"I thought I'd never see this again..."
The white-haired young man murmured absently.
Similar.
Too similar!
Though their faces were entirely different.
But that smile...
The eternally optimistic smile that could melt snowdrifts and heal all worldly sorrows...
He could never forget it.
After all, the more precious things he destroyed, the harder they clung to his memory...
"Obito, do you see this?"
"I've found a girl who resembles Rin..."
A bitter smile twisted beneath his mask.
Kakashi Hatake turned and walked away.
.....
Elsewhere.
Qingchuan, still under the effects of a recovery buff, arrived at the classroom and reached the self-introduction phase.
Scanning the room.
Everyone including the teacher watched with anticipation.
What kind of introduction would this sword-carrying transfer student deliver?
"Teacher, is this the girl you took a fancy to?"
"Hmm... quite adorable indeed?"
Outside the classroom.
Perched on the rooftop of an adjacent building across the courtyard,
Anko swung her legs carelessly over the edge.
"You seem fond of this junior, Anko."
Orochimaru's raspy yet mesmerizing voice came from beside her.
At first glance, they appeared to be an affectionate master-disciple pair.
"Pity... she uses a sword. Doesn't align with your style at all."
"Not every girl can accept your ninjutsu, sensei."
"Especially someone as sweet as little Haruko."
Anko rested her chin on her palm, voicing genuine concern.
Orochimaru's lips twitched imperceptibly.
Adorable.
How typical of you, my foolish disciple.
Truth be told,
Orochimaru loathed acknowledging this facade of mentorship.
Anko was dull-witted.
Shallow beyond measure.
Her potential ceiling remained regrettably low.
Becoming one of his soul vessels was the greatest honor she'd ever attain.
Only someone like Anko would simplistically label their junior as "sweet."
Haruko did wear an endearing smile during her introduction today.
But he'd witnessed her other face before...
He vividly recalled their parting conversation that night.
Her seemingly playful threat still echoed clearly:
[After graduation, I'll carve you up sooner or later.]
Beneath that cherubic exterior dwelled the soul of an oni...
"Let's go, Anko."
Casting a final meaningful glance at Qingchuan,
Orochimaru dissolved into the wind.
Inside the classroom.
Feeling that familiar nauseating gaze vanish, Qingchuan cursed inwardly before taking his assigned seat per the teacher's instruction.
The teacher showed remarkable tact.
Seating him beside Itachi.
This instantly revived the composure Itachi had barely regained.
Qingchuan observed his discomfort with wicked amusement!
Yet an inner voice persistently warned:
[Youth, your current mentality is dangerous.]
Better maintain some distance.
Judging by current relations between the Uchiha and Konoha,
The clan massacre within seven years seemed inevitable.
But when the time came... what identity would he assume to confront genocidal Itachi?
"Alright class, open your textbooks to Chapter Eight."
"Today we'll study... the Hokage lineage."
The lecture began.
History class.
Qingchuan flipped through the textbook with mild interest.
Soon,
His expression gradually twisted with disbelief.
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't disappoint.
Though titled "History of Konoha",
The content read like "The Chronicles of Hiruzen Sarutobi"!
Appointed Hokage during crisis, personally ended the Second Shinobi War!
Master of all ninjutsu and chakra natures, hailed as the Professor!
Even his disciples became the legendary Sannin!
Externally,
Under his leadership, Konoha remained the pinnacle of shinobi villages!
Other nations could only form alliances against them!
Yet Konoha endured.
Thriving against all odds...
Even with prior knowledge of the original plot, Qingchuan found no flaws in this narrative!
"That cunning old coot plays dirty!"
"No wonder Orochimaru turned out like this."
"Sigh..."
Finishing the chapter, Qingchuan cringed internally...
Compared to the Sarutobi-Orochimaru duo,
His crossdressing antics seemed almost benign...
Dusk fell.
Qingchuan walked back to the Uchiha compound with Itachi after the tedious school day.
Proximity throughout the day
Had eased Itachi's initial awkwardness.
Even as Haruko's smile remained devastatingly charming...
"How was your first day, Haruko?"
Itachi inquired eagerly during their walk.
"Well..." Qingchuan hesitated briefly, "Now I understand why you skip class."
"That..." Itachi's face flushed crimson.
He'd nearly forgotten this was his own rare full day of attendance...
"But it's somewhat entertaining."
Qingchuan abruptly shifted tone.
"Graduation's in a few days anyway. Doesn't matter much."
Itachi: "???!?"