Orochimaru's Thoughts

Also wearing a mask.

Chuan Yu was whisked away to a safe location by the mysterious figure who had suddenly appeared.

Struggling, he broke free from the person's embrace.

Chuan Yu gripped his kunai, pointing it at the other.

"You couldn't even sense my chakra."

Chuan Yu suddenly froze: "Brother Itachi?"

Removing his mask, Itachi took a deep breath.

"If you had severely wounded Killer Bee just now, Konoha and the Cloud Village would undoubtedly have gone straight to war..."

Itachi's expression was somewhat melancholy.

Yet, he never questioned the things Chuan Yu did.

Because he trusted him.

And because of Shisui.

Only then did Chuan Yu realize that he had been so completely absorbed in the battle that he had nearly sparked a catastrophe.

His goal was only for the sake of the Uchiha; causing a war now would only drag the Uchiha into the eye of the storm.

"I was reckless..."

"Brother Itachi, I've caused you trouble..."

Chuan Yu scratched his hair, saying awkwardly.

Itachi walked over to Chuan Yu's side and ruffled his hair: "I treat you like my own younger brother, so I am very happy to be able to look after you like this."

"I also hope you can treat me as your brother; if you have any trouble, come find me."

Itachi clearly remembered being the same age as Chuan Yu when Shisui had carried him on his back and said those same words.

He could never forget Shisui's doting; Itachi had once encountered the gentlest of souls.

"Brother Itachi..."

"I understand..."

Chuan Yu knew in his heart that the outcome of these negotiations was already set.

Even if he hadn't made a move last night, the result would have remained the same.

Chuan Yu had chosen not to save Hizashi.

Because compared to the darkness within his own heart, everything other than the family bonds he currently possessed would only become fuel for his slaughter.

The ninja world was meant to be this way...

Why bother being sentimental...

"The tricky problem now is your appearance today."

"Although you hid your identity with a mask, you used the Body Flicker Technique, Raikiri, and even..."

"Fire Style..."

Itachi's expression was grave.

Chuan Yu and Sasuke were equally important to him.

He could not allow anything to happen to Chuan Yu.

"I will protect you as you leave the village..."

After a few moments, Itachi spoke softly.

Konoha was extremely dangerous right now.

Civil strife and war were on the verge of collapse.

Leaving here might be the best choice.

"No need, Brother Itachi, I have a way."

During the few minutes Chuan Yu spent in deep thought, he suddenly remembered someone.

The battle just now had been sparked by him, so it would be best to find him to resolve it now.

Itachi shook his head helplessly, then patted Chuan Yu on the shoulder.

"I will absolutely not allow anyone to hurt you..."

"If there is no better way by tonight, I will see you out..."

"Understand me, Chuan Yu..."

Chuan Yu felt a wave of emotion.

But saying anything more now would be useless.

Time was tight; the negotiations would end soon.

Danzō and Hiruzen Sarutobi would likely investigate this matter personally...

But the only one I feel sorry for is Kakashi...

An S-rank ninjutsu like Raikiri can be considered one of the forbidden techniques.

Not only is its lethality immense, but it is also extremely brutal; piercing an opponent's heart is truly a move that holds nothing back.

As far as Konoha is concerned, Kakashi is the creator of Raikiri.

He is also the only one who knows how to use it.

Except for myself, who hasn't revealed my identity.

"I'll wait for your news..."

Itachi turned and left.

Chuan Yu didn't linger either, quickly heading toward the Mist Forest on the east side of Konoha.

At the gloomy underground passage.

A pitch-black venomous snake was coiling around a poor little mouse.

The ruins beside the dirt mound were piled with many colorful potions.

Cockroaches.

Spiders.

They were everywhere...

After arriving at this place, Chuan Yu vigilantly checked the surroundings.

A nauseating stench immediately assaulted his nose.

It must be the trash Orochimaru created...

After walking into the cave, there was a secret passage below.

Waving the torch from the wall in front of him, Chuan Yu clearly saw the steps leading down.

The smell of rot instantly permeated the air, and a cold, damp aura rushed straight to Chuan Yu's head.

To think this guy actually likes staying in a place like this...

Carefully taking a step, he placed his foot on the stairs.

Chuan Yu lowered his head and hunched his back, walking inside cautiously...

After passing through the underground secret passage, a massive laboratory appeared before Chuan Yu's eyes.

The walls were covered with masks of the Grim Reaper.

The tables were lined with potions of various colors.

On the shelves deeper inside, there were even specimens of human organs.

"Where on earth did this pervert go?"

Chuan Yu strolled through Orochimaru's laboratory, admiring his masterpieces and art at the same time.

Suddenly, the stone wall in the corner made a sound.

Chuan Yu walked over, his senses heightened.

A wooden head was placed on a ledge in the stone wall, with the words "Scared to Death" written underneath.

The wooden head's expression was quite hideous, looking almost real; Orochimaru really put effort into his creations...

He looked at the second one.

"Choked to Death..."

The third one.

"Pissed to Death..."

The fourth one.

"Not Dead..."

"Wait? Not dead?!"

Chuan Yu spun around abruptly, and Orochimaru suddenly opened his blood-red maw.

Startled into taking two steps back, Chuan Yu instinctively manifested Raikiri, and Orochimaru burst into laughter.

"I knew you would come looking for me..."

Orochimaru tilted his head slightly, then used both hands to twist his head a full three hundred and sixty degrees.

The scene was terrifying; Chuan Yu almost thought he had transmigrated into the Ghost Shadow World...

"Take care of today's trouble."

Chuan Yu said indifferently.

After all, this was trouble that Orochimaru had caused.

"That is not a problem..."

"However, after I help you, you must also do one thing for me..."

Orochimaru revealed a sinister smile, making goosebumps break out all over Chuan Yu.

"Let's hear it."

Chuan Yu maintained an attitude of cooperation toward Orochimaru.

After all, when it came to Hashirama Cells later on, he would still need Orochimaru himself to handle them.

"Go to a place for me..."

Orochimaru said eerily, then pulled a map from his robes and handed it to Chuan Yu.

Chuan Yu took the map with a sense of gloom.

The moment he opened it, Chuan Yu was shocked.

"Ryuchi Cave..."

Chuan Yu murmured.

He had not expected that Orochimaru had been researching Ryuchi Cave from the very beginning...

"This place is very important to me..."

"However, I have never been there myself..."

"I obtained this map some time ago..."

Having said that, Orochimaru turned and walked into a dim, small room.

Chuan Yu knew that Orochimaru wanted to use him to verify the authenticity of this place.

Including the legends regarding the Ryuchi Cave Sage...

It seemed that Orochimaru wanted to groom him as a trusted confidant...

Interesting...

But how could Orochimaru possibly know what he was thinking?

Did he truly believe he was only six years old?

"Fine, I agree."

Chuan Yu said indifferently.

"Then... let me first solve the problem you are currently facing..."

"You may go back now..."

"Do not speak to anyone about this map; I will notify you at another time..."

Orochimaru did not come out of the room; he simply responded to Chuan Yu and slammed the door shut.

Night fell.

On a rock within the Uchiha compound, the figure of Hyuga Hizashi appeared.

"I don't have much time left..."

"It seems I must make a choice..."