Chapter 013: Orochimaru's Departure

The Cloud ninjas withdrew and never mentioned the matter of their envoy’s death again.

Afterward, a rumor began to circulate rapidly among the various nations. It claimed that the White Fang of the Leaf had returned, and that the Golden Flash of the Leaf was about to reappear as well. The Land of Fire’s threat to the entire shinobi world was said to be growing by the day, and there were whispers that the Land of Fire intended to unify the shinobi world once more.

During this time, the entire border was constantly ablaze with conflict. The ninja of the Leaf Village were busier than ever, rushing about everywhere like firefighters, extinguishing the flames of enemy infiltration.

Kakashi and Orochimaru had also become less visible, and Naruto returned once again to his previous quiet, solitary days.

At present, however, Naruto had little time for other thoughts. Kakashi and Orochimaru had delivered him some chakra metal, explaining that it could conduct chakra. He intended to use this chakra metal to research something interesting.

This research lasted for three years.

During those three years, Naruto completed his universal mechanical arm. This piece of equipment meant he could once again exercise his abilities as a combat engineer. The funds came from what he saved out of his living expenses, as well as various materials he gathered himself.

But this version of the universal mechanical arm was only a basic model, forged from ordinary metal. He had yet to create the many other versions, crafted from special materials and integrated with a variety of specialized modules.

At present, for instance, Naruto was replacing the mechanical skeleton of his arm with one forged from chakra metal.

“Naruto, tomorrow’s the start of the school term,” Orochimaru appeared silently behind Naruto. “I never thought you’d agree to your teacher’s arrangement and waste three years at the ninja academy. You’re already more than qualified to be a jonin, yet you’re going to play house with those children.”

“As you said, I’m just going to play house with the kids,” Naruto replied, manipulating the arcane welding tool as he spoke. “I’ve finally gotten to relive my childhood. Shouldn’t I spend a few years enjoying life? After all, these are precious times of peace.”

“Honestly, you really are quite idle…” Orochimaru muttered, pulling something from his robes and placing a glass jar in front of Naruto. Inside was a small, intricate mechanical device, glowing faintly with a blue light.

“This is the sensor feedback system you’ve been requesting for ages,” Orochimaru said. “I only just finished it yesterday, managed to do a preliminary test before coming over, and found no issues.”

Naruto’s surprise and delight were evident as he gazed at the device: “So you really made it! I’d nearly given up hope—thank you so much!”

With that, Naruto took the device out and installed it on his mechanical hand.

With this, the initial upgrade of the mechanical arm was complete.

He mounted the power core at his waist, four mechanical arms unfolding behind his back. As a gentle breeze brushed across the open palms, Naruto closed his eyes, quietly savoring the sensation.

“Excellent,” he murmured. He spread his own flesh-and-blood hands, feeling the currents in the air. “It’s just like the sensations of the body—no, even more sensitive! This sensor feedback system is fantastic!”

Then, his four hands danced through the air like butterflies, crossing and weaving in a flurry of hand seals.

“Wind Release: Breeze!”

“Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!”

“Yang Release: Rapid Hair Growth!”

“Yin Release: Shadow Blade!”

With dazzling speed, he performed a succession of jutsu, each one more varied than the last. If Naruto had not deliberately reduced his chakra input to control the power, he alone could have reduced the nearby forest to dust.

“Wonderful! Hand flexibility is excellent! Chakra conductivity is superb! Tactile response is outstanding! Ninjutsu casting is smooth!”

After testing the jutsu, Naruto went on to experiment with various arcane mechanical techniques and the ability to rapidly assemble and disassemble basic steam machinery.

Before long, a pile of complete mechanical parts had accumulated at his feet.

“All indicators are outstanding. The initial upgrade is a great success!” Naruto nodded in satisfaction.

Beside him, having observed the entire process, Orochimaru sighed with feeling, “Naruto, you truly are frightening. I have no doubt that even the old man himself would be at a loss dealing with you now. Do you really still plan to keep a low profile as before?”

Naruto nodded, “Of course. All I ask of this life is to live comfortably.”

“I will change this world—reshape it into my ideal vision.”

“But first, I must have enough strength. And by my assessment, the power I currently possess is still less than ideal.”

“Until I’ve gathered enough strength, let me enjoy my childhood and youth a little longer.”

As he spoke, Naruto took off his universal mechanical arm. With a series of clicks and clacks, the arm folded down into a small cube, which he hung at the center of his belt.

Drawing some water, Naruto washed the oil and metallic dust from his face as he asked,

“Orochimaru, are you leaving?”

Orochimaru did not answer immediately. Instead, he lifted his head to gaze into the distance at the Hokage Rock, and then at the Hokage’s office below it.

A fleeting hint of nostalgia crossed his eyes before they turned cold.

“Yes, I’m leaving. This village is so stale and dull—there’s simply no place for me here,” Orochimaru sighed. “I’d much rather go out and do what I want to do—things that are more valuable, more meaningful.”

“For example…selling some of the things we’ve created together.”

“And preparing a grand ceremony for the one I respect most.”

At those words, Naruto paused, then continued washing his face.

With his face buried in a towel, he spoke, his voice muffled, “When you say a grand ceremony for the one you respect most, is it to bid him farewell?”

“Yes, to bid him farewell,” Orochimaru replied. “Not only for all that he’s given for the things he holds dear, but also for the sake of our bond, I must do this.”

“Even though he’s grown senile, even though he’s done so many foolish things.”

“He’s still worthy.”

After washing his face, Naruto rinsed his towel and said, “Then I wish you success. If you need my help, contact me ahead of time. For the sake of our friendship, I’d be willing to give him a grand send-off as well.”

“No need. I won’t entrust this task to anyone else.”

With those words, Orochimaru turned and left.

Before his figure was swallowed by the shadows, he waved and said, “Oh, I almost forgot—two things.”

“First, I’ll send you your share of the profits every quarter—same address as before!”

“Second, after I’m gone, a certain fool will come looking for you! He’s not as clever as I am, so don’t bully him!”