei!" the team responded in unison.
As they departed, the Sannin watched them go. Jiraiya crossed his arms, grinning. "Minato's students show promise, don't they?"
Orochimaru smirked. "Yes… especially that Uchiha boy. He's full of potential."
Tsunade sighed. "Let's just hope their mission is as smooth as Minato hopes."
The three Sannin turned and walked away, their thoughts lingering on the next generation of ninja.