Chapter 88

Orochimaru and Sasuke exchanged glances in the sky.

After a tense moment of staring each other down, Sasuke took off into the distance.

Orochimaru watched him go, making no move to chase. It wasn't that he lacked the ability to keep up with Sasuke or engage in a battle mid-air, but doing so would draw unnecessary attention.

He didn't want to reveal himself to Konoha's elite ninjas too soon. A confrontation could lead to injuries, potentially derailing his plans for Konoha's downfall.

While finding a new body was a top priority, exacting revenge on Konoha and putting an end to Sarutobi Hiruzen was equally significant.

And it wasn't a plan he was carrying out alone.

Killing Sarutobi Hiruzen, aiding Danzo in seizing control of Konoha, and plotting to take over the leaderless Sunagakure were all part of a broader strategy that outweighed the importance of Sasuke.

If Danzo could assume control of Konoha, Sasuke would be no more than a pawn in their hands.

"You've been watching for quite a while. Why don't you come out?"

Orochimaru's raspy voice cut through the silent woods, echoing in the air, but no one answered, as if he was speaking to himself.

Seeing no response, Orochimaru instantly vanished, reappearing on a tree a hundred meters to his right.

Standing on the tree was a young boy!

"Kazuki of the Gekko Clan, right? It's true what they say—seeing is believing. Even in my time, I've never encountered a genius quite like you."

Orochimaru eyed Kazuki with interest, his tone filled with admiration.

Kazuki observed Orochimaru's disguised face with equal curiosity.

Before his time travel, he had always admired Orochimaru. Whether it was strength, strategy, or scientific prowess, Orochimaru was unparalleled!

Except for the deceased Second Hokage, no one surpassed Orochimaru in the art of ninjutsu development.

"Is that your real face?" Kazuki asked, already knowing the answer.

Orochimaru attempted to intimidate Kazuki in the same way he had tried with Sasuke, but it was futile—Kazuki's strength was clearly at the Kage level!

To reach such a level at a young age was truly terrifying!

Acknowledging Kazuki's prowess, Orochimaru smiled slyly and asked, "Would you like to see my real face?"

Kazuki looked at him indifferently, as though the matter held no interest for him.

Orochimaru, not one to play games, tore off his human mask.

His original face, recognizable as Orochimaru, was revealed to Kazuki.

"How is it? Disappointed?" Orochimaru asked, grinning at Kazuki's silence.

"That's not your true face, either," Kazuki said calmly.

Orochimaru's expression shifted slightly, surprised that Kazuki could see through his multiple disguises.

But the true face was a surprise reserved for Sarutobi Hiruzen; he didn't intend for Kazuki to see it first.

Kazuki, uninterested in seeing more, said calmly, "It doesn't matter. Is Sasuke the reason you're here?"

"For you and Sasuke, to be precise," Orochimaru replied calmly. "But given your and Sasuke's strength, it's not easy to win you over here. What a shame."

Kazuki scoffed, "Hah—"

He had never expected Orochimaru to consider him as a potential vessel.

But thinking back, it made sense. Once Orochimaru realized the limitations of his own body, he became obsessed with acquiring talented hosts.

There was no way Orochimaru would overlook someone with Kazuki's level of talent, who even surpassed Sasuke!

"If it's difficult here, how about changing to another place?" Kazuki offered.

"Oh?" Orochimaru seemed intrigued.

Then he smiled wickedly, "It's impressive to have your level of strength at your age, but no one has an unbroken path. Your arrogance will cost you dearly today."

Kazuki sneered back, "You're right. Someone will pay for their arrogance today, but it won't be me."

Orochimaru chuckled, not responding. His body turned into mud and vanished.

Both of them were geniuses, and Orochimaru wasn't without pride.

Among the Sannin, Orochimaru was the most gifted. As a civilian ninja, he developed his unique techniques from a young age.

As an adult, his strength was among the best!

Though he didn't master any magic during his time in Ryuchi Cave, he still secured a Summoning Beast contract.

He founded his own village, created curse marks, and developed the technique of Eternal Rebirth!

Who isn't proud of their talents?

But unlike ordinary geniuses, Orochimaru was a genius who had tasted the bitterness of reality and failure!

He had something other so-called geniuses lacked—caution.

So, when facing a young prodigy like Kazuki, Orochimaru would use every trick and dirty tactic at his disposal.

The two left the Forest of Death silently, using their skills to evade detection.

The invigilators monitoring the exam noticed no sign of their departure.

Meanwhile, on the other side:

Nara Shikamaru and Choji were still being chased by Orochimaru's giant serpents.

With the monstrous snakes relentlessly attacking, they were in serious danger!

Choji, having used his Expansion Jutsu multiple times, was feeling the strain and growing hungry. His stomach grumbled loudly!

"Being stuck in a battle like this with no food is torture!" Shikamaru muttered, looking around for something to feed Choji.

The Akimichi Clan's techniques had a critical weakness—they consumed a lot of energy!

"Shikamaru, why don't you use your Shadow Imitation to hold them? I'll find some food, and once I'm full, I can help take them down!" Choji suggested, barely dodging another strike from the snake.

"My Shadow Imitation can only hold them for less than a minute. You think you can replenish your energy that fast?" Shikamaru retorted, his brow twitching in frustration. "Plus, your jutsu can't pierce their defense. Controlling them is pointless!"

Throughout their escape, Shikamaru had tested the serpents' defenses. These beasts were like living fortresses, consuming rocks and wood with teeth as strong as steel and bodies to match.

They were far beyond their current abilities to handle. Unless…

"Choji, I've got a plan that might work, but it'll require some sacrifice on your part."

"What's the plan?" Choji asked, sensing danger.

"Can your Expansion Jutsu still function? How big can you get?"

Choji thought for a moment. "I can still expand some parts of my body up to ten times."

"That should be enough. My idea is for you to let the snake swallow you, then expand inside it to burst it from within. What do you think?"

"???"

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+74 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg

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