Naruto: Building the Strongest Uchiha Starting with Gacha Pulls

While speed wasn't one of Uchiha Gen's most outstanding strengths, it was certainly not a weakness either, especially after obtaining Madara's cards, which significantly increased his explosive power when moving.

During the previous investigation, Uchiha Gen clearly saw that Namikaze Minato was using the most basic Taishin-shin – a D-rank ninjutsu that simply concentrates chakra in the legs to enhance instantaneous explosive power during movement.

Minato Namikaze's talent was so obvious it was practically overflowing. Coupled with his commoner background and lack of a ninja clan backing, the Third Hokage, unless he was completely out of his mind, would definitely bring him into his faction and nurture him.

And in fact, it was just as Uchiha Gen had predicted.

"Orochimaru, what do you think of Minato?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked at the front of the group and spoke to Orochimaru, who was following beside him.

"What, Sarutobi-sensei, are you trying to send someone else to me? But I'm also quite interested in this kid."

Orochimaru licked his lips and chuckled.

"Your squad is already full; adding more wouldn't be appropriate. What I wanted to ask you is, how about handing him over to Jiraiya for training?"

"Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice."

Jiraiya is a man who can be both reliable and unreliable. The Third Hokage was worried that if Minato Namikaze were entrusted to Jiraiya's training, he would ruin such a promising talent.

"Today I handed the team over to Jiraiya to lead. You can ask them how well Jiraiya is teaching them."

"Yes, it would be a good thing if Jiraiya had sufficient teaching skills."

The Third Hokage nodded slightly, planning to go back and ask his son later.

"I have witnessed Yan Jun's progress recently, but I did not expect Uchiha Gen to have made even greater progress. Orochimaru, it seems that you have also learned my skills in teaching disciples."

"Sarutobi-sensei, his progress has exceeded my expectations. Perhaps it's due to the changes brought about by his recently awakened Sharingan."

Orochimaru shook his head.

According to his estimation, although Uchiha Gen had made considerable progress, he shouldn't be that strong—after all, Uchiha Gen had only recently drawn the young Madara character card.

"No matter what, his current abilities are inseparable from your guidance. If Jiraiya didn't mentor him well enough, I hope you can also help guide this child."

The Third Hokage still holds Orochimaru's teaching abilities in high regard.

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed instantly:

"Is it a year from now, or...?"

"Hmm... I suppose you've noticed as well, this year's fifth-year ninja academy students will have to graduate early. Given the actions of the Hidden Cloud Village, even if someone wanted to negotiate to alleviate the pressure of the war, it would be impossible for them to agree."

The war between Konoha and Kumogakure will restart due to the failure of peace talks, and it will enter a high-intensity state from the very beginning. Currently, the front lines in the Land of Rain and the Land of Wind are equally urgent, and the pressure on manpower is too great. Not only will your group, who just retired from the front lines and rested for a month, have to go back, but even the new generation of ninjas will have to go to the front lines to replenish manpower.

At that time, the high-level meeting will likely pass a resolution to allow senior ninja academy students to graduate early.

But what made me make this decision wasn't any of that, but Danzo.

"Danzo..."

A flash of understanding crossed Orochimaru's eyes.

The members of Danzo's Root are all assassins whose emotions have been almost completely erased; no ninja clan would be willing to send their own child with outstanding talent into them.

So he either pulled his own Shimura clan into the group, or he set his sights on commoners—especially orphans.

Minato Namikaze perfectly met all of Danzo's needs, especially his overflowing talent, which Danzo couldn't possibly resist.

"Yes, I noticed this child two years ago. His personality is not suitable for Root. If he goes there, Danzo's training method will only destroy his spiritual energy. In terms of personality, I think he is most compatible with Jiraiya."

Before he graduates, I will shield him from Danzo's covetousness. After graduation, it will be up to you to nurture these exceptionally talented children. When I grow old, they will become flourishing branches, helping you support the village.

Hiruzen Sarutobi said meaningfully to Orochimaru.

Orochimaru understood what the former meant.

He could sense that the Third Hokage was truly grooming him to be his successor and the future Hokage.

but……

Naruto?

Orochimaru looked up at the bright moon rising in the distance.

That wasn't his dream of embarking on the ninja way, but rather the expectation from the Third Hokage and others who were close to him.

In a daze, Orochimaru seemed to see his former disciple Nawaki through the bright moon, shouting out his goal of becoming Hokage with passionate and aspirational words.

Orochimaru then turned his head and looked at Uchiha Gen, who was chatting and laughing with Namikaze Minato and Kushina.

So be it, he just needs to do what he's supposed to do and what he wants to do. If one person doesn't have enough energy, he can train a capable disciple to be used like a donkey, just like Sarutobi-sensei did.

……

……

It was already late at night when Uchiha Gen returned to his clan's territory.

As usual, I took a bath, changed clothes, burned incense, and prayed to the gods before starting to draw cards.

[System extraction in progress...]

[Obtained: Item Card: Explosive Tag x3 (White)]

[Item Description: Use to obtain three standard explosive tags.]

Uchiha Gen's eyes flickered, and he stretched out his palm, pointing it forward.

[Use this item card?]

【Yes. 】

Three white explosive tags with red borders were neatly placed in front of Uchiha Gen.

"Just standard detonating tags, tsk, not bad, they're worth quite a bit of silver."

Gen Uchiha's expression seemed satisfied.

Although it's a white prop, it's already a high-quality white prop.

There are actually many different types of detonating tags.

The three explosive tags he drew were the classic white-and-red type. Although there were only three, they were quite expensive, and if used properly, they could have a remarkable effect.

The next day.

Although the negotiations broke down and Orochimaru's mission should have ended, he did not return to the team. Instead, he served as the leader of the Jonin squad, assisting the Hokage in a series of war-related matters.

Orochimaru's team will still be led by Jiraiya for training for the time being.

It was quite obvious that everyone could feel the tense atmosphere in Konoha Village. Anbu ninjas could be seen running through the streets and alleys, and on rooftops and corridors, delivering messages from the Hokage.

Orochimaru did not reappear in the group until the morning of the third day.

However, Orochimaru did not continue training them.