Chapter 93 : First Task

Upon careful consideration, it becomes apparent that the Hyuga clan has always maintained a low profile. This could be linked to the traits inherited from their ancestors. However, after the establishment of Konoha, their behaviour seems to have become more cautious.

During the Ninja World War, their performance was rather average.

When Orochimaru attacked and devastated Konoha, they focused on protecting their clan.

During Pain's assault, it was only Hyuga who truly stood up.

"Orochimaru, though this might seem a bit inappropriate to ask, have your family discussed anything about a bloodline successor or experienced any attacks?"

Hyuga Hisashi chose his words carefully.

"..." Orochimaru understood that the demise of his parents was tied to Konoha, which seemed odd, but he didn't delve too much into it.

Who could possibly know the complete truth? The identity of the deceased hardly matters to anyone, and Orochimaru's knowledge on the matter was quite vague.

"The world of ninja is fraught with danger. Orochimaru, as the future pillar of Konoha, feel free to share any difficulties you face or any information you possess."

Hyuga Hisashi offered a kind smile, a gesture of goodwill and an invitation. Hyuga Hisashi seemed optimistic about Orochimaru's growth.

However, Orochimaru, devoid of any sentiment, did not feel any warmth from this. He disliked this type of family that only looked out for themselves. He believed that the Hyuga clan was merely attempting to grasp the concept of the so-called ninja world crisis through him.

"Lord Patriarch, the scroll containing medical records has been procured."

Hyuga Masaru arrived a bit late, holding a green scroll. Orochimaru took a quick look. It contained detailed information about ninja's bloodline limits, chakra flow pathways, and related knowledge, even more comprehensive and accurate than what Orochimaru had acquired at this stage.

"Thank you!"

Well, at least this endeavour wasn't entirely fruitless. Orochimaru thought he might as well conduct some further analysis, as they hadn't been thoroughly examined yet.

Orochimaru left the Hyuga clan's territory. Clan members dressed in white training garments were still diligently practising, their sweat pouring down like rain. Both the main and branch families worked relentlessly.

"Patriarch, have you discovered anything?"

Seeing Orochimaru's departure, an elder from the Hyuga clan silently emerged, as if appearing out of thin air.

Had Orochimaru been present, he might have recognized this man as the leader of the Chunin Exams and Hyuga Kazuki's grandfather.

"Heh, this kid is quite talented and unassuming. I wonder if he will remain unscathed when the war arrives."

Hyuga Hisashi's expression revealed a touch of concern. "I don't know why, but there's a decline in ninjas with bloodline limits. The clans with legacies are gradually weakening. Despite our efforts to maintain the family's strength, our individual power remains lacking.

Everyone is striving, yet there doesn't seem to be a single clan with the potential to reach the heights of the Sage of Six Paths ancestor."

Hyuga Hisashi turned to leave. The elder was about to speak, but the words never left his lips.

"Uncle Kazashi, I know you despise being caged like a bird."

Hyuga Hisashi suddenly turned around and said, "In reality, every generation has resisted this, and I, too, detest this rule. Yet, to safeguard our Byakugan from theft and ensure the Hyuga's safety, I urge you to rein in your emotions. Until the day comes when I find the solution and eradicate that hidden peril…"

Hyuga Hisashi muttered to himself, fading into the pale corridors.

"Ha! There are no hidden dangers that elude your perception. You're merely chasing shadows. Why concoct these excuses? Do you genuinely believe the main branch is superior?!"

Elder Hyuga, known as Hyuga Kazashi, turned and departed in annoyance. A leaf floated by his side, disintegrating into invisible specks!

........

"Today, we commence our report."

Within the snake's lair, Orochimaru picked up the mask adorned with purple eyeshadow, donned the Anbu vest, and then utilized the Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Technique, seamlessly sinking into the ground.

When he reappeared, Orochimaru stood at the entrance of the Anbu Assembly Point. Many others were already present, their one-month break seemingly not enough. They looked at Orochimaru with an air of condescension, as if regarding him as beneath them.

"Hey,... Captain Black Snake!"

Hyuga Kazuki called out to him, while Falcon sat nearby, quietly honing his sword.

"Early birds, aren't we?" Orochimaru scanned the surroundings languidly. The instructor hadn't arrived yet. Various people conversed or grumbled about something. Tiger was engrossed in honing his Apex Body Technique, his face obscured by his vigorously swaying hair.

During Orochimaru's and others' vacation, these diligent individuals were tirelessly enhancing their skills. At the very least, they appeared spirited.

"Oh, am I late?"

A bell-like tinkling sounded, and all heads turned to see a large emerald green leaf fluttering gracefully before dissolving into a shimmering green light.

An elegant figure with emerald tassels in her hair emerged, radiating an air of pride and magnificence. It was Nightingale, who had made an impressive entrance.

"Hey, isn't this our colleague from Senju clan? Your Wood Release is quite distinctive."

The crowd seemed momentarily silenced, but Orochimaru broke the tension.

Indeed, some minds worked in peculiar ways. Orochimaru, who had returned from Hyuga, gazed thoughtfully at the fading wood chakra.

Mastery over Wood Release cells still required progress. What level of strength could he attain if he acquired this power? However, his chakra might be inadequate.

"It seems all of you are in high spirits. Let us commence new training," announced a female ninja, who swiftly approached Tiger and kicked him. From her demeanour and attire, she appeared to be an instructor.

"My apologies for blocking your path." Tiger muttered with an indignant expression.

With her tall, graceful frame and flowing purple hair, the female ninja exuded a formidable aura. Her mask added to her imposing aura.

"Introduce yourselves, you backup brats. I'm your instructor, Yaksha, but feel free to call me Big Sister!"

Yaksha swayed her purple locks, scrutinizing the assembled ninjas. Her gaze held the disdain one might direct at instant noodles in a supermarket. Her overwhelming aura seemed to silence even Tiger's fiery temper and Hyuga Shiro's self-proclaimed brilliance.

Nightingale shot her a less-than-friendly glare, a mix of frustration and defiance. Yaksha's strength was an enigma, yet her queen-like aura dominated all.

"Could an increase in spiritual power strengthen one's aura as well?"

Orochimaru pondered with a hint of excitement, impressed by the instructor's power.

"Kids, Anbu is perilous work. If ninja are weapons, then Anbu are assassins. A mission without killing lacks purpose."

Yaksha leapt to a tree's pinnacle and perched on a branch, observing her charges.

"Arima trains you, Bull teaches survival, and I'll teach you deception, infiltration, assessment, and then—elimination of your adversary!"

With a hint of mockery, Yaksha descended from her perch.

"Not all roles suit everyone. Although you're all weak, being youthful has its advantages."

Well, you certainly have a knack for instigating hostility.

Orochimaru shook his head. While he didn't plan on displaying his temperament yet, he had no interest in this aloof instructor.

She's an absolute domineering type. The headmistress of Madeleine High School had this exact demeanour; I've no desire to encounter it again after my transmigration.

"Indeed, a few restless characters in the village require handling. However, considering your inadequate skills, we'll avoid stirring the hornet's nest. We'll head outside the village for some fun!"

After pondering for a moment, Yaksha declared, "Our neighbours have been acting unscrupulously. Let's teach them a lesson."

"Oh? An outing, are we?"

Falcon seemed to have concluded sharpening his blade, while Hyuga Kazuki appeared eager.

Although the crowd had not taken kindly to being scolded by a female shinobi, their spirits were now lifted.

"Remember, I'll only provide a brief overview. I know little about you substitutes, but valuable assets don't require excessive teaching. Conversely, idiots are beyond hope and don't warrant instruction.

This isn't a drill. If you perform inadequately, you might be sidelined indefinitely.

We're about to engage with other ninja villages. It's time to display your skills, younglings."

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