“Capture Orochimaru!”
“Stop him!”
Thousands of ninjas were scattered throughout the forest on the outskirts of the Land of Fire, ruthlessly hunting down any isolated Konoha ninja while frantically searching for the whereabouts of Orochimaru and his followers.
No one bothered to hide their tracks.
Because there was no need to.
Almost no defense was left, with the last elite unit under Orochimaru’s command wholly wiped out from the border to Konoha village.
Just like the original history of the Ninja World, Kirigakure had indeed forced Konoha into a dire situation, compelling them to send out genin as cannon fodder.
Kirigakure might have reached Konoha’s last line of defense without Might Duy in the original timeline.
During the frenzy and agitation, Naoki Kaguya remained calm.
Because Konoha’s strength was still formidable, strong enough to suppress Kirigakure once more.
He ordered to hunt down every Konoha ninja on the outskirts of the Land of Fire.
The weak, sheep-like genin didn’t stir any emotions in the Kirigakure ninjas.
They only wanted to kill one person, Orochimaru.
Killing him, eliminating a Kage-level threat, would surely tip the scales in Kirigakure’s favor.
Upon realizing this, the cruel, bloodthirsty Kirigakure ninjas, who had finally caught a glimpse of victory, went completely berserk.
“Capture Orochimaru!”
We are all bait!
But so what?
As long as they could signal, Naoki Kaguya would arrive to hold Orochimaru and kill the renowned Konoha Sannin!
As long as victory…
As long as victory belonged to Kirigakure!
In a hidden, dark corner, Orochimaru’s figure slowly emerged in the chaotic forest, his mood sour.
Damn brat.
His attempt to use Manda to delay Naoki Kaguya failed when the giant serpent appeared.
Given his proficiency in evasion, he wouldn’t usually worry about being detected.
But Naoki Kaguya’s technique was too fast—far too fast. Combined with the Byakugan, it cornered him multiple times, escaping a struggle.
Now, he should be temporarily safe.
Orochimaru steadied his hefty breathing, recalling Naoki Kaguya’s terrifying technique that allowed him to fly.
Was that Ice Release?
Orochimaru’s face showed a hint of curiosity.
Naoki Kaguya, a monster with two bloodlines?
A result of marriage between the Kaguya clan and the Yuki clan?
No.
Orochimaru immediately dismissed his previous thought.
Then, his expression turned even more excited.
Naoki Kaguya, Ice Release, Shikotsumyaku, and Hozuki clan techniques… this might not be a coincidence.
Was that brat conducting experiments?
Combining so many abilities into himself without any anomalies indicated a highly successful, mature experiment.
Orochimaru habitually licked his lips, feeling a surge of desire. Considering Naoki Kaguya’s age and status, he couldn’t help but sigh.
So young, yet mastering so many things.
And with the potential to become the Mizukage.
One day, he would have to collaborate with this brat.
As Orochimaru mused, his face suddenly changed.
His expression darkened as he transformed into a snake, ready to slither away.
In the distant forest, bright Ice Release flickered.
“Orochimaru, let’s talk.”
“I have the Byakugan; I’ve completely locked onto you.”
Seeing the serpentine form continue to flee, Naoki Kaguya’s eyes narrowed as he coldly declared.
“If you keep running, I’ll gather all the Kirigakure ninjas.”
“I heard the Third Raikage could fight against thirty thousand. I wonder if you can manage that, Orochimaru?”
Naoki Kaguya’s voice echoed in the sky, making Orochimaru halt and look at the boy who had nearly cornered him.
He hadn’t expected to be pushed this far by this brat.
Orochimaru gazed at the figure with mixed feelings.
It had been a long time since he felt this way.
The last time was against Hanzo.
Calming his complex emotions, Orochimaru sneered at Naoki Kaguya.
“Talk about what?”
“Naoki Kaguya, are you planning to generously offer me those eyes now?”
Naoki Kaguya took a deep breath.
“Let’s discuss your future in Kirigakure.”
“Huh?”
Orochimaru’s body swayed, his voice cold.
“Brat, I’m a Konoha ninja.”
Naoki Kaguya slowly descended to a treetop, looking down at Orochimaru.
“Then, will you decay with the Third Hokage and become Konoha’s nutrient?”
“Orochimaru, you’re not that kind of person, right?”
Seeing Naoki’s figure, Orochimaru clenched his fist slightly, feeling stirred.
“Orochimaru, there’s no need to hide.”
“Since we conspired to steal the Byakugan, I knew you weren’t someone bound by the Ninja Way or the Will of Fire.”
“If we both seek new paths, why not join our village?”
Naoki exhaled slowly, showing his palm.
You are revealing a small, slightly grey bone.
He gently thrust it into the lush, green treetop.
In an instant, a sight that made even Orochimaru widen his eyes, unfolded.
The massive tree seemed drained of life in a moment, leaves withering and crumbling, the solid trunk collapsing into dust.
Naoki stood on the ground, holding the pale grey bone that evolved from Shikotsumyaku.
As it continued to evolve, it eventually replicated the Kaguya clan’s Grey Bones of Death.
“What is this?”
Orochimaru’s eyes were glued to the bone.
“This is the result of our Shikotsumyaku’s bloodline evolution.”
Naoki replied calmly, further piquing Orochimaru’s curiosity. His eyes roved over the bone, filled with boundless allure, and he couldn’t help but ask.
“This has never appeared in the Kaguya clan’s history, right?”
“Of course.”
Naoki paused, then smiled.
“Just like the Mangekyō Sharingan rarely seen in the Uchiha clan.”
“Or the First Hokage, who appeared once in a millennium among the Senju.”
Orochimaru froze, understanding immediately.
His eyes, filled with enthusiasm and madness, locked onto the bone.
“So, this is your method of tempting me?”
“Naoki Kaguya.”
“Of course.”
Naoki smiled, pulling a white arm from his robes – White Zetsu’s arm.
“I have more.”
“So, Orochimaru, before you join Kirigakure, at least engage in an equal exchange?”
Become a Patron read up to 40 chapter ahead public release ^_^
Please join Discord Server so we can talk ^_^
