After Yue Yan sensed the scent of Orochimaru on the letter, he took it and opened it. As expected, it was written in Orochimaru's handwriting.
The gist of the letter was that after the decisive battle with the Mist Ninjas some time ago, the Mist Ninjas announced a cease - fire. After some time, Orochimaru would be able to return to Konoha. Then, without Yue Yan's help, the progress of his experiments had slowed down significantly. On the battlefield, Orochimaru also discovered several interesting research subjects. He wanted to get together with Yue Yan in a couple of days and have a good chat.
Although Orochimaru was usually quite calm, Yue Yan could still sense his excitement from the letter. Considering the news that the Third Mizukage had died in battle which spread from Konoha some time ago, Yue Yan guessed that Orochimaru was most likely behind it.
This could explain why Orochimaru was so excited. With the lives of the Third Mizukage, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and thousands of Kaguya Clan ninjas, and by obtaining the seven ninja swords, Orochimaru made outstanding contributions in this war. With such achievements, it seemed certain that Orochimaru would become the Fourth Hokage.
However, Yue Yan knew that Hiruzen Sarutobi (Third Hokage) might want to give Orochimaru a warning at this time. Given Orochimaru's pride, without a clear explanation from Hiruzen, Orochimaru might misunderstand, and then Tanzō would take advantage of the situation.
"Let Orochimaru be more careful then."
Yue Yan sighed. After getting along with Orochimaru for some time, he found that Orochimaru was not an ordinary pervert, but a pervert with pursuits. Rather than letting Tanzō scheme against him to prevent him from becoming the Hokage, Yue Yan could at least intervene to some extent and give him some leeway.
After all, in the ninja world, in terms of science and technology, if Orochimaru ranked second, no one had the right to rank first, not even Tobirama Senju, the master of forbidden jutsu.
The former was fanatically pursuing science, while the latter was only obsessed with forbidden jutsu.
After Orochimaru returned to the village and handed over his command, he found a restaurant to have a gathering with Yue Yan.
Since Jiraiya was sent to the battlefield against the Cloud Ninjas and Tsunade was not around, only Yue Yan and Orochimaru were present at this gathering.
To facilitate the communication about the experiments, Orochimaru chose a private room and set up a soundproof barrier.
"How have you been lately, Yue Yan - kun?"
"So - so." Yue Yan shrugged. "On the contrary, Lord Orochimaru, you seem very happy."
"Maybe." Orochimaru smiled and started talking about his previous experiments.
Yue Yan listened while eating and occasionally interjected.
After finishing speaking, Orochimaru drank some shochu, looking unsatisfied.
"It's a pity that you weren't there, Yue Yan - kun. Otherwise, my progress could have been even faster. Apart from acting as assistants, other people are really of no use to science."
Hearing this, Yue Yan suddenly thought of a certain white - haired boy wearing glasses. At this time, Kabuto should still be just a little boy in the orphanage. Maybe he could introduce him to Orochimaru.
After chatting for a while, seeing Orochimaru's happy expression, Yue Yan pondered for a long time and finally chose a way to make Tanzō uncomfortable. He decided to remind Orochimaru.
Although Yue Yan didn't have much interaction with Tanzō and had only met him a few times, it must be right to get rid of this old rascal.
After organizing his words, Yue Yan looked at Orochimaru.
"Lord Orochimaru, both you and I know that after the Third Ninja World War, it's time to elect the Fourth Hokage. Then who do you think is the best candidate for the Fourth Hokage?"
Hearing this, the corner of Orochimaru's mouth curled up slightly.
"Since you have an idea, Yue Yan - kun, why are you asking me?"
"Maybe the candidate in my mind is not the same as yours, Lord Orochimaru."
Seeing that Yue Yan wasn't joking, Orochimaru also frowned.
"Yue Yan - kun, I've already set up a soundproof barrier here. You can just say what you want."
"Since Lord Orochimaru has said so, then I'll share my thoughts."
Yue Yan took a deep breath and said, "Although Lord Orochimaru has made outstanding and far - reaching contributions in the war and has a high level of support among the civilians, it's only on the surface."
With Orochimaru's smart mind, he immediately realized something and couldn't help narrowing his beady, yellowish snake - like eyes.
"Lord Orochimaru is the disciple of the Third kage. It kinda makes sense for the Third kage to pass the position to you, and you are also very capable. But don't forget, besides Hiruzen Sarutobi, there are three other high - ups in Konoha."
Yue Yan took a sip of the juice in his cup and looked at Orochimaru, whose expression had become a bit ugly.
"Let's not talk about the other two. Take a certain person who is extremely sinister but always wants to become the Hokage. He definitely won't allow you to become the Fourth Hokage. And the other two high - ups also won't want to give up the power in their hands. The best result for them is to elect a young Hokage so that they can hold onto power for a longer time. By the time the young Fourth Hokage grows up, they'll be old enough, and they won't feel bad about giving up power then."
After hearing this, Orochimaru didn't reply for a long time. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, constantly recalling what Yue Yan had just said in his mind.
Orochimaru hadn't thought of this before, but once he thought of his teacher's weak - willed appearance and the faces of the other three high - ups, he knew that what Yue Yan said was very likely to happen.
"So, Yue Yan - kun, what do you think the high - ups will do?"
"Tanzō."
Yue Yan didn't answer directly but just said a name, and Orochimaru guessed it.
"Heheh, it does sound like something Tanzō would do. And considering Teacher Sarutobi's indulgent attitude towards Tanzō, by the time I realize it, I'll probably have to defect... Heheh, What a sneaky scheme!"
"Hey, hey, hey, Lord Orochimaru, calm down. Put away your killing intent."
Hearing Yue Yan's reminder, Orochimaru came back to his senses and retracted the involuntary killing intent he had released. However, he still harbored a glimmer of hope in his heart.
"Since you, Yue Yan - kun, aren't optimistic about me becoming the Fourth Hokage, then who do you think will be the Fourth Hokage?"
Upon hearing this, Yue Yan shrugged.
"Lord Orochimaru should have already guessed. After all, Senior Brother Minato Namikaze has been running around on the battlefields against the Cloud Ninjas and Stone Ninjas lately. When the time comes, if Lord Orochimaru defects, Jiraiya - sensei definitely won't just stand by. He'll surely leave to try and bring you back. And considering Senior Brother Minato's personality, with Jiraiya - sensei gone, it should be easy to marginalize him."
"Those old guys are really capable of doing such a thing."
Orochimaru took a large swig of shochu. He never asked how Yue Yan knew these things, nor did he care why he was telling him.
To lighten his mood, Orochimaru simply switched the topic and started chatting about various experiments.
By the end of the meal, Orochimaru's expression had returned to normal, but whether it was sincere or not, only he knew.
"By the way, Lord Orochimaru, you must be short of assistants right now. I actually have two good candidates to recommend."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru showed a glimmer of interest. After all, Yue Yan couldn't always stay by his side. It would be great to have a competent assistant.
After that, Yue Yan led Orochimaru to the Konoha Orphanage where Kabuto Yakushi and Nonō Yakushi were located.