Why did people follow Orochimaru?


Orochimaru is a twisted man who only thinks of himself, kills anyone on the
whim and uses everyone.

Why then people (like Kimimaro) follow him and are ready to give their lives
for him?




On second thought, I think all followers of Orochimaru are in it for their own
gain with the exception of the few he has manipulated ...




There are several reasons why Orochimaru has followers despite his character:

  1. He is one of the 3 Sannin, so some follow him to gain his mentorship. 
  2. Saving people by giving them what they really want.
  3. By manipulating them.

Most of the reason revolves around those two basic concepts, but in the end
both Orochimaru and those followers require each other for their own personal
benefits.

Orochimaru being stronger, his followers have no other choice but to follow
him, learn things until they become stronger than him.

If there had been someone else other than Orochimaru in his place, maybe those
followers might have had different endings or goals. In the end it's the cause
and effect of their own personal ambitions.

