Targeted by Orochimaru, a Great Crisis!

Sensing the disappearance of the prying eyes, Sasuke's smile widened.

Clearly, Naruto saying such things carried more weight than if he, Sasuke, had said them.

Having gone this far, even that old fox Hiruzen Sarutobi would likely have no further doubts.

After all, what ill intentions could two five-year-old children possibly have!?

Late the next night.

Outside Konoha village, in a cave.

"My Lord, the investigation is complete."

"It's true that the so-called Uchiha genius has been brainwashed by the Will of Fire."

"And the talent he displays is far greater than the information that circulated."

"I've watched them train; the level of their training even made me feel a bit alarmed."

"Most importantly, Fugaku Uchiha's attitude towards him seems very indulgent."

"So, should we make a move against him?"

From the darkness, a figure slowly emerged.

Beneath white hair was a sinister face.

The glint in his eyes made it clear he was no good.

It was Mizuki, a teacher at the Konoha Ninja Academy!

And before Mizuki, the one he called "My Lord," was the Ninja World's foremost scientist—Orochimaru!

"How confident are you?"

Orochimaru curled his lips and spoke slowly.

"Next month, there's a special training session."

"It was originally led by Iruka, but I can snatch that spot."

"The location will be the dense forest to the west."

"At that time... I will bring your target to your side."

"You..."

Mizuki looked at Orochimaru with anticipation.

Indeed, due to the appearance of Uchiha Sasuke, Orochimaru had found Mizuki earlier than planned.

This man, who desperately wanted to obtain great power and make a name for himself in the Ninja World.

Ever since his fleeting glimpse of Uchiha Itachi, Orochimaru had begun contemplating his future path.

However, Uchiha Itachi's progress was too rapid.

This made Orochimaru hesitant to make a move against him.

After all, Uchiha Itachi was in the Anbu, and usually, other powerful Anbu members accompanied him.

Once his location was exposed, even Orochimaru could potentially die in battle.

For the cautious Orochimaru, this was a decision he couldn't make.

But now, another genius had appeared among the Uchiha.

Most importantly, this genius, Uchiha Sasuke, was only a little over five years old!

At this age... he was perfect to be cultivated into his ideal body!

Thus, the current scene unfolded.

"This is the reagent for activating the Cursed Seal."

"However, the Cursed Seal is still in its development phase; do not use it unless absolutely necessary."

"Of course, as long as you bring Sasuke to me, you will possess the perfect Cursed Seal!"

"At that time, your power will exceed your imagination!"

Orochimaru tossed a vial to Mizuki.

Immediately, a large snake emerged from the ground, swallowed Orochimaru, and vanished.

"Hehehe... Hahaha!"

"Iruka, Hokage, just you watch!"

"I, Mizuki, will become a being you fear!"

Holding the vial, Mizuki's face contorted with excitement.

Little did he know that even Orochimaru, whom he now admired and anticipated, dared not adopt such an attitude when facing Konoha.

Of course, Mizuki was oblivious to these facts.

He firmly believed that he would use Sasuke as a stepping stone to become a ninja who would shake the Ninja World!

Not long after the two disappeared.

A white-haired figure appeared there.

"Orochimaru's chakra signature..."

"How dare he come here?!"

Jiraiya felt the residual chakra in the surroundings, his face showing a heavy expression.

Ever since Orochimaru's defection, he had been pursuing him.

At the same time, he traveled and trained in the Ninja World.

This time, he was just returning to the village to handle some important matters, and he didn't expect to sense Orochimaru's presence here.

For a moment, Jiraiya's mood became somewhat heavy.

Because, this time he returned, it was to complete the latest update and release of Icha Icha Paradise.

The final step was to collect materials in Konoha.

As one of Konoha's Legendary Sannin, he had a considerable attachment to Konoha.

"Slap!"

"Damn it!"

"At this point, how can I still think about other things?"

"Orochimaru must have already escaped, let's go collect materials first!"

Jiraiya slapped himself and then disappeared from his spot.

Upon returning to the village, Jiraiya delivered the information to Hiruzen Sarutobi and then left.

He had nothing else to say to his teacher.

Inside the Hokage Office.

"Orochimaru?"

"Why... would he appear here?"

"Could it be... this guy is finally going to make a move against the village?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out a dusty file, his face grim as he spoke.

Back then...

These three were his, Hiruzen Sarutobi's, pride!

Now...

These three were an indelible stain on him, Hiruzen Sarutobi!

"Chu, take three squads and go investigate."

"If you find any useful information, report back immediately!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi finally issued the pursuit order.

"Understood, Lord Hokage!"

As one of Hiruzen Sarutobi's personal guards and a top-tier pursuit ninja.

Chu immediately sprang into action upon receiving the order.

Late at night.

Sasuke, having completed his training, left Shadow Leaf Lake.

He headed towards the Uchiha compound.

"Hmm?!"

"Sizzle sizzle..."

Suddenly, an extremely strong sense of threat spread through Sasuke's entire body.

Thunder God Mode was instantly activated.

His entire body's chakra and muscles were mobilized at this moment.

"Hehehe... you found me?"

"As expected, you live up to the name of an Uchiha genius!"

A large snake emerged from the ground.

The snake opened its mouth, and a person slowly crawled out, speaking sinisterly.

"Orochimaru!?"

Seeing the person who appeared, Sasuke sighed inwardly.

How could this guy possibly appear in Konoha!?

As an S-rank missing-nin of Konoha, if he were discovered.

Given Snake Uncle's current state, he wouldn't have enough lives to spare!

This guy... he couldn't be coming for him, could he?!

Suddenly, Sasuke realized a very bad situation.

That was, he had actually been targeted by Orochimaru.

Good grief!

Snake Uncle, why aren't you off dealing with your big brother Itachi instead of coming to find a small fry like me!?

"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Orochimaru."

"I was once a ninja of Konoha."

"You shouldn't know me, but I will give you time to get to know me well."

"Come with me!"

"Shadow Snake Hand!"

As Orochimaru spoke, he launched an attack directly at Sasuke.