It sounded utterly absurd. The renowned Orochimaru was going to hunt down a twelve-year-old ninja?
And yet, reality often worked out in just such a coincidental way.
"Opposites attract. As a basic part of human biology... surely you know that, Mr. Orochimaru?"
"Of course I do!"
The white snake flicked out its tongue.
"But that applies to ordinary people!"
"And you're no ordinary person!"
"When someone has a loftier ideal or goal, so-called basic biology becomes nothing but an obstacle!"
So, to eliminate that obstacle...
In the future of the original story, you became Snake Auntie.
Was that the reason?
Chiba found it a little funny, but could only keep the thought to himself.
"So... do you understand now? The so-called meaning of life?"
At that, the white snake smiled.
He smiled happily.
There was something in that smile that suggested he'd found a kindred spirit.
He'd never expected Chiba to ask him about his ideal.
It made Orochimaru feel as if he'd found a true friend, someone with whom he could share a thousand cups of wine.
"Ah, I've found it."
"Life itself has no meaning. If there is one, it lies in the eternity of life!"
"Chiba, you seem very interested in my research!"
Chiba smiled.
"I'm not interested. I just feel sorry for you."
"Sorry for me?"
"Yeah. Your research is about [eternity], but I'm the only one who listens to you. Doesn't that seem rather pitiful?"
"So, are you willing to become a witness to my [eternal life]?"
The white snake wore a dangerous smile.
"If I say yes, would you dare abduct me right now?"
This time, it was the white snake's turn to be shocked.
While stunned by Chiba's daring words, Orochimaru also wondered how a five-year-old child had managed to read him and Sarutobi Hiruzen so accurately.
The white snake began to writhe and shed its skin. From the discarded skin emerged the pale-faced Cold Lord Orochimaru, one of the Konoha Sannin.
What a disgusting way to make an entrance.
At that moment, he had a sack slung over his shoulder.
Inside the sack was a human-shaped object.
It was some unlucky little lamb he'd abducted from the village after it got lost. He didn't even know who it was.
Chiba didn't know either, and he didn't need to.
"Chiba, the more intelligent you seem, the more I want to have you..."
"So, at a time like this, you mustn't act. Only those who can endure loneliness... can truly succeed!"
Orochimaru forcibly suppressed the urge welling up inside him to abduct Chiba.
That was right. As Chiba had said, only those who could endure loneliness could succeed.
No matter how much Orochimaru wanted to study Chiba right now, he couldn't make a move.
The Sharingan was one of Orochimaru's obsessions, but [eternal life] was the core of his research.
Clearly, [Living Corpse Reincarnation] was not yet complete.
He absolutely couldn't expose himself to Sarutobi Hiruzen at a time like this.
He had to wait. He still had to wait.
"Chiba, you really are considerate of your companion!"
"You kept that little lamb by your side to tell me it's your companion!"
"And your intelligence only makes me want to have you more and more."
"At a time like this, the more I want you, the less I can lay a hand on you—or anyone around you."
It was an open strategy.
It was also the only way to protect Kurenai Yuhi.
Chiba couldn't stay by Kurenai's side every moment of the day.
And Kurenai absolutely couldn't ask anyone else for help.
The moment she told someone, Kurenai would die. No one could save her.
"So, Mr. Orochimaru, what's your answer?"
"Of course I'll save the most delicious thing for last!"
"Chiba, I can indulge your whims as much as you like. When the time comes... I hope you'll be ready!"
After saying that, Orochimaru suppressed his thirst for knowledge and hurried away with the little lamb he'd abducted from who-knows-where.
The night was especially dark, and the moon especially round.
When night falls, close your eyes—and beware of Orochimaru.
"For now... are we safe?"
Both he and Kurenai Yuhi.
This wasn't a gamble.
Chiba had simply made reasonable use of the conflict between Orochimaru and Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Orochimaru didn't want to show his hand, and Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't let a Uchiha prodigy like Chiba slip away.
Only time could resolve the conflict between them.
And time would make Chiba stronger.
Orochimaru should defect after the Third Shinobi World War ended and Namikaze Minato sealed the Nine-Tails.
By a rough estimate, there should be at least two years.
Two years might not mean much to other people.
But to Chiba, they meant strength!
Looking up at the moon tonight, Chiba's face took on an inscrutable smile.
This world really did make his blood boil.
"Tonight... I can finally get a good night's sleep."
The next morning.
Chiba was up bright and early.
Getting up early had become a good habit since he came to this world.
Practicing his sword strokes was part of his daily routine.
At first, it had been because of the Daily Mission, but now it seemed to have become a habit.
With sweat pouring down him, he completed a thousand swings.
The full-force swings filled Chiba with a sense of ease unlike anything he'd felt before.
And after he completed the Daily Mission, the progress he'd gained from Fujitora Issho also made him feel, without a doubt, that he was getting stronger.
Chiba was addicted to that feeling.
Upstairs, Kurenai Yuhi had just woken up. Watching Chiba swing his sword with all his strength gave her a peculiar feeling.
She hadn't slept well the night before.
She'd jolted awake several times, each time after dreaming that Orochimaru had attacked her.
Then she'd woken to find Chiba sleeping even more soundly than she was, and she'd been instantly furious.
But in the end, they'd made it through the night safely.
She was grateful to Chiba.
And as she watched him swinging his sword, for the first time, her heart surged.
Chapter 22
After completing the Daily Mission, Chiba felt an indescribable sense of ease.
He sheathed his sword and made his way back to the small house, feeling his way along.
Noticing Kurenai Yuhi by the entrance, Chiba spoke up.
"Morning. Did you sleep well last night?"
Kurenai's mouth twitched.
She couldn't imagine what Chiba was thinking when he asked her that.
Kurenai had woken up countless times, terrified and on edge.
But every time she woke up, she saw Chiba fast asleep.
Hadn't he said he'd keep watch?
Hadn't he said he didn't trust her with his back?
As if to cover up her embarrassment, Kurenai could only force a smile.
"Y-yeah, I slept fine. I slept right through until morning!"
"Is that so? Good."
Chiba nodded.
"Orochimaru came by last night."
"For certain reasons, both you and I are safe for now."
"You can go home today!"
"Turn left when you leave. Walk out of the forest, and you'll be out of the Uchiha Clan Compound."
After saying that, Chiba paid Kurenai no further attention and went into the bathroom, leaning on his cane.
A moment later, the sound of running water filled the bathroom, and mist began to rise.
Kurenai, meanwhile, was left standing there in a daze.
Orochimaru came by last night?