Orochimaru suddenly appeared at the training ground and announced that Sarutobi Hiruzen liked Shiranui Riku very much and wanted Orochimaru to accept him as a disciple.
Riku's mind nearly shut down.
He already suspected that Hiruzen favored him. There had been several occasions when the Third Hokage subtly or directly hinted that Riku could take the graduation exam early and become a full-fledged ninja. But Riku had always feigned ignorance, evading the subject. He wasn't interested in graduating early only to be relegated to menial D-rank missions. For Riku, those were a complete waste of time. Unless Hiruzen promised that he'd immediately be allowed to participate in actual combat missions, Riku wasn't going to risk it. The idea of graduating early only to end up collecting trash was out of the question.
What Riku hadn't expected was for Orochimaru to personally approach him just two days before the scheduled graduation exam—especially under Hiruzen's recommendation.
It dawned on Riku just how significant this was. Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, was Hiruzen's most prized student and a cornerstone of Konoha's strength. He hadn't yet experienced defeat at the hands of the Sharingan and was still a highly respected ninja with an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
Still, Orochimaru was far from harmless.
Having lost his parents young, and after witnessing the deaths of his close friend Kato Dan and his apprentice Nawaki, Orochimaru's mindset had become increasingly dark. At this point, he might already be drifting into dangerous territory. Eventually, he would collaborate with Konoha's higher-ups to experiment with the Wood Release bloodline.
Given that Riku had Senju blood, he would be the perfect test subject.
However, those experiments were believed to start only after the Third Great Ninja War, when the next Hokage was being considered. Riku wasn't sure if Orochimaru had already begun studying Impure World Reincarnation or exploring immortality.
For now, the risks of becoming Orochimaru's disciple seemed manageable, especially since Hiruzen had personally made the recommendation.
And there was no doubt about Orochimaru's abilities as a teacher.
Even Uchiha Sasuke would become his disciple in the future, receiving excellent training in both power and strategy.
Though Riku had already mastered the full sword form of Thunder Breathing, he hadn't learned anything new in a long time. His current training focused solely on consolidating what he already knew. Becoming Orochimaru's disciple could open the door to new skills and the tactical insight he craved.
Having made up his mind, Riku knelt on one knee and declared, "Please, Lord Orochimaru, accept me as your disciple!"
Orochimaru chuckled, "I am interested in you, and the old man does hope I take you under my wing. But that doesn't guarantee anything. I'll give you a chance. If you can survive, you pass my test. If not, you die."
Riku stood, unfazed. "I understand, Lord Orochimaru. Does the test begin now?"
Orochimaru gave a slight nod. "Yes. It begins now."
As soon as the words left Orochimaru's mouth, Riku retreated, placing distance between them. His right hand gripped the hilt of his katana, chakra focusing in his limbs, now glowing with flickers of lightning.
Orochimaru smiled approvingly. Riku wasn't hesitating.
"Breath of Thunder: First Form — Thunderclap and Flash!"
Riku vanished in a burst of speed, a streak of lightning tearing through the air, slicing toward Orochimaru faster than the eye could follow.
But the blade hit nothing.
Orochimaru had already vanished.
Riku gritted his teeth. Teleportation? No, that was just ridiculous speed.
From his flank, Orochimaru's voice spoke coolly, "Your speed is impressive. But your flaw is obvious. You can only charge straight. If someone sees through your line of attack and moves even a body-length away, you miss."
Orochimaru formed a quick seal and extended his arm.
"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
Snakes erupted from his sleeve, launching themselves at Riku.
Riku pivoted immediately, facing him head-on.
"Breath of Thunder: Fourth Form — Distant Thunder!"
Blue lightning exploded around Riku, and he rushed forward, slashing at high speed. The snakes were electrocuted before reaching him. Riku struck at Orochimaru again, but the Sannin evaded effortlessly.
"A good adjustment," Orochimaru noted. "Slightly slower, but more powerful. The lightning chakra is better refined."
Forming seals, Orochimaru released his counter.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
A violent gust burst from Orochimaru's mouth. Though only a C-rank technique, in the hands of someone like Orochimaru, it could uproot century-old trees.
The wind slammed into Riku, sending him flying. The force also dispersed the lightning covering his body—Wind trumped Lightning.
But then Riku halted midair.
A snake coiled around his waist, its tail wrapped around Orochimaru's arm like a kite string.
Riku struggled to break free, but Orochimaru yanked hard, pulling him through the air like a projectile.
Orochimaru slammed a fist into Riku's stomach.
"Cough..."
Riku's eyes widened as bile threatened to rise. He crashed to the ground, tumbling to a stop.
Orochimaru stood composed, analyzing, "You lack adaptability. When I released the Shadow Snake Hands, again before the Wind Style, and especially when I reeled you in, there were chances to counter. You missed them."
Riku slowly stood, clutching his abdomen. He took a deep breath, stabilized himself, and activated his Sharingan.