Resolve

Inside a dim-looking room in Otogakure...

Orochimaru sat in the seat of honor, dressed in the same unchanging white kimono and a wide purple sash around his waist. He lightly rested his right hand against his forehead, his eyes half-closed, as if deliberately waiting for someone.

A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and two young men with red tomoe between their brows and sharp gazes slowly walked in.

As expected, the two handsome young men were Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro, who had been in Otogakure for seven years!

"Orochimaru, tell us. You summoned the two of us in such a hurry. Did something major happen?"

At the sound of the crisp question, Jun Tianlin gave Orochimaru an impatient look, then asked casually with a frown.

That was only natural. Anyone interrupted while concentrating on something would be unhappy, let alone put on a friendly face. Not flying into a rage already showed remarkable restraint!

Seeing how displeased Jun Tianlin was, Orochimaru waved a hand but said nothing more. After all, he had seen Jun Tianlin act impatiently countless times over the past seven years. He had long since become immune to it and naturally wouldn't pick a fight with him over such a minor show of displeasure.

"Heh, you brats. Time really flies before you know it. Even you two have been in Otogakure for seven years now!"

Orochimaru remarked offhandedly, then waved a hand. A rare, sincere smile appeared on his face as he continued,

"All right. I know you've resented me over the years, but don't blame me. I did save your lives, after all. My goal was your powerful Shikotsumyaku, but you can't deny that I saved you.

"As for keeping you from taking a single step outside Otogakure these past seven years, I wasn't deliberately imprisoning you. I had no choice but to restrict you for your own safety and stop you from wandering around the Ninja World.

"The Ninja World has been in turmoil these past few years. First I left Konoha, then war broke out among the five great nations, which eventually led to the Third Shinobi World War. If I hadn't forcibly kept you inside Otogakure and stopped you from going out, you might have turned into corpses the moment you left!"

After a brief pause, Orochimaru's yellow-brown snake eyes swept over Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro, a deeply concealed trace of greed flickering in his gaze.

Feeling the heat in Orochimaru's gaze, Jun Tianlin furrowed his brows even more and asked coldly,

"Knowing your temperament, you didn't call us here just to reminisce and cozy up to us, did you? Tell us, what exactly do you want from us this time?"

Seeing how calm Jun Tianlin remained, Orochimaru's eyes flickered. He spoke in a relaxed tone. "All right, all right. I won't keep you in suspense. I really do have something to discuss with you..."

"You've been in Otogakure for seven years. During that time, I can say I taught you everything I knew. Apart from a few of my trump-card techniques, I never held back from teaching you anything, whether it was ninjutsu, forbidden techniques, secret techniques, or other knowledge.

"That's why you have such solid foundations. Add in the astonishing talent you both possess, and seven years have been more than enough to turn you into outstanding shinobi.

"Since your abilities are just about up to par, after much deliberation, I've finally decided to lift the restrictions and let you come and go from Otogakure freely, without any further constraints!"

Hearing Orochimaru's words, Jun Tianlin first felt disbelief, then a surge of joy. Orochimaru had no reason to lie to them, so what he said had to be true!

Freedom. What a beautiful word. After thirteen years, could they finally embrace it?

Back when they were with the Kaguya Clan in Kirigakure, the Kaguya Clan Elder had seized power and kept them imprisoned. They had barely escaped Kirigakure and made it here, only for Orochimaru to confine them to Otogakure for seven years.

For thirteen whole years, Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro had been like caged birds, never once granted a taste of freedom!

Their lifelong dream was about to come true. Even Kimimaro, with his somewhat reserved nature, smiled a little—not to mention the more lively Jun Tianlin, who was already swept up in overwhelming joy.

"But..."

Just as Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro were basking in their happiness, Orochimaru spoke again in a sinister tone.

"But for your own safety, before I completely lift the restrictions, you'll have to pass a test I've set for you.

"Otherwise, if you fail... you'll probably have to stay here in Otogakure a while longer!"