Kapitel 35: Konoha Hides Many Things

"Tell me, Luo Lei," Orochimaru tilted his head, his eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Does your Kekkei Genkai really have those side effects everyone's talking about?"

Over the past few weeks, he had observed Luo Lei's unrestrained behavior. The change had been so drastic, so sudden, that it seemed almost impossible. It was as if Luo Lei had become a completely different person overnight.

And being who he was, he sought a logical explanation. The theory that the Kekkei Genkai's side effects were responsible for Luo Lei's change in temperament seemed the only plausible explanation.

"Not at all!" exclaimed Luo Lei, spreading his hands. "I've always been like this. Before, I simply didn't have the power to show it. I had to yield and grow in silence."

Orochimaru studied Luo Lei, a flash of envy shining in his eyes. "I see..." he murmured, deciding not to press further.

At first, his greed had driven him to consider obtaining cell samples from Luo Lei for his research. But after witnessing his companion's terrifying power, and recognizing a certain affinity in their ways of thinking, that ambition had faded.

'Maintaining a cordial relationship with Luo Lei could be more beneficial in the long run,' he thought, weighing his options.

The secret orders from the advisors and the Hokage no longer weighed on his mind. Both were astute enough to see through the machinations of Konoha's higher-ups.

Moreover, he had come to a conclusion: Konoha's current system was stagnant, rotten in its rigidity. It needed urgent reform.

'If we let those four keep handling everything,' he reflected, 'even if we win this war, the village will suffer irreparable damage.'

"Well, let's change the subject," he said, his voice adopting a more serious tone. "I've been ordered to return to the village. The old man says you can choose between the Land of Soup front or the Land of Grass front."

He paused, his eyes studying Luo Lei's reaction. "Tsunade leads in the Land of Soup, while Jiraiya is in charge in the Land of Grass. The Uchiha clan guards the eastern border against possible attacks from Kirigakure."

"Jiraiya and Minato can handle Iwagakure in the Grass, but Tsunade... facing Kumogakure in the Land of Soup, she might be fighting against more than just the enemy."

Luo Lei arched an eyebrow, understanding the words. "She still hasn't overcome her trauma?"

"No," Orochimaru sighed. "War is ruthless, life fragile. The fact that Tsunade has held on for so long already exceeds my expectations."

"Then... I'll go to the Land of Grass," Luo Lei said with amusement. "If she can resist, let her do it a bit longer. The Grass front sounds... more interesting."

At first, Orochimaru was happy, but after hearing the words, he was momentarily speechless, his expression freezing.

'Damn it,' he thought, 'I talked so much for him to help Tsunade, and he ends up choosing to go with Jiraiya and Minato.' An ominous feeling settled in his stomach as he thought about what might happen in the Land of Grass.

"You know, during my time in ANBU, I accessed a lot of classified information and before his... departure, Sakumo entrusted me with certain secrets."

He paused. "The waters in Konoha are much deeper than you imagine, Orochimaru. If I see Tsunade, maybe I can give her a surprise... something that might help with her trauma."

He acted without restrictions, doing as he pleased without worrying about the consequences. However, Konoha's higher-ups, with all their supposed righteousness, operated in the shadows, their actions as dark as necessary.

Orochimaru's eyes visibly contracted, surprise and recognition crossing his face. He took a long swig of wine, as if trying to drown uncomfortable thoughts.

For years, he had avoided thinking too much about certain inconsistencies, preferring to focus on his research. But now, the pieces were beginning to fit together in a disturbing way.

After a moment of tense silence, Orochimaru forced a smile. "Let's change the subject. Let's toast," he said, raising his glass. "The next time we meet, it might be in Konoha. Let's hope that by then, things have taken a... favorable turn."

"Of course," replied Luo Lei, a slight smile curving his lips as he raised his own glass.

...

After more than two hours of celebration, the atmosphere in the tent had changed notably. Orochimaru, normally composed, now lay in an uncharacteristic state of drunkenness.

Luo Lei observed him. Without a word, he stood up and left the tent, leaving behind the spectacle of a Sannin defeated by wine.

Orochimaru's drunkenness had revealed surprising facets of his personality. This wasn't the dark and twisted ninja he would become in the future.

In his inebriated state, he had shown unexpected vulnerability, hinting at the deep bonds that still tied him to Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.

Between incoherent babbling and broken laughter, Orochimaru had begged Luo Lei that, if a conflict with Jiraiya occurred in the Land of Grass, not to be ruthless. "Just teach him a lesson," he had murmured with concern.

"Love and hate run deep, probably all forced by their master," he muttered as he walked away.

A sardonic smile formed on his lips. "I hope he doesn't provoke me, or I'll show him who Homelander really is..."

With a few movements, he ascended to the roof of his tent. He lay back, basking in the moonlight.

When suddenly a strange sensation ran through him. He sat up abruptly, his eyes opening wide.

"Wait a moment," he murmured. "Has my power... changed?"

He instinctively clenched his fists, feeling a new energy flowing through his veins. It was as if every cell in his body was buzzing.

Standing up, his mind trying to process what he was feeling. It wasn't just a slight increase; it was as if his strength had multiplied several times. The sensation was overwhelming, almost intoxicating.

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