Probing

The shadow of the Konoha Crush Plan loomed over the entire village, but under the machinations of Xingye, this disaster was veering in a different direction.

Deep within the Forest of Death, Xingye sat alone on a tree branch, his Byakugan scanning the surroundings with a 360-degree view. He knew that Orochimaru was observing him from the shadows.

Has he finally arrived... Xingye muttered to himself, a cold smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

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

Xingye moved through the woods, deliberately exposing a few openings. He needed Orochimaru to strike first so he could turn the tables and completely dismantle the Konoha Crush Plan.

Suddenly, a cold killing intent struck from behind.

Xingye did not turn around, merely saying indifferently, "Senior Orochimaru, you've been tailing me for so long—aren't you going to come out and say hello?"

A figure emerged from the woods with pale skin and snake-like eyes; it was none other than one of the Sannin of Konoha—Orochimaru.

"Hahaha, I didn't expect you to discover me." Orochimaru let out a chilling laugh. "Xingye, your talent is truly astonishing. Not only do you possess the Otsutsuki bloodline, but you can also detect my presence."

"Senior Orochimaru, you're so interested in me—isn't it just for my bloodline?" Xingye turned to face Orochimaru directly. "But I'm curious, what is your ultimate goal?"

The greed in Orochimaru's eyes was undisguised. "I want to study the secrets of the Otsutsuki bloodline. If I succeed, I can obtain eternal life and infinite power."

"Eternal life?" Xingye sneered. "Senior Orochimaru, for the sake of immortality, you betrayed Konoha and turned into a complete monster. Do you really think bloodline can bring you everything you desire?"

"Aren't you the same?" Orochimaru countered. "Possessing the Otsutsuki bloodline, do you truly have no ambition?"

"I have ambition, but I will not harm innocent people to achieve it." Xingye's voice was calm yet firm. "Senior Orochimaru, you have taken the wrong path."

"Path?" Orochimaru laughed. "This world is survival of the fittest. Only power is the eternal truth."

Suddenly, Orochimaru launched an attack.

Grass Style: Snake Technique!

Countless snakes erupted from the ground, lunging toward Xingye.

Xingye remained unhurried, activating his Sharingan as three tomoe spun in his eyes.

"Too slow."

Xingye's figure vanished from his spot, instantly appearing behind Orochimaru.

Lightning Style: Chidori Sharp Spear!

Blinding lightning condensed into a sharp spear, thrusting directly toward Orochimaru's spine.

Orochimaru's reaction was equally swift; his body twisted at an eerie angle, dodging the fatal blow, though his arm was still grazed.

"Such powerful Lightning Style..." Orochimaru looked at the wound, a flash of shock in his eyes. "You are only 10 years old, yet you possess such strength?"

"Senior Orochimaru, you underestimated me." Xingye said coldly. "Furthermore, you underestimated the power of the Otsutsuki bloodline."

A flicker of madness crossed Orochimaru's eyes. "Then let me see just how strong your Otsutsuki bloodline really is!"

Orochimaru performed hand seals, and a massive snake was summoned from his mouth, charging at Xingye.

Manda!

This was Orochimaru's personal summon, possessing immense size and terrifying power.

Xingye responded calmly, his Byakugan locking onto every movement of Manda.

"No matter how large the target, the weak points remain the same."

Xingye teleported to the top of Manda's head, lightning chakra condensing in his hand.

Lightning Style: Kirin!

Although it was only a prototype, it was enough to deal with Manda.

A massive bolt of lightning crashed down, and Manda let out a pained shriek, instantly repelled.

Orochimaru was shocked. "You can actually use Kirin? And it's a prototype?"

"This is only the beginning." Xingye landed, dangerous light flickering in his eyes. "Senior Orochimaru, you are interested in my bloodline, but how much do you know about my Talent Entry System?"

"System?" Orochimaru froze. "What... are you talking about?"

"My Talent Entry System allows me to see everyone's Talent Bubble and plunder them." Xingye explained. "Therefore, I am well aware of all your weaknesses."

Orochimaru's expression shifted. "How is this possible..."

"It is certainly possible." Xingye sneered. "Senior Orochimaru, I know you are orchestrating the Konoha Crush Plan. You are using the Village Hidden in the Sound and uniting with the Sand Shinobi to destroy Konoha."

"But I tell you, your plan is destined to fail."

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

"I have already laid the groundwork." Xingye said calmly. "The core of the Konoha Crush Plan is your cooperation with the Sand Shinobi. But I have already planted pawns within the Sand, and the Fourth Kazekage is already under my control."

Orochimaru was stunned. "What?!"

"Furthermore, my Uchiha clan is on full alert; your Village Hidden in the Sound will never break through our defenses." Xingye continued. "Senior Orochimaru, you have lost."

Orochimaru fell into deep thought. This 10-year-old child had actually laid out such a perfect trap, completely dismantling his Konoha Crush Plan.

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

"Killing you is too easy." Xingye said indifferently. "I would much rather you become my pawn."

"A pawn?" A flash of anger crossed Orochimaru's eyes.

"That's right, a pawn." Xingye said calmly, "Your abilities are formidable, and your research is profound. If you are willing to work for me, I can provide you with better research materials, or even samples of the Otsutsuki bloodline."

Greed flickered 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 piece, gathering intelligence for me in the shadows."

Orochimaru remained silent for a long time before finally nodding: "Fine, I agree."

[Obtained Entry: Clue to Kotoamatsukami (Kurenai)]

The system's notification chime rang in Xingye's mind.

Xingye nodded with satisfaction. Although Orochimaru was evil, his capabilities were truly immense. If he could bring Orochimaru under his command, it would be a great help for his future plans.

"Senior Orochimaru, you may return now." Xingye said, "Remember our agreement."

Orochimaru nodded, his figure vanishing into the woods.

Xingye stood where he was, watching the direction in which Orochimaru had disappeared, a cold smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.

"The Konoha Crush Plan has been dismantled; next, it is time to deal with Danzo."

[System Notification: Konoha Crush Plan dismantled, Reward obtained: Strength increased to mid-Kage level]

Joy surged in Xingye's heart. Mid-Kage level! He now possessed the ability to face Danzo head-on.

As night fell, Xingye returned to the Uchiha compound.

Fugaku and Itachi were already waiting.

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

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

Itachi was shocked: "Brother, did you really subdue Orochimaru?"

"Yes." Xingye nodded, "Although Orochimaru is evil, his abilities are strong. If I can put his talents to use, dealing with Danzo will be much easier."

Fugaku nodded in gratification: "Xingye, your strategy is truly astonishing."

"Father, Itachi, the next step is to deal with Danzo." Cold light flickered in Xingye's eyes, "I have collected enough evidence; it is time to expose Danzo's conspiracy."

Itachi clenched his fists: "Brother, I will follow you and deal with Danzo together."

"Very good." Xingye patted Itachi on the shoulder, "We will work together to change the fate of the Uchiha clan."