Kapitel 71: Chapter 71 : Escaping The Village
"Is this... my opportunity?"
Hiruko stared at the blue glass bottle in silence.
"Perhaps you may not be interested in medical ninjutsu, but this is a super potion that I've developed through continuous research. As long as it's not an inadequately skilled ninja, it will make you stronger."
Orochimaru, with a smile on his face, gazed at Hiruko, hiding a hidden agenda within his words.
"Well... I..." Hiruko hesitated, feeling a bit embarrassed. He secretly desired to catch up with his teammates, even if he couldn't match Orochimaru and the others. He aimed to at least be on par with Kato Dan.
Alas, he was still young and harboured illusions about his abilities.
"Give it a try. I've used it myself, and the effects are remarkable. Though, I must admit, it hurts a bit when ingested. If it becomes unbearable, I can halt the process."
With those words, Hiruko took a deep breath and downed the potion in one gulp.
"Ah ah ah ah ah--!!"
Unlike Tsunade's furious outburst, Hiruko's cry was one of agony. Orochimaru, who had prepared for this moment, was taken aback.
Visible spasms wracked Hiruko's muscles, as if numerous mice were scurrying beneath his skin. Some parts of his skin even split, and a trickle of blood seeped out!
"Stop if it's too much!"
Orochimaru was compelled to utilize the Mystical Palm Technique to save him from collapsing. The risk of a direct breakdown was imminent.
Surprisingly, Hiruko remained resolute, gritting his teeth as a stubborn and fierce determination glinted in his eyes.
"He's truly resolute, dedicating himself to growing stronger. No wonder he ended up like that..."
After a gruelling five minutes, Hiruko's body finally returned to normal. He felt as if he had aged significantly during that time.
"Thank... you..."
Orochimaru administered a few pills to Hiruko, recognizing how fragile his constitution was.
"Unbelievable, astonishing! My body has genuinely grown stronger. Stronger! Hahaha!!"
Hiruko laughed maniacally, dancing in exhilaration. He regarded Orochimaru with a newfound reverence, akin to a devoted disciple looking at a revered mentor.
Orochimaru also smiled, though his smile was tinged with something less genuine.
"I appreciate your kindness, Orochimaru...sir! I can never repay you enough!" Hiruko's gaze brimmed with sincerity as he looked upon Orochimaru, who appeared content.
"From now on, you shall possess the opportunity to grow as strong as me, haha. But remember, you must keep this a secret."
Dream on, Hiruko. You're simply growing a bit stronger, your newfound power has inflated your ego, making you believe you're a prodigy.
When your progress inevitably stalls, when others start to overlook you due to your potential, and when you face trials and tribulations, you'll truly understand despair.
At that juncture, you'll recall this swift empowerment, and you'll earnestly commit yourself to the path of scientific research.
I don't have the time to wait for your self-realization, so I'll expedite your descent into hopelessness, hahaha!
As Orochimaru anticipated, the proud and content Hiruko thanked him and immediately left the medical facility. He wouldn't likely return for a while.
"Did you actually give him that potion?!" Tsunade, spotting Hiruko's hasty departure, incredulously confronted Orochimaru. "Wasn't it a precious resource?!"
"Indeed, there were only three in total."
Orochimaru shrugged, "But then again, he's my friend."
Tsunade was greatly surprised to witness Orochimaru's benevolence and selflessness.
In the days that followed, Orochimaru devoted his days to medicinal research and the modification of the human body. Nights were dedicated to rigorous physical training. During this period, he occasionally met up with his Anbu team for meals and outings.
"Orochimaru, do you usually spend time in the medical facility with Tsunade?"
One day, Orochimaru organized an Anbu team buffet, and Nightingale suddenly inquired.
"Yes, what's the matter?"
Mention of Tsunade seemed to make Nightingale slightly uncomfortable. While Senju clan's clan divisions weren't as overt as the Hyuga's, Nightingale felt that her own talents were superior and aspired to achieve greater heights.
"No reason, let's just eat!"
Nightingale feigned nonchalance, her stunning appearance momentarily captivating the attention of the other diners. Hyuga Kazuki was particularly entranced.
With your assistance, Tsunade has grown stronger, and you've become her confidant. While I'm just one of your subordinates, you went so far as to lose the Chunin title for Tsunade.
Tsunade isn't this calculating, and Nightingale gleaned much from just being her "sister."
"Falcon, your sword skills are exceptionally precise. Where did you acquire them?" Orochimaru asked suddenly.
The Kusanagi Sword was an artifact that typically lay dormant. Utilizing it solely for sneak attacks felt like an underutilization. Orochimaru believed that the Kusanagi Sword could be wielded as a conventional weapon, well-suited to his physical prowess.
"My swordsmanship was passed down from my exiled father, originating in the Land of Iron."
Falcon sipped his tea quietly, revealing a reluctance to divulge further.
"Would you be willing to teach me your swordsmanship?"
"You?" Falcon examined Orochimaru intently. "I'm not aware of the captain's proficiency in swordsmanship. It doesn't seem fitting for you to be a swordsman. Perhaps you're better suited as a versatile ninja willing to do whatever it takes."
Falcon disregarded his teammates' reactions, adding, "As for me, I'm better suited to be a swordsman, though circumstances forced me to become a ninja."
"Is that so? Maybe you're right." Orochimaru smiled, unfazed by the comments. After all, his performance with the Kusanagi Sword had been rather lacklustre.
"If the captain wishes to learn basic swordsmanship, I can guide your training in that aspect. However, our family's secret techniques cannot be shared."
Falcon's candidness was evident. Orochimaru expressed his gratitude. Training could only benefit him.
Afterward, the team continued their exchanges, preparing to reconvene for future Anbu training.
"Being part of Anbu offers the advantage of becoming familiar with the Konoha Barrier's operational protocols and provides opportunities for covert escapades."
Orochimaru gazed skyward, noting the massive perception barrier. Though it wasn't yet perfect, several weak points were discernible.
"Remaining within Konoha restricts me to fewer battles and excitement in life. We can only anticipate the upcoming ninja war."
Orochimaru observed the darkening sky, making a resolution.
"It's been a while since I've taken an enemy's life. I wonder if my crimson brilliance-absorbing ability is still intact."
Orochimaru didn't completely comprehend this ability yet, but he recognized that it replenished his energy whenever he slew a foe.
His rapid surge in strength could largely be attributed to this peculiar capability. Initially, he speculated it was an aspect of the White Scaled Serpent's devouring prowess, though he later discarded that notion.
"We have about a week before we gather for Anbu. It's an opportune moment to slip away!"
The night had fallen, the moon shrouded by clouds, the wind cold—a perfect setting for an escapade.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
A clone materialized, entrusted with continuing research at home. A "Do Not Disturb" sign adorned the door. Orochimaru ventured to a remote area and summoned the Kusanagi Sword.
"Anbu shift takeover is imminent." Orochimaru overheard Anbu's conversations, carefully observing the situation.
However, the barrier was weakened at high altitudes, and natural gaps were present. Orochimaru detected some vulnerabilities within the current barrier.
"I'm running out of time before Anbu duty starts." With swiftness, he directed his sword toward a weak point, determined to breach the defense.
Like a bird liberated from a cage, Orochimaru felt a surge of ease. Though some risk remained, he could finally escape prying eyes for a while.
The Kusanagi Sword, fueled by chakra, soared swifter and deeper into the darkness.
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