Uchiha Ling had no idea that the highest-level assassination ever launched against him had quietly begun.
Orochimaru summoned him.
It was still the same dimly lit tent. Orochimaru looked at Uchiha Ling, an indescribable gleam flickering in his golden, serpentine eyes: admiration, curiosity, and a deep-seated greed.
"Ling, your performance has been astounding."
Orochimaru's voice carried its usual rasp. "In the Battle of Kikyo Mountain Fortress, you rendered outstanding service to Konoha. By the usual standards, such a record would be enough to promote you to Jonin. But given your age and experience, the village leadership may need some time to 'discuss' it."
Uchiha Ling remained calm. "I'll follow the village's and Lord Hokage's orders."
He didn't care much for the title of Jonin. What he truly needed was real prestige and power, and his achievements had already earned him both.
"Good."
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Still, your accomplishments need to be consolidated. The pressure on the front lines remains intense, especially in the northeast. Iwagakure has temporarily retreated, but small-scale infiltrations and harassment continue.
"I need you to lead your squad to the Rift Corridor for a reconnaissance and sweep operation. The terrain there is complicated, and it's a common route for Iwagakure infiltrators. It's also well suited to a crack squad like yours."
Orochimaru pointed to a narrow region on the map between two mountain ranges, riddled with deep ravines and dense forests.
The mission sounded perfectly reasonable. It was both a sign of trust and a test.
Uchiha Ling scanned the map. The Sharingan gave him a powerful memory and analytical ability, and he instantly memorized the key features of the terrain. "Understood, Lord Orochimaru."
"Be careful." Orochimaru rarely offered warnings, but he did so now, a gleam flickering in his serpentine eyes. "Iwagakure took a heavy