Orochimaru before him still wore Konoha's green Jōnin flak jacket. With his long black hair, golden vertical pupils, purple eyeshadow extending to the sides of his nose, and pale skin, he looked at the two Uchiha clansmen with interest. He licked his lips and said in a hoarse yet magnetic voice, "I have received the Uchiha's goodwill. Someone will arrange accommodations for you after you leave."
Uchiha Yoru looked at Orochimaru. The man had never cared about outsiders' opinions. Human experimentation could still be explained as a pursuit of power or a personal interest, but the fact that he could later turn toward a woman without the slightest concern showed just how broad-minded he truly was.
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Shisui immediately smiled. It seemed the Uchiha's intentions had been perfectly conveyed and his task was complete. He respectfully nodded. "Thank you, Lord Orochimaru."
As Shisui respectfully nodded and prepared to leave, he noticed that Uchiha Yoru beside him had not moved. Just as he was about to take him along, Yoru gave him a look. Shisui hesitated for a moment before leaving first.
Only Uchiha Yoru remained in the tent. Orochimaru let out an interested, hoarse laugh. It was unclear whether the sound came from years of letting snakes pass through his throat.
"Hehe, what else can I do for you, Lord Yoru?"
It had to be said that Orochimaru was extremely polite. Although Uchiha Yoru knew the course of history, having lived in this world for so many years, he knew even better that he was currently only a Chūnin and could not change anything. For now, he could only strengthen himself first and, when able, steer the Uchiha's two traitors back onto the right path.
"My lord, Uchiha Yoru comes at the Elder's command."
That single sentence immediately declared his stance. Uchiha Shisui had just represented the goodwill of the entire Uchiha Clan, while he had come under the Uchiha Elder's orders.
"The village has endured the Nine-Tails' Rampage, and the Third has returned to power in order to stabilize Konoha. Lord Orochimaru is already the Fifth Hokage favored by all."
As he spoke, Uchiha Yoru respectfully observed the early-stage big boss before him. That wicked smile of Orochimaru's was always so composed, radiating a unique personal charm.
Orochimaru was now looking at the Uchiha Chūnin before him with interest. Or rather, he was more interested in hearing the intentions of this Uchiha Elder. After all, wasn't this rather interesting?
"Lord Orochimaru is in the prime of his strength. Yet this has become an obstacle to those scheming in the shadows. If my lord ascends as the Fifth Hokage, those people will have no hope for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, the Sarutobi Clan does not wish for the Third to step down again, nor do the village's higher-ups."
After saying this, Uchiha Yoru respectfully admired the legendary ninja before him. After hearing him out, Orochimaru was first startled, then smiled and licked his lips, letting out that distinctive hoarse laugh.
"Interesting, very interesting. I never expected Lord Yoru to be not only an Uchiha genius, but also the Elder's confidant."
At fourteen, he was a Chūnin who had only just awakened the One-Tomoe Sharingan. Though he was considered a genius, in Orochimaru's eyes, he was merely an ordinary genius. Yet somehow, he had caught the Uchiha Elder's eye. Orochimaru's interest was immediately piqued.
A fourteen-year-old Chūnin was not bad, especially one who had awakened a Kekkei Genkai. His future was promising. Sarutobi Asuma became a Chūnin at twelve, Yūhi Kurenai at thirteen, and Anko at twelve. (According to recorded information.)
Seeing that Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, was not tempted by the information he had provided but had instead become interested in him, Uchiha Yoru felt a chill run through his heart. Damn it, don't do this.
"Because of this face!"
Uchiha Yoru hurriedly explained. He did not want to cause a misunderstanding. If something really happened, it would be too late.
His face? Orochimaru might have been a genius, but when he suddenly heard those words, he was somewhat confused. Uchiha Yoru put on a well-meaning smile and nodded. "It is because of Anko, Lord Orochimaru's disciple. Anko and I are classmates."
The interested expression on Orochimaru's face immediately stiffened. It was not that he was not clever enough; he simply failed to make the connection for a moment. His interest instantly dropped by thirty percent, and he let out a bored laugh with a hint of disdain.
The methods of Konoha's great clans. After all, those clans excelled at such manipulations. Ninja were deceivers, so naturally, a handsome appearance could be used to deceive people, especially female ninja. Seduction was not uncommon—there were even quite a few such cases. Some did it to complete missions, some because spies needed to, and others for political marriages. In short, it was all for profit.
Seeing that Orochimaru seemed to have lost interest, Uchiha Yoru secretly breathed a sigh of relief. As long as you lose interest in my body, that is enough. But you really cannot lose interest in him. Though it was somewhat contradictory, he truly needed to use some intelligence to secure benefits for himself. Inwardly, he also quietly apologized to the Elder.
"Lord Orochimaru!"
At this point, Uchiha Yoru's expression turned solemn. The One-Tomoe Sharingan appeared in his eyes as he glanced around. Seeing this, Orochimaru's interest was stirred once more. Licking his tongue, he laughed hoarsely. "Lord Yoru truly is a cautious person. Rest assured, there is no one here, not even my own people."
As the Front Line Commander, Orochimaru naturally had subordinates. Especially as a powerful contender for Fourth Hokage in the past, he had a group of loyal followers in the village, including sensory ninja.
Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Uchiha Yoru secretly relaxed. This time, he was about to reveal a big melon. He had to accomplish two things: first, let Orochimaru know that he was the Uchiha Elder's confidant; second, demonstrate the Uchiha's intelligence-gathering capabilities.
"Human Experimentation!"
After uttering those four words, Uchiha Yoru fell silent. Even the air seemed to carry an oppressive aura.
After a long while, Orochimaru's hoarse laughter echoed through the tent, carrying an air of indifference, as though he had never feared being discovered.
"Wood Release!"
The moment those two words left his mouth, Orochimaru's pale golden pupils abruptly contracted. A flash of killing intent swept through the air, and Uchiha Yoru's back instantly broke out in cold sweat as every hair on his body stood on end.
"Hehe, it seems the Uchiha behind Lord Yoru know quite a lot."
At that moment, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and began analyzing the situation inwardly. Impossible. Human experimentation might not escape the eyes of those who paid attention, but only Danzo and he knew about Wood Release in all of Konoha, aside from certain Root personnel. He had never considered Root, because Danzo's methods were no joke.
Given Danzo's hatred of the Uchiha, he could not possibly have leaked it. Then there was only one possibility: the Uchiha's secret intelligence network far exceeded his imagination. A smile appeared on his face as his interest deepened.
Guess what benefits could move Snake Uncle and make him take notice of me?
Before you continue