151-155

Chapter 151: The Fifth Hokage

Watching Kimimaro's departing figure, Tsunade hesitated to speak, ultimately choosing not to stop him.

In the ninja world, they were all bound by their duties.

No matter what, Kimimaro was now openly an enemy of Konoha.

"Kimimaro, live well."

Tsunade silently wished him well, believing that Kimimaro could hear her unspoken words.

A few days later, Tsunade accepted the appointment as the Fifth Hokage and returned to Konoha with Jiraiya.

At the same time, she gave Naruto the First Hokage's pendant from her neck.

On one hand, she had lost the bet regarding the Rasengan.

On the other hand, she saw the shadows of Nawaki and Dan in Naruto, both of whom dreamed of becoming Hokage.

After giving the pendant to Naruto, Tsunade's neck wasn't empty; she replaced it with another pendant.

It was a crescent-shaped white bone, polished to be incredibly smooth, looking like a piece of art.

Tsunade cherished it no less than the original crystal pendant.

At Konoha Hospital, Tsunade, who had just returned to the village, woke up Kakashi and Sasuke, who had been severely injured by the Tsukuyomi, from their comas.

At this time, Gai also found her.

"Gai, what brings you here?"

Tsunade had a deep impression of Gai from her time in the village.

"Lady Tsunade, please take a look at my student."

Gai pointed to Lee beside him.

Tsunade looked Lee up and down and said, "Your student looks as healthy as you, not like a patient who needs treatment."

"Here's what happened, Lady Tsunade."

Gai then told Tsunade about Kimimaro treating Lee's injuries. Tsunade frowned upon hearing this.

The reason Gai asked Tsunade for help was simple. After all, Kimimaro was a genin from Otogakure, and Otogakure clearly had ill intentions towards Konoha from the beginning.

Kimimaro's treatment seemed strange.

Under these circumstances, Gai hoped Tsunade could thoroughly examine Lee's body.

To see if Kimimaro had done anything else to Lee.

Otherwise, Gai couldn't be at ease.

Although this thought might be overly suspicious, it concerned Lee's life, and Gai couldn't be careless.

"This child's injury was treated by Kimimaro?"

Tsunade muttered to herself and then made a decision.

"I understand. Come here, let me give you a full body check."

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"

With Tsunade's skills, conducting an examination was naturally not difficult.

Soon, she reached a conclusion.

"Don't worry, Lee's body is recovering well, there are no problems."

"That's great! Gai-sensei, I told you Kimimaro is Kimimaro, Otogakure is Otogakure. Kimimaro himself probably has no hostility towards Konoha. Otherwise, he wouldn't have treated such a serious injury for free."

"Lee! You're right! This is youth! Even in different positions, young and outstanding ninjas will still be attracted to each other!"

"Yes, Gai-sensei!"

The two were so moved by their own words that they hugged each other and cried.

Tsunade couldn't stand them and left first.

"Judging from Lee's physical data, his previous injuries were indeed very serious. Even if I had done it myself, I couldn't have done better. Kimimaro, your medical ninjutsu has already surpassed mine."

Tsunade sighed inwardly.

There was both relief and a bit of loneliness.

The boy who once needed her treatment had now grown into an excellent medical ninja.

She could no longer provide more help to this boy.

After staying in the village for a few days, besides preparing for the succession ceremony, Tsunade also heard about the entire Konoha Crush plan from various sources.

One person caught her attention.

This person was from the Kaguya clan, but not Kimimaro, the Otogakure genin who came to participate in the Chunin Exams, but a young ninja with a completely different face.

At least that's what others thought.

But Tsunade, who knew about Kimimaro's powerful transformation technique, quickly deduced that this person was Kimimaro.

"That Kaguya clansman was strange. He defeated four of our Jonin in a row, but didn't kill any of them. We later speculated that he probably didn't want to trade injuries for lives or waste chakra because he had other things to do and was just delayed by us.

Not long after he left, Danzo-sama died. So, I have reason to believe that he was the one who killed Danzo-sama."

Shikaku told Tsunade his analysis, and Tsunade pondered.

"I understand, Shikaku. You can go and handle your affairs, I will read through these materials myself."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade."

Shikaku left, and Shizune couldn't help but say, "Lady Tsunade, could this person be Kimimaro?"

"Besides him, which other Kaguya clansman has such skills? And even shows mercy. The Kaguya clan are all battle maniacs."

"This... Kimimaro actually killed Danzo? That's unbelievable."

"That idiot..."

Tsunade clenched the crescent pendant on her chest, a smile appearing on her lips.

She knew the reasons behind everything Kimimaro did in Konoha.

Treating Lee was for Konoha to have one more taijutsu expert in the future.

Showing mercy to the Jonin was because they were her trusted subordinates.

And killing Danzo was so that after she became Hokage, there would be no one to share power, and she could implement reforms in Konoha without any resistance.

The Konoha before her, although riddled with problems, had become the best stage for Tsunade.

Only now did Tsunade realize how much Kimimaro had done for her.

And to achieve this, how much risk he had taken.

Killing Danzo was not an easy task.

Kimimaro must have been severely injured to barely accomplish it.

Thinking of this, Tsunade began to regret that she shouldn't have hit Kimimaro so hard before.

"I wonder if I injured him last time, that silly child."

At this moment, Kimimaro, who had already returned to Otogakure and was preparing to watch Orochimaru break the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, didn't know that Tsunade had added so much drama in her mind.

Otogakure.

Orochimaru lay weakly in bed.

"Kabuto, have you found the usage of the Uzumaki clan's mask?"

"I have, Lord Orochimaru. This is the scroll that records the method to undo the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. The mask recorded on it is one of the twenty-seven masks that Kimimaro brought back. However, this technique is very complex and requires a sacrifice."

Kabuto opened the scroll and handed it to Orochimaru to read.

"So that's how it is. What an interesting technique. Kabuto, are you confident in bringing Sasuke out of Konoha now?"

"I'm afraid it will be difficult. With Lady Tsunade succeeding as the Fifth Hokage, Konoha's security will be heightened. It won't be hard to infiltrate, but bringing Sasuke out will be challenging."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 152: Itachi's Genjutsu

Orochimaru looked at Kimimaro.

"Are you confident?"

Kimimaro shook his head.

"Itachi and Kisame's infiltration of Konoha has already made the village more vigilant. Coupled with my impersonation of the client and subsequent disappearance, the Uzumaki Naruto incident must have been exposed.

Under these circumstances, it's impossible to infiltrate Konoha using the old methods. The only way now is to wait.

On the one hand, wait for Konoha to return to its previous level of vigilance. On the other hand, wait for Sasuke to leave the village on a mission."

Kimimaro's analysis was sound, and Orochimaru could only give up upon hearing it.

"Lord Orochimaru, your current situation can no longer wait. The injuries on your hands are getting worse. If they are not resolved soon, not only will the pain intensify, but over time, it may affect other parts of your soul.

Therefore, I suggest treatment first. Sasuke's body is not urgent. With his personality, he will come to Otogakure sooner or later."

Kabuto Yakushi said excitedly.

Orochimaru was silent for a moment before making a decision.

"Kabuto, arrange a vessel. This body has reached its limit, and it's just right to use it as a sacrifice to undo the Reaper Death Seal."

"Yes! Lord Orochimaru!"

Kabuto Yakushi immediately took action.

"Mr. Orochimaru, you're very persistent about Sasuke. Is it just to fight against Itachi?"

At this time, Kimimaro suddenly said.

Orochimaru was stunned for a moment and looked at Kimimaro.

"Why do you ask that?"

"Because I remember, Mr. Orochimaru's ambition is to learn all the ninjutsu in the world. And the number of ninjutsu is like the stars in the summer night sky, and it's difficult to master them all in one's lifetime with one's own power.

Therefore, Mr. Orochimaru seeks one more thing, and that is immortality. Only with endless life can one learn all the techniques in the world. But now, you are obsessed with the Sharingan.

No, to be more precise, you are obsessed with Uchiha Sasuke's body, the body that can control the Sharingan. But is this really important to you?

When choosing a reincarnation vessel before, you valued compatibility the most, not bloodline limits. Otherwise, your current body wouldn't be that of an ordinary ninja.

But this time, even though Sasuke's body and your compatibility are just barely up to par, far inferior to your current body, you still choose him. Isn't this strange?"

Kimimaro's words made Orochimaru feel enlightened.

Yes, why was he so obsessed with the Sharingan?

Was it just because he was defeated by Itachi?

He had been defeated in his life before.

When he joined Akatsuki, wasn't he beaten up by Pain, who possessed the Rinnegan?

He wasn't even this eager for the Rinnegan.

Then what would he do after getting Sasuke's body?

To defeat Itachi?

For others, revenge might be important, but for Orochimaru, such things were nothing.

Revenge only accounted for a small part of the reason for killing the Third Hokage.

In fact, from the perspective of the entire incident, the conflict between him and the Third Hokage couldn't even be called hatred.

If he wanted revenge, he should go after Danzo.

After all, it was Danzo who exposed his experiments, causing him to become a missing-nin.

Was it to explore the secrets of the Sharingan?

Orochimaru helped Danzo create a Sharingan arm, so he naturally had Sharingan in his hands. He wouldn't do it for free.

To explore the secrets of the Sharingan, these Sharingan were enough for him to study.

Was it for the Mangekyo Sharingan?

If he wanted to study this, there was no need to take over Sasuke's body.

Because whether Sasuke could awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan was still unknown to Orochimaru.

Orochimaru wouldn't be confident enough to think that he could awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, which even the Uchiha clan rarely awakened, after taking over Sasuke's body.

It was important to note that the Uchiha were known as a clan of geniuses.

Itachi and Shisui were even geniuses among geniuses.

Only such people could awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, and Orochimaru didn't think his talent in the Sharingan could compare to them.

It would be better to cultivate Sasuke and wait for him to awaken it himself, and then study it.

So, all of this was very strange.

Thinking of this, Orochimaru suddenly felt a headache.

"Ah!"

Orochimaru suddenly let out a painful scream, and his whole body began to tremble.

At this moment, Kimimaro extended his right hand, his index and middle fingers together, and between his two fingers, he held a golden card emitting golden light.

"Genjutsu, release!"

Kimimaro let out a low shout, and the golden light between his fingers flew towards Orochimaru, completely enveloping him. The screams gradually subsided.

A moment later, the golden light dissipated, and Orochimaru's forehead was covered in cold sweat.

"That bastard Itachi actually put me under genjutsu!"

Orochimaru's words were filled with anger.

Yes, it was genjutsu!

When Itachi defeated Orochimaru, he had the ability to kill him completely.

But he didn't do that.

Because at that moment, a plan formed in his mind.

For Sasuke to grow rapidly, he needed a good teacher.

The strong ones in Konoha, let alone whether they were suitable or not, would never accept Sasuke as a disciple.

And Orochimaru was a good choice.

So, at that moment, Itachi cast genjutsu on Orochimaru, amplifying his desire for the Sharingan.

This led to Orochimaru's obsession with Sasuke.

And after Itachi's death, Orochimaru's obsession disappeared, and he instead chose to help Sasuke.

The excuse of wanting to witness a different life was not enough to offset the previous fanatical obsession.

The weakening of the genjutsu's effect was actually more reasonable.

"Kimimaro, how did you see that I was under genjutsu?"

Even he himself hadn't noticed it, but Kimimaro had.

This surprised Orochimaru greatly.

"During this trip to Konoha, I had a brief encounter with Itachi. His genjutsu skills are indeed amazing, and I could only barely resist.

After that genjutsu exchange, I remembered his chakra. Just now, I felt a similar chakra on you.

Combined with the things I found strange before, I made this inference. But in the end, I was able to confirm it because Mr. Orochimaru himself noticed the abnormality, and I was able to take advantage of the situation to release the genjutsu."

"Your observation skills are truly amazing. That Uchiha Itachi, how dare he scheme against me like this. Isn't he afraid of messing it up?"

Orochimaru sneered.

"Someone like Itachi plans carefully before acting. If he could leave a trap on you, he must have also left something on Sasuke.

When Sasuke is unable to resist the Living Corpse Reincarnation, this power might emerge and repel you. After all, Itachi went to Konoha this time to find Sasuke, and the two of them met."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 153 - Bargaining Chips

Dealing with a powerful figure like Orochimaru, it was nearly impossible for Itachi to control him with genjutsu silently. Neither his ocular prowess nor his chakra reserves allowed for such a feat.

Killing someone and controlling someone were two entirely different concepts.

Therefore, his genjutsu merely amplified Orochimaru's desire for the Sharingan, creating an inexplicable obsession with Sasuke.

This alteration was subtle, even Orochimaru himself couldn't detect it.

Because he already harbored a desire for the Sharingan, it was just not that intense.

With this obsession in place, Itachi's plan could be realized.

He used Orochimaru as a pawn, letting him target Sasuke as his vessel, then taking advantage of the three-year cooldown of the Living Corpse Reincarnation, giving Sasuke ample time to grow.

During this period, Orochimaru, in pursuit of a more powerful body, would naturally spare no effort in aiding Sasuke's development.

This was Itachi's goal.

And to prevent any unforeseen events, Itachi must have left some sort of technique on Sasuke, akin to Tsukuyomi or Amaterasu, that would activate if Sasuke couldn't withstand Orochimaru's Living Corpse Reincarnation.

Just like how he left Amaterasu in Sasuke's eyes to counter Obito in the future.

These were Kimimaro's thoughts upon sensing the genjutsu on Orochimaru, and everything unfolding before his eyes confirmed his suspicions.

Come to think of it, without any safeguards, would Itachi, the doting brother, truly leave Sasuke with Orochimaru for three years without worry?

He'd probably lose sleep every night.

Orochimaru's heart chilled upon hearing this.

Everything was as Kimimaro said, he had been thoroughly outmaneuvered by Itachi.

"Well played, Uchiha Itachi."

Orochimaru let out a cold laugh, feeling even more wary of that aloof man.

Having roamed the ninja world for years, this was the first time he had been so thoroughly manipulated.

It was almost like facing a natural predator.

All of Orochimaru's tricks were useless against Itachi, and they were completely countered.

Despite his exceptional genjutsu skills, he was instantly defeated by Itachi's genjutsu, and it wasn't even a unique Mangekyo Sharingan technique, how humiliating.

A terrifying secret technique like the Eight Branches Technique was also instantly countered by Itachi, again, humiliating.

Against any other opponent, it wouldn't have been this disastrous.

Reality proved that Orochimaru's true form couldn't handle Itachi, it was time for the Edo Tensei to make its entrance.

"Now, do you still want Sasuke to be your vessel?"

Kimimaro inquired.

Orochimaru fell silent for a moment, then a smirk crept onto his lips.

"Isn't this quite an interesting turn of events?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't know why Itachi defected from Konoha, but him doing so much for Sasuke indicates that Sasuke is valuable to him, and quite significantly so. Holding such a bargaining chip, dealing with Itachi becomes a very intriguing prospect."

A cold glint flashed in Orochimaru's golden eyes, a new plan forming in his mind.

He had already lost two rounds in his game against Itachi, so he had to win the next one!

This wasn't simply about winning or losing, nor was it about revenge, it was about uncovering the secrets of the Mangekyo Sharingan.

Orochimaru was very interested in Itachi's ultimate goal.

Having Sasuke in his grasp was a valuable chip.

He certainly wouldn't refuse such a gift delivered to his doorstep.

Knowing Itachi's intentions gave him the upper hand.

And a considerable one at that.

Seeing that Orochimaru had other plans, Kimimaro didn't press further.

They were both intelligent individuals, there was no need to spell everything out.

Half an hour later, Kabuto returned.

It seemed like Kimimaro and Orochimaru had just finished discussing something.

Kabuto was curious but didn't ask.

As a spy, he knew what to say and what not to say.

"Lord Orochimaru, everything is ready. The new vessel is Gen'yumaru, he's the strongest among the current vessels."

"Good, let's begin. Keep this matter confidential, don't tell anyone."

"Yes!"

With everything prepared, Kabuto brought in the cleaned Gen'yumaru and placed him on the bed.

Kimimaro helped Orochimaru put on the Shinigami mask.

The next moment, the dance began!

Orochimaru performed a mysterious dance in front of everyone.

Powerful chakra erupted from his body.

"Ah!"

Orochimaru let out a scream, and the Shinigami's shadow appeared behind him.

The Shinigami drew the short sword from its mouth and sliced open its own abdomen!

Simultaneously, a cut appeared on Orochimaru's abdomen, blood splattering instantly.

Next, blue orbs of energy emerged from the Shinigami's abdomen and landed on Orochimaru.

Those were the souls of his hands.

"They're back!"

Orochimaru felt the power returning to his hands, quickly removing the mask with a joyful expression.

Unlike the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, only the caster could see the Shinigami.

Now, with the seal undone, everyone present could witness it.

Kimimaro's gaze fell upon the Shinigami, recalling the Shinigami from another world.

The difference between the two was truly vast.

Kimimaro could also see many blue orbs within the Shinigami's abdomen.

Those were the souls bound by the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.

All the previous Hokage were in there.

Orochimaru didn't seem interested in these souls, after retrieving his hands, he began the transfer.

He opened his mouth, and a black-haired, golden-eyed snake emerged, landing directly on Gen'yumaru.

The Living Corpse Reincarnation!

"Gen'yumaru" struggled for a bit, then went still.

The Shinigami looked at the now empty shell, a hint of anger flashing in its eyes.

Damn it, all that work for nothing!

The Shinigami stared intently at Orochimaru, seemingly wanting to memorize his appearance, then its form dissipated.

"Success!"

Kabuto was overjoyed, and also deeply shocked.

Such a technique surpassed the comprehension of ordinary people.

"Gen'yumaru" got up from the bed, his eyes now a dark gold.

He looked at his hands as if admiring a piece of art.

"Lord Orochimaru, how do you feel?"

Kabuto asked.

"I feel great, my hands are back. That old man Hiruzen trying to take away my techniques was so naive. Hehehehe."

Orochimaru chuckled, his body still somewhat weak.

The Living Corpse Reincarnation still wasn't perfect.

"Kimimaro, Kabuto, I'll rest for a while to adapt to this body. During this time, Kimimaro will be in charge of Otogakure's affairs.

Once Konoha's guard is down, send someone to bring Sasuke back. Tell the outside world that my injuries haven't healed yet."

"Yes! Lord Orochimaru (Sir)."

The Living Corpse Reincarnation was undone, but Orochimaru didn't discard the remaining masks, instead storing them away.

Especially the Shinigami mask.

One day, he would use it again.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 154: Fight Me Now!

Outside Kirigakure.

In a secluded area, a masked man sat on a cliff, gazing into the distance.

Suddenly, a pitcher plant-like creature emerged from the ground.

As it fully emerged, it turned out to be a person.

However, this person looked rather peculiar.

One half was black, the other white.

Both wore the same black robe with red clouds, clearly members of the same organization.

"Obito, there's new information from Konoha."

Hearing this, the masked man didn't move, continuing to look into the distance.

"What news could there be from Konoha now? The Third Hokage is dead, the Fifth has taken over, it should be a time for them to keep a low profile."

"Danzo is dead."

Zetsu's words surprised Obito slightly.

"When did this happen? Did the Fifth Hokage have the guts to kill Danzo?"

"He died in battle at the same time as the Third Hokage. It wasn't the Fifth's doing, but one of Orochimaru's subordinates."

"Little Orochimaru can cultivate someone strong enough to kill Danzo? Who is it?"

"Kimimaro Kaguya."

Zetsu slowly revealed the person's name.

Beneath the mask, Obito's expression turned thoughtful.

"The orphan of the Kaguya clan? He's still alive?"

"He specializes in medical ninjutsu in Orochimaru's Otogakure. He displayed it multiple times during the Chunin Exams, his skill is very high, not inferior to Tsunade's."

"A Kaguya clansman learning medical ninjutsu? That's quite an interesting fellow."

With just a few words, Obito became somewhat interested in Kimimaro.

"When Itachi and Kisame returned to Konoha, they encountered Kimimaro. According to Kisame, Kimimaro offered to help Itachi suppress his illness in exchange for an introduction to the leader of the Akatsuki organization. He wants to join Akatsuki to escape Orochimaru's pursuit."

"Orochimaru is after him?"

"Not yet. Kimimaro is worried that Orochimaru wants to take over his body. And Orochimaru, having been hit by the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, does need to change bodies soon. Otherwise, he'll become extremely weak and might even die."

"Is this credible?"

"Further investigation is needed. But judging from Kimimaro's past actions, he does seem to fear death. Having such thoughts isn't strange. The only suspicious point is that Kimimaro's strength appears to be on par with Orochimaru's, so there seems to be no need to fear him, he could even fight back."

Obito thought for a moment, then said, "Bring him in. Akatsuki is currently short on manpower, any strong individual willing to work for us can be recruited.

Even if they have ulterior motives, it doesn't matter. The true secrets of Akatsuki are known to very few, even among the core members.

We've had Orochimaru before, and now Itachi, Akatsuki isn't afraid of a few more disloyal members. As long as they can serve the organization, that's enough."

"Yes."

"Regarding the tailed beast capture plan, what did Nagato say?"

"He said it's not the right time yet, many preparations are still incomplete. And the organization doesn't have enough manpower to capture the tailed beasts. The plan can be initiated at the earliest in three years."

"Then we'll wait three years for him."

After speaking, Obito stood up and looked towards Kirigakure in the distance.

"It's about time to leave this dreadful place."

Otogakure.

Kimimaro was sparring with Neji.

“Eight Trigrams! One Hundred Twenty-Eight Palms!”

A blindingly fast flurry of blows! Twice as fast as the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms! Each palm strike infused with condensed chakra.

One hit, and the chakra flow in your pressure points would be instantly cut off.

But the more Neji fought, the more his heart sank.

No matter from which direction his palms attacked, Kimimaro effortlessly deflected them with even greater speed. The chakra Neji poured into his strikes was completely scattered, leaving no room for it to take effect.

After the one hundred twenty-eight palms, both sides took a step back. Neji's breathing was slightly labored, but Kimimaro remained unchanged.

"That's enough training for today. Your Gentle Fist has improved a lot."

"This is just the beginning. I haven't lost yet."

Neji clearly wasn't ready to end the training session so soon.

"Someone's coming."

Neji froze, following Kimimaro's gaze.

Sure enough, Kidomaru was approaching. Such sharp senses, to notice someone's presence even before him.

"Lord Kimimaro! We just received news that Konoha has lifted its alert status and returned to normal."

"Very well. Inform the other three. Gather at the village entrance in one hour."

"Yes!"

Kidomaru quickly departed.

Neji frowned.

"You're going to Konoha? What for? Don't tell me you're planning another Konoha Crush?"

During the Konoha Crush, Neji had been hit by a genjutsu and slept for days, unaware of the specifics.

He only learned about what happened after spending a few days in the Sound Village.

Though somewhat annoyed, he was relieved to know that those he cared about were safe.

As for the Third Hokage...

He was at the forefront of those who sent his father to his death.

It was impossible for Neji to not hold a grudge against him.

"Rest assured, we have little interest in Konoha anymore. This time, we're going to bring Sasuke back."

"Uchiha Sasuke? Why bring him back?"

"You are someone I value, and he is someone Orochimaru-sama values. It's that simple."

"To retrieve one person, you need all five of the Sound Ninja Four to go?"

"Of course it's not that simple. As the last of the Uchiha clan, Konoha won't give up on Sasuke easily. They're bound to send a pursuit team. Having more people provides a safety net.

Though, with Konoha's current strained combat strength, they'll likely only send some genin."

Genin?

Neji's heart tightened.

Would Lee and Tenten be part of the pursuit team?

If so, they'd be in danger.

Forget Kimimaro's terrifying strength, even the other members of the Sound Four were each as strong as him, if not stronger.

If they were provoked, the pursuit team might be completely wiped out.

"I'll have Jugo and Suigetsu come train with you these next few days. When I return, I'll have further arrangements for you."

With that, Kimimaro was about to leave.

"Wait, I'll go with you."

Kimimaro turned back, glancing at Neji.

"You're interested too?"

"I've been cooped up in the Sound Village for so long. It'd be good to get some real combat experience."

Kimimaro could tell Neji wasn't being entirely truthful but didn't call him out on it. He simply said, "Alright, come with me."

At the Sound Village entrance, a group of six assembled and set off!

Konoha Hospital.

Sasuke was lost in self-doubt.

The flames of hatred that had subsided within him were reignited, burning fiercely.

All because he had seen that man again.

And in that man's hands, he was still utterly powerless.

The Chidori, a powerful technique he had just learned, was nothing but a toy in the man's eyes, easily dispelled.

He hated his own weakness.

"What am I doing? I'm an avenger! Should I continue playing ninja games here?

Hyuga Neji was taken by the Sound Village, likely valued by Orochimaru. He's probably getting stronger right now. What am I hesitating for? Compared to Naruto, I'm not even as appealing to Itachi!"

His thoughts grew increasingly chaotic, and Sasuke clenched his fists.

At the same time, his gaze fell upon Naruto, who was receiving Sakura's iron fist for being noisy.

His frustration instantly turned into a roar.

"Naruto! Fight me right now!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 155: The Choice is in Your Hands

Night fell, and Sasuke sat atop a large tree, still replaying his earlier battle with Naruto in his mind.

The first clash between Chidori and Rasengan was unsuccessful.

Kakashi appeared just in time to stop everything.

But from the damage to the water tank hit by Chidori and Rasengan, Sasuke realized that his strength was inferior to Naruto's.

Shortly after he left, Kakashi caught up with him and offered some words of encouragement.

Sasuke was deeply moved by Kakashi's words, which exposed his own wounds.

He wavered.

Should he completely fall into darkness for the sake of revenge?

He sat there until dark, but still couldn't reach a final conclusion.

"What are you thinking?"

A sudden voice startled Sasuke.

He turned his head to find Kimimaro sitting beside him at some point.

Silently.

This simple action represented the huge gap between them.

"Kimimaro! Why are you here?"

Sasuke was shocked.

"If I want to come in, Konoha's defenses can't stop me. What's wrong? Are you thinking about life? Or are you thinking about the battle with Naruto during the day?"

Sasuke frowned upon hearing this.

"You saw it?"

"I saw it. If Kakashi hadn't appeared in time, you would have been seriously injured or even killed."

Sasuke clenched his fists.

"So, do you want to join Otogakure? You can gain more power."

"Humph, I'm afraid I'll become Orochimaru's vessel if I go there, right?"

Sasuke sneered.

"There is indeed that possibility. But does that matter to you? To face a formidable opponent like Itachi, you must pay a price if you want to win. The path of an ordinary ninja is not suitable for you. You should be glad that you still have the value to sell your soul, otherwise you would have no hope of revenge at all.

Look at yourself, it has been five years since that night, how much have you grown? At best, you're just a thirteen-year-old Chunin.

And at your age, Itachi was already the murderer who wiped out your entire clan."

Sasuke's face turned extremely ugly, his nails digging into his skin, leaving deep marks on his clenched fists.

"Compared to Itachi, you're just a waste now!"

"Stop talking!"

Sasuke could no longer restrain his anger, black runes emerged from the three black tomoe on his neck, spreading all over his body.

Cursed Seal Level 1!

Power surged!

Sasuke punched Kimimaro.

Kimimaro didn't dodge or evade, easily catching the punch.

"It seems you still have some fire in you. But with just this little ability, it's just impotent rage."

"Bastard!"

How could someone as proud as Sasuke accept Kimimaro's sarcasm? He immediately leaped into the air and kicked out!

Kimimaro sneered, his left hand turned into a fist, and directly struck Sasuke's abdomen.

Bang!

Sasuke flew out and crashed into a tree.

Kimimaro had already set up a silent barrier here, so no sound could be transmitted, and he wasn't afraid of the fighting sounds being heard.

Knocked back by a single punch, Sasuke was even more shocked.

He had previously thought that although Kimimaro was strong, he should still be able to put up a fight.

But even after activating the Cursed Seal's power, he couldn't even withstand a single move from the opponent.

How could this guy be so strong?

"Why! Why!"

Sasuke roared, enduring the pain and charging towards Kimimaro again.

"What a stubborn guy."

Kimimaro shook his head slightly, put his right index and middle fingers together, pointed them at Sasuke's forehead, and shouted in a low voice, "Binding Spell Number 1, Sai!"

Just as Sasuke rushed in front of Kimimaro, a powerful invisible force bound his hands and feet.

The sword fingers also landed precisely on his forehead.

The next moment, Sasuke lost his balance and fell directly to the ground.

His hands and feet were as if tied together by ropes, no matter how he struggled, he couldn't break free.

Kimimaro's full-powered Binding Spell Number 1 was naturally not something Sasuke could break free from at this moment.

At this moment, Sasuke was like a pig about to be slaughtered, struggling constantly but to no avail.

"Bastard! Let me go!"

The lingering sensation on his forehead made Sasuke feel like he was facing Itachi.

Memories flooded back, and the anger in his heart grew even stronger.

Kimimaro squatted down, looked at the struggling Sasuke, and slowly said, "I can let you go, but can you let yourself go?"

Sasuke froze, his struggles stopped.

At this moment, Kimimaro also released the binding spell.

"I've said what I needed to say, it's time for you to make a decision. I won't force you, in an hour, if you're willing to join Otogakure, come find me at the entrance of Konoha Village. If not, I won't force you. The choice is in your hands."

After Kimimaro finished speaking, he was about to leave.

"Wait!"

Sasuke suddenly called out to him.

"Hmm? Is there anything else?"

"Did you get your power from Orochimaru too?"

"Lord Orochimaru is like half a teacher to me."

"How long did it take you to become as strong as you are now?"

"Five years."

Sasuke's heart was completely swayed.

In the same five years, he had grown from a ninja academy student to a Chunin, while the other seemed even stronger than Kakashi.

Orochimaru's teaching results spoke for themselves.

As for talent...

Sasuke never believed his talent was inferior to anyone's.

All he lacked was resources!

"Remember, you only have one hour."

Kimimaro disappeared before Sasuke's eyes.

With an elusive speed.

Sasuke clenched his fists again and looked into the distance.

"Otogakure, Orochimaru!"

He had made his choice.

Outside Konoha.

The Sound Four and Neji were hiding nearby.

Looking at the familiar Konoha gate, Neji felt a surge of emotions.

He was back.

Although only temporarily.

But one day, he would return as a strong individual.

At that time, he would completely change the Hyuga clan!

"Hyuga Neji, this is your village, how is it? Do you miss it?"

Kidomaru teased.

Neji didn't answer.

"Hey, brat, I've tolerated you for a long time! Do you still think you're the genius of the Hyuga clan? Now you're just like us! Don't give me that arrogant attitude, or I'll shoot your damn eyes out!"

Kidomaru shouted angrily.

"You can try."

Neji showed no sign of backing down.

During his time in Otogakure, he had also had his fair share of conflicts.

The rule in Otogakure was that the strong were respected.

Without strength, even the best temper was useless.

Neji was originally a proud person, and after removing the Caged Bird Seal, his strength increased greatly, adding to his arrogance.

In the entire Otogakure, he only held Kimimaro in awe.

As for the others, he didn't really take them seriously.

Of course, Orochimaru was excluded because he had never even seen him.

(End of Chapter)