The next day, Orochimaru reached out to the classmate named Hiruko.
The results surprised him.
Hiruko's talent in combat and academics was mediocre at best, and he would likely never progress beyond the rank of Chūnin. However, his aptitude for research was exceptional. His mind seemed to function on multiple threads simultaneously, allowing him to analyze and process data with remarkable efficiency.
After expressing his gratitude to Xu Ming, Orochimaru brought Hiruko into the research team as his assistant.
Naturally, Hiruko did not refuse.
For someone like him, who lacked exceptional ninja talent, research and experimentation were his only real path forward.
"It looks like the progress of the Wood Style research can now accelerate," Xu Ming mused to himself.
He had little faith in Danzo's researchers.
In the original timeline, it was Orochimaru who ultimately succeeded in the Wood Style experiment.
In other words, despite studying it for decades, Danzo's team had failed to produce any meaningful results. They weren't worth relying on at all.
"Hiruko is the same person who later developed the 'Chimera Technique,' successfully integrating four different Kekkei Genkai into his own body," Xu Ming recalled.
"If he hadn't been defeated due to the plot convenience of the so-called 'Child of Prophecy,' who knows how far his abilities could have reached?"
"Even if he never surpasses Orochimaru, he could still complement him perfectly."
With that thought, Xu Ming felt satisfied. Recommending Hiruko as Orochimaru's assistant had been the right move.
One Month Later—Hokage's Office
Bang!
Shimura Danzo slammed his hand against the desk, his expression filled with dissatisfaction as he confronted Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage.
"It's been a month since Xu Ming graduated! You haven't assigned him any missions, placed him in a team, or even sent him to Anbu. You're just letting him waste time?"
"Hiruzen, if I were in your position, I would have assigned him to the research team already."
"As Hokage, you must consider the interests of the entire village!"
Bang!
The Third Hokage, growing frustrated with Danzo's constant badgering, slammed his own hand on the desk.
"And as I recall, I am the Hokage!"
"So what?" Danzo shot back.
"I don't need you to tell me how to do my job!"
"Hmph! You'll regret this!"
Danzo snorted coldly before storming out of the office, slamming the door behind him.
The Third Hokage, however, was unfazed. He calmly walked to a side table and prepared two cups of tea.
Just as the tea was ready, Danzo re-entered the office, his expression neutral as he closed the door behind him.
"Calm yourself, Danzo. Why are you so on edge lately?" Third Hokage asked, pushing a cup of tea toward him.
Danzo sighed, sitting down and taking a sip. The faint aroma helped ease some of his frustration.
After a moment of silence, he spoke.
"The divisions within the Senju clan are growing wider. Lady Mito can't hold them together much longer. And on top of that, I still have no results from my end. I'm worried," Danzo admitted.
The Third Hokage nodded in understanding. "Did you approach Xu Ming about this?"
"He refused. He didn't offer any advice or suggestions—just told me to trust Orochimaru," Danzo muttered, remembering Xu Ming's words from their last conversation. He took another long sip of tea, feeling annoyed.
'Maybe the problem isn't the research—it's you.'
That comment still made his blood pressure rise whenever he thought about it.
Danzo felt as though Xu Ming had only said it to get under his skin.
"Then perhaps you really should have more faith in Orochimaru," the Third Hokage suggested.
"But the moment I turned my back, he went and recommended an assistant to Orochimaru," Danzo said, exasperated.
"And what's wrong with that?" the Third Hokage asked curiously.
"The problem isn't the assistant," Danzo clarified. "The problem is that for the past month, Orochimaru has been focused entirely on training his assistant and ignoring everything else!"
Danzo gritted his teeth. "Your two disciples act like they're playing around. They have no real interest in Wood Style or the research results!"
The Third Hokage chuckled at that.
"If they were too eager, that would be more concerning."
"...That's true," Danzo admitted, exhaling in frustration.
The power of Wood Style was something many desired.
If the people researching it couldn't keep their ambitions in check, it could lead to dangerous consequences.
Orochimaru's indifferent attitude toward it was actually a relief for both Third Hokage and Danzo.
Just as they were about to continue their conversation, they both suddenly paused. Their expressions grew serious as they turned toward the window.
Danzo placed his tea cup down without a word.
Whoosh!
A masked Anbu agent swiftly entered through the window, landing in a kneeling position before them.
"Hokage-sama, Orochimaru has something urgent to report. It has been marked as a high-priority matter!"
The Third Hokage and Danzo exchanged surprised glances.
"Orochimaru?"
"Something urgent?"
At this time, Orochimaru should be with the Wood Style research team.
If he had something important to report, could that mean… the research had finally produced results?
Realizing this, the Third Hokage and Danzo quickly rose from their seats.
"Wait a moment," Danzo suddenly said, glancing at the Third Hokage.
Understanding his meaning instantly, the Hokage turned to the kneeling Anbu and ordered, "Find Xu Ming immediately and bring him with us!"
"Understood!"
The Anbu vanished in a blur.
Meanwhile—A Balcony in Konoha
Xu Ming lay back on a reclining chair, basking in the afternoon sun and enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Whoosh!
A masked figure suddenly appeared on the edge of the balcony.
Xu Ming sighed, sitting up reluctantly. "What is it now?"
"The Third Hokage has issued an urgent summons. You must come with me immediately," the Anbu stated.
"Where to?"
"To see Orochimaru."
"Oh?"
Xu Ming's eyes narrowed slightly in interest.
He turned to the Anbu and, upon receiving a confirming nod, immediately activated the Body Flicker Technique.
Whoosh!
The two of them darted toward the eastern forests of Konoha.
Their destination—the secret Anbu research facility dedicated to Wood Style experiments.
'So… has Orochimaru finally achieved results?' Xu Ming thought as he sped through the trees.
It wasn't long before they arrived at the research facility.
As he stepped inside, he spotted his teacher and Danzo, who had arrived just minutes before him.
"Now that everyone is here," the Third Hokage said, glancing at Xu Ming, "let's go in."
"Alright."
Xu Ming didn't waste time with words. He simply followed behind them, stepping into the heart of the research lab.