Orochimaru's Probing

Two weeks after the Chunin Exams, a sinister figure quietly infiltrated Konoha.

That was Orochimaru, one of the former Legendary Sannin, now a rogue ninja on the wanted list. His target was Uchiha Xingye.

During the Chunin Exams, the astonishing strength Uchiha Xingye displayed, especially the potential power within him, had piqued Orochimaru's intense interest.

"That child's growth rate is truly astonishing," Orochimaru observed Uchiha Xingye from the shadows, his eyes glinting with greed. "To reach the level of a Chunin at nine years old, and even possess an unknown bloodline... If I can obtain that bloodline, my plan for eternal life can be realized."

Orochimaru had been searching for a vessel capable of hosting his consciousness, and the appearance of Uchiha Xingye gave him hope.

In particular, the unique aura within Uchiha Xingye made Orochimaru crave him deeply.

"If I can obtain that child's body," Orochimaru mused to himself, "I will be able to break through the limitations of the flesh and achieve true immortality."

On this day, Uchiha Xingye was training in the clan's practice grounds.

He was practicing the combination of various ninjutsu, and with his Byakugan activated, every detail of his surroundings was laid bare before his eyes.

Suddenly, a figure appeared silently behind Uchiha Xingye.

"Uchiha Xingye, your strength is quite impressive."

Uchiha Xingye whipped his head around to see a pale man standing on a nearby tree branch, watching him coldly.

The man's skin was as pale as paper, his eyes yellow, and his pupils were slit like a snake's, giving off an eerie and dangerous vibe.

Orochimaru!

Uchiha Xingye's pupils constricted, but he remained calm on the surface.

"Who are you?" Uchiha Xingye asked coolly.

Orochimaru sneered, jumped down from the branch, and walked slowly toward Uchiha Xingye.

"I am Orochimaru," Orochimaru said, his voice cold and raspy. "I am very interested in your bloodline."

Uchiha Xingye sneered inwardly, but his expression remained unreadable.

As expected, Orochimaru had set his sights on his bloodline. This evil ninja had been searching for a suitable vessel, and Uchiha Xingye's unique status had caught his attention.

"What do you want?" Uchiha Xingye asked, on guard.

"It's simple." Orochimaru stopped, only a few meters away from Uchiha Xingye. "Come with me, and I will grant you greater power. My research can allow you to surpass everything you are now."

"And if I refuse?" Uchiha Xingye countered, his tone laced with a hint of provocation.

A sinister smile curled the corners of Orochimaru's mouth.

"Then die."

No sooner had the words left his lips than Orochimaru launched his attack. His speed was immense; he reached Uchiha Xingye in an instant, the Kusanagi Sword in his hand thrusting toward Uchiha Xingye's heart like a venomous snake.

The blade flashed with chilling killing intent.

But Uchiha Xingye's reaction was faster.

Lightning Style: Chidori Sharp Spear!

Blinding lightning erupted from Uchiha Xingye's hand, instantly shattering the Kusanagi Sword and striking Orochimaru directly in the chest.

"What?!" Orochimaru looked at his own chest in shock, the lightning still flickering.

BOOM!

With a loud bang, Orochimaru was sent flying by the lightning, landing heavily on the ground in the distance.

[System Prompt: Defeat Orochimaru]

[Obtained Traits: Cursed Seal (Purple), Immortal Body (Blue)]

The system's notification chimed in Uchiha Xingye's mind.

Uchiha Xingye was stunned.

Orochimaru actually possessed the two powerful talents of Cursed Seal and Immortal Body! The Cursed Seal was a forbidden technique capable of drastically increasing power, and the Immortal Body allowed Orochimaru to revive infinitely, making him a truly undying existence.

"These two talents are far too precious..." Uchiha Xingye rejoiced inwardly.

Orochimaru stood up from the ground, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with shock and resentment.

"You... you actually possess such immense strength..." Orochimaru stared at Uchiha Xingye in disbelief. "And that technique of yours... what was it?"

"That is irrelevant," Uchiha Xingye said coldly, his eyes flashing with a dangerous light. "What matters is that you will not leave here alive today."

"Oh? You think you can kill me?" Orochimaru resumed his sinister smile. "I am not so easily killed."

Orochimaru suddenly opened his mouth, and a large white snake lunged out, pouncing straight at Uchiha Xingye.

Uchiha Xingye frowned and immediately focused his Byakugan.

The aura of this giant snake was powerful—at least at the level of a Jonin.

"It seems I cannot afford to underestimate him," Uchiha Xingye thought to himself.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!

Uchiha Xingye unleashed his Fire Release, and a massive fireball reduced Orochimaru's white snake to ashes.

"What?!" Orochimaru was shocked once again.

At this moment, Orochimaru's abdomen suddenly bulged, and countless small snakes crawled out from his body, rushing toward Xingye.

"Ten Thousand Snakes Formation?" Xingye recognized this technique; it was one of Orochimaru's signature ninjutsu.

"Since you like snakes so much," Xingye sneered, "then I'll let you witness what real snakes are!"

[System Prompt: Skill Acquired: Ten Thousand Snakes Formation (Blue)]

Xingye activated the Ten Thousand Snakes Formation, and countless larger snakes erupted from the ground, devouring all of Orochimaru's small snakes.

Orochimaru watched this scene, too shocked to speak.

"This... how is this possible..."

"Get lost." Xingye said coldly, his voice carrying an unquestionable majesty.

Although Orochimaru was unwilling, he knew now was not the time to act. The strength Xingye displayed far exceeded his imagination, and the opponent seemed to have a certain understanding of snake-based ninjutsu as well.

"We will meet again." Orochimaru said coldly, then used a summoning technique and vanished instantly.

Xingye looked in the direction Orochimaru had left, a plan already forming in his mind.

Orochimaru, your ambition is vast, Xingye thought to himself, but you will eventually become my pawn. Your Immortal Body and Cursed Seal technology will all be used by me.

[System Prompt: Prophet skill triggered]

[Prophecy: Orochimaru will attempt to contact Xingye again, this time using a different approach]

[Suggestion: Be prepared, and use Orochimaru's greed to achieve your own goals]

Xingye nodded.

Orochimaru won't give up easily, Xingye thought to himself, next time he comes, I will make good use of his greed to obtain more intelligence and resources.

Xingye deactivated his Byakugan and prepared to return to the Uchiha clan grounds.

Just then, the system's voice rang out again.

[System Prompt: Host's strength detected to have increased significantly]

[Current Strength: Chunin/Jonin → Quasi-Kage Level]

[New Skill Acquired: Sharingan Sharingan (Gold)]

Xingye was shocked.

He had reached Quasi-Kage Level strength without even realizing it! Moreover, he had obtained the Mangekyo Sharingan!

"Mangekyo Sharingan..." Xingye muttered to himself, "This is one of the most powerful ocular techniques of the Uchiha clan; it is said that it can only be awakened after experiencing immense pain."

Xingye closed his eyes, feeling the changes within them.

When he opened his eyes again, a complex pattern appeared in his pupils. Three tomoe connected into a perfect ring, radiating a terrifying pressure.

"This is the Mangekyo Sharingan..." Xingye looked at the water glass in his hand, only to see it instantly shatter into powder.

Xingye was shocked.

The power of the Mangekyo Sharingan was truly formidable! The mere pressure of a glance was enough to instantly pulverize a water glass.

With this power, I no longer need to worry about Danzo and Black Zetsu. Xingye thought to himself.

But at that moment, Xingye felt a faint, lingering pain in his eyes.

"A side effect..." Xingye frowned, "It seems the use of the Mangekyo Sharingan requires caution."

Xingye decided to return to the Uchiha clan grounds first to discuss the next steps with his family.