Chapter 104 : Return To Konoha

In the Land of Fire's Hidden Leaf Village, Orochimaru led his four teammates back once again. This time, however, they avoided visiting any of the ANBU strongholds and quickly resupplied at modest shops before pressing forward.

"Black Snake, do we really need to be this cautious? We've completed the mission after all," Tiger complained, finding it difficult to keep up the relentless pace due to his own impatience.

Orochimaru suddenly halted. His team members, not daring to question him, also turned their attention to their leader. Even Nightingale, though dissatisfied, hesitated to confront him.

"I can't be certain that Lord Gen won't attempt to intercept us on our way back once he learns we've survived. He might want to silence us or take even harsher actions," Orochimaru replied with a faint smile. He released his chakra, and shortly thereafter, several snakes emerged from the grass. The serpents hissed at Orochimaru before bowing their heads.

"No, I wasn't doubting you, Black Snake... Captain. I just..."

"As shinobi, we can't gamble our fate recklessly, can we?" Orochimaru bit his finger, drawing a peculiar symbol on one snake's head, and infused it with his own chakra. The snake immediately became agitated and attacked the other snakes, finally devouring others and nodding to Orochimaru before disappearing.

"Let's move on," Orochimaru announced, marking the coordinates for the Reverse Summoning Jutsu and continuing their journey. His three original team members followed without question.

This incident had solidified their trust in Orochimaru. All of Anbu, including the instructor, had perished during the mission. Only Orochimaru, their captain, had saved them. The bond forged through such bloodshed prevented them from questioning their young leader any further.

Tiger scratched his head sheepishly and trailed after the group.

........

"Lord Gen, we have the latest information."

In a shadowy underground base, an ANBU operative, wearing a white mask and brandishing a ninja sword, kneeled before the planner of the mission.

"According to reliable intel, a fierce skirmish occurred at the Battle Peak Cliff in the Land of the Hot Water between Stone Ninja and Mist Ninja. Crimson Eclipse, the leader of the Mist Village, managed to gain the upper hand. However, a contingent of powerful Cloud Ninja intervened, wiping out both sides."

"Oh, is that so? Hahaha, it seems our plan worked like a charm. Yaksha truly lived up to expectations!" Lord Gen's stern demeanour momentarily gave way to delight before he composed himself once more.

"Yet, Lord Yaksha has gone silent. We've exhausted various methods to reestablish contact, but to no avail. I fear..."

The ANBU operative cast a cautious glance at Lord Gen, who remained outwardly impassive.

"Furthermore, our agents in Cloud Village report that the Second Raikage, Ai, is seething with anger over the incident. It appears neither Tazun nor the stationed Cloud Ninja have survived."

"Should they? Given my estimation, Tazun wouldn't stand a chance against Yaksha!" Lord Gen's furrowed brows heightened the tension in the room, making the ANBU operative even more uneasy.

"The replacement ANBU squad we dispatched... none of them survived!" The operative's brow dampened with sweat, expecting a sharp rebuke from Lord Gen.

Lord Gen's response, however, was unexpectedly subdued.

"What a pity," he sighed, turning away and falling silent. His enigmatic demeanour left the unfortunate operative bewildered.

"Peculiar, isn't it?"

Lord Gen's voice startled the room as he turned to face his interlocutor. The visitor's entry had allowed a burst of light to pierce the darkness.

"Brother, what brings you here?" Lord Gen regarded the newcomer with a hint of surprise but quickly masked it.

"What transpired?" His brother's gaze swept the room, resting on the ANBU operative who had delivered the report. The operative bowed nervously before vanishing into the shadows with a few others.

A luminous glow followed Danzo as he entered, casting an even deeper pall over the already dim surroundings.

"I fear our esteemed teacher may have discerned the finer details of your 'brilliant' plan. Moreover, though Hyuga Shiro was transferred preemptively, Hyuga Kazuki survives. The girl from the Senju clan is also alive, and they seem intent on stirring up trouble."

Danzo's expression was grim. "Didn't you assure me that even in failure, those brats would meet their demise? And yet, Orochimaru seems alive and well!"

Lord Gen's furrows deepened, seemingly unperturbed by Danzo's tone. He pondered the implications in silence.

"You're too hasty, brother. First, our plan has succeeded in fostering animosity among the three Hidden Ninja Villages. While they may suspect us, they won't immediately focus their efforts on us. Even in the event of war, their energies will be divided, especially Kumogakure. Ai, that impulsive fool, will be reluctant to trust anyone now."

Confidence tinged Lord Gen's tone as he paced toward Danzo.

"Having achieved such a critical task, we're in a favourable position. Regardless of the methods or cost, our intentions are noble, and the outcomes commendable. Hokage will surely recognize our contributions and hold you in high regard, brother."

Lord Gen chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a hint of pride. "As for the few stragglers left, they are but substitutes. A chance for you to restructure Anbu to your liking."

"The strength possessed by Orochimaru and his team is notable. I suspect they have uncovered the specifics of our mission..."

"No need to worry about loose lips. A minor inconvenience, at best. As for a more permanent solution... time will take care of that."

Lord Gen's tone was serene, exuding an air of certainty. Danzo contemplated his brother's words and eventually sighed, "You remain as astute as ever, dear brother."

Danzo took his leave, and the door closed behind him. Lord Gen's expression turned solemn once more.

"The path to survival is no easy journey for young ones like them..."

Gen-sama, known as Shimura Genshiro, was Danzo's younger sibling and his most dependable ally within the Shimura clan.

Genshiro equaled Danzo in both strength and strategy, and their unity was undeniable. While Danzo had been Tobirama's disciple, receiving his mentor's high regard, Genshiro operated incognito under the alias "Gen," participating in various ANBU missions with considerable influence.

........

"That's the situation. Instructor Yaksha and Tazun perished together. We managed to escape the chaos by a stroke of luck, discovering their remains along the way."

Orochimaru successfully led his team to the entrance of Konoha. Upon revealing his identity, the guarding ninja appeared startled but granted them access.

Given Orochimaru's apparent lack of finesse and his heightened mental state, their return to the village was swifter than their departure. Yet, the village remained largely oblivious to their return.

In a living quarters within the Hokage's office, Tobirama listened attentively to Orochimaru's account. Two medical experts analyzed the corpses Orochimaru brought back.

"...No issues. Lord Yaksha's cause of death was clear, lightning ninjutsu."

The medical ninjas promptly provided their assessment.

Many in the room released the breath they didn't realize they had been holding. Tobirama offered a slight smile, acknowledging their words.

Among those present were Jonin from the Senju Clan and other prominent figures from various clans. Hyuga Hisashi was also there, supporting Hyuga Kazashi and Hyuga Kazuki, who had escaped through sheer fortune.

Families of the fallen ninja also attended the proceedings.

Though the mission's casualty count was relatively low, the disturbance Orochimaru caused upon his return did not bode well. An explanation was essential, even though only a few had knowledge of the mission's details.

The atmosphere turned somber, and civilians and regular ninja suppressed their emotions within the solemn setting.

While Orochimaru was technically a substitute ANBU member, he was, nonetheless, an elite of the village. Hence, a plausible explanation was imperative. Tobirama, seemingly open, provided an account that portrayed the mission in a heroic light.

Amid the mix of grief and praise, the conference concluded successfully.

Orochimaru gazed blankly at Danzo, Tobirama, and others. Their expressions remained inscrutable, and Lord Gen was notably absent.

The uplifting conference segued into a smaller gathering. Most attendees departed, and even Tiger and Falcon were enticed with benefits and silenced by secrecy.

The politics in the village was as unforgiving as ever. Even as participants, civilian ninjas had no claim to knowledge.

"You've performed admirably in this mission. ANBU is indebted to you," Tobirama acknowledged, addressing Orochimaru, Nightingale, and Kazuki Hyuga. Their heads lowered in respectful acknowledgment.

Sarutobi's gaze shifted to Danzo, accompanied by a cold snort, though he withheld his comments.

Hyuga Hisashi seemed at ease, a faint smile gracing his lips. His attention flickered between Orochimaru and Tobirama.

While Tobirama didn't delve into the specifics of the mission or Orochimaru's escape, he announced their fate.

Nightingale, a member of the Tobirama's Senju Clan, and Orochimaru, Sarutobi Hiruzen's disciple, warranted Tobirama's reassurance. The Hyuga clan and other influential families, including the Aburame clan, were comforted in a show of unity.

Although Orochimaru's team had survived, they had likely incurred the displeasure of Gen-sama and Danzo's Shimura clan, given Yaksha's allegiance.

Thus, Orochimaru and his teammates, including the inexplicably recruited Tiger, were reassembled into a new ANBU squad. This team answered to Tobirama and, consequently, to someone familiar to Orochimaru — Senju Tsushima.

Orochimaru's squad enjoyed a more flexible schedule and better training. They weren't bound by rigid training hours like other ANBU. Additionally, Tsushima offered further tutelage and a stipend as compensation.

This arrangement was a boon for Orochimaru. Over the next year and a half, he would experience exponential growth under the Senju clan's guidance. With the Senju clan's protection, he could confront Lord Gen without fear as he matured.

With a relaxed schedule, Orochimaru could freely dedicate time to his laboratory and even make occasional visits to the Ryūchi Cave

After numerous battles and transformations, Orochimaru had acquired numerous kekkei genkai abilities that required refinement.

This alo included the Kenjutsu of Kōza Kubisaki and the ninjutsu techniques such as Chidori and Rasengan, all awaiting his mastery.

With this progression, Orochimaru aspired to reach the pinnacle of power achieved by Jonin during the First Ninja World War. At a mere ten years old, he was well on his way, poised to rival Kakashi, another prodigious talent.

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