Orochimaru's "Gift"

Clearly.

As an autumn breeze brushed past their sleeves, no consensus had been reached between Yun Xi and Orochimaru regarding their agreement.

Both sides remained silent for a long time.

Orochimaru suddenly began to walk forward slowly...

"Are you going to make a move?"

A hint of vigilance appeared on Yun Xi's face, and at the same time, he secretly prepared to strike first.

"Little ghost, don't be so guarded; I have no intention of fighting you at the moment."

After walking about halfway toward Yun Xi, Orochimaru stopped once again.

"I simply wanted to ask the reason for your refusal."

"I can offer you both status and power; why would you refuse me without the slightest hesitation?"

"That is something I truly cannot understand."

After these words fell, a flash of confusion crossed Orochimaru's face, and he crossed his arms over his chest, staring at Yun Xi.

Because you are Orochimaru...

Of course, this was only a thought in Yun Xi's mind; he had no intention of saying it aloud.

After a moment of hesitation, Yun Xi spoke tactfully: "You are not a good fit for me. Compared to you, I prefer to stay in the Hidden Leaf Village."

"Stay in the Hidden Leaf Village, you say?"

"I understand..."

Upon hearing the reason for Yun Xi's refusal, Orochimaru's brows furrowed tightly, and it was a long while before he returned to his usual cold, indifferent expression.

However...

At this moment, a flicker of killing intent flashed through Orochimaru's eyes...

True killing intent!

It's over, Orochimaru is getting serious!

Sensing the shift in Orochimaru's demeanor, Yun Xi felt a deep sense of foreboding.

At this moment, Yun Xi realized.

It must have been his earlier remark about wanting to stay in the Hidden Leaf Village that had provoked Orochimaru.

However...

Yun Xi also felt somewhat helpless.

Although his previous words were merely an excuse, he had indeed been speaking the truth.

Even though Orochimaru was currently part of the Akatsuki, he had already begun his plan to abduct orphans.

He was making preparations in advance for the future establishment of the Sound Village.

If Yun Xi had accepted Orochimaru's invitation, he would undoubtedly have become one of Orochimaru's trusted confidants.

But...

If one were to compare the Sound Village to the Hidden Leaf Village.

Anyone could see which one was better.

Furthermore, regarding Orochimaru himself.

While having a Kage Level powerhouse guide one's training was certainly a good thing.

Unfortunately.

Yun Xi enjoyed the same treatment while staying in the Hidden Leaf Village.

Uchiha Itachi...

Though he was a newly emerged Kage Level powerhouse with little fame in the ninja world yet.

He was certainly no worse than the current Orochimaru...

Moreover.

The future strength of Uchiha Itachi would undoubtedly rank among the absolute pinnacle of the ninja world.

And as for Orochimaru...

In Yun Xi's memories.

From the start of the Fourth Great Ninja War.

Orochimaru had spent the entire time playing dead.

Therefore...

Between the current reasoning and future developments, Yun Xi was perfectly capable of figuring it out!

"Sigh, I never expected that the first time I encountered a seedling that truly moved me, the result after extending an invitation would be like this..."

"Since I cannot have it..."

"Then I shall kill you..."

Muttering to himself, Orochimaru slowly sheathed his Kusanagi Sword.

A wave of killing intent that permeated the entire area erupted from Orochimaru, instantly locking onto Yun Xi.

Then...

An aura belonging exclusively to the strong burst forth from Orochimaru!

It was clear.

Orochimaru was getting serious!

"Damn it, my luck..."

Feeling an indescribable pressure, Yun Xi silently cursed his own luck.

Ever since he arrived in Konoha, Yun Xi had been able to sense a unique malice directed at him.

First, he had been mistaken for a spy by Uchiha Itachi.

Although Yun Xi had managed to eliminate Uchiha Itachi's hostility through some slick maneuvering and even recruited him as an ally.

No sooner had that matter concluded than he was targeted by Danzo.

At the same time.

The Third Hokage.

The Hyuga Clan...

And now, Orochimaru right before his eyes...

Yun Xi was starting to panic...

"Rotten wood cannot be carved..."

As Yun Xi lamented, Orochimaru suddenly spoke, and before Yun Xi could even react.

A purple-black venomous snake lunged directly at him.

A foul, fishy stench instantly assaulted Yun Xi's nostrils, accompanied by an icy, chilling aura!

"Orochimaru's venomous snake?!"

With no time to think, facing the lethal snake, Yun Xi instantly gathered all the fire energy within his body.

Then, he locked onto it with his Sharingan!

"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

As Yun Xi spoke, dozens of bright red flames materialized all around him.

"Go!"

With a wave of Yun Xi's hand, these Phoenix Sage flames floating in mid-air seemed to grow eyes of their own.

A portion of them intercepted the venomous snake still mid-strike.

While the rest surged toward Orochimaru!

"Boom! Boom!"

Two explosions rang out almost simultaneously, detonating in an instant.

The once menacing venomous snake was instantly consumed by the high-temperature flames.

And on Orochimaru's side...

The same occurred...

But Yun Xi was no fool!

Although the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique he unleashed was different from the standard version.

Not only was its power significantly greater, but it also possessed explosive capabilities.

Yet, the enemy he faced was Orochimaru!

A one-hit kill on a Kage Level powerhouse?

Yun Xi did not have that kind of confidence.

Furthermore...

The enemy he was facing was none other than Orochimaru.

Sure enough.

Just as Yun Xi had suspected, as the smoke from the flames dissipated.

Yun Xi did not see Orochimaru's corpse, but rather a charred piece of wood...

"Body Replacement Technique, when did he use it?"

Yun Xi's thoughts began to race, and at that very moment!

A black shadow lunged toward Yun Xi.

The speed was so great that Yun Xi could not react at all!

"Ah!"

The next second, a nameless, stabbing pain instantly swept through Yun Xi's brain.

Seeing this, Yun Xi immediately turned his head to look.

He discovered that the one who had launched the attack was none other than Orochimaru, who wore a smile of satisfied conspiracy on his face...

"As expected, a fine seedling. Such powerful Fire Style ninjutsu and a unique bloodline limit—it is as if you were a talent born specifically for Fire Style..."

"Perhaps you were naturally suited to remain in Konoha, but..."

"I am tempted!"

"Decaying Konoha does not deserve a genius like you!"

"It does not deserve it!"

"Feel the gift I have left for you. I believe that sooner or later, we will meet again..."

After successfully attacking Yun Xi, Orochimaru muttered a whole heap of nonsense before vanishing from the vicinity.

As for Yun Xi...

His condition at this moment was not good...

Clutching his previously injured wrist with one hand, Yun Xi kept a constant watch on the rustling of the surroundings.

Only after a careful inspection, confirming that Orochimaru had truly left, did Yun Xi finally let his guard down slightly.

However...

Upon seeing the Three-Tomoe Seal emerging on his arm, a look of conflict appeared on Yun Xi's face.

"Cursed Seal..."

Only then did Yun Xi understand why Orochimaru had chosen to leave on his own.

After all, with this thing...

Facing the gift Orochimaru had left behind for him.

For the first time, Yun Xi felt a trace of helplessness!

But at this very moment, the system unexpectedly issued a prompt...