The Uchiha Clan's Blind Swordsman

It sounds absurd, doesn't it? The legendary Orochimaru going out of his way to hunt down a twelve-year-old ninja?

Yet, reality often has a way of being just that coincidental.

"Opposites attract, that's a basic human physiological... surely Mr. Orochimaru is aware of that?"

"I am naturally aware!"

The white giant snake flicked its tongue.

"However, that applies to ordinary people!"

"And you, you are no ordinary person!"

"When a person has a more lofty ideal or goal, so-called basic physiology only becomes an obstacle!"

Therefore, to eliminate this obstacle.

In the future of the original work, you turned into Snake Auntie.

Is this the reason?

Chiba found it somewhat amusing, but he could only keep it to himself.

"So... do you understand now? The so-called meaning of life!"

Hearing this, the white giant snake laughed.

He laughed quite happily.

That smile seemed to carry the feeling of having found a kindred spirit.

To have his own ideals questioned by Chiba of all people.

It actually gave Orochimaru the feeling that when meeting a soulmate, a thousand cups of wine are not enough.

"Ah, I have found it."

"So-called life has no meaning; if it does, it only exists when life is eternal!"

"Chiba, you seem very interested in my research!"

Chiba smiled.

"Not interested, but rather, I feel sympathy for you."

"Sympathy?"

"Ah, that's right. Research with [eternity] as its theme, yet you only have me as a listener—don't you find that pitiful?"

"So, are you willing to become a witness to my [eternal life]?"

The white giant snake revealed a dangerous smile.

"If I said I was willing, would you dare to kidnap me right now?"

This time, it was the white giant snake's turn to be shocked.

While stunned that Chiba would say something so reckless, Orochimaru was also pondering: how could a five-year-old child grasp the situation between him and Sarutobi Hiruzen so accurately?

The white giant snake began to writhe and shed its skin, and emerging from the molted skin was the pale-faced member of the Legendary Sannin—the Cold-Blooded Orochimaru.

A disgusting way to make an entrance.

At this moment, he was carrying a sack over his shoulder.

Inside the sack was a humanoid object.

It was some unlucky, lost little lamb he had snatched from the village.

Chiba didn't know who it was, nor did he need to.

"Chiba-kun, the more you display such wisdom, the more I want to possess you—"

"Therefore, at this moment, you are the very reason I cannot act. Only those who can endure loneliness... can truly achieve success!"

Orochimaru suppressed the urge welling up within him to snatch Chiba away.

That's right, just as Chiba said, only those who can endure loneliness can achieve success.

Right now, no matter how much Orochimaru wanted to study Chiba.

He could not make a move.

The Sharingan was an obsession of his, but [eternal life] was the core of his research.

Clearly, [Living Corpse Reincarnation] was not yet complete.

He absolutely could not expose himself to Sarutobi Hiruzen's sight at this time.

Wait, he still needed to wait.

"Chiba-kun, you really are someone who thinks of his companions!"

"Keeping that little lamb by your side is your way of telling me that this is your companion's intent!"

"And your display of wisdom only continues to increase my desire to possess you."

"At this moment, the more I want to possess you, the less I can touch you, and... those around you."

This was an open conspiracy.

It was also the only way to keep Kurenai Yuhi safe.

Chiba could not stay by Kurenai Yuhi's side every single moment.

And Kurenai Yuhi absolutely could not seek help from anyone else.

Once she spoke of it, Kurenai Yuhi would surely die; no one could save her.

"So, Mr. Orochimaru, what is your answer—?"

"Naturally, it is to save the most delicious morsel for last!"

"Chiba-kun, I can satisfy your willfulness to the greatest extent. When the time comes... I hope you are prepared!"

After saying this.

Suppressing the thirst for knowledge within his heart, Orochimaru hurried away with the little lamb he had snatched from who knows where.

The night was exceptionally dark, and the moon was exceptionally round.

When darkness falls, close your eyes; beware of Orochimaru.

"Are we... safe for now?"

Whether it was himself or Kurenai Yuhi.

This could not be considered a gamble.

It was simply Chiba making rational use of the conflict between Orochimaru and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Orochimaru did not want to expose himself, and Sarutobi Hiruzen would not let a Uchiha Clan genius like Chiba slip through his fingers.

Only time could resolve the contradiction between the two.

And time would allow Chiba to become stronger.

Orochimaru's defection should happen after the Third Shinobi World War ended and Namikaze Minato sealed the Nine-Tails.

Roughly calculating, there was at least two years of time.

Two years might not mean much to others.

But for Chiba, it meant power!

Looking up at the moonlight tonight.

An inexplicable smile appeared on Chiba's face.

This world truly made one's blood boil.

"Tonight... I can finally get a good night's sleep."

The next day, early morning.

At the crack of dawn, Chiba had already risen.

Rising early was a good habit Chiba had cultivated since coming to this world.

Swinging his sword was Chiba's daily required course.

Initially, it was because of the Daily Mission, but now, it seemed to have become a habit.

Accompanied by the sweat he shed, the 1,000 sword swings were already finished.

Swinging with all his might gave Chiba an unprecedented sense of relief.

And after completing the Daily Mission, the progress percentage from Fujitora Issho made Chiba truly feel the sensation of growing stronger.

Chiba was obsessed with this feeling.

Up on the small building, Kurenai Yuhi, who had just woken up, looked at Chiba swinging his sword with all his might and felt something different.

Last night, she had slept very poorly.

She had woken up in a fright several times, all because of nightmares about Orochimaru attacking her.

When she woke up to find Chiba sleeping even more soundly than she was, she was instantly filled with indignation.

However, they had made it through the night safely after all.

She was very grateful to Chiba.

At the same time, watching his back as he swung his sword.

For the first time, Kurenai Yuhi felt her heart surging with emotion.

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After completing the Daily Mission, Chiba felt an indescribable sense of comfort throughout his entire body.

After sheathing his sword, Chiba headed back into the small building.

Noticing Kurenai Yuhi at the doorway, Chiba spoke up.

"Morning. Did you sleep well last night?"

Kurenai Yuhi's mouth twitched violently.

She truly could not imagine with what purpose Chiba had asked such a question.

Kurenai Yuhi had jolted awake countless times, filled with fear and anxiety.

Yet, every time she woke, she always saw Chiba sleeping soundly.

Wasn't he supposed to be keeping watch?

Didn't he say he couldn't trust anyone enough to turn his back on them?

Seemingly to mask her own awkwardness, Kurenai Yuhi could only offer a bitter smile.

"It, it was fine. I slept until dawn!"

"Is that so? That's good!"

Chiba nodded.

"Orochimaru came last night."

"For certain reasons, both you and I are safe for the time being."

"You can head back today!"

"Turn left after you go out, walk through the forest, and you will be able to leave our Uchiha Clan grounds."

After speaking, Chiba paid no more attention to Kurenai Yuhi and instead leaned on his crutches to enter the bathroom.

A moment later, accompanied by the sound of running water, the bathroom became shrouded in mist.

As for Kurenai Yuhi, she stood frozen on the spot.

Orochimaru came last night?