4

"What!" The two elite Jonin were instantly shocked!

Initially skeptical, the imprint of the Oshimaru Sky Curse made it impossible for them to deny the reality.

"Master Orochimaru! Please explain the current situation to us!" They immediately blocked Ye Liang's path.

"Move aside!"

With a swift Hidden Shadow Snake Hand, Orochimaru tossed the two Jonin aside effortlessly. Despite their skills, these ordinary guardian ninjas stood no chance against a powerhouse like Orochimaru.

However, Ye Liang remained calm.

He smiled at the approaching Orochimaru.

"Three, two, one!"

Right as he finished the countdown in his head, a long staff struck Orochimaru, sending him flying!

"Right on time!"

Ye Liang was pleased. He had suspected that a master was nearby, so when Orochimaru advanced, he wasn't worried. Even without the master's protection, he believed Mitarashi Anko wouldn't be ignored!

Anko was with Ye Liang, after all!

Ye Liang turned to look at the old man leaning on the iron staff, the one responsible for the strike!

Sarutobi Hiruzen!

The Third Hokage of Konoha!

Renowned as the "Professor," Sarutobi Hiruzen might not possess god-level ninjutsu, but his mastery of basic techniques was unparalleled!

He was, as Ye Liang thought, "a solid B."

Ye Liang gulped.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's aura was imposing, and Ye Liang knew he was far from a match for him.

As Hiruzen retracted the golden staff and approached Orochimaru, Ye Liang felt a wave of relief.

"Teacher Sarutobi! It's not what it looks like! I only want to resurrect my companions and parents! I don't want to die!"

"Orochimaru, I've told you countless times that human experimentation is absolutely forbidden! No matter your reasons, you cannot trample on human life!"

"But I only experimented on captives!"

"That changes nothing!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was furious.

As the Third Hokage, Sarutobi valued life the most out of all the Hokage. Unlike Danzo of the Anbu, Hiruzen was nurtured with a deep respect for human rights.

At least, that's what Ye Liang believed.

He pulled Anko back a few steps, giving space for the imminent battle between Orochimaru and the Third Hokage.

"Ding dong!"

As he stepped back, the system in his mind chimed.

"Congratulations to the host for triggering a side mission - Watching the Battle"

"Completing the task will reward you with a random D-rank ninjutsu."

"Friendly reminder: The more difficult the task, the stronger the ninjutsu reward. The system is not optimistic about this weak task."

"..."

Ye Liang imagined a crow cawing overhead.

What did it mean by a weak task? He didn't choose this task.

Despite his complaints, earning a ninjutsu just by watching a fight was a great deal.

Ye Liang smiled and held the still-recovering Anko.

"Too bad there's no popcorn. Watching Hokage live would be more enjoyable."

Anko tried to break free, but her weak body couldn't move. Sensing her discomfort, Ye Liang let go.

Ye Liang's gaze became serious.

The battle between Orochimaru and Sarutobi Hiruzen was intense. Despite Ye Liang's low opinion of Orochimaru, he had to admit that Orochimaru was formidable.

Though restricted by Hiruzen's ninjutsu, Orochimaru's resilience was impressive. Even after numerous high-level techniques, he still stood firm.

"Unfortunately, you still lost."

Ye Liang shook his head.

As Hiruzen's student, there was no way Orochimaru could defeat him. It was impossible.

Ye Liang's eyes focused, and suddenly, a realization dawned on him!

The battle replayed in his mind as if etched into his memory.

"Ding dong!"

"Congratulations to the host for completing the side mission - Watching the Battle"

[Reward] D-rank ninjutsu: Body Flicker Technique!

"Due to the host's clear understanding of the combat skills, the quality of this reward has been enhanced."

"Enhanced Body Flicker Technique?"

"Is this really just a D-rank skill?"

Ye Liang was puzzled.

In his memory, the Body Flicker Technique was highly useful. From top-tier ninjas to ordinary ones, almost everyone knew this technique.

It was that simple!

Ye Liang was pleasantly surprised. With the Body Flicker Technique, his movement speed would greatly increase. A quick Shinra Tensei to repel the enemy and then a Body Flicker to escape would be perfect.

"But what does the enhancement mean? Increased distance? Reduced chakra usage?"

Ye Liang was confused.

He hadn't used it yet, so he didn't know what it meant.

"Forget it, I'll figure it out later."

Ye Liang shook his head, dismissing the thought.

The battle ahead was nearing its end.

Orochimaru, scarred and panting, the curse's effect gone, felt a sharp pain in his brain as his body lost control!

"If only the curse was fully developed, I wouldn't have been defeated so quickly!" Orochimaru lamented before being engulfed by a giant fireball.

Several Anbu ninjas quickly subdued the injured Orochimaru.

At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen walked towards Ye Liang.

"As expected, the one who should come has arrived."