Chapter 22: Orochimaru, how about we make a bet?

"Tool ninja?!"

Suna.

Tool ninja.

Mysterious and elusive.

These three key words connected in Orochimaru's mind.

"So, you're Mukaze?" Since Orochimaru had formed an alliance with Suna, he must have conducted investigations on them beforehand.

He was aware of Mukaze, the unscientific tool ninja from Suna. However, Mukaze had always kept a low profile, focusing on his own business of creating ninja tools, and hadn't caught much of Orochimaru's attention.

As Orochimaru recalled the information he had gathered, he engaged in a conversation with Mukaze.

Mukaze saw Orochimaru's emotions shift from surprise to composure in an instant and silently praised him.

Orochimaru was indeed Orochimaru.

"Well, Orochimaru, your guess is correct. I am Mukaze from Suna," Mukaze confirmed.

"As for how I know about you... it's quite simple. I'm also a scientist, so I've been paying attention to you."

Orochimaru furrowed his brows.

He didn't quite understand what Mukaze meant by referring to himself as a scientist. Nevertheless, it didn't hinder him from realizing that Mukaze had some thoughts about him.

Were they good thoughts or bad thoughts?

Orochimaru decided to test Mukaze.

"The Sound Ninja are attacking Konoha together with your Suna forces. So why are you here?"

Mukaze replied with a teasing tone, "Well, why are you here?"

Mukaze's slightly mocking tone irritated Orochimaru.

Mukaze's mysterious and unpredictable appearance made him wary.

In this world with thousands of villages and countless jutsu, Orochimaru sought to obtain all techniques and understand the truths of this world to become the ultimate individual.

He had collected and studied numerous ninjutsu and forbidden techniques, making him one of the top experts in understanding ninjutsu in the current era.

However, he couldn't immediately discern the type of ninjutsu Mukaze was using.

This made Orochimaru reluctant to act recklessly.

Nightfall descended.

Stars and moon shimmered.

The river's surface reflected the flickering starlight.

Above the water's ripples,

Mukaze stood, lightly stepping on the clear waves.

Despite facing extreme danger, his expression remained relaxed.

There was a sense of ease and elegance about him.

What irritated Orochimaru the most was the bright light in Mukaze's eyes, giving off a feeling of seeing through everything.

In front of Mukaze, it seemed like he had no secrets left.

Orochimaru snorted heavily.

"We sustained injuries during the attack on Konoha, so now we're retreating to recover. But as a Suna ninja, why aren't you going to Konoha and instead following me?"

Mukaze didn't answer but instead countered with a question.

"Orochimaru, what kind of injuries did you sustain?"

"I don't see any missing limbs on you either, so it doesn't look like you're injured?"

...

...

Orochimaru muttered in his heart.

The consequences of losing his hands due to the Shiki Fuujin were now manifesting.

Orochimaru's hands felt like they were constantly burning.

After losing his soul's material existence, the spiritual scars were incessantly devouring his body, intending to completely destroy it.

Orochimaru's face showed a sullen expression.

It seemed like the other party had been teasing him all along.

"Attack!"

The four of them assumed their positions, ready to strike.

Orochimaru was not a person with a good temper.

He was feeling uncomfortable because of the sealing of his hands.

And Mukaze kept poking at his sore spot.

Orochimaru couldn't hold back anymore.

Whether Mukaze was a ninja tool user or a ninjutsu user, it didn't matter.

Just die!

A faint smile curved at the corner of Mukaze's mouth.

"Can't resist anymore, are you about to attack?"

"Orochimaru, how about we make a bet?"

Make a bet?

Orochimaru: "What kind of bet?"

Mukaze calmly replied, "Let's bet that if your four subordinates can make me take a step back with my hind leg, then you win."

Orochimaru chuckled upon hearing this.

"I, Orochimaru, am quite arrogant, but I didn't expect you to be even more arrogant than me."

"Alright, I'll take this bet with you."

"What's the wager?" Orochimaru asked.

Mukaze responded, "If you win, I'll help you solve your hand problem."

Orochimaru's snake-like eyes narrowed to slits.

The Four Beast Encirclement Formation isolated the area, shrouded in darkness.

The battle between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru shouldn't have been witnessed by outsiders.

Seeing Orochimaru's curiosity, Mukaze said, "You really want to know why I know, don't you?"

Orochimaru remained silent, which could be taken as consent.

Mukaze continued, "Once you've helped me with three things, I will tell you. That's also the condition for your loss, to assist me three things."

Orochimaru pondered for a moment and then agreed, "Alright, I promise you."

"Begin," Orochimaru commanded.

Kidomaru took the lead.

Mukaze stood on the surface of the river, while they were on the riverbank.

Kidomaru's long-range attack was the most effective.

He crouched down, opening his mouth wide.

Ninjutsu: Spider Cocoon Flower.

A series of spider webs sprayed out from his mouth, aiming at Mukaze.

These were special webs with adhesive properties.

Filled with chakra, once they caught their prey, it was impossible to escape.

Although the webs were not large, the ability to launch them continuously made it the best method for capturing enemies.

The conjoined twin brothers, Sakon and Ukon, activated their cursed seals.

Their skin turned a dark red, and black markings covered their skin, with a horn growing out of each of their heads.

They dashed towards Mukaze, stepping on the water's surface.

Tayuya and Jirōbō guarded Orochimaru on either side, observing the battle.

The spider webs came flying like bullets.

Mukaze remained calm and composed.

With a flick of his right hand, four shuriken flew out.

Raiton: Jūton no Jutsu (Lightning Release: Electric Fan Technique).

The four shuriken formed a formation, suspended in front of Mukaze.

They rapidly spun, emitting a buzzing sound.

As the spider webs approached, they collided with the spinning shuriken fan and were instantly shredded.

Sakon and Ukon took the opportunity to reach out and grab Mukaze's left arm.