Determination

In a room within Otogakure that appeared exceptionally gloomy...

Still wearing his unchanging white kimono with a wide purple sash cinched at his waist, Orochimaru sat in the seat of honor. His right hand gently supported his forehead, and his eyes were slightly closed, as if he were waiting for something in particular.

Not a few minutes later, a creaking sound echoed, and two young men with red tomoe markings on their foreheads and sharp, piercing gazes walked in slowly.

Unsurprisingly, these two handsome youths were none other than Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro, who had already been in Otogakure for seven years!

"Orochimaru, speak. To summon us so urgently, has some major event occurred?"

Following this crisp question, Jun Tianlin glanced at Orochimaru with an impatient expression before frowning and asking casually.

It was only natural; no one would be happy to be interrupted while focused on a task, let alone offer a pleasant expression. That he didn't fly into a rage was already proof that this person possessed quite good self-restraint.

Watching the clearly displeased Jun Tianlin, Orochimaru waved a hand but said nothing more. After all, he had seen this impatient look on Jun Tianlin countless times over the past seven years and had developed an infinite immunity to it; naturally, he wouldn't seek trouble with Jun Tianlin over such minor irritation.

"Hehe, little ones, time really flies when you aren't looking. Even you two have been in Otogakure for seven years now!"

Orochimaru sighed casually before waving his hand, a rare, genuine smile appearing on his face as he spoke.

"Very well, I know you have held resentment toward me over these years, but do not blame me. After all, I once saved your lives. Although my goal was your powerful bloodline, Shikotsumyaku, you cannot deny that fact.

As for these seven years, I did not keep you from stepping out of Otogakure to imprison you intentionally, but for your own safety. I had to issue a confinement order to keep you from running wild in the ninja world.

The ninja world these past few years has been far from peaceful. First, I left Konoha, then the war between the five nations erupted, which in turn triggered the Third Shinobi World War. If I hadn't forcibly kept you locked in Otogakure, preventing you from leaving, I fear that the moment you stepped out, you would have ended up as corpses!"

Pausing slightly, Orochimaru's amber snake-like pupils swept over the bodies of Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro, a deeply hidden greed flashing in his gaze.

Feeling Orochimaru's burning stare, Jun Tianlin's brow furrowed deeper, and he asked coldly, "With your temperament, you surely didn't bring us here just to reminisce about the past or build rapport, did you? Speak, what is your true purpose in calling us here this time?"

Seeing Jun Tianlin so composed, Orochimaru's eyes flickered, and he said in an extremely relaxed tone, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. I do indeed have something to discuss with you this time..."

"You have been in my Otogakure for seven years. During this time, I have taught you everything I know. Aside from a few of my trump-card techniques that I haven't passed on, I have never been stingy with any ninjutsu, forbidden jutsu, or secret arts.

Because of this, your foundations are rock-solid. Combined with your astonishing talent, seven years have been enough to turn you into truly outstanding ninjas.

It is precisely because your strength has barely passed the mark that, after much deliberation, I have finally decided to lift your confinement order, allowing you both to enter and leave Otogakure freely, no longer bound by any restrictions!"

Hearing Orochimaru's words, Jun Tianlin was first skeptical, followed immediately by a surge of wild joy. After all, Orochimaru had no reason to lie to them, so these words must be true!

Freedom—what a beautiful word. Thirteen years had passed; could he finally hold it in his arms?

Back when he was with the Kaguya Clan in Kirigakure, he had been imprisoned by the usurping Kaguya Clan Elder. After finally escaping Kirigakure and arriving here, he had been confined to Otogakure by Orochimaru for another seven years.

For thirteen full years, like birds in a cage, Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro had never tasted a shred of freedom!

With their long-held dream about to be realized, even the slightly reticent Kimimaro revealed a smile, let alone the more lively Jun Tianlin, who was already immersed in immense surprise.

"However..."

Just as Jun Tianlin and Kimimaro were intoxicated by their joy, Orochimaru spoke again in a sinister tone.

"However, for the sake of your safety, before I completely lift your confinement order, you must pass a test I have set.

Otherwise, the consequence of failure is... I fear you two will need to stay here in my Otogakure for a while longer!"