Orochimaru, masshirohebi:
@beastgale
The serpents knee-jerk reaction to the mans confession almost falls from their lips. Halted only by a small voice in their head that says belittling his capabilities would not be the best way to thank him for his hospitality. Given he was the only medic within these halls willing to even spare them a glance, they ought to be more careful with their words. All the same, they find the concept of a shinobi having no ninjutsu a ridiculous notion. How would he ever keep up with the rest?
But then, they firmly remind themself that they rely quite drastically on powerful ninjutsu. And just how well had that worked out when they lost their very soul, and all their jutsu with it? Relying on either one, ninjutsu or tiajutsu, was equally as foolish. And while the Sannin had certainly ensured they mastered both to the best of their abilities, they would never be confident with just tiajutsu at their disposal. It was their weakest subject. Given Lee had made it to adulthood as a shinobi, through a damning war, proves that he must be doing something right.
“You have no jutsu at all?” they ask curiously, for they can mind their manners only so far. Being inquisitive is simply a trait they can not deny themself.
“Then I suppose you’re wise to pick up kenjutsu, I can’t imagine having only one method of combat. Falling back on the same technique will grant enemies the ability to predict you quicker,” they mention, for they can only imagine how easy it would be to exploit a one trick pony. They had always found it better to have various tactics, to ensure predictability was out the window. To ensure they could never be read, no pattern formed to out plan.
They are curious however, to see if this man can impress them without ninjutsu. They had never met someone who had earned their attention through tiajutsu alone, nothing very eye catching about such a thing. But the Sannin would never dismiss a possibility. Perhaps this one had done more with it than most. Perhaps he could prove them wrong. They never minded be wrong for the sake of learning something new.
Lee had been correct: Orochimaru had been unaware of his inability to use ninjutsu or genjutsu. Their expression doesn’t give away anything, much to Lee’s disappointment. He’d hoped to see something— Even if it was the skeptical look he was so used to seeing from those who doubted his capabilities as a shinobi. A frown would begin to form but halt into a line when they raise a question. So Orochimaru was intrigued! Well, maybe. It could’ve been a skeptical question. But it was a question all the same. A small smile forms on Lee’s lips.
“No jutsu at all. I have never been able to mold my chakra into anything. I do not know why.” He’d never really had his issue analyzed, either: Was it hereditary? A spontaneous mutation? Could it be fixed? A curious thought enters his mind: Orochimaru had an interest in chakra mysteries, didn’t they? Maybe. . —
He quickly pushes the thought aside. As much as he was thrilled that they were interested in his studying of kenjutsu, he didn’t trust them fully. Such a thought could be dangerous. Lee folds up the rest of the medical tape, allowing the movements to help him refocus his mind. Okay. Kenjutsu. Back on topic.
“-- Anyway. . I rely on my speed to try to keep my predictability at a minimum. But like you have said; Relying on only one method will only make me easier to predict, even if I am fast.” A pause. His speed— That was something he worried about. How do you wield a blade and remain fast?
“How do you pick a blade?” Lee asks with his head tilted slightly to the side and his eyebrows scrunched. “Should I have one specially made? Or would it be wiser to wait until I master the skill before I have a blade crafted?”
