Chapter 57 : Forest of Death

"As an Anbu, you will one day leave the village and perform missions in the most hostile environments. What if you can't maintain your composure while lurking in the wild, or even get lost?" Bull said, addressing the gathered ninjas. "In addition to mastering the arts of concealment and camouflage, when Hokage and other ninjas leave the village, Anbu must also closely protect them. You must learn to detect the enemy's disguises and deal with ninjas hiding in the shadows."

After surveying the ninjas present, Bull continued, "We will venture deep into the Forest of Death for at least a week. I'll give you half a day off, so go back and make preparations to return tomorrow."

"Let's go," the ninjas responded in unison, dispersing like birds and beasts, though they were still just a group of young children.

"Cough. As the future captain, let me treat everyone to dinner." Orochimaru suddenly spoke up.

"I have no objections," Hyuga Kazuki replied.

"Yes," Falcon said succinctly.

"Of course, the captain's treat is an honor." Nightingale chimed in cheerfully, "But I'm in the mood for barbecue."

"Isn't ramen good enough?" Orochimaru shook his head, "Let's go then."

The atmosphere in the restaurant remained cheerful, with various dishes served. After this period of training, the ninjas had gotten to know each other better. Under Falcon's mask was a face bearing the weight of experience—it was hard to imagine how a twelve or thirteen-year-old child could carry such an expression.

Falcon's swordsmanship was an ancestral art, and the great sword he wielded could harness chakra. He didn't eat much, and at that moment, he was silently wiping his sword.

For a civilian ninja like Falcon, reaching this level wasn't easy. Without any special bloodline or clan's backing, the sword became his most reliable partner.

While everyone was talking, Hyuga Kazuki tried to stir up a conversation, "Captain, shall we talk about our chief instructor Yama or the field training?"

Orochimaru was busy eating and responded, "Oh, right. We should probably discuss that."

"Captain, this bit of meat isn't enough. Could you order something I like?" Nightingale asked Orochimaru playfully.

"Eat whatever you want." Orochimaru replied confidently. He hadn't been spending money on medical research lately, so he had some funds to spare.

"Thank you, Captain." Nightingale's demeanor suddenly changed from that of a little princess to a strong, independent woman. She stood up and exclaimed, "Boss. Bring us two bottles of Sengoku fruit wine."

"Pfft." Orochimaru staggered, thinking she might lead him to bankruptcy.

The boss brought out two delicate porcelain vases with gilded patterns, leaving Orochimaru astounded.

"It's really delicious. My clan never lets me drink this at home." Nightingale praised, feeling intoxicated.

Seeing Nightingale leisurely enjoying her drink, Orochimaru smirked mischievously. He stretched out his hand, saying, "Nightingale, although I am your captain, there's still a long way to go. I hope you'll take care of me."

Observing that Orochimaru's hand was paler than usual, Nightingale hesitated for a moment, wondering if he was making a move on her.

"You're welcome." Nightingale smiled and shook hands with Orochimaru.

"Ah. It hurts." Nightingale suddenly cried out in pain, "What's in your hand?"

"What? There's nothing." Orochimaru extended his palm with a perplexed expression.

"It really is nothing." Hyuga Kazuki chimed in.

"Maybe it's static electricity..."

After seeing the three subordinates off, Orochimaru lamented as he checked his wallet, which looked pitifully thin. Can he really do whatever he wants with money? No, he needs to be much richer.

Orochimaru had already started making plans to earn money through travel and then pursue scientific research. However, lately, he had been too busy and had no time for it. Still, he thought of something that made him smile cunningly. With a flick of his hand, a small needle appeared, containing a drop of bright red blood.

This drop of blood was quite intriguing, and Orochimaru quickly stashed it away. It was the first Horcrux he had ever created—crudely made, but bizarrely effective. After all, he was still learning, and his skills were limited.

Nevertheless, a Horcrux was a Horcrux, and no matter how hard one tried to guess its nature, they would be confounded by its complexity. The Horcrux transformed into a streamer and disappeared, and Orochimaru felt proud to have obtained such a valuable item so easily.

"Wow ga ga ga ~ little brat, you might make some small gains this time, but I won't lose to you." he muttered to himself.

"Orochimaru, are you babbling again?" Tsunade approached and playfully slapped him.

"Ouch." Orochimaru looked at Tsunade, dressed in a blue jacket, and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Of course, I'm studying at the medical department. But you never say a word when you enter Anbu."

"Oh... is Ms. Koharu here today?"

"No, but if you're planning an experiment, just make sure you're not caught by her." Tsunade retorted, hands on her hips. "Although Aunt Koharu hates what Uchiha did last time, you're not any cleaner."

"Fair enough."

Tsunade led Orochimaru into the laboratory. Orochimaru performed a comprehensive analysis of Nightingale's blood sample and left a backup in his small room.

After the "hospital arson case" last time, he couldn't stay in the morgue. Thanks to Senju clan and Sarutobi, Orochimaru got his own small office.

While his civilian equipment was no match for the hospital's professional setup, it still served him well for his experiments.

"Orochimaru, did you know? That guy, Hiruko, has joined the medical department." Tsunade said coldly.

"Oh, really?" Orochimaru left the medical department in a hurry, as he was busy with Anbu and had forgotten his last appointment.

"Danzo has given up on him completely. Although Hiruko is hardworking, his talent is too poor. Chunin might be the limit for him. So, if he switches to medical ninjutsu, Danzo won't oppose it."

Hiruko had started studying medical ninjutsu earlier in this version of the story, and he showed great talent in this field. Orochimaru had already decided to recruit him.

"I'll talk to him later. I'll make him stronger." Orochimaru said confidently.

The next day, Bull led the group deep into the Forest of Death to teach them survival skills.

"Rookies, I'm your instructor, Bull, and I'll show you how to survive in the most extreme environments within Konoha—our deadly Forest of Death. This is the most dangerous place, and we're going to be here for at least a week. Here, if you lack proper survival knowledge and skills, even a single encounter with a poisonous insect could prove fatal." Bull warned.

Orochimaru observed the enthusiastic instructor Bull while Hyuga Kazuki spoke up, "Excuse me, Instructor. Can't we pass safely through Konoha's death forest without being a chunin? Where's the danger?"

"Haha." Bull smiled wryly, "Originally, it wasn't so dangerous, but to train you, we've brought in over a dozen captive ninja beasts and some dangerous plants with highly poisonous properties. Even seasoned ninjas will find it challenging to deal with them."

Despite Bull's warning, most of the ninjas remained undeterred. However, their expressions showed the pressure they felt. The thought of being without food for a few days was one thing, but they couldn't afford to lose face in front of their instructor.

"If you want to back out, just say so. No one will blame you," Bull continued. "But remember this. Without proper survival skills, you'll be on your own once you're inside the forest. And your food will be confiscated."

This time, the atmosphere changed as the realization dawned on the young ninjas. Nobody cared about the notion of just a few days of hunger. They couldn't allow themselves to fail in front of their instructor.

"If you want to continue, then follow me." Bull took out a mountain knife, cut through the thorns blocking their path, and led the way into the darker depths of the forest.

*****

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