Chapter 96 A Cold-Blooded Animal's Cherishing Heart
Mitarashi Anko always kept her mission in mind; Orochimaru-sensei wanted her to make good use of her lively and cheerful personality to make Haruko-neechan happy.
This Haruko seems to be a very important person to Orochimaru-sensei. According to the Jonin, the reason they were chosen by Orochimaru-sensei to become his students was because they said, "I can make everyone happy!"
At first, Mitarashi Anko didn't believe these rumors at all, because she was clearly talented and strong!
However, it wasn't until she was taken to meet the real Orochimaru that Mitarashi Anko dared to be sure that Orochimaru-sensei valued her skill in making people happy.
Well... it's one of my skills after all. That's right, in general, Orochimaru-sensei still values my abilities!
Mitarashi Anko is trying to cheer herself up.
Since becoming Orochimaru's student, Mitarashi Anko has often assisted him in the laboratory. Usually, only the two of them go in and out of the laboratory, and Mitarashi Anko sometimes feels that the place is gloomy.
But now, the lab has welcomed its third visitor.
Haruko is still recovering, but she has a restless personality and doesn't want to stay in the hospital any longer.
Tsunade was initially strongly opposed, but Orochimaru suggested that she could take Haruko Hayama to his laboratory and that he would take good care of her. Haruko Hayama immediately agreed, while Tsunade whispered something to Orochimaru before leaving with a complicated expression.
"Wow, Orochimaru, your laboratory is really completely exposed."
Looking at the empty and tidy room, Haruko couldn't help but wonder if Orochimaru had his budget cut because of his harsh personality.
Although he couldn't understand her, Orochimaru, who knew her personality well, explained helplessly: "The next room is a storage room, and this room is mainly for experiments."
"I see. I never imagined, Orochimaru, that you would become a scientist." Haruko Hayama exclaimed. "Humanity is not far from extinction."
Mitarashi Anko looked at Orochimaru in surprise, only to be met with a cold glance from him. She quickly withdrew her somewhat offensive gaze.
Noticing the strong wind blowing in, Orochimaru walked to the window, closed it, and then turned around and said, "You'd better live to see the day humanity goes extinct."
Haruko smiled faintly at him, "Don't worry, even when you're an old man, I'll still be a beautiful young girl!"
That's not true. When Orochimaru turns fifty, I'll still be a twelve-year-old flower in full bloom!
Mitarashi Anko stood quietly beside the lab table, staring blankly at the two people gazing at each other.
Her long, shimmering hair, as dark as ink and mist, cascaded down to her waist. Because she rarely got a break, Haruko wore a pure white silk dress in the morning. Even though Mitarashi Anko couldn't see her face, one could imagine her bright and gentle smile.
Opposite her stood Orochimaru, dressed in dark clothing. He stood there with his back straight, his usual expressionless face now showing a smile in his eyes. If it weren't for his dark gold snake eyes fixed on her, he would have truly looked like a gentle and refined young man.
They faced each other, like a long-standing painting of mutual support and companionship.
Mitarashi Anko always thought Orochimaru was cold-blooded, but now she realizes that he just hid the people he cherished very well.
It seems that ever since Haruko came here in the morning, the entire laboratory has been filled with warmth, like a ray of light shining into a room that has been gloomy and cold for many years.
"It seems like Haruko-neechan has fallen asleep."
Mitarashi Anko whispered to Orochimaru, because as an assistant, she didn't need to expend much energy, so all her attention couldn't help but be focused on Hayama Haruko.
Orochimaru, engrossed in his experiments, heard her words and looked at Haruko Hayama, who was lying on the lab table with her eyes closed.
Before Mitarashi Anko could continue speaking, Orochimaru put down what he was holding and quietly walked towards Hayama Haruko.
He took off his coat and carefully draped it over Haruko Hayama. Orochimaru looked around and frowned.
I should have put a bed in the lab...
Worried that her body couldn't take it, Orochimaru quietly picked up Haruko Hayama. Perhaps because she felt uncomfortable being airborne, Haruko Hayama moved a few times before settling down after finding a comfortable position.
"Orochimaru-sensei..." Mitarashi Anko hurriedly spoke up as they were about to leave.
Orochimaru simply left with the words, "Go and continue in my place," and then departed.
Mitarashi Anko's eyes followed them until they disappeared behind the door, and she finally couldn't help but secretly smile.
I never expected Orochimaru to have this side to him.
＊
Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, who had studied under Jiraiya for three years in Amegakure, had graduated. After receiving Jiraiya's message, Haruko set off to see them.
When Haruko arrived, the three of them were fighting against Jiraiya's shadow clone. Haruko didn't disturb them and quietly stood next to Jiraiya to watch.
It's clear they've grown very quickly; now, when they team up, they can even defeat Jiraiya's shadow clones.
As they settled down and caught their breath, Haruko clapped for them with satisfaction. The three of them rushed over as soon as they saw her.
"Haruko-neechan, why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Yahiko complained, but couldn't help being happy.
Xiao Nan immediately took her hand, "Sister Qingzi, I missed you so much!"
Even the usually quiet Nagato asked somewhat shyly, "Were you tired from the journey?"
"I just arrived, and I missed you all. I'm not tired."
Haruko answered each question with a smile, while Jiraiya stood beside her with his arms crossed, saying, "You guys have never been this welcoming to your teacher."
Konan wasn't fooled by him. "Jiraiya-sensei is quite happy!"
Jiraiya snorted, but did not refute.
Haruko reluctantly led them back first. This time she brought a lot of ingredients from Konoha, which allowed the four of them to have a great time.
The three boys, in particular, were already bulging with bellies but were still saying, "Another bowl, please."
Minami shook her head speechlessly and folded paper with Haruko Hayama beside her.
Haruko watched as Minami's hands moved smoothly and beautifully, and couldn't help but praise her, "Minami's origami skills are getting better and better. I used to teach you how to fold, but now you've become my little teacher."
Xiao Nan smiled sheepishly, "And then, with the last step, a beautiful rose is folded."
Both of them had adorable paper roses in front of them, but Haruko's wasn't as exquisite as Minami's because it was her first time folding them.
Haruko picked up the paper rose in the morning, puzzled. "I did it step by step, so why is it still not very pretty?"
"But I think it looks really good, even better than what I folded!"
Xiao Nan wasn't exaggerating; she loved every origami creation by Hayama Haruko. Ever since Hayama Haruko taught her origami when she was little, Xiao Nan had taken all of Hayama Haruko's creations and now carefully kept them in her precious glass jars.
Just like this time, Minami, out of selfishness, gave Haruko a purple origami piece.
"Haruko-neechan, can I have it this time too?"
Haruko chuckled and patted her head. "Of course you can. Yours are much prettier, so why do you only want mine?"
"Because it's a very precious thing!"
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