At the Konoha practice grounds.
"Tian Yuan, got you at last. Kakashi's out on a mission." Might Guy declared.
"So?" Tian Yuan looked at him calmly.
"So—match time." Guy's grin stretched wide.
"Mm, Guy—I want to try something."
"What is it?" Guy asked.
"Pikachu—come." Tian Yuan called.
"Pika…" Pikachu leapt down.
"What kind of creature is that? Cute." Guy studied Pikachu with mild curiosity—Hokage's world held all manner of life, even rodent-like beasts.
"Come on." Guy took his fighting stance.
"Chu—" Pikachu's body crackled with electricity and struck Guy unawares.
Guy's hair stood on end, his skin scorched black as lightning coursed through him.
"A one-hit paralysis—Guy, your luck's incredible." Tian Yuan watched the stunned Guy, then left with Pikachu at his side.
Moments later, Guy shook himself back to life.
"Tian Yuan's extraordinary—what jutsu was that? I couldn't move."
"I need stronger taijutsu. Run fifty laps around Konoha Gate." Guy zoomed off at once.
Next day, in a Ninja Academy classroom.
Only yesterday's graduates filled the seats; today they would be assigned mentors.
"Tian Yuan, I wonder who our teacher will be?" Anko asked.
"No idea—wait and see." Tian Yuan replied. He knew his mentor wouldn't be an ordinary ninja—he'd already outstripped most.
Line by line, students were called and escorted away. At last only Tian Yuan and Anko remained.
"Where's our mentor?" Anko fretted.
"He's here." Tian Yuan looked toward the door as a pale-faced ninja entered, chilling them.
"Orochimaru." Tian Yuan grimaced—of all mentors, he least wanted this one. Anko, however, brightened:
"Teacher Orochimaru!" she exclaimed. The Konoha Sannin's fame was immense; only Sarutobi Hiruzen surpassed them.
"You two, follow me." Orochimaru's voice was icy as he led them to a nearby balcony.
"From today I am your mentor. I am Orochimaru—you know my name?" he asked, eyes narrow as he appraised them.
"Yes, Teacher Orochimaru." Tian Yuan and Anko chorused.
"Tell me what you like and your goals." Orochimaru instructed.
"I'll go first," Anko piped up. "I like dumplings, and my goal is…" She glanced at Tian Yuan. "To surpass Tian Yuan."
Tian Yuan winced inwardly.
"Myself—I seek clues to my destiny. Goals? None yet." Tian Yuan answered.
"Clues to your destiny?" Orochimaru paused—what did that mean? A poetic way of saying "signal-hunting," Tian Yuan thought.
"Very well." Orochimaru nodded. "Gather here tomorrow at 9 A.M. A third teammate will join you."
"Yes, Teacher Orochimaru." they replied.
"In that case…" Orochimaru vanished into shadow.
"Teacher Orochimaru!" Anko squealed. "I can't believe we got him! Everyone else will be jealous."
"You're right." Tian Yuan smirked, knowing Anko would soon regret it—Orochimaru had plans for her.
"I must rapidly grow stronger—lest he take interest in me." Tian Yuan thought.
"Mm—first, more signal-hunting."
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