"Hyūga and Uchiha together? Did they just happen to meet? Or...?"
Unlike the three Sannin of Konoha, who were more focused on Tanaka, Shikaku keenly noticed that the Hyūga and Uchiha clansmen entered the room at the same time.
In the past, while these two bloodline clans were not exactly mortal enemies, they also never interacted much.
The last time they had significant contact was during the Second Great Ninja War when Konoha assigned both clans to the Kiri battlefield due to their dōjutsu-based bloodline limits.
But now, he could clearly see Hizashi and Fugaku—the newly appointed clan heads—entering the room together, chatting and laughing.
Even Setsuna, who was infamous for being insidious and cunning—so much so that even within the Uchiha, few dared to get close to him—was surprisingly friendly when facing Tanaka.
This naturally made Shikaku and the other observing ninjas ponder deeply.
As the Hyūga and Uchiha clan took their seats, the number of empty seats in the meeting room dwindled, leaving only the main seat and two chairs beside it unoccupied. Every other seat was taken.
The Third Hokage, the jonin commander, and the ANBU captain.
Tanaka glanced at the three empty seats. He already knew who they belonged to, as Hizashi had briefed him on the attendees beforehand.
Just as he was contemplating the agenda of this meeting, he felt an intense gaze lock onto his face. It had been there ever since he entered the room—undisguised, growing hotter, almost aggressive.
Due to his Byakugan and the heightened perception granted by consuming the Op-Op Fruit, his sensory abilities far exceeded those of ordinary ninjas.
Such blatant and fervent stares naturally made him uncomfortable.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Orochimaru, Tanaka. I've been looking forward to meeting you for quite some time."
Suddenly, a hoarse voice laced with coldness reached Tanaka's ears.
"Oh? I didn't expect that someone of my ninja level could attract your attention, Orochimaru-sama. I feel truly honored."
Tanaka turned and met Orochimaru's gaze.
Facing one of the Sanke Sannin, he remained calm and composed.
When he spoke of being "honored," his expression was indifferent, as if the person before him wasn't a legendary figure but just an ordinary Konoha ninja.
"Genin, chunin, jonin—these are merely titles, labels. Only the mediocre and incompetent care about such things."
"A truly powerful ninja should break the rules and create new ones, not blindly follow them."
"Don't you agree?"
Seeing Tanaka remain unshaken in his presence, Orochimaru's voice carried a deeper meaning, and a flicker of admiration flashed in his eyes.
He was one of the Sannin.
Even most jonin would be visibly tense before him.
"I don't quite understand what you mean, Orochimaru-sama."
Tanaka replied flatly.
If they were elsewhere, he wouldn't mind chatting with the Snake Sannin, but this was the Hokage's office, and the meeting room was filled with clan leaders.
Not to mention, Hiruzen was likely lurking in the corner, secretly observing with his Telescope Technique.
He had no intention of giving others any leverage against him.
"Is that so? Then let's change the topic. I have a small favor to ask. Would you be willing to help me?"
Orochimaru's appreciation for Tanaka deepened. Despite seizing full control of the Hyūga clan, the boy remained cautious and level-headed.
Holding power without becoming arrogant—this quality was rarer than mere talent.
Even someone as experienced as Orochimaru had never seen such qualities in a child before.
"Since it's an unreasonable request, I'd prefer not to hear it."
As soon as Tanaka heard the phrase "a small favor," he immediately rejected it.
Orochimaru was being too proactive, too enthusiastic.
And this was the Hokage's office.
Without understanding the other party's intentions, he had no desire for unnecessary interaction.
Of course, there was another major reason. Orochimaru currently had nothing of value to offer him.
With no tangible benefits and given his questionable reputation, plus the fact that they were surrounded by others, there was no way he would reciprocate the Snake Sannin's "enthusiasm."
"Hehehehehe! It seems that aside from Gentle Fist, you also have some knowledge of swordsmanship."
"But your sword… it's a bit lacking."
Despite being rejected outright by Tanaka, Orochimaru showed no signs of anger. Instead, his gaze shifted to the sword on Tanaka's back, smoothly changing the subject.
"What do you think of the Kusanagi Sword?"
As he spoke, he reached into his mouth and pulled out a scroll covered in a thick layer of mucus.
Shhh!
Orochimaru unrolled the scroll without a care for the onlookers and formed a hand seal.
Poof!
A puff of white smoke rose, revealing a sword with a straight blade and no guard.
Its design was simple, but the sharp aura radiating from its edge was unmistakable.
"The Kusanagi Sword." Tanaka's eyes narrowed slightly.
He immediately recognized the weapon—it was the very same Kusanagi Sword that would one day belong to Sasuke. However, he couldn't quite figure out Orochimaru's intent.
Was the Snake Sannin seriously offering up such a valuable item?
"Do you want it?"
Noticing Tanaka's interest in the sword, Orochimaru smirked.
There wasn't a single swordsman in the shinobi world who wouldn't be intrigued by the Kusanagi Sword.
"I cannot accept a reward without merit."
Tanaka shifted his gaze away from the sword, his expression returning to its previous calm, like a still pond undisturbed by ripples.
Orochimaru was offering up the Kusanagi Sword so easily? There was no way it was as simple as a gift.
In the shinobi world—no, specifically in Konoha—anything of value always came with a price tag.
Even Sasuke in the future didn't receive things from Orochimaru for free—The Sannin gave him whatever he wanted because he saw Sasuke as his future vessel.
In Tanaka's eyes, while the Kusanagi Sword was a fine weapon, it wasn't indispensable.
Even if he couldn't find a better sword in the shinobi world, he could always look for one in the One Piece world.
The Supreme Grade Blades there might not be inferior to the Kusanagi Sword.
"Show me your worth. Convince me that you deserve to wield this sword. Then it's yours."
Orochimaru's words were shocking.
The clan leaders present were all astonished.
After all, this was the legendary Kusanagi Sword, and Orochimaru was actually considering giving it to Tanaka.
Even if it wasn't a free gift, it was still an incredible offer.
Only Tsunade and Jiraiya, standing nearby, remained unsurprised by his actions.
After all, his egocentric, independent, and impulsive nature was no secret among the Sannin.
In the past, they had seen Orochimaru act on his whims more than once, making bold moves whenever his curiosity was piqued.