During this period, Orochimaru already exhibits traits that will later be called "corrupted." Tsunade notes that he was like this since childhood. The death of his parents left a deep mark: he found a white snake at their grave, and Hiruzen's words about rebirth and luck pushed him to study the secrets of life and his desire to master all techniques. Jiraiya assumed that this path became for Orochimaru a way to forget the pain. In the war, he displays outstanding cruelty and pragmatism: when he, Jiraiya, and Tsunade find three orphans from Amegakure, he suggests killing them out of mercy, while Jiraiya undertakes to train them. He begins to see people as expendable material or objects for study, but at the same time retains interest in developing those who possess unique abilities. In him strengthens a sense of his own superiority as a genius, even recognized by Hashirama. However, his pride has not yet grown into open madness — he continues to serve Konoha, completing missions and even being considered as a candidate for the position of Fourth Hokage (alongside Minato). Inside already ripens the conviction that for the sake of knowledge one can sacrifice any norms, and he begins secret experiments on people. His relationship with his teacher Hiruzen remains outwardly respectful, but he already considers old traditions restrictive.
