The Master-Disciple Bond

After leaving Danzo, Orochimaru did not return to the inn, but instead quietly made his way to a secluded location.

"Lord Orochimaru!"

Three figures suddenly appeared before Orochimaru.

The one in the lead was clean-cut, wearing glasses, and sporting an innocuous smile; it was none other than Orochimaru's capable assistant, Yakushi Kabuto.

Behind Yakushi Kabuto followed two other ninja, his teammates Akado Yoroi and Tsurugi Misumi.

Although the three appeared to be mere Konoha genin on the surface, they were, in reality, undercover agents planted by Orochimaru within Konoha.

"Long time no see!"

Orochimaru looked at the three with a beaming smile.

Among the three, he valued Yakushi Kabuto the most; the boy was a genius ninja, while the other two were purely there to provide cover.

"Lord Orochimaru, we have investigated the information you requested!"

Yakushi Kabuto reached up to adjust his glasses and said, "Danzo did not obtain Shisui's eyes. Furthermore, the Uchiha clan has become dissatisfied with the upper echelons due to Shisui's death, and a conflict between the two sides is imminent."

Well done!

Orochimaru extended his tongue to lick the corner of his mouth; he was extremely satisfied with Yakushi Kabuto's performance.

If nothing went wrong, this child would surely become his right-hand man in the future.

"Akatsuki has sent me an invitation."

Orochimaru said indifferently.

Yakushi Kabuto was slightly startled and whispered, "Is it that mysterious organization from Amegakure?"

Having started as a spy for Root and having wandered the Five Great Nations for many years, he was quite familiar with the situation in every country.

Akatsuki was a new organization that had risen in recent years.

Legend had it that their leader possessed the Rinnegan and had killed the Amegakure leader, Salamander Hanzo, seizing control of Amegakure.

This organization recruited only S-rank missing-nin.

"Does Lord Orochimaru have his eyes on their Rinnegan? However, the Rinnegan is not so easy to deal with."

Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses.

The Rinnegan!

A flash of greed crossed Orochimaru's eyes.

This was the eye of the Six Paths; naturally, he wanted it, but unfortunately, the strength of that Pain was unfathomable, and Orochimaru was simply no match for him.

However, the appearance of the Rinnegan had piqued Orochimaru's interest, and he became increasingly fascinated by the Six Paths.

In fact, the reason he chose to join Akatsuki was to uncover the secrets of the Rinnegan.

While joining Akatsuki offered significant benefits, it also brought trouble; he would be required to carry out missions as a member.

Because of this, someone would have to manage Orochimaru's bases.

"Kabuto!"

Orochimaru's gaze suddenly fell upon Yakushi Kabuto: "From now on, you will be responsible for the various bases."

He still trusted Yakushi Kabuto quite a bit.

Yakushi Kabuto nodded and said, "I understand!"

His strength had long since reached the level of a jonin, but to maintain his cover, he had been forced to remain patient as a genin in Konoha.

However, there were advantages to being a genin; he frequently took on low-difficulty missions, and with two companions to provide cover, Yakushi Kabuto had plenty of spare time. He could easily manage the operations of these bases.

"Do you know where my Kusanagi Sword is kept?"

Orochimaru asked impatiently.

Truth be told, the reason he came to Konoha, aside from negotiating terms with Danzo, was primarily to retrieve the Kusanagi Sword.

This was Orochimaru's most beloved weapon.

Yakushi Kabuto hesitated for a moment before whispering, "The Kusanagi Sword has been sealed away by the Third Hokage and is kept in the Hokage Secret Chamber."

The Hokage Secret Chamber!

Orochimaru frowned; this was a bit troublesome.

The Hokage Secret Chamber was where successive Hokage stored classified items; it was not only protected by a barrier but also guarded by at least one squad of Anbu.

"You three may leave now!"

Orochimaru waved his hand; he had his own methods to accomplish this task.

The three, Yakushi Kabuto included, immediately dispersed.

The Hokage Secret Chamber, is it?

A smile appeared at the corner of Orochimaru's mouth.

Back when he was in Konoha, he had snuck in more than once, and he had managed to secure quite a few good things from it.

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was a ninja of all affinities, proficient in every ninjutsu, and known as the Professor of Ninjas.

Ninety percent of Orochimaru's skills originated from this Professor of Ninjas.

It could be said that Orochimaru's achievements today were inseparable from this learned and talented Professor of Ninjas.

Once upon a time, Orochimaru had held Sarutobi Hiruzen in high esteem.

However, as time passed, the rift between Orochimaru and his teacher grew ever wider.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was a moderate who prioritized the village above all else.

Despite being a genius proficient in all ninjutsu, he was burdened by many concerns, forcing him to seal away techniques of immense power.

This left Orochimaru, who worshipped power, deeply dissatisfied.

He held no emotional attachment to the village and was single-mindedly devoted to researching ninjutsu, which led him to associate with the like-minded Danzo.

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen was aware of some of this, his fondness for Orochimaru kept him from calling it out.

Even though the master and student held different philosophies, Orochimaru still respected his teacher greatly, until one specific event occurred: the nomination of the Fourth Hokage.

Orochimaru had been the supreme commander of the southern front during the Third Great Ninja War, and having rendered distinguished service, his succession as the Fourth Hokage seemed a matter of course.

Regarding this matter, Orochimaru had already secured Danzo's recommendation; he only needed Sarutobi Hiruzen's nod of approval.

Yet, unexpectedly, Sarutobi Hiruzen chose to nominate Namikaze Minato, the student of Jiraiya.

Minato succeeded as the Fourth Hokage, and Orochimaru was passed over.

This incident directly caused the master and student to part ways.

From then on, Orochimaru threw himself completely into the study of forbidden jutsu, until his crimes were exposed, discovered by Sarutobi Hiruzen, and he defected from Konoha.

Of course, this was during the period when Sarutobi Hiruzen had resumed his position as Hokage for the second time.

Orochimaru was very familiar with the Hokage's office; after subduing several Anbu, he arrived at the Hokage's secret chamber.

Orochimaru shifted his hands through a series of gestures, and an invisible energy was dispelled.

Seal Released!

Only then did Orochimaru lower his hands.

He had already mastered all of Sarutobi Hiruzen's barrier ninjutsu and sealing techniques.

"Orochimaru, you actually dare to return!"

Just as Orochimaru prepared to push open the doors to the secret chamber, a voice suddenly rang out.

The figure of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, appeared behind Orochimaru, with two Anbu standing behind him, watching Orochimaru vigilantly.

Orochimaru turned around slowly, a smile spreading across his face.

"Long time no see, Teacher Sarutobi."

Ever since he had defected from Konoha, this was the first time the two had met.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked even older than he had a few years ago, his frame more hunched, yet his gaze remained sharp.

"Orochimaru!"

A strange glint flashed in his eyes as he said, "I have said it before: as long as I am alive, I will not let you endanger Konoha."