Testing

The shadow of the Konoha Crush Plan hung over the entire village, but under Xingye's arrangements, the disaster was unfolding in a different direction.

Deep in the Forest of Death, Xingye sat alone on a branch, his Byakugan scanning his surroundings in every direction. He knew Orochimaru was watching him from the shadows.

"Finally, you've come..." Xingye murmured, a cold smile tugging at his lips.

Orochimaru's desire for the Otsutsuki Bloodline was overwhelming. To that mad researcher, Xingye's Otsutsuki Bloodline was the perfect experimental subject on Earth.

Hoshikage moved through the woods, deliberately leaving a few openings. He needed Orochimaru to make the first move so he could turn the tables and completely dismantle the Konoha Crush Plan.

Suddenly, a bone-chilling killing intent came at him from behind.

Xingye didn't turn around. He simply said, "Orochimaru, you've been following me for so long. Aren't you going to come out and say hello?"

A figure emerged from the woods, pale-skinned, with snake-like eyes. It was Orochimaru, one of Konoha's Sannin.

"Ha ha ha, I didn't expect you to discover me," Orochimaru said with a chilling laugh. "Xingye, your talent is truly astonishing. Not only do you possess the Otsutsuki Bloodline, you can also sense my presence."

"Orochimaru, you're so interested in me because you want my bloodline, aren't you?" Xingye turned to face him. "But I'm curious—what are you after?"

Greed showed plainly in Orochimaru's eyes. "I want to study the secrets of the Otsutsuki Bloodline. If I succeed, I'll gain immortality and limitless power."

"Immortality?" Xingye scoffed. "You betrayed Konoha for the sake of immortality and became a complete monster. Do you really think a bloodline can give you everything you want?"

"Aren't you the same?" Orochimaru retorted. "You possess the Otsutsuki Bloodline. Don't you have ambitions of your own?"

"I do, but I won't hurt innocent people for the sake of my ambitions." Xingye's voice was calm but firm. "You've taken the wrong path."

"The wrong path?" Orochimaru laughed. "This world is ruled by the strong. Power is the only eternal truth."

Suddenly, Orochimaru launched an attack.

Grass Style: Snake Technique!

Countless snakes burst from the ground and lunged at Xingye.

Xingye didn't panic. His Sharingan opened, three Tomoe spinning in his eyes.

"Too slow."

Xingye vanished from where he stood and appeared behind Orochimaru in an instant.

Lightning Style: Chidori Sharp Spear!

Blinding lightning gathered into a sharp spear of energy and thrust toward Orochimaru's spine.

Orochimaru reacted just as quickly. His body twisted at an impossible angle, letting him dodge the fatal blow, but his arm was still grazed.

"What powerful Lightning Release..." Orochimaru looked at the wound, a trace of shock in his eyes. "You're only ten, yet you're already this strong?"

"You underestimated me," Xingye said coldly. "And you underestimated the power of the Otsutsuki Bloodline."

A trace of madness flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. "Then let me see just how powerful your Otsutsuki Bloodline is!"

Orochimaru formed Hand Seals, then spat out a giant snake that lunged at Xingye.

Manda!

This was Orochimaru's summoning beast, enormous and incredibly powerful.

Xingye faced it calmly, his Byakugan tracking every one of Manda's movements.

"No matter how big you are, your openings are the same."

Xingye appeared above Manda's head, Lightning Release chakra gathering in his hand.

Lightning Style: Kirin!

It was only a prototype, but that was enough to deal with Manda.

A massive bolt of lightning crashed down. Manda let out a scream and was knocked back instantly.

Orochimaru was stunned. "You can use Kirin? And it's already a prototype?"

"This is only the beginning." Xingye landed, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "You're interested in my bloodline, Orochimaru, but how much do you know about the system?"

"The system?" Orochimaru froze. "What... are you talking about?"

"My Talent Entry System lets me see everyone's Talent Bubbles and steal them," Xingye explained. "So I know every one of your weaknesses."

Orochimaru's expression changed. "How is that possible...?"

"Of course it's possible." Xingye scoffed. "I know you're plotting the Konoha Crush Plan. You're using Otogakure and joining forces with the Sand Shinobi to destroy Konoha."

"But I'm telling you now: your plan is doomed to fail."

Orochimaru fell silent for a moment, then laughed. "Xingye, you think you can stop me?"

"I've already put things in motion," Xingye said calmly. "The heart of the Konoha Crush Plan is your cooperation with the Sand Shinobi. But I've already planted my own pieces within the Sand Shinobi, and I've brought the Fourth Kazekage under my control."

Orochimaru was stunned. "What?!"

"Besides, the entire Uchiha Clan is on full alert. Your Sound Ninja can't break through our defenses," Xingye continued. "You've lost, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru fell into thought. This ten-year-old had already laid out such a perfect plan, completely dismantling his Konoha Crush Plan.

"Xingye, why don't you kill me?" Orochimaru asked suddenly.

"Killing you would be too easy," Xingye replied calmly. "I'd rather make you one of my pawns."

"A pawn?" Anger flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.

"That's right, a pawn." Xingye's tone remained calm. "You're highly capable, and your research is advanced. If you're willing to work for me, I can provide you with better research materials—even samples of the Otsutsuki Bloodline."

Greed flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. "Really?"

"Of course." Xingye nodded. "But I have one condition: you must abandon the Konoha Crush Plan and become my hidden pawn, gathering intelligence for me in secret."

Orochimaru remained silent for a long while, then finally nodded. "Fine. I agree."

[Obtained clue to Kotoamatsukami (Kurenai)]

The system's notification sounded in Xingye's mind.

Xingye nodded in satisfaction. Orochimaru might be evil, but he was certainly capable. Bringing him into his ranks would be a great help to his plans for the future.

"Go back, Orochimaru," Xingye said. "Remember our agreement."

Orochimaru nodded, then disappeared into the woods.

Xingye stood where he was, watching the direction Orochimaru had vanished in, a cold smile tugging at his lips.

"The Konoha Crush Plan has been dismantled. Next, I'll deal with Danzo."

[System notification: Konoha Crush Plan dismantled. Reward obtained: strength increased to mid-Kage Level]

Xingye's heart leaped with joy. Mid-Kage Level! He was now strong enough to face Danzo head-on.

Night fell, and Xingye returned to the Uchiha Clan Compound.

Fugaku and Itachi were already waiting for him.

"Xingye, how did it go?" Fugaku asked.

"The Konoha Crush Plan has been dismantled," Xingye said calmly. "Orochimaru has agreed to become my hidden pawn."

Itachi was stunned. "Brother, you really brought Orochimaru under your control?"

"Yes." Xingye nodded. "Orochimaru may be evil, but he's very capable. If I can put his skills to use, dealing with Danzo will be much easier."

Fugaku nodded with satisfaction. "Xingye, your strategic mind is truly astonishing."

"Father, Itachi, next we deal with Danzo." A cold glint flashed in Xingye's eyes. "I've gathered enough evidence. It's time to expose Danzo's schemes."

Itachi clenched his fists. "Brother, I'll follow you and help you deal with Danzo."

"Good." Xingye patted Itachi on the shoulder. "Let's work together to change the fate of the Uchiha Clan."