Year 49: Defecting to Orochimaru?

The 49th year of Konoha was a time of great unrest.

In about half a year, the secret experiments of Orochimaru and Danzo would be discovered, and at that point, this scientific madman—one of the legendary Sannin—would inevitably defect.

Therefore, wouldn't pledging loyalty to him now be equivalent to boarding a sinking ship?

This was precisely what Akashi was concerned about.

One had to understand that every village dealt with rogue ninja severely. As a former subordinate of a defector, one would likely face rigorous interrogation or even a bloody purge.

Under normal circumstances, Akashi would never want to take such a risk.

Unless... he offered enough in return.

Orochimaru stepped closer. "Don't you find it interesting to pursue the truth and master all ninjutsu? There are infinite possibilities hidden within chakra."

Akashi put on a wronged expression. "But I am truly very busy."

"What exactly are you busy with?"

"Training, of course." Akashi unwrapped a parcel at his side and took out a rice ball. "My father wants me to be promoted to Jonin within two years. As you can see, I'm practicing ninjutsu day and night, forgetting even to eat."

Is that even a problem!

Orochimaru was almost speechless. He reached out a hand and said, "I can help you refine your power and teach you ninjutsu personally, including my own unique techniques. I can get you promoted to Jonin in a year at most."

"Are you talking about techniques like the Hidden Shadow Snake Hands?"

"If that is what you wish to learn."

From Orochimaru's perspective, such a technique was no great treasure; it was well worth the trade. Furthermore, if Akashi's strength improved, he could do more for him.

The two conversed, sounding more like they were haggling over a price.

Akashi received the answer he wanted, but still had some doubts. He asked, "Lord Orochimaru, you must have plenty of talented people on your side. Why do you need me as an assistant?"

"Follow me."

Orochimaru stopped explaining with words, shoved his hands into his pockets, and turned to lead the way.

Akashi followed him to a four-story building.

The Konoha Official Research Institute.

This place had been funded during the era of the Second Hokage to develop new ninjutsu. It was rumored that they had even attempted to create artificial Tailed Beasts, but the project was sealed away for a time following an experimental accident. Later, Danzo reopened it, and it played a significant role during the preparations for the Third Great Ninja War.

Currently, Orochimaru was the head of the facility.

Walking into the official research institute, Akashi's eyes were opened wide.

The first floor consisted of conference rooms and offices. Above that were various specialized laboratories. Orochimaru occupied the two largest ones, where all sorts of unknown equipment and jars were scattered across the tables. Massive instruments emitted low rumbles and violent vibrations, while glass containers held dark green liquids and bubbling organs.

Test tubes, beakers, evaporating dishes, and other common chemical apparatuses were all present, with various reagents neatly arranged. On a U-shaped desk sat a microscope and a computer.

Bizarrely, scrolls and calligraphy brushes were placed right next to the computer.

The ninja world was a place full of such contradictions, where advanced technology and backward lifestyles coexisted. It was said that the Land of Fire even had modern metropolises filled with skyscrapers.

Akashi had never seen them, but even within Konoha, one could clearly feel the disconnect of the era.

There were too many irrationalities, causing such chaos to become the norm.

Even more eye-catching were the bookshelves lining the walls, which could be called a collection of the ninja world's knowledge.

Disciplines that ordinary people ignored, such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry, all had corresponding materials here. Even electrical and mechanical knowledge, which Orochimaru didn't delve into deeply, occupied a significant portion.

The total volume didn't match the library, but the quality of the books was far higher.

"What do you think?" Orochimaru asked.

"It's absolutely incredible!"

Akashi exclaimed with genuine feeling.

Orochimaru walked to the bench, picked up a test tube, and swirled it slowly. "This is the reason. You are someone who would marvel at the infinite possibilities hidden within these walls of classics and reagent bottles, whereas other ninja would not.

"Of course, there are other reasons, such as the fact that I can tell at a glance you have the talent to be a ninja.

"Furthermore, your aptitude for research is quite good."

Three sentences in a row, and Akashi was being held in high regard.

The explanation was very logical, but the deeper reason was likely the desire in Orochimaru's heart—the craving to possess anything he deemed valuable.

With the resources of the Konoha Official Research Institute, he should be able to gain many benefits, and coupled with the snake-style ninjutsu...

After much deliberation, Akashi finally decided to seize this opportunity.

After all, what Orochimaru could offer was simply too much!

He held dual identities as part of the Uchiha faction and the Hokage faction. Once Orochimaru prepared to defect, he would immediately turn, report the information to the Third Hokage in advance, and pose as a mole who had been intentionally lurking by his side.

"Lord Orochimaru, I am willing to follow you."

Akashi made up his mind and "reluctantly" agreed.

Orochimaru's hand, which had been swirling the test tube, suddenly stopped. Through the glass, his eyes reflected Akashi's honest and refined appearance, while his snake-like pupils emitted a cold, chilling aura that made one shudder.

Standing before him, the pressure was immense.

Soon, the gloomy aura dissipated. Orochimaru set down his test tube and crossed his arms. "Very good. You have made a wise choice. Come with me to see an old friend of yours."

"An old friend?" Akashi was taken aback.

This is my first time here; how could I possibly have a friend?

By then, Orochimaru had already walked out, and Akashi hurried to follow.

Upon reaching the top floor, the metal door slid open, and a figure lunged forward, boisterous and reckless, shouting excitedly, "Orochimaru-sensei!"

Even the cold and stern Orochimaru couldn't help but break into a smile.

The girl rushing toward them had bright, sparkling eyes. She wore a short-sleeved fishnet top and loose khaki capris, her hair tied into a bun, radiating boundless energy.

Akashi felt a flicker of surprise. "Anko?"

"Eh? Akashi-senpai! You're actually here too?"

Anko was equally astonished. Her gaze shifted to Orochimaru, and she suddenly seemed to understand. "Could it be that you've returned to Orochimaru-sensei's command?"

Unable to find a more accurate description for the moment, Akashi nodded. "You could say that."

That had been two years ago. Back then, Anko had just graduated and was chosen by Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, to be his disciple—a development that shocked everyone.

Ever since the death of Tsunade's younger brother, Nawaki, it had been years since Orochimaru had personally taken on a student.

To think that upon returning to the role of a jonin instructor, he had chosen her, a commoner ninja, above all others.

Anko had been incredibly thrilled.

However, her talent was average and her strength was nothing to boast about. During missions, she was full of flaws and had even nearly met a grim end, only to be saved by her teammates.

Among those in her squad at the time was Akashi.

He had not only looked after her but also taught her some practical experience.

Anko had always kept that gratitude in her heart.

Reunited now, she was exceptionally happy, bowing with a grin. "Please take care of me!"

"You're welcome."

Looking at the energetic girl before him, Akashi truly couldn't fathom how she would eventually grow up to become a chubby auntie.

To the side, Orochimaru had gotten what he wanted and wore a smile.

Yet, that smile made Akashi's entire body run cold.

Joining Orochimaru's camp in '49—it should be fine, right?