Ancient Manipulator - Chapter 24

Chapter 24






Author's Note:

I am going to or have already combined the first three chapters of this fan-fic. I will also merge 6 - 8, and 11 - 12. Those chapters are also slightly altered. It just slightly triggers me, is all.

Thank you and enjoy the chapter.

___

*YAWN*

Yasuo blinked his fatigued eyes. He had awoken mere seconds ago, finding himself entrapped in the embrace of both Vyra and Kumiko. It was a wonder to him, why they slept in his bed instead of their own. What was the point of having something when you don't use it? Heck, even touch it.

He seriously didn't understand collectors.

Anyways, ending that rant, Yasuo quietly proceeded to get out of bed, heading towards the bathroom. Walking towards the lavatory, located near the stairway down, he did bits of stretching. He could not be said to be a morning person. But, forcing himself repeatedly and stretching helped - a lot.

Soon reaching the bathroom, he did his usual routine. He brushed his teeth, took a nice shower, used a warm cloth to wash his face, and wore a matching blue outfit from [Unlimited Treasury]. Exiting the bathroom, he was energized and ready for the day.

Maybe he would visit the workshop like yesterday. He liked the place, though it gets a tad bit boring after a couple of hours. Or, maybe Hokage-sama would visit him today, who knows. Doing some more stretching to loosen up his muscles, he went downstairs, finding Shisui and Hinako as usual.

He always found it strange. Shisui would consistently be the first one to wake up, and Yasuo didn't know how he did it. He understood Hinako, as she didn't need sleep being a vampire, but it was almost as if Shisui was always awake. Was it because Shisui is a lark? Was he using magic or a particular technique? Maybe he didn't sleep at all.

But, that wasn't of much importance. It was just something in Yasuo's mind that regularly bothered him slightly. He would easily be able to forget it after a minute or so. Though it would come back the next day, it always did.

Shisui and Hinako were sitting on the 'TV couch' as Mother and Father called it. The latter was reading a book while the former was watching the television. In the past, Shisui would have already finished making breakfast, but since Yasuo had taken up the job, he didn't have much to do in the morning.

"Good morning." Yasuo greeted with a short smile. "Good morning, Yasuo-sama." Both of them nodded back while Hinako's attention still fixated towards her book. However, Yasuo paid no mind. He didn't care for etiquette, and she acknowledged such.

Yasuo paced towards the kitchen and began cooking. He had decided that today, they were going to eat old fashioned pancakes with bacon for breakfast. Though not so healthy, it was tasty and filled the stomach. He also made some bread and coffee for those who didn't want the 'main.'

Meanwhile, Kumiko and Vyra had arrived in the living room, awakened by the disappearance of their human body-pillow. The two sleepily said 'good morning' to everyone present before sitting down next to Shisui. They mindlessly watched the TV as they waited for their food.


After Kumiko and Vyra, came Kyoko. The girl was an early bird, loved the daytime. She greeted everyone before too joining the group watching the television. Speaking of TV, it now had vaster variety between its channels. The reasoning was mainly due to numerous viewer complaints.

In the past, there was too little originality. One company copied the other because of said other's success. One person creates something unique, and someone else imitates them. It was a cycle - too repetitive and dull - and watchers hated it. Thankfully, it soon changed as a result of negative reviews and lowered view counts.

Anyhow, Izuna and Miyrae soon came downstairs. Those two headed towards the dinner table, and everyone else followed in tow. Yasuo had finished cooking. Yasuo brought the food to the table, and as usual, it was delightful.

Not much had happened. Some pleasant chatter and mild laughter, and that was the end of breakfast. It was more rushed than typical. Izuna and Miyrae were going back to missions after their month-long break. Kumiko and Vyra too had duties to attend. Academy was off, but Kyoko didn't seem to want to do anything today, while everyone else had nothing to do.

"Yasuo-chan, are you sure you don't want to go back to Academy?" Izuna asked. The two were currently the only ones left sitting on the dinner table. There was still time before he and Miyrae set out for missions. "Yesterday, while you were at the workshop, Hiruzen-sama had come and offered you a year in Academy."

Yasuo shook his head. "There's nothing else for me to learn in the Academy, father." He replied, and it was true. He easily surpassed Academy students, not to mention that he was much older. "It would be weird for me to go." Yasuo laugh. "Imagine a ten-year-old mixed in with four-year-olds. It would be embarrassing."

Izuna lightly laughed as well before his expression turned serious. "Then how about the Anbu Black Ops, Yasuo-chan?" He asked, earning a frown from the boy. Seeing Yasuo's face, Izuna continued: "I'm not telling you to join, but there are benefits, my boy." However, seeing Yasuo's frown remain, he stopped trying and sighed.

Izuna truly wanted the best for Yasuo. Sure, he was talented, but his five-year coma had practically ruined the boy's life. In this time, children about the age of ten would become chūnins. However, Yasuo was still technically an Academy student as he never graduated nor received a leaf headband. It was sad in a way, like an incredible genius becoming a cripple.

But, even cripples can grow strong.

"Izuna! It's time! We're leaving!" Miyrae's voice called, originating from near the front door.

"Coming, honey!" Izuna yelled back ere sighing and staring at Yasuo. "Yasuo-chan, the choices are still up for picking if you ever decide to choose." He softly told before standing up, leaving, and waving everybody goodbye.

___

"See you later Onii-chan, Shisui-san, Hinako-san, Kyoko-chan!" Vyra yelled from outside as she ran towards the direction of the First Training Ground. "Bye-bye, everyone!" Kumiko shouted back as well, running to catch up with Vyra.

The two were coincidentally on the same genin teams: Team 1. The other member of their team, Naoko Akamine, could be said to be the arrogant 'cannon fodder' of the group. He was neither a hardworking nor talented individual. And, Vyra even had a theory that he was secretly a closet pervert.

As for their jōnin leader - an Aburame - he was a reserved person. A guy who was willing to risk his life for others. But, he was still intelligent enough to understand when and when not. He was a great person but in the end, would choose family and friends over strangers. Overall, he was a great person.

Yasuo softly huffed in annoyance and monotony. He now really had nothing else to do. Well, at home at least.

Let's go over the checklist here.

Do morning stretches, checked.

Bathroom routine, checked.

Make breakfast, checked.

And, that was it, everything was labeled done.

Of course, there were still things he could do in the house, but none of them interested him. He disliked watching television, didn't want to waste ingredients for cooking, and he wasn't much into casual banter.

He could use the [Auto Adjustment Trainer] to train of course, and he was planning to do so later in the day. Urataros had told him of his experiences in it, and it sounded fun and marvelous. Who wouldn't want to train themselves to the point of near-death?

On the topic of Urataros, he was very content. Yasuo's [Kamui] was a bit - a lot - different than Obito's [Kamui]. It was due to AM's interference and Yasuo's technical [Reality Marble] of creating infinite dimensions - granted from [Fable]. The [Reality Marble] was a blessing of [Fable], and Yasuo could use it without actually using the mask.

One of the [Reality Marble]'s abilities included 'creation,' which meant that Urataros could create anything within [Kamui] as he holds command over it. The limits were that Urataros only had control over [Kamui], not other realms, and he couldn't create live beings with sentience. Plants were fine though. But, other than that, he was free to make anything - if he had enough mana/chakra, of course.

"So... does anyone want to go out and explore?" Yasuo suddenly asked, his voice leaking with notable boredom and weariness.

Everyone shook their heads in negative.

"My regrets, young master, but I need to study." Was Hinako's excuse, while Shisui and Kyoko didn't reply - their attention focused on the TV. "Alright then. I'll go by myself." Yasuo said, mostly to himself.

However, he was not the very least irritated by their responses. He knew he would eventually have to do things by himself, and this was a rare chance to do so. Generally, Shisui or Hinako would follow him everywhere. And that, in a sense, took away his sense of independence.

"Well, I'll see you guys at dinner," Yasuo stated, receiving lazy waves from the others, before heading for the roads. Once outside, he sighed while looking around. "Now, where to go?"

___

Now roaming the streets, Yasuo was looking for something that would pique his interest. He was also wearing a cloak to hide his face, not wanting to be seen by others. He certainly didn't want hordes of woman and girls - perhaps even men - following him around. That would merely serve to scare him to death, and he positively didn't want to die just quite yet.

The [Charm] stat was truly dangerous. Apropos to the [Charm] stat, it had increased by 4, from [36] to [40]. It was honestly worrying for Yasuo, his [Charm] had increased yet he had done nothing to help its improvement.

Over time, there might be a day where females would jump him without warning. Maybe even go further than that. But thankfully, now was not that time. Thinking it through, Yasuo decided that he would try and find a way to stunt his [Charm] stat's growth.

As for the reason why he was using a cloak instead of using [Mystery], is because there was no reason to. The cape hid him fine, and also, [Mystery] simply used too much chakra. He would need that chakra for his training later, and he wasn't bold enough to waste it. Though using [Mystery] would probably be helpful...

'Hmm... maybe I should go over to Ramen Ichiraku's again? I haven't been there in a while.' Yasuo thought while continuing his relatively-mindless stroll around the village. 'Or maybe I should go check up on Jiraiya-san and Orochimaru-chan.' He considered, not being able to choose between the two options.

He suddenly grinned. 'How about both?' He decided, now running towards the direction of Ichiraku's. He would have a nice lunch at the restaurant before heading towards Orochimaru. He could feel that the abnormally-pale boy's chakra located at the Third Training Ground. Possibly he could even get a grand-old spar from his rather abrupt visit.

Yasuo had soon reached the ramen restaurant. He immediately noticed that the building had become significantly bigger, looking more modern than before. Yasuo couldn't help but smile. It seems that they had put his 'investment' into good use.

He had no doubts about the quality of the food itself. Though Yasuo had only come to the establishment once, the old man seemed very devoted to cooking. He could think of the old man as a devious fox, especially noticing that the old man's boy, Teuchi, was as equally devoted as his father.

Yasuo chose a seat near a window and took off his cloak, being quickly noticed by the owner. The restaurant was surprisingly empty today. Usually, many people would come to eat, forming massive crowds outside. But, it seems that was not the case this day, though there was still many currently eating in the restaurant.

Seeing his benefactor, the old man lit up a grin, walked towards Yasuo and sent him a nod. Yasuo greeted back, reciprocating the friendly nod. "Yasuo-san, what can I get for you today?" The old man asked, handing the red-eyed boy a menu.

Quickly scanning through the menu, Yasuo was happy to see that the prices have not changed at all. Some of the costs have even lowered. Now looking towards the old man, Yasuo smiled and replied, "Can I get the lunch special."

"No problem, Yasuo-san. Miso ramen with extra egg and pork, coming up!" The old man grinned, before walking towards the kitchen. While waiting for the food, Yasuo was presently planning out his day. He couldn't only spar and train for the entire time available after all.

He could visit the park, or maybe go mountain climbing on the Hokage Rock. Though the latter would most likely anger some folks in the village. His public opinion would sink, and he most certainly didn't want that. It was not because he cared, but because it gave those small benefits which added up.

One example was that a lot of people would like you, and that would lead to them helping you. It was a nice little advantage of people having a good consensus gentium about you. Naturally, there were also drawbacks as well. But, that was another topic for discovery.

"Yasuo-san, here's your food." The old man's voice came, snapping Yasuo out from his thoughts. The Uchiha prince-boy blinked, then stared at the old man. "Old man, I don't think I order this much..." Yasuo remarked. In front of him, was four whole bowls of the 'lunch special.' "And don't you have employees? Where are your servers?"

The old man smiled kindly. "Think of the extra bowls as a small thank you, Yasuo-san," he responded. "As for the employees..." The old man started to scratch the back of his head in embarrassment, "It's a bit of problem."

Yasuo tilted his head to emphasize his confusion. "What problem, old man? If it's a money problem, I can help out." He added. He liked the owner of the ramen restaurant. Not only was he kind, but the old man was also humble and generous. Plus, Yasuo needed something to do, so why not help out the old man?

The old man quickly waved his hand while shaking his head. "No, no. It's nothing like that. It's just a little family dilemma. My son says he doesn't want employees, and his mother agrees with him." He explained, and Yasuo bobbed his head in understanding. Yasuo wouldn't interfere with the old man's family problems. It would be disrespectful, especially knowing his great personality.

"Old man! Reception!" A customer called. "Well, Yasuo-san. The food's getting cold, hurry and eat." The old man smiled before walking towards the previously-mentioned customer.

"Well, let's dig in, shall we?"

___

Yasuo exited the ramen restaurant, once again wearing his cloak. The four bowls of ramen were very satisfying, but just not enough to fill the void that is his stomach. Admittedly though, he honestly doesn't understand how he could eat so much, yet not be full in the slightest.

"Now, where is the Third Training Ground?" He mumbled to himself while looking around, before heading south of the village. On the way, he had decided to buy some food, and in turn, immediately getting addicted to eating dangos. 'Dangos are a blessing to this world,' he thought while bitting dangos off a stick.

Anyhow, besides constantly getting sidetracked from eating food, he had soon reached his destination. And almost instantly, Yasuo had spotted Team Hiruzen training. Deciding not to reveal himself just yet, Yasuo used [Mystery] and quickly hid in a nearby bush. Looking up at the sun's position, he determined it was near the end of the day's afternoon.

Good.

There was still a lot of time left to spend.

Letting off a soft sigh, Yasuo proceeded to look towards Team Hiruzen. The group appeared to be doing a type of mock-battle, having Hiruzen avoid the other's attacks. Speaking of Hiruzen... 'Hmm, so that's why Hokage-sama wasn't replying, he was busy training them.' Yasuo thought as he nodded. He then smirked and activated his [Sharingan], thinking, 'Well, let's see how much Orochimaru-chan's improved.'

Tsunade took a massive leap towards Hiruzen, preparing a hard fist. "CHAAA!" She yelled as her punch created a large crater, a loud BOOM, causing dust and shattered earth to scatter. That had conveniently formed a smokescreen for Hiruzen, allowing him to escape.

If Yasuo ever needed to choose someone for a stealth mission, it would not be Tsunade. Her attacks were too loud and destructive. She also seemed to apply a large amount of chakra to her fists, which chakra sensor-types would easily be able to detect.

Next, Jiraiya chose to use [Earth Release], combining the previously broken pieces of earth into one huge ball. Yasuo mentally praised this. Not only was the sphere weighty and powerful, but it also used less chakra to shape. He was merely joining the pieces of divided earth, nothing more.

Jiraiya then commanded the massive sphere to attack Hiruzen, shouting, "[Earth Release: Cannon Ball]!" The ball then went tumbling towards the Hokage. "[Wind Release: Swift Wind]!" The white-haired boy added, causing the ball of earth roll considerably faster.

Again, Yasuo couldn't help but applaud Jiraiya. The wind boosting its speed would increase its power and accuracy. For explaining the latter, as the ball of stone was already massive enough, adding speed would improve its likelihood to hit.

But, what was more important was that Jiraiya made a smart decision on using [Wind Release]. Using the [Sharingan], though not surpassing the [Byakugan]'s abilities, Yasuo was able to see Jiraiya's chakra levels. The white-haired boy still had a large amount of chakra left, and Jiraiya should be - and is - using that to his advantage.

However, unfortunately, the [Body Replacement Technique] exists. Using the [Jutsu], Hiruzen had rather easily escaped the assault. Seeing that a log had replaced the Hokage, Jiraiya and Tsunade both groaned. To their reactions, Hiruzen softly laughed, now being distracted, even if it was just slightly. Perfect, all according to the plan - the both of them thought, keeping up with their profound acting.

Of course, Yasuo had noticed the snake-like shadow slowly crawling towards Hiruzen. It was rather obvious to spot, a giant shadow in the middle of an open field. The umbra seemed to turn humanoid, forming a contrasting white to stick out. This 'shadow' was naturally Orochimaru.

Orochimaru reached out, successfully obtaining the three bells.

'Hmm... a bell test, huh? That's interesting. Jiraiya would probably copy that method if he ever becomes a jōnin. It will probably pass on from generation to generation, before becoming a legend.' Yasuo laughed at the thought.

Orochimaru made a 'thumbs-up' signal, making both Jiraiya and Tsunade grin in happiness and excitement. "We did it!" Jiraiya laughed heartily, giving high-fiving to Tsunade. Hiruzen showed a face of confusion, but looking at the missing bells previously on his hip and Orochimaru, he let out a small smile.

"Good job, everyone. You've all progressed well in two years." Hiruzen told the group, adding a content nod. Everyone had graduated at the age of eight. The reason why, was mainly due to the progression of technology, creating a much more serene life for people.

Jiraiya also high-fived Orochimaru, before looking towards Tsunade. "Tsunade-chan, you remember the date you promised?" He bantered, making her blush fiercely, punching Jiraiya to who knows where, and everyone else to gently snicker.

'I guess that's where I come in...' Yasuo thought as he quietly sneaked behind Orochimaru. Jumping in for a long-due reunion hug, Yasuo shouted in the white-skinned boy's ear, "Orochimaru-chan!" Causing him to fall, pulling Yasuo down with him. "AHH!" Orochimaru screamed in fright.

Everyone's mouths gaped in shock, while Jiraiya awkwardly came at the wrong time. "Orochimaru-kun, I didn't know you swung that way," Jiraiya commented on their current rather suggestive position. Although Yasuo still had his cloak on, they could tell he was male from his tone of voice. It was too low for it to be a girl's voice.

"I LIKE GIRLS!" Orochimaru shouted back, but only to have Jiraiya stare at him with a skeptical gaze. "Cough cough... anyways, who are you?" Hiruzen questioned, looking towards Yasuo's cloaked figure. Orochimaru, of course, already knew who it was. There was only one sadistic boy who called him 'Orochimaru-chan' after all.

"Ah, right. I still have this on." Yasuo responded, promptly taking off his disguise. Bowing towards Hiruzen, he introduced himself, "Greetings, Lord Hokage. My name is Yasuo Uchiha."

Hiruzen nodded. It seems that it was true, Yasuo Uchiha had awoken from his five-year-long coma. Meanwhile, Tsunade and Jiraiya's minds blanked. They didn't know that Yasuo was back! "Well, what are you doing here?" Hiruzen continued to ask.

Yasuo smiled charmingly. "Oh, I wanted to visit Orochimaru-chan here. It's been so long since I last saw him!" He replied, "I also wanted to fight him for a bit, or anyone at that." His eyes lightly sparkled, but he started scratching the back of his head in slight shame. "I also just really wanted to spar someone."

Hiruzen nodded once again before looking toward Orochimaru. 'Hmm... it should be fine. I also need to see his strength level after five years of comatose.' The Hokage thought, before asking Orochimaru, "Do you want to, Orochimaru-kun?"

The boy solely nodded to the question, and Yasuo internally smirked. There were multiple underlying reasons he wanted to spar Orochimaru. And one of them was that his stats grew much more with active fighting than mindless training.

Another was that he wanted to test Orochimaru. One's fighting style said a lot about their personality. If someone used underhanded methods, they were likely to be evil. However, this method of determining one's character is usually an overgeneralization.

Everyone moved away from Yasuo and Orochimaru, as the two jumped a great distance backward. With an unspoken 'Go!' Orochimaru immediately used [Wind Release]: "[Wind Release: Air Bullets]!" Orochimaru shouted as he shot multiple wind bullets that were traveling at haste towards Yasuo.

As for the logic behind Orochimaru's choice, it was a matter of either using [Fire Release] or [Wind Release]. He knew he couldn't use any other nature transformations due to Yasuo's [Atomic Authority]. Which he had learned of during one of their past spars with one another.

Yasuo didn't move, using his [Atomic Authority] to control the bountiful vapor in the atmosphere. Changing gas to liquid, Yasuo easily quelled the attack by increasing the density of the water. 'Is that his [Kekkei Genkai]?' Hiruzen thought as he narrowed his eyes towards the battle. 'Was it not creating ripples and swords?... Perhaps this is another [Kekkei Genkai] related to water.'

Grinning excitedly, Yasuo charged. "Tsk! [Wind Release: Wind Wall!]" Orochimaru performed in response, creating a wall of wind slicing everything within reach. However, that only served to make Yasuo grin even more madly, eager to get a challenge.

Soon upon reaching the barrier, Yasuo mentally commanded the earth to create a ramp-like structure, pushing him up. Yasuo jumped, landing right in front of Orochimaru, before feinting a punch towards his face. Orochimaru took the distraction, trying to dodge it, but only to get punched in the stomach soon after.

"COUGH!" Orochimaru quickly leaped back, trying to get a distance between himself and Yasuo. Unfortunately, he was not allowed such, having Yasuo swiftly dash towards him in response. "[Water Release: Damp Lake]!" Yasuo shouted out, forming a sudden rise of water at feet-level.

Slowed down, Orochimaru was soon caught up by Yasuo.

*BOOM*

And becoming punched to the ground.

"Wait, Yasuo-kun! He's already unconsio-" Hiruzen yelled, but only to be ignored. "[Lightning Release: Current]!" Preformed a battle-crazed Yasuo with an utterly insane grin, causing a stream of lightning to fry Orochimaru and the white-skinned boy to begin to spaz out.

(A/N: Yasuo right now, would be at his previous sealed-level, a low Ultimate-Class Devil. And Orochimaru right now is about a high Low-Class devil)

Only seconds after did Yasuo realize what he had done. 'F*CK!' Yasuo mentally cursed while watching Orochimaru's body still twitch violently. 'AM! Buy the best healing item I could purchase in the shop! Quickly!' He urgently commanded.

(Ding! The Host has obtained [Mortal-Consumption Partial-Immortality Ambrosia]!)

(Total Points Left: 3,000)

Yasuo quickly copied the [Ambrosia] into [Unlimited Treasury], before creating a ripple and force-feeding Orochimaru the food. However, Orochimaru would not open his mouth, let alone swallow it. Yasuo frowned, he would have to use [Atomic Authority]. There were perhaps better ways, but it had struck his mind first, and he had no time to ponder.

Meanwhile, the spectators' expressions grimaced. The supposed 'friendly spar' had turned into a dangerous life-and-death situation. 'What is that?' Hiruzen thought as he saw Yasuo attempting to feed something to Orochimaru. The Hokage was about to stop the boy but seeing his frantic face, he halted. Hiruzen sighed in defeat and merely stared at Orochimaru with an expression of worry.

Yasuo took a deep breath to clear his mind. He needed to be focused and careful. If he failed, who knows what would happen. Yasuo forced opened Orochimaru's lips, stuffing the [Ambrosia] inside. Keeping Orochimaru's mouth open, Yasuo proceeded to use [Atomic Authority].

Using [Atomic Authority], Yasuo first cut the [Ambrosia] into small pieces. Next, he willed the ability to push the food into Orochimaru's throat, driving his esophagus to push the food down into his stomach.

After checking that the [Ambrosia] made it, Yasuo focused on the lightning in Orochimaru's system. Though an important step, it was easily fixed with [Absence of Fantasy] completely erasing it. Yasuo also made sure to focus [Absence of Fantasy] on only the externally-created lightning. He didn't know what would happen if he accidentally deleted something else.

(A/N: To be honest, I have no idea what I'm on about, I don't even know what lightning in someone's system means)

All at the same time, Yasuo's regularly checked Orochimaru's pulse. At times it would drop, and at times it would beat irregularly fast. Thankfully, the white-haired boy stayed alive the entire time.

Meanwhile... 'Yasuo can use his mind to cut objects?' Hiruzen thought while spectating the scene with unrest. While Hiruzen's attention was mostly towards Orochimaru, he was also trying to get an understanding of Yasuo's abilities. 'First creating swords out of ripples, now using his mind to control things? The Kyūkyoku clan is truly mysterious.'

Hiruzen stroked his beard. The Hokage couldn't do much to help Orochimaru. He was no Medical-nin, and unfortunately, he had no medical pills on his body either. There were also no Anbus nearby for help.

What was originally a typical practice day for Team Hiruzen, had turned into one of his student's possible death. He wanted to lash out in anger, but couldn't quite find himself to do so for some reason or another.

Yasuo suddenly took a breath of relief. Orochimaru's heart-rate was going back to normal. Yasuo looked towards Team Hiruzen, "He'll be fine after some rest." Yasuo told them, as they also looked now somewhat at ease. "Hokage-sama, may I take Orochimaru to my home?" He asked, adding, "My parents would certainly agree."

"Yes." Hiruzen nodded. Orochimaru lived in the Orphanage, and Hiruzen personally knew that currently, it was the best of places. That was also why he was trying to best to improve it using his status of Hokage.

"But, Yasuo-kun, what did you do?" Hiruzen asked. Though it was vague, it was on purpose. He was also not particularly interested in what Yasuo had fed Orochimaru. There were now plenty of foods - that tasted good - that healed wounds, mostly due to Elysian's strides.

"It was my [Kekkei Genkai], Hokage-sama," Yasuo answered vaguely as well. However, Hiruzen nodded, thinking, 'It seems I was correct. He had inherited two [Kekkei Genkai]s from his clan. Or maybe they are the same?'

Hiruzen looked up to the sky. It was now evening. "Well, you're all dismissed." He sighed, flashing away using the [Body Flicker Technique]. Yasuo nodded and didn't waste any more time, quickly speeding away with Orochimaru in his arms as well.

"So about that date, Tsunade-chan."

*SMACK*

___

"Onii-chan, why did you bring Orochimaru home?" Vyra asked, for some reason looking at the white-skinned boy with, envy? She had gotten back home not that much time ago with Kumiko, now lazing around in the living room. "He's even unconscious at that. What did you do, Onii-chan?"

Setting Orochimaru on a couch, Yasuo answered while scratching his cheek, "Well, him and I had this little spar. But it went a little out of hand by the end of it." Then lightly murmuring, "Though the spar didn't last that long at all. I don't even get to train anymore."

"Shisui-san, can you bring him upstairs to the guest room?" Yasuo asked. The mansion, of course, had a guest room. It was conveniently right next to Yasuo's bedroom and equally luxurious. "I guess I should cook dinner now." He muttered, then looked towards Vyra. "Is Mother and Father coming home?"

"No." She answered while shaking her head.

"Well, I suppose I should still fix the same amount. Never know if Orochimaru-chan is like me." Grinning at the last sentence, Yasuo made his way towards the kitchen. Ready to prepare a great feast for their currently unconscious guest.

___

Orochimaru awoke to find himself in a warm, but unfamiliar bed. He was alarmed but seeing Yasuo sitting on a chair and seemingly reading, he relaxed.

Orochimaru took this time to think.

He had previously gotten knocked out by Yasuo, accidentally, in their spar. Then, he seems the red-eyed boy had taken him to his house to rest. Orochimaru could help but question it, why had he not left him in the orphanage?

"Ah, you're awake Orochimaru-chan." Yasuo's oddly charming voice rang, breaking him from his thoughts. "I wanted to ask you a question." He continued, his tone changing to solemn and earnest. Orochimaru sat up from the bed and immediately nodded. It was no time for joking banter.

"Hmm... it's better to show you than to tell," Yasuo muttered. "Well, please don't panic when you see this." He added, waving his hand towards the abnormally pale boy.

Orochimaru immediately jumped. It was almost impossible not to be alarmed when this... 'notification' pops out of nowhere. It read: "Do you agree to be [Contractor], [Yasuo Uchiha]'s [Companion]? Yes/No." It then listed all of the benefits and drawbacks of agreeing, the former far outweighing the latter.

Orochimaru was tempted to press 'Yes.' He was very tempted. But, he needed to complete his goal, obtaining immortali- "If you're worried about getting immortality, don't." Yasuo's voice suddenly began, almost as if he was reading the snake-like boy's mind. "You already have it, after all." He finished with an assuring smile.

However, that only caused Orochimaru to panic even more. Vast magnitudes of questions now spinning around his mind.

When? Why? How? Where? What? Who?

Orochimaru glanced at Yasuo, the latter having a frightful grin. "While you were unconscious, I fed you this," he slowly started to explain while creating a golden ripple that formed something indescribable. It gave off a feeling that made Orochimaru think that the food was merely letting it observe its divine form.

Simply put, it was godly.

"This is [Ambrosia]," Yasuo continued to explain. "It is what had made you eternal." However, this only compelled Orochimaru press 'No.' Now that he had immortality, he could learn all the knowledge in the world while being free! "Ah right," Yasuo's voice started again. "It doesn't grant true immortality though. You can still die, but only not from old age."

Orochimaru furrowed his brows as he read over the 'notification' once again. It said something about giving him protection, but what about providing books and scrolls...?

But, Yasuo had an answer. Once again, almost as if he was reading Orochimaru's mind, he spoke: "There should be something that says [All Around Shop] in the contract, right?" Orochimaru nodded, and Yasuo smiled. "Well, with it, you can obtain anything."

Orochimaru's eyes widened as more questions clouded his mind. "So... do you accept?" Yasuo asked while Orochimaru was still slightly hesitant. "What do you mean, anything?" The pale boy answered with a question. He wanted to make sure. If he really could obtain anything he desired, then what would be the cost?

"By anything, I mean absolutely anything. Also, you don't have to worry about payment. I swear the contract says something about that somewhere." Yasuo replied, once again asking, "Well, do you accept?"

Orochimaru gravely nodded, gulping down his increasing saliva, taking a deep breath before pressing 'Yes.' For him, it felt like he was adventuring in the unknown. It was simply dumb. Nevertheless, the profits were that were to be gained were too appealing.

"Ah, great!" Yasuo grinned widely, bouncing towards Orochimaru with a friendly hug. Only to have the pale boy immediately pushed him away, asking, "How do I access this [All Around Shop]?" However, Yasuo's mouth merely opened without words coming out.

Taking a slight step back, Yasuo began to scratch his cheek, embarrassed. No longer, was the pressing mood, replaced with a goofy-like atmosphere. "Um... I don't know?" He whispered, before clapping his hands. "Ah! You can ask Shisui-san downstairs, Orochimaru-chan!" Yasuo cheerily replied. "Also, there's a nice dinner I prepared, so you can go and eat too!"

Orochimaru stared at Yasuo with a deadpan. "This is your house, Yasuo." The red-eyed boy tilted his head in confusion. "Cough! I don't know where 'downstairs' is!" Orochimaru elaborated.

"Oh..." Yasuo muttered, replying, "It's to the right, then straight and down." Orochimaru nodded, simply enough directions, and headed to the halls. While Yasuo got back to reading, he wasn't hungry. Something had already taken that away:

"Wait! Yun Che's cool and all, but isn't he just abandoning Cang Yue?!"

(A/N: Is this a foreshadowing? Find out next time on Ancient Manipulator!)