Intelligence from Fifteen, Sixteen Years Ago?

Orochimaru stood atop a massive ice floe, his expression shifting unpredictably.

The Cursed Seal of Heaven and the Cursed Seal of Earth were powerful cursed seals he had developed through Jugo. Though they were still one final step away from true completion, they were not something just anyone could easily undo. Orochimaru had that confidence!

Yet at this very moment, the sensation rising from the depths of his soul told him unmistakably that the Cursed Seal of Heaven he had left on Haku had been removed!

"Uchiha Houka, you really are impressive."

With a light tap of his toes, Orochimaru set off once more.

Yet his heart was far from calm.

Had that brat who once trained behind Tsunade and followed Minato Namikaze across the battlefields of the Third Great Ninja War unknowingly grown to such a degree?

If Uchiha Houka were allowed to grow without restraint, then forget him—even Akatsuki might not be able to suppress him... right?

Orochimaru had also considered provoking a conflict between Akatsuki and Uchiha Houka. If it succeeded and the two sides went to war, then regardless of who won or lost, he would be the victor. Unfortunately, Akatsuki's grand plan was still in its first stage: gathering funds. At a time like this, Pain would never make a grand move against Uchiha Houka.

Thus, Orochimaru could only rely on himself now.

With that thought, Orochimaru's steps became increasingly resolute as he flashed across the ice floes with lightning speed.

After four days of such rapid travel, Orochimaru finally saw a white horizon appear ahead.

He had reached the Land of Snow!

Orochimaru's eyes lit up, and his speed surged once again.

Half a day later, Orochimaru landed safely. Before him lay a nation blanketed in ice and snow. As far as the eye