Chapter 56 : Nightingale

"Black Snake will be your captain from now on, but the condition is that you must meet the qualifications to become an official Anbu within a specified time," said Arima . "In the future, you will train together, and for now, you will follow Black Snake's orders. I'll make sure to assign you all to a team for missions."

"I understand, Instructor," Nightingale chimed in cheerfully. Though Hyuga Kazuki and Falcon remained silent, they acquiesced since Orochimaru faced them and accepted the decision.

Afterward, the ninjas who had finished watching the performance dispersed and continued their individual training.

"I didn't expect Hyuga Kazuki to be so weak and defeated by a kid. His qualifications should have made him a future squad leader. What a shame!" commented a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old ninja after everyone had left. His chakra and demeanor were noticeably stronger than the others, and he should have already been an active Anbu based on his strength. However, the Anbu required a year of training for anyone who joined.

This ninja, whose white mask concealed pale eyes, was likely already a Jonin—a specially trained ninja with enough skill to become a vice-commander even within the Anbu.

"Captain Elephant, can you handle that kid?" Three ninjas stood behind him, with Elephant as their leader.

"This kid is quite skilled," admitted Elephant thoughtfully. "But seeing our Hyuga clan members suffer, I feel obliged to help my naïve clan member get even. What do you all think?"

The three civilian ninjas nodded, affirming their loyalty to their leader, Shiro-sama.

In the world of Anbu, even bloodied ninja who had shed blood together would instinctively seek a protector.

Wherever there are people, there are struggles—this even applies to Anbu, where everyone wears masks, sets aside their family ties, and serves the Hokage wholeheartedly. The organization still experiences factionalism and cliques, even though their time together is short, and their indoctrination isn't complete.

...

"Orochimaru, when will you teach me that Mystical Palm Technique?"

At that moment, Hyuga Kazuki was drenched in sweat, diligently practicing Gentle Fist, while Falcon honed his sword skills with precision. Only Orochimaru seemed relaxed, playing with snakes.

Nightingale, like an energetic little girl, ran straight to Orochimaru and asked, "You promised to teach me, remember?"

"Of course, I remember," replied Orochimaru. He placed the snake into his sleeve and looked at the lively Nightingale, who had a bold idea. "Take off your mask, let me see."

"Humph! You brat," Nightingale snorted arrogantly, but she still removed her mask, revealing her alluring face.

"Well, how do I look? Is your elder sister pretty?" Nightingale narrowed her eyes, and her thin red lips formed a playful smile.

"Yes, you are beautiful," Orochimaru calmly observed Nightingale, resembling an uncle appreciating a young girl, respectful but not improper.

In truth, Orochimaru simply admired beautiful women.

"Do you have a good relationship with Tsunade?" Nightingale suddenly asked.

"We have same Teacher," replied Orochimaru, maintaining his composure. "You should have fought against her after her learning of the Mystical Palm Technique, right?"

"That's none of your business!" Nightingale raised her chin, her hairpin's tassels swaying proudly like a peacock. However, she quickly became downcast. "Tsunade is the princess of a Senju clan, excelling in everything. The Mystical Palm Technique was not even developed by her. Our grandfather wanted her to learn it to inherit the medical class from Aunt Koharu!" She then looked at Orochimaru significantly and said, "Isn't that right, Orochimaru?!"

"Uh... how did you know?!"

"Hohoho~" Nightingale's mocking laughter sounded melodic. She patted Orochimaru on the shoulder and said, "Little brother, while elder sister isn't as great as Tsunade, her status is not to be underestimated. By the way, what other abilities do you have? Share them with me, and I'll protect you in the future!"

Why would I need your protection?!

Orochimaru calmly removed Nightingale's hand from his shoulder. "You're overthinking it. The Mystical Palm Technique requires a solid foundation in medical ninjutsu. I diligently studied in the medical class for over half a year before mastering it."

"Oh, really?" Nightingale crossed her arms, feigning nonchalance.

"In that case, the Yin Seal might suit you better," Orochimaru remarked, trying to lift the mood.

"Don't mention that! It's infuriating!" Nightingale replied angrily. "Do you know how much effort Granny Mito put into teaching her that sealing technique? Why am I not so fortunate?"

"No! How do you know about the Yin Seal?!" Nightingale suddenly realized, her eyes now dangerous as she stared at Orochimaru.

"This... Tsunade showed it to me twice."

Phew, that was close!

"Really?" Nightingale's serious expression seemed like a façade, and she reverted to self-pity. "Tsunade's talent isn't exceptional, and Senju clan's Wood Release talent is cab be used by me.But…"

"What?!" Orochimaru was taken aback. "You know Wood Release?"

Are there any ninjas with Wood Release in the village?!

Thinking about the First Hokage's amazing abilities and Yamato's Wood Release powers, it seemed plausible...

"It's not that impressive!" Nightingale's eyes turned into crescent moons as she smiled. "I've awakened only a faint hint of Wood Release's abilities. It's not the true Wood Release at all."

With that, Nightingale spread her palm, and vibrant chakra surged, causing a green leaf to materialize in her hand.

Orochimaru was utterly astonished.

"My chakra can indeed promote plant growth, but my strength is too weak, so I can only manipulate a few leaves."

Haha, you're not that simple! Awakening Wood Release and the strength of the awakening are two different matters. Once you've awakened Wood Release, your cells are fundamentally different from others.

Remembering the First Hokage's astonishing ability to defy nature and Yamato's control over tailed beast chakra, Madara absorbed some of that power before summoning the Thousand-Handed Buddha.

Your level of awakening might be relatively low, and you may lack Asura's Yang Release, but no matter how weak, you're still a Wood Release user!

Orochimaru gazed at Nightingale with a greedy glint in his eye, showing the covetous gaze of a scientist who encounters precious experimental materials and can't wait to take out a scalpel and conduct dissections and samples!

"What are you staring at!" Nightingale was startled by Orochimaru's expression. She could sense the ill intent behind the mask and couldn't help but take a few steps back.

"Well... I should behave myself. Maybe I'll be moving out of Konoha in the future!" Orochimaru wiped away the imaginary drool, tucked the half-drawn scalpel back into his ninja pouch, and patted the mask.

"What do you think they're doing?" Falcon skillfully sliced a row of wooden stakes, creating smooth, mirror-like incisions.

"What else? Probably just chatting!" Hyuga Kazuki also paused, perspiring.

"You little brat, what were you saying earlier?" Orochimaru took this opportunity to escape.

"It's nothing, Captain! Just speak up if you want to say something!" Hyuga Kazuki hurriedly responded, his kidneys feeling a bit weak.

"Don't! Captain, please, say what you want to say! Don't, ah...!"

Watching Orochimaru approaching aggressively, Nightingale playfully put on her mask. "Orochimaru, you seem to know a lot. Do you have any secrets?"

...

On that day, Bull-sensei suddenly arrived.

"Little rookies, gather! Today, we're starting a new subject!"

"What is it?" The ninjas assembled one after another.

"This week, we'll learn wilderness survival skills and prepare for future reconnaissance and infiltration missions!"

"Oh, really?" Orochimaru glanced at his teammates. "That's something I'm good at!"

"Wilderness survival?" Elephant's eyes flickered, and he sneered at Orochimaru!

*****

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