UCHIHA KING OF THE SOULS

The Disciple's Apprenticeship Ceremony

"This is my offering as a disciple's apprenticeship ceremony, a token of sincerity to support Teacher Orochimaru's research."

"Although it's not much, it represents my deepest respect. I ask Orochimaru-sensei to accept it."

Gen Uchiha knelt formally, his expression solemn as he presented the neatly stacked ryo.

Orochimaru extended his hand, his pale fingers brushing over the crisp banknotes before slightly lifting his arm to inspect them. Each note was a ten-thousand-tael bill, forming a thick stack—an estimated sum of over three million ryo. Even for him, it was a considerable amount.

Though the amount itself wasn't staggering by elite shinobi standards, the intent behind it carried weight.

Gen Uchiha came from a lineage of chūnin who, despite their Uchiha heritage, had never awakened the Sharingan. Their savings, bolstered by the clan's financial dividends, were unlikely to be vast.

Moreover, the ongoing war had drastically impacted shinobi incomes. Missions were mandatory, and compensation was often limited to provisions provided by the village. Had Gen already awakened his Sharingan, and later progressed to the second tomoe, he would have begun receiving higher dividends from the clan. However, for now, his resources were constrained.

This sum—more than three million ryo—constituted half of his entire savings.

"Does your family have enough money left?" Orochimaru inquired, his golden snake-like eyes glinting with intrigue.

Gen Uchiha nodded without hesitation. "Yes, I still have over three million ryo remaining."

Spending half his savings was a calculated move.

To him, money was a trivial sacrifice in the pursuit of greater ambitions. A strong relationship with Orochimaru would bring far greater benefits in the long run. As his standing in the Uchiha clan rose, so would his dividends.

Even without undertaking missions, he could maintain a comfortable life on his clan's wealth alone. Of course, true luxury was beyond reach—partly due to financial limitations, but also because shinobi, as warriors, did not embrace indulgence. Their discipline and resilience were paramount, as emphasized by the village's teachings, including the Three Shinobi Prohibitions.

Orochimaru's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"In that case, your teacher will accept this gift."

He paused briefly before adding, "As your teacher, I should also present you with a proper greeting gift."

Raising his head slightly, Orochimaru opened his mouth. From the depths of his throat, a brown-scaled serpent slithered outward, its jaws parting to regurgitate a scroll coated in thick, glistening mucus. Next, the snake produced a sword, similarly slick with saliva, before retreating back into his body.

With an effortless motion, Orochimaru caught the scroll and the sword, flicking them to the side to shake off the slime before extending them to his disciple.

Gen Uchiha maintained his composure despite the queasy sensation as he took the gifts. The items were slightly moist, slick under his fingertips, leaving an odd sensation on his skin.

"This scroll contains the A-rank genjutsu Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, originally developed by the Second Hokage and recorded in the Scroll of Seals. It is particularly well-suited for someone like you."

"As for this blade—it is the Kusanagi Sword. I am entrusting it to you."

Initially, Orochimaru had only intended to bestow the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, a jutsu he had acquired through his former sensei, Hiruzen Sarutobi. However, Gen's actions had prompted a change of heart.

But more than generosity, the underlying reason for this gift was their shared pursuit—immortality.

Without that connection, Orochimaru would never have parted with a weapon as valuable as the Kusanagi Sword. Even the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique would have been a stretch; he would have simply chosen a lesser jutsu instead.

Gen Uchiha's eyes gleamed with excitement. This was beyond his expectations—Orochimaru's generosity far exceeded the three million ryo he had offered.

A mere sum of money could never equate to the true worth of these gifts.

The Bringer-of-Darkness Technique was one of the most effective counters to the Sharingan, a genjutsu he had long desired.

The Kusanagi Sword was a legendary weapon, one of the finest chakra-conducting blades in existence.

Unlike standard swords—or even elite chakra-enhanced weapons—none felt worthy of his investment. The Kusanagi Sword, however, was different. It was crafted from the hardest material known, so sharp that even Enma, the Monkey King, in his adamantine form, felt pain from its edge.

Moreover, this was not the standard Kusanagi variant that Sasuke Uchiha would later wield. This version possessed the ability to extend more than a hundred meters—capable of reaching an airborne Tailed Beast Mode Naruto.

This was the ideal weapon to infuse with his very soul.

"Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei."

Gen Uchiha did not hide his joy, bowing respectfully with a rare, sincere smile.

From the side, Anko Mitarashi huffed in dissatisfaction, arms crossed.

"Teacher, you're way too biased toward my new senior brother. The gifts I got when I became your disciple don't even compare!"

"Senior brother?" Orochimaru's interest piqued. "Was he not your junior brother?"

Gen Uchiha quickly interjected, clarifying the situation.

"I see. Well, I don't mind being the senior brother—it would be too much pressure for Anko to bear otherwise."

"Don't change the subject!" Anko scowled. "Teacher, you have to make it up to me! No favoritism!"

She puffed out her cheeks in frustration. Her sense of crisis surged—her teacher's affection was being stolen!

Orochimaru chuckled darkly.

"Tell me, Anko… did you give your teacher a gift when you became my disciple?"

Anko froze mid-complaint, deflating like a popped balloon.

That was… a good point.

She had never given Orochimaru anything. In fact, before becoming a ninja, she had depended on him entirely for her livelihood. Even after becoming a genin, he had frequently provided financial support.

She had no ground to stand on.

"Fine, don't pout," Orochimaru relented. "Take five million ryo from the cash box and spend it as you wish."

"But—" he added with a smirk—"watch your weight. Don't eat too much."

"If you fail to reach chūnin rank within the timeframe I've set… you know the consequences."

Anko shuddered, then quickly smiled.

"I know, I know! Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei!"

A pleased giggle escaped her as she skipped off to claim her money.

With a casual hand seal, Orochimaru summoned a large scroll onto the low table in front of him.

"This is the Ryūchi Cave Summoning Scroll. If you don't have a summoning contract yet, Gen, press your handprint here."

"Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei."

Without hesitation, Gen bit his finger, pressing his bloody handprint onto the parchment, just beneath Anko's name.

Orochimaru observed him with intrigue.

"Are you interested in snake-based ninjutsu?"

Gen pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

"There's no need to master everything." He smirked. "Besides, that's your signature technique, Orochimaru-sensei. If I started using it, wouldn't people mistake me for a cheap imitation?"

Orochimaru's chuckle was dark and amused.

"Hoho… well said."

He summoned another scroll.

"Learn what's in here first. Once you've mastered it, come to me. If you have any other jutsu you wish to learn, just ask."

Gen's eyes glowed with anticipation.

Orochimaru, understanding his unspoken request, glanced at Anko.

"Anko, take the cash boxes to my room."

With her gone, Gen finally asked, voice hushed:

"Orochimaru-sensei… do you know about the Spirit Transformation Technique?"

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with renewed interest.

"Of course. Tsunade's late lover, Kato Dan, mastered that S-rank forbidden jutsu."

Gen's voice lowered further.

"This technique… holds profound insights into the mysteries of the soul. And in the pursuit of eternal life, the soul is far more important than the body…"

Orochimaru's grin widened.

"I will acquire it."

And Gen had no doubt that he would.