Chapter 95 : Land of Hot Water

"It's Quite Capable!"

On the following day, Orochimaru accepted the equipment provided by Nightingale. Although it was simple, it would be useful in the current times and would become a part of their lives.

Orochimaru's white coat didn't draw any attention, as he summoned Senyu and Gudo to come and make arrangements.

"What's this?"

The two of them were a bit surprised as they examined the items. Nightingale's resources seemed substantial, but when they met Orochimaru's cold gaze, they quickly feigned interest.

"Do your tasks diligently while I'm away. Don't let me catch any mistakes."

Under Orochimaru's watchful eye, both of them nodded in agreement before he left.

"Damn it!"

The two of them grumbled and cursed as they continued with their work.

"What's this?!"

Gudo pulled out a scroll from the medical box, unrolled it, and revealed Hyuga's medical records.

"Senyu, make a copy!"

The two of them were astonished, looking around in disbelief. Eventually, they copied the notes and returned them to their place.

"Heh heh."

After observing this scene, Orochimaru left quietly.

Orochimaru was well-prepared for this mission. Although he had confidence in his ability to handle typical situations, if he got entangled with that individual, Orochimaru had to remain vigilant at all times. He couldn't afford to underestimate himself and risk becoming mere cannon fodder or a "noble sacrifice",

As for the team members, Nightingale and the others still needed protection. Orochimaru had his own expectations for them.

As for others, what were their roles? The chaotic circumstances also worked in Orochimaru's favour.

"Young ones, are you ready to become heroes of Konoha?"

Yaksha, still appearing somewhat reluctant, had arrived at the rendezvous point early, and someone behind her already referred to her as "Mother Yaksha".

Yaksha removed her mask, revealing a mature and composed beautiful face. The bold purple eyeshadow and lip gloss, along with her earrings, added to her allure. The scar on her eyebrow gave her an extra touch of fierceness.

"This time, let's adopt the guise of a caravan. After all, we have a sizeable group."

Yaksha observed the substitutes with a sense of disdain and sigh, placing her hands on her hips.

"While acting as a caravan might seem outdated, old-fashioned methods are often effective. Now, all of you with strength and proficiency in swordsmanship will act as guards."

Orochimaru surveyed the group and saw that Tiger and Falcon had already taken their positions, along with three others. One of them was relatively familiar to Orochimaru, codenamed Lizard.

After some contemplation, Orochimaru stepped forward. If he served as an outer guard for the caravan, he could react swiftly in case of danger. Orochimaru trusted his instincts.

"With most of Black Snake Squad assuming guard duties, Nightingale come and act as a maid, blending in with them. White Rooster should remain hidden for surveillance."

Yaksha regarded Nightingale with evident interest, and Nightingale clenched her fists as she complied.

"By the way, Black Snake, your skills are commendable, but can you effectively guard given your physique?"

He specialized in quick strikes. During training, everyone had witnessed his fierce ninjutsu and precise chakra control. Others typically used short ninja swords, but could Orochimaru wield one?

"I do have some proficiency."

Orochimaru extended his neck and retrieved the frigid Kusanagi sword from an intrigued audience. This marked the first time he unveiled his weapon.

"This is my sword!"

Orochimaru demonstrated the foundational sword techniques of the ancient samurai clan, projecting an air of competence. Although his display lacked the raw power, the radiance of Kusanagi's sword prompted a hint of solemnity in Falcon's gaze.

Orochimaru's swordsmanship was still nascent, but it was suitable for deception.

"Are you adept with a sword too?"

Yaksha pondered briefly, deciding to have everyone employ transformation techniques to appear more mature and taller. The group then exited the village through a direct passage created by Anbu.

"Black Snake, venturing out in such force is likely to draw attention. Won't it lead to exposure?"

Nightingale leaned against Orochimaru, whispering in a moment of crisis, instinctively reverting to her term for Orochimaru: Orochimaru-sama.

Having transformed and applied makeup, the entire team appeared significantly older. Orochimaru resembled a white-clad swordsman, while Nightingale was resplendent in an emerald green gown. Many covert glances were directed their way.

However, a caravan of around thirty individuals remained conspicuously suspicious, especially upon entering the Land of the Moon. The risk of arousing suspicion was considerable.

"It would be unusual if everything went smoothly," Orochimaru replied, refraining from further commentary.

Given their civilian façade, the group adopted a leisurely pace as they approached the Land of Moon. They procured numerous spices, silk, and other goods during their journey.

Along the way, Orochimaru encountered numerous famished refugees. Ordinary people without village protection struggled to survive. Many still relied on slash-and-burn agriculture, working tirelessly.

Some cast odd glances at Orochimaru and his entourage, likely deeming them potential bandits. Yet, most refrained from any rash actions in Orochimaru's presence.

However, when the team distanced itself, Instructor Yaksha briefly vanished before reappearing, seemingly more at ease.

Logically, a group of over thirty members would require a few temporary leaders. However, Yaksha refrained from addressing this. She likely accepted the grouping arrangement that had emerged naturally from the survival test.

Nevertheless, this approach brought about a lack of hierarchy in her absence. Without Yaksha's guidance, no designated leader would step up.

Eventually, Yaksha led the team out of the Land of Moon, embarking on their journey to the Land of Hot Water.

Three days later, the group finally ventured into the territory of the Land of Hot Water, with the façade of the Land of Thunder stretching before them.

Apart from the Land of Water, the Land of Thunder was one of the safer major countries. Its resources surpassed even those of the Land of Water. The climate was more erratic, the culture robust, and physical training and Raiton techniques were prevalent. Apart from Konoha, no other village held dominance over it.

"Lord Tazun, we've detected a suspicious group nearing the Hot Water Country's border. They're posing as a caravan, but their disguise is rather flimsy. I wonder which village's spy would be so inept!"

"Heh heh heh!"

Laughter, coarse and hearty, emanated from a fortress atop a steep hill. Much like how the Land of Moon was akin to Konoha's backyard, the Land of the Hot Water was the sole "vassal country" of the Land of Thunder. This relationship became even more pronounced during the brutal era, resulting in the absence of ninjas in the Land of Hot Water.

"Keep them under surveillance. Whoever sent them, eliminate them if anything appears amiss."

A particular individual showed no effort to conceal their presence. Although their journey had been smooth within the Land of Moon, deeper penetration into the Land of Hot Water could attract Kumogakure's attention.

"We're being watched."

Orochimaru's previously closed eyes snapped open, his gaze sweeping across his comrades. Within the cavern, everyone remained hidden, consuming unappetizing rations in silence.

Instructor Yaksha stood upon a tree outside, her attention fixated on a white gull in flight. Beneath her mask, her lips curled into a sinister grin.

**********

Support me on my patreon and read upto 30 early chapters.

https://www.patreon.com/Unique_Writer