Chapter 59
"Couldn't it?" Orochimaru asked in return, his face unreadable.
"My lord, don't forget — I am an Uchiha," Saitama replied, his calm far beyond his years.
"Don't forget that Saitama is one of Konoha's rising talents," Orochimaru said with a faint smile. He didn't see any problem in accepting an Uchiha into his tutelage. The political tension surrounding the clan didn't matter to him. Why should it? He was Orochimaru, after all.
"I'm honored, but it seems I won't have the time to accept your guidance, Orochimaru-sama," Saitama said, with a hint of regret. He hadn't expected Orochimaru to extend an olive branch at such a time, but it didn't change his plans.
During this period, Orochimaru had already begun dabbling in human experimentation — something the Third Hokage would only discover after the war. By Konoha Year 46 or 47, Orochimaru would leave the village.
So, within the next year or two, he'd be gone.
"I heard you've applied to leave the front lines. If you ever change your mind, come find me. I'll help you — when the time comes," Orochimaru said with a thin smile. His pale face, golden snake-like pupils, and the deep eye shadow trailing to his nose gave him a haunting charm.
"Thank you, sir."
Saitama bowed his head, Orochimaru's raspy voice echoing in his mind, then stood up and took his leave.
As Saitama stepped outside, he couldn't help but feel that Orochimaru had seen through everything. Those piercing eyes lingered in his thoughts long after he turned away.
"How fascinating... that child," Orochimaru murmured, licking his lips. He could almost see Saitama's future — and wondered what kind of Uchiha he would become.