The vacant gaze swept across the dense forest, automatically concealing the hidden trees. In Orochimaru's eyes, it resembled an unending plain.
At the far reaches of their vision, clusters of hazy chakra lights and shadows were swiftly in motion. After closer scrutiny, it appeared to be Kumogakure ninjas, likely their reconnaissance unit.
"No problem. As long as we keep encountering their ninja teams, even though it's perilous, it signifies we're on the right path."
Orochimaru closed his eyes, replenishing his chakra and easing the strain on his eyes. Tsunade meticulously checked for traps and secret codes, while Jiraiya kept a watchful eye on the sky for any suspicious birds. He continued doing so until he collided head-on with a large tree, breaking his concentration.
Approaching a standard ninja army from the Five Great Nations wasn't an easy task; it was rather challenging. Regular ninjas, numbering more than a few dozen, typically included sentient ones, even if not exceptionally powerful.
Among the thousands-strong army, there would be about a dozen or so formidable individuals, taking turns to observe their surroundings. The reckless stalking of a lone ninja was practically nonexistent.
In later stages, ninjas would invent batteries and devices enhancing sensory abilities and long-distance communication.
Orochimaru, being a meticulous individual, never underestimated his opponents. This attitude was further reinforced by the influence of Takeshi's crossing, resulting in significant changes.
"Be cautious; we're approaching their perception range!" Orochimaru warned solemnly. He could faintly sense mental waves piercing the air, akin to a radar.
Yet, it was evident that Orochimaru's mental prowess surpassed that of the others. The opposing force hadn't detected him yet, unaware of his espionage.
"Our current distance is the most perilous because the sensory ninjas focus their attention on a circumference around them. If a suspicious person gets too close, they'll be exposed immediately," Orochimaru explained gravely.
"But then, won't it be even more dangerous the closer we get? Why are we doing this?" Jiraiya inquired, relying on Orochimaru's expertise.
"Hee hee, appearances can be deceiving. Have you ever heard of 'truth resides in darkness beneath the spotlight'?" Orochimaru rarely smiled.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, "What does that mean? Are you saying that as long as we get close to them at a certain distance, they won't notice us?"
"Hee hee, as expected of Princess Tsunade of Senju clan. Exactly, sensory ninjas at this distance only use limited mental power to observe from afar. Regardless of how disguised ninjas are within this range, once their chakra is detected, they are identified as enemies."
Orochimaru continued, "Within a kilometer of them, ninjas are accustomed to using their naked eyes for observation, so they naturally won't pay much attention."
It was like an unspoken agreement within a specific setting...
"So all we need to do is find a way to bypass mental perception, avoid any scout teams, and then use transformation or illusion to infiltrate?" Tsunade suddenly grasped the plan, eagerly adding.
"Exactly!"
Orochimaru looked at Tsunade with admiring eyes, an undisguised appreciation.
"Humph!" Tsunade folded her arms across her chest, casting a provocative glance at the still oblivious Jiraiya.
"What's so great? Lord Jiraiya will definitely become the most powerful infiltration expert in the future; these are just trivialities!"
Jiraiya was unwilling to back down and immediately retorted, "I also thought about how good I am, but you just stole my lines!"
"Oh? Is it so?" Tsunade covered his mouth and chuckled, patting his chest while pretending to be shocked.
Seeing Jiraiya's disgruntled expression, Orochimaru turned around and sighed inwardly.
Believe it or not, Jiraiya is serious; he will be the most professional sneak in the future, even infiltrating some public places...
.....
"Orochimaru, are you alright? If we encounter someone like this, we'll definitely be discovered!"
In the forest, Orochimaru continued to move forward leisurely, much like a snake in the shadows. However, the figure trailing behind was behaving strangely.
"Hey! Damn it, Jiraiya, don't touch it!...Damn, stay away from me!"
"Hey Tsunade, don't make a fuss. This ragged robe is so big; are you gaining weight? How do I feel... ah, if you squeeze again, I will squeeze you outside!"
"Watch out! There are old tree roots ahead!"
"Oops!"
"...I will kill you one day!"
"..."
Tsunade and Jiraiya bickered while pushing and shoving, both covered in a black robe. It was the same Horcrux black robe that Takeshi used in the Hyuga clan and the black market. It could isolate most energy and spiritual detection.
Although the Horcrux could only be used by Takeshi, at close range, it still had some effect.
To prevent any accidents, the two of them moved forward with difficulty. Though they looked unsightly, it was a good idea...
"Be careful; I've already spotted the Cloud Ninja troops ahead—more than a thousand of them. If we get too close and are exposed, we... um, there's no way for you to survive."
Orochimaru suddenly stopped, looking at the two seriously and said, "Now I regret leaving here; it's too late to return to Konoha. We don't need to be heroes."
"... No need to say, Orochimaru. Don't act all old-fashioned all day long; we're no worse than you!" Tsunade whispered.
Tsunade and Jiraiya peeked out one eye each from the neckline, looking funny but very serious.
"Tsunade isn't afraid. How can I not be a hero?!" Jiraiya expressed his determination.
"...If things don't work out, I'll leave by myself at that time. You can ask for more happiness."
Orochimaru turned around again, but this time, his steps were slower and more cautious. Orochimaru, thank you for being willing to take risks with us."
Tsunade looked at Orochimaru's retreating back and suddenly said, "Jiraiya, let's show him that we're no less capable."
"..."
Jiraiya remained silent.
"Hehe, is this the so-called bond? But people will change, and what will happen in the future..."
Orochimaru didn't look back, muttering to himself in a voice that only he could hear.
As they approached, the footsteps of the Cloud Ninjas got closer, and victory was within reach!
At this distance, Takeshi felt that the cluttered mental power around him had decreased significantly. Kumogakure ninja wasn't a ninja like those in the mountains; his perception had completely outmatched the opponent. As long as Chakra wasn't exposed, the other Chakra perception ninjas wouldn't notice.
"Okay, you can take it off now. Pretend to be Kumogakure scouts, and don't show any flaws!"
Orochimaru took the lead, transforming into a tall Cloud Ninja with a short knife on his back.
"Huh—finally, I'm covered in sweat!"
Tsunade kicked Jiraiya away with one kick and took two deep breaths.
"Byakugan is called the one of the three greatest pupil technique, and it's not without reason!"
Orochimaru didn't pay attention to his two teammates and continued observing the surroundings.
"Such vision is extremely powerful on the battlefield and in battle, um... In Takeshi's words, vision is crucial in any game!"
Orochimaru appreciated the power of his own eyes. Although Sannin seemed to have rolled their eyes, it was only because the users from the Hyuga clan were too weak.
You must know that Kaguya Otsutsuki is also a user of Byakugan!
Looking at the small team of Kumogakure approaching, Orochimaru showed a smile.
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