Naruto: Evolution

?!

Just when he was about to take off his clothes to put on the new training gear, a strange sensation ran through his body.

His heart suddenly sped up, and a fraction of a second later, he understood instantly: someone was casting a Genjutsu on him.

Wasting no time, he focused his chakra and expelled it in one burst, breaking the illusion immediately. His gaze sharpened, and his body reacted, turning abruptly to the side.

Swoosh

The shadow clones reacted in perfect sync.

They also dispelled the Genjutsu instantly, stopped their training, and strategically moved around Gen, forming a defensive perimeter around Kurenai and Shizune.

Ten shadow clones on each side, aligned in a circle with their bodies facing outward, scanned the area cautiously.

But something was wrong.

Unlike Gen and his clones, Kurenai and Shizune did not move at all.

They remained completely still, their bodies rigid as if petrified.

A closer look revealed the reason.

Their eyes were completely blank.

There was no doubt: both were trapped in the illusion.

Unlike Gen and his clones, they did not have the ability to detect the Genjutsu in time, much less free themselves on their own.

"Well, what an extraordinary boy…" A seductive voice was heard, "Not only did you break my Genjutsu with ease, but you also reacted immediately. Gen Uchiha… you really are as talented as they say."

From the direction where Gen had fixed his gaze, a slender figure slowly emerged from the shadows of a large tree.

It was a pale-skinned man, with a Konoha forehead protector on his forehead, with long black hair and features that gave him an almost androgynous air.

Upon seeing him, Gen's pupils subtly contracted.

Despite the coverage of the shadow clones, the newcomer immediately perceived the slight change in his expression.

A hoarse yet seductive laugh escaped his lips.

"Oh… it seems you have recognized me. In that case, I suppose you can lower your guard now."

Gen quickly processed the situation. His mind evaluated possibilities, but his expression remained serene.

"If it is Lord Orochimaru, then there is no need for caution."

With an impeccable smile and a slight bow, he ordered his shadow clones to disperse, clearing the area.

There was no doubt.

The man before him was none other than Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha.

But why was he here?

He did not believe, not for a second, that this appearance was a mere coincidence.

"I wonder, why is Lord Orochimaru looking for me?" he asked in a respectful tone, "And if possible, could you release my companions from the Genjutsu?"

Orochimaru stopped a few meters away and cast an indifferent glance at Kurenai and Shizune, who were still trapped in the illusion.

But instead of responding immediately, he refocused his attention solely on Gen.

"For now, let's leave them like that. I have no intention of harming them."

He gave a barely perceptible smile before continuing:

"I only came here to meet you, Gen Uchiha."

"Know me?"

Gen did not react outwardly, but his mind was working at full speed.

"I heard that another prodigy has emerged at the Academy… And not just any prodigy, but one who belongs to the renowned Uchiha clan, and my curiosity brought me here."

Gen maintained his impeccable posture. He could not afford a single mistake in this encounter.

"Lord Orochimaru, you are flattering me too much. I am nothing more than an ordinary student, I don't think it's worth your trouble to seek me out."

At this false humility, Orochimaru chuckled slightly.

"No, I think it is worth it."

His amber eyes narrowed as they scanned the area, focusing on the shadow clones that Gen had dispersed earlier.

"Your performance has been even better than I expected."

The Genjutsu he had cast earlier was C-rank, but under his execution, even a Chūnin would have had difficulty noticing that they had fallen into the illusion.

However, Gen not only detected it in an instant but also broke free effortlessly.

And that was not all.

Despite Orochimaru deliberately concealing his presence, the boy had located him quickly.

These two achievements alone were sufficient proof of his talent.

But there was something more.

The shadow clones.

The Shadow Clone Technique, although not the most complex jutsu, was still a B-rank technique. Not just anyone could master it, let alone create twenty clones at once to train simultaneously.

This gave him absolute certainty.

Gen's chakra reserves were far more abundant than those of anyone else his age.

And that made him even more exceptional.

"Having Lord Orochimaru acknowledge me is an honor for me."

Gen scratched the back of his neck with a gesture that seemed to reflect slight discomfort, as if he were embarrassed by the praise.

Orochimaru observed him in silence, his expression difficult to decipher, until suddenly, he spoke.

"Little Gen, tell me… would you be interested in becoming my disciple?"

…!

Gen's eyelids twitched for an instant, unable to hide his genuine surprise.

"Does Lord Orochimaru want to accept me as his disciple?"

This time, the astonishment in his voice was not feigned.

He had considered countless possibilities regarding Orochimaru's appearance. He had even suspected that Hiruzen had sent him to test him.

But he never would have imagined this.

His mind began to rapidly calculate all the implications of the offer.

"It's just an idea, but I truly admire your talent," Orochimaru spoke again. "Until now, I have never taken a disciple. Although I cannot say for certain, if you receive my training, I am sure you could grow much more."

The enigmatic smile on his face only made Gen reflect even more.

Orochimaru did not pressure him and simply waited patiently for his response.

After a brief silence, Gen lifted his gaze and, with a respectful yet confident tone, replied:

"If Lord Orochimaru is willing to accept me as his disciple, then, naturally, I am more than willing."

He had made his decision.

Yes, Orochimaru would become a dangerous figure in the future, with a sick obsession for the Sharingan.

However, at this moment, he had not yet suffered the psychological blow that Itachi Uchiha would inflict on him later. He had not yet fully developed that uncontrolled ambition for the Uchiha's ocular power.

Moreover, in this period, before his betrayal of Konoha, Orochimaru was still one of the most respected figures in the village. He had even been considered for the position of Hokage.

Becoming his disciple would bring enormous benefits.

But beyond political or strategic benefits, the most important thing was Orochimaru's capability.

No one could deny that his knowledge of jutsus was the most extensive in the entire village, inherited directly from his master, Hiruzen Sarutobi, "The Professor."

If he truly managed to receive sincere training from Orochimaru, he would not only gain skills but also have access to resources he could never obtain otherwise.

Gen's response seemed to completely satisfy Orochimaru.

His smile widened, and he licked his lips with his long tongue.

"Wonderful… It seems that I will soon have an exceptional disciple."

________

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