It was just as expected: everyone had a vengeful streak, and even one of the Sannin, Orochimaru, was no exception...
Early the next morning, while Jun Tianlin was still dreaming of the Duke of Zhou, Orochimaru sent two lackeys to wake him with exceptionally violent methods.
"Splash!"
A series of sharp splashes rang out as a bucket of cold water was dumped directly over Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro.
Ignoring the two boys, who had jerked awake from their dreams, the lackey who had thrown the water looked thoroughly pleased with himself as he swaggered off with the bucket.
Ten minutes later, in Otogakure's underground training ground—
Dressed in a white kimono, with his hands behind his back and the air of a master, Orochimaru stood facing two furious little boys with resentful looks in their eyes!
"You don't need to keep staring at me. I had my men wake you with cold water for your own good. We've been traveling nonstop for a while, and you haven't gotten much rest. To keep you from slacking off, cold water was the best way to wake you. After all, I'm not someone who likes to wait. Heh heh heh!"
Ignoring the angry looks Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro gave him, Orochimaru smiled coldly. A hint of cruelty gleamed in his yellow-brown eyes.
Hearing the unmistakably menacing tone in Orochimaru's voice, the anger on Jun Tianlin's face receded like the tide, vanishing in an instant.
Life had been so easy for him lately that Jun Tianlin had almost forgotten who this man before him really was: the cold, merciless Cold Lord, Orochimaru!
If Orochimaru hadn't taken an interest in the Shikotsumyaku within Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro, if Jun Tianlin hadn't still had some use to him, and if Orochimaru's patience hadn't yet run out, then perhaps Jun Tianlin would have been... executed yesterday for his verbal offense.
Only now did Jun Tianlin, breaking into a cold sweat, remember their current predicament: they were at Orochimaru's mercy, and their lives were no longer in their own hands!
"Heh heh, looks like my name still carries weight. I've barely uttered a threat, and Jun Tianlin is already this scared. His talent is exceptional, but his temperament still needs work.
"Then again, Kimimaro may be young, but he didn't even flinch when I threatened him. Not a trace of panic. He really is a promising seed, just as I thought!"
Watching Jun Tianlin turn pale as sweat began to bead on his forehead, Orochimaru seemed to guess what he was thinking. An approving smile flickered, almost imperceptibly, deep in his eyes.
As for Kimimaro, Orochimaru could not have been more satisfied with him. He truly was the finest "body" Orochimaru had specially chosen from among countless Kekkei Genkai!
Though his mind was full of thoughts, Orochimaru maintained his cold expression. A sinister smile spread across his pale face once more.
"Listen, brats. Although I value the Shikotsumyaku in your bodies, and your bodies, talents, and minds are the finest I've seen in years, remember this: you're nothing but my pawns. I gave you life, but that doesn't give you the right to offend me!
"Yesterday's incident was a one-time thing. If it happens again, I'll let you learn why the outside world calls me the Cold Lord."
After a pause, Orochimaru resumed his meaningful, cold smile.
"Never mind. We'll talk about that later. There's no point telling you now. What matters is that you must face the test I've personally devised for you.
"Although I value the Kekkei Genkai, Shikotsumyaku, in your bodies, remember this: I have no use for incompetents. If you fail the test, there's no reason to keep you around. Believe me, I'll personally send the failure to join your clansmen!"
Jun Tianlin's eyelid twitched at Orochimaru's chilling tone, but he said nothing. Instead, he drew a deep breath and forced down all his unease and fear.
Hadn't he heard? Orochimaru had made it perfectly clear: pass the test and live; fail, and die!
The rules were simple and clear, the choice cruel and violent.
With his life on the line, Jun Tianlin had no energy to spare for anything else. All he could do was fight with everything he had despite his fear, and try to keep his fate in his own hands. That was all.
As for Kimimaro, well, Jun Tianlin had no reason to worry about him just yet. Compared to Jun Tianlin, who had only just crossed into this world, Kimimaro was at least several levels stronger in combat.
Whether it was the use of Taijutsu, the development and mastery of his Kekkei Genkai, or his ability to assess and judge the flow of battle, Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro were worlds apart. There was no comparison.
Put simply, Kimimaro was born to be a warrior. His combat talent was unquestionably that of a genius!
"Get ready. The test starts now. You two brats are to attack me with everything you've got. I don't care what methods you use. If you can hold out against me for ten minutes, you pass!
"Don't worry. I won't use any ninjutsu during those ten minutes, and I'll suppress my chakra to Chunin level. If you still can't last ten minutes against me under those conditions, then the Shikotsumyaku isn't as powerful as I expected, and that's all you're worth!"
Orochimaru licked the corner of his mouth with his scarlet tongue. His voice was icy, and the immense pressure emanating from his body gradually diminished until it settled at the very edge of Chunin level.
The next second, as Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro watched, Orochimaru slowly extended his pale right hand and crooked a finger at them, signaling that the test had begun.
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