Chương 87: Chapter 87 : Will of Fire
"Indeed, it still doesn't seem to work."
Jiraiya wheezed for breath, his efforts to execute the Toad Oil Fire Bullet without Gamabunta proving too much of a struggle. Even with elixir from earlier, he was no match for Orochimaru.
"Young man, why, isn't it working?"
Orochimaru chuckled, approaching Jiraiya with a casual pat on the back, only to be met with a push from the latter.
"Cough, don't get too cocky. I still have an ace up my sleeve!"
"Oh? And what might that be? Show it to me!"
Orochimaru regarded Jiraiya with a mixture of amusement and skepticism. What could he possibly do, having never dabbled in Sage arts?
"If you're up for it, how about we test our physical prowess?"
Jiraiya stretched out his hands, forming a peculiar gesture, as if inviting Orochimaru to make a move.
"Hmm, the Frog Kata, is it? What good is it without the use of Sage Mode?"
Orochimaru relied on his sheer strength and agility, overpowering Jiraiya with direct strikes that left him questioning his life choices. The fact that Jiraiya was still going through the motions of the Frog Kata, an art emphasizing natural energy-based attacks and defense, struck Orochimaru as absurd.
The essence of the Frog Kata lay in its utilization of imperceptible natural forces to assail the opponent while simultaneously evading and redirecting incoming attacks. In contrast to the flowing movements of Tai Chi, the Frog Kata leaned toward deflection and counteraction. Both styles held their own merits.
Jiraiya's actions had likely been instilled by Fukasaku and Shima, though now they amounted to mere theatrics.
"Damn it, weren't those toads of mine boasting that mastering this technique would make me invincible? Why's it so useless?"
Jiraiya eventually surrendered in frustration, the realization dawning that without the use of Sage Mode, the technique held no real efficacy.
"Alright, enough with the bickering." Tsunade intervened, putting a stop to their antics. The focus shifted to discussing matters concerning the ANBU and medical ninjutsu.
........
"Ahem! Orochimaru, just you wait. I'll pass the Chunin Exams tomorrow and become a Jonin before you know it!"
The four, masters and apprentices, reconvened for dinner at a local restaurant.
In two days' time, Orochimaru would resume his training within the ANBU, Tsunade would continue her studies in the medical field, and Jiraiya, with his skills, would carry on with missions solo. In case of danger, he could summon Gamabunta.
"Orochimaru, have you heard the rumors? Danzo's been involved with the Uchiha lately, for reasons unknown. Apparently, tensions are running high on both sides."
Tsunade devoured her vegetables and suddenly leaned in to whisper this tidbit to Orochimaru.
"Oh? Danzo seems to have quite a bit of free time on his hands."
Orochimaru was largely unfazed by the conflict between Danzo and the Uchiha clan. At this point, Danzo had yet to establish a strong foothold, but he did hold a position of authority over Orochimaru.
Orochimaru believed he kept his secrets well hidden, always exercising caution in his actions.
Unbeknownst to Orochimaru, Shimura's ninja had ventured into the ANBU ranks. Even if he knew about the location of the black market, how could a civilian ninja amass such wealth? And what purpose would drive them to engage in the black market?
After the meal, they exchanged some light-hearted banter before parting ways. Orochimaru intended to keep an eye on Jiraiya during the upcoming Chunin Exams, with a visit to the Hyuga clan planned afterward.
Meanwhile, Danzo remained restless. Illegally trading Konoha's jutsu and intelligence was a grave offense. Despite Danzo's cunning and calculated manoeuvres, his adversary's response remained sluggish, leaving him increasingly uneasy.
Orochimaru had presented the scroll to Shimura as a feigned "Dragon," masquerading as an Uchiha. But Danzo was sharp-witted; what kind of clan was Uchiha, and wouldn't they have manipulated this leverage against himself?
After prodding and setting up a careful watch, Danzo observed the Uchiha's reaction, only to find their response surprisingly measured. Elder Uchiha Takumi expressed confusion over the affair, raising questions.
Danzo reveled in his art of scheming and manipulation, a far cry more devious than Tobirama. Thus, he arrived at a conclusion: the "Dragon" might not be affiliated with the Uchiha.
Proud and headstrong, the Uchiha were no strangers to resistance. Then, the identity of the ANBU operative known as the "Dragon" must be false. As the head of ANBU, Danzo had investigated thoroughly and found nothing.
Perhaps the "Dragon" had betrayed the Uchiha, or perhaps he was a ninja who had come into possession of a Sharingan.
So, who was this ninja with the "Sharingan"? Friend or foe? Could he pose a threat?
Amidst this turmoil, Uchiha, under Tobirama's watchful eye, was guarded at every turn. Though not the Uchiha of old, they retained a level of strength. With Hashirama's fall and the fading influence of the Senju clan, many formidable warriors still resided within Uchiha. Yet, the clan's loyalty to the village often outweighed their own interests, solidifying their strength.
Danzo was well-acquainted with Uchiha's history, his keen understanding honed over time. But this wasn't the time for Konoha to face internal division.
Though Orochimaru hadn't engaged extensively with the Uchiha, their conflicts hadn't reached a point of no return.
At times, Orochimaru mused over Uchiha's downfall.
Perhaps it all began with Tobirama. His policies systematically eroded Uchiha's authority, while the outbreak of war would deplete Uchiha's resources, as Tobirama intended.
By diminishing the power of the major clans and promoting civilian ninja, Tobirama aimed to strengthen the Senju clan's dominion over Konoha.
On an emotional level, Tobirama had taken Uchiha Kagami under his wing, instilling in him the principles of village unity. Such ideals surpassed family allegiances, making Uchiha Kagami Uchiha's first "traitor," influencing many clan members.
Tobirama's move was a long-term manoeuvre, a chess piece in his grand strategy. In Orochimaru's view, this marked the beginning of Uchiha's decline. Tobirama's intelligence far surpassed Danzo's, undermining Uchiha from within by challenging their convictions.
Danzo, however, failed to grasp the true essence. He focused solely on establishing his roots, devoid of sentiment. Yet, having thoughts could be more perilous than being thoughtless.
Uchiha Kyou, the current second elder, leaned towards Konoha, yet his cause lacked widespread clan support.
Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi faced alienation, pushed to the fringes of power. As stalwarts of the clan, their advocacy for village-wide peace was brushed aside as Konoha prioritized its interests. For Orochimaru, the treatment of these two was unjust, their sacrifices undermined by the label of "ensuring village-wide peace."
A multitude of people shared Danzo's self-centered perspective, striving for personal gain. Konoha's interests came first, but only as long as they were in control.
"Becoming strong, wielding power, and enjoying freedom—this is my path of forbearance," Orochimaru mused.
As Orochimaru observed the Uchiha security team, but they didn't receive villagers' unwavering support. With a shake of his head, he slipped into the shadows, leaving the street behind.
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