Konoha was peaceful and serene, yet beneath the grand Chunin Ninja Exams, undercurrents were stirring.
Nearby Kusagakure welcomed an uninvited guest today.
Having lost Otogakure as a card to play, he needed to control a new ninja village as a base.
Kusagakure was undoubtedly an excellent choice.
Not only did it border Konoha, but it was also extremely easy to control.
It only required...
"Hehehe, my proposal is quite good, isn't it?"
Orochimaru sat in the chair reserved for Kusagakure's higher-ups, running his crimson tongue over his lips as he gazed playfully at the trembling Kusagakure elders kneeling on the ground.
"With only a tiny price, you can gain my protection."
"It's a very worthwhile deal," Orochimaru said hoarsely.
Seeing the people on the ground keeping their heads lowered, not daring to meet his eyes or utter a word, he continued.
"From today onward, Kusagakure will serve me. Your ninja will become part of my plan."
"If you gentlemen do not approve of my proposal, then..."
Several thick pythons emerged from Orochimaru's sleeves, pouncing forward and instantly binding one of them tightly.
When that elder saw the pythons lunging at him and coiling around his body, he immediately screamed and struggled.
As the pythons slowly wound their way around his neck, just as he was about to shout the words "I agree," one of the pythons suddenly accelerated and bit down on his throat.
Just like that, the elder's unfinished words died in his throat.
"Then you will end up like him."
What did it mean to recognize the times and submit to circumstance?
After witnessing their companion's miserable fate, the remaining elders immediately broke out in cold sweat. Afraid that Orochimaru would kill them as well, they promptly raised their hands in surrender.
"I agree. We are very willing