"Why do I feel like he's… incredibly weak?"
Orochimaru stared at the spot where Sasame had vanished, suspicion gnawing at him.
Those two Wood Clones had given him zero sense of threat—as if they were genin-level.
But how could someone with genin-level strength possibly know so many secrets?
Impossible.
The only explanation left was that Sasame was deliberately downplaying his power—keeping his true strength hidden.
"A troublesome man."
Orochimaru's wariness of Sasame shot up another level.
This person was dangerous.
Dealing with him required absolute vigilance.
Now, onto Danzo.
Orochimaru's eyes glinted coldly.
He and Danzo were partners in crime, each holding the other's darkest secrets.
If either exposed the other, even if it didn't kill them, it would rip off a layer of flesh.
Thus, they'd reached a rare equilibrium.
But now, Orochimaru was furious.
Wood Release, thanks to Hashirama, was the strongest Kekkei Genkai—his top priority.
Even the Sharingan came second.
Danzo's betrayal was unforgivable.
Confronting him directly would be useless, though.
Unless…
He kidnapped Danzo.
Orochimaru decided to infiltrate Root himself.
With his skills, no one would detect him—not even Root's elite.
He could've sent subordinates, but that risked alerting Danzo.
Better to handle this personally.
Under the cover of night, Orochimaru moved like a ghost, slipping into Root's territory undetected.
Root had multiple hidden bases.
Thanks to their past collaboration on Wood Release experiments, Orochimaru knew their locations well.
And Sasame had given him a crucial clue—
The survivor's codename was "Tenzo" (later known as Yamato).
That narrowed things down.
All he had to do was search Root's training facilities.
Orochimaru released a swarm of snakes.
Before long, he had his target.
Northern Konoha.
A nondescript building—one of Root's training bases.
As Konoha's most ruthless organization, Root's methods were brutal, designed to strip away humanity and forge emotionless tools.
This was the true essence of shinobi—
Far from the "heroic" image pushed by Naruto's story.
In reality, ninjas were cold-blooded killers, willing to slaughter women, children, anyone for the mission.
If real ninjas existed, you'd want to run as far as possible.
Inside the building, Orochimaru quickly locked onto one figure.
Ten-year-old Yamato.
Patiently, he observed until—
Wood Release.
A simple jutsu, but undeniable proof.
"So it's true…"
Orochimaru's pulse quickened.
The mysterious man hadn't lied.
And this was just the "small secret"—
What could the big secret be?
Something even more valuable than Wood Release?
His curiosity ignited.
As for Yamato?
He stole him without a sound.
The next morning.
Sasame woke to the Fate's Wheel vibrating.
[Due to your actions, Yamato's fate has drastically changed. You've gained 90 Fate Points.]
90 points meant Yamato's path had diverged completely from the original story.
He'd likely never join the Anbu now.
Sasame rubbed his chin, recalling something—
In the future, Yamato was supposed to become Naruto's instructor, using Wood Release to suppress the Nine-Tails.
"Could I use this to get close to Naruto?"
It was possible.
By then, Tsunade would be Hokage—and she knew he had Wood Release.
With his new Fate Points, Sasame's top priority was Sage Body (Senju Body).
Wood Release + Sage Body = Perfect Combo.
But 90 points was far from enough.
His Wood Release talent had been a newbie discount—originally 900 points, marked down to 90.
Buying full Wood Release outright cost 2,000 points.
And Sage Body?
3,900 points.
"No rush."
At seven years old, he had plenty of time.
For now?
Enjoy Tsunade's doting.
"Morning, Sasame!"
Tsunade, busy in the kitchen, flashed him a sunny smile.
Instantly, his mood lifted.
What better way to start the day than a gorgeous woman smiling at you?
"Sasame, time for your medicine."
Shizune popped up like a grim reaper.
Sasame's smile froze.
Evil sister!
He chugged the bitter concoction, then dashed to Tsunade, mouth open—
Gimme candy.
"Get it yourself. I'm busy."
Tsunade was shaping rice balls, her hands full.
Sasame blinked.
At his height, his eyes were level with her waist.
No pockets visible—
Where's the candy?
His gaze landed on her black waistband.
Probably under the apron.
He reached out, fingers brushing fabric—
There.
Not just candy.
The warmth of her skin seeped through the cloth.
Tsunade glanced down but didn't react.
She wasn't the type to blush over casual contact.
And Sasame wasn't a stranger.
Sugary sweetness banished the bitterness.
Sasame waited in the main room while Shizune studied.
"I'm taking you to school today."
After breakfast, Tsunade announced.
"Shizune, keep studying here."
She wouldn't go back on her word—and school meant more gambling time.
She could teach him properly at night.
Sasame was curious about school.
A chance to meet canon characters and farm Fate Points.
But his timing was awkward.
The Konoha 12 (Naruto's generation) wouldn't enroll for another six years.
And Kakashi's generation had graduated four or five years ago.
Stuck in the middle, his options were limited.
Konoha Ninja Academy.
Despite the Nine-Tails' attack, the school had reopened after two weeks.
Sasame would join Class 1-A as a transfer student.
"Lady Tsunade."
The homeroom teacher, Yamanaka Naoto, greeted her warmly.
"I've been informed. Don't worry—I'll take good care of Sasame."
Tsunade nodded.
As her official disciple, few would dare bully him.
"I'll pick you up after school."
She ruffled his hair and left.
"Sasame, I'm Yamanaka Naoto. Just call me sensei."
Naoto smiled.
"Let's meet your classmates."
As the new kid, Sasame couldn't escape the classic introduction.
"I'm Sasame. No hobbies. Just want a peaceful life."
A bland line—but his pretty-boy looks still drew wide-eyed stares from the girls.
"Sasame, take the seat by the window in the back."
Naoto patted his shoulder.
"Your deskmate is Uchiha Itachi—the top of the year. You can learn a lot from him."
Clearly, special treatment due to his connection with Tsunade.
But Sasame froze.
Wait—
My deskmate is UCHIHA ITACHI?!
(Cue internal screaming.)