Looking around his all-too-familiar laboratory, a trace of reluctance flashed through Orochimaru's cold eyes. But it was quickly replaced by a hint of madness.
"What's the point of staying in a rotting Konoha?"
"Don't you agree, Sensei?"
Orochimaru suddenly turned toward the laboratory entrance. A somewhat frail figure stood there. As he spoke, the corners of his mouth curled slightly, and a chilling aura radiated from him.
The frail figure took two steps forward. In the dim light of the room, it became clear that it was the Third Hokage.
"Orochimaru, don't you know that life must not be desecrated? I told you long ago that some research must not be conducted, yet you went behind my back and did something like this." The Third Hokage looked utterly heartbroken.
For a moment, he had questioned himself: Was he a qualified Hokage? Was he a qualified teacher?
But that thought passed in an instant.
"Heh. Isn't it a little late to say all that now, Sensei?" Orochimaru sneered at the Third Hokage's scolding.
Seeing Orochimaru's attitude, the Third Hokage lost all desire to lecture him further. The regret in his eyes gave way to determination. The air around them began to ripple as the aura of a Kage Level fighter erupted.
"Summoning Technique: Enma!"
After quickly forming Hand Seals, the Third Hokage slapped his palm against the ground, and a cloud of white smoke appeared.
When the smoke cleared, a massive white ape stood beside him.
"Hiruzen, you've finally made up your mind!"
Enma seemed to know what was going on. He wasn't surprised by the scene before him.
"Adamantine Staff!"
Enma then transformed into an iron staff and landed in the Third Hokage's hand.
"Heh. Looks like a fight is unavoidable today." Orochimaru suddenly opened his mouth wide and pulled a saliva-slicked longsword from it.
It was none other than the Kusanagi Sword, one of the three legendary weapons of the Shinobi World.
Pale blue chakra instantly coated the entire blade. With a casual swing, Orochimaru sent a sharp slash hurtling toward the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage dodged the slash with a sidestep. Then the iron staff in his hand suddenly lengthened and thrust straight at Orochimaru.
Clang!
The Kusanagi Sword struck the staff, sending sparks flying. The two then engaged in a fierce battle in the cramped space.
Unlike in the original story, the Third Hokage was still a formidable fighter. Even Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, was suppressed by him.
Before long, Orochimaru was at a disadvantage. The Third Hokage gravely wounded him and knocked him to the ground.
In the end, though, the Third Hokage's heart softened, and he let him go.
"Hiruzen, you can keep him in check now, but what about when you're old?" Enma didn't want to let this opportunity slip away and tried to persuade the Third Hokage once more.
"You'll regret this." Seeing that the Third Hokage still wouldn't change his mind, Enma shook his head and vanished in a cloud of smoke.
After one last, complicated look at Orochimaru, the Third Hokage turned and left.
Inside Konoha Hospital, Naraku's eyes snapped open as he lay asleep. In the next instant, he vanished from the room.
"Does Captain Naraku live here?" A young man in Anbu attire stood outside Naraku's door. Just as he raised his hand to knock—
"What are you doing here?" A murderous voice sounded behind him, and he felt a chill at his neck once more.
Yamato's body trembled slightly. "I received a notice from Lord Hokage. All Anbu are to assemble."
Naraku recognized Yamato and lowered the Kunai from his neck. But he continued watching him warily. If Yamato showed any sign of trouble, Naraku guaranteed he wouldn't live to see another sunrise.
Naraku wasn't particularly surprised that Yamato had gone from Root to the Anbu. For someone who knew the story, it was only to be expected.
"Why are all the Anbu being called together? Has something major happened in the village?"
Naraku furrowed his brow, then led Yamato away.
Yamato cautiously touched his neck, his face still pale with fear.
He felt that surviving today had been nothing short of miraculous.
Hokage Office
By the time Naraku and Yamato arrived, many people were already there. Without exception, they all wore masks.
Before long, the Third Hokage, dressed in his Hokage robes, walked in with a grave expression. "Orochimaru has defected from the village."
Those few words from the Third Hokage left most of those present in disbelief.
To most people, Orochimaru was not only the Third Hokage's student but also a hero of Konoha who had made enormous contributions to the village during the Third Shinobi World War.
Could someone like him really defect?
Many were shocked, but they had complete faith in the Third Hokage's words. The Anbu's creed was to obey the Hokage's orders.
"From this moment on, Orochimaru is to be listed as an S-Rank rogue ninja. Your mission is to pursue him."
"Orochimaru knows many of the village's secrets. If he escapes, the village will suffer tremendous losses, so you must bring him back."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
At the order, the Anbu vanished in an instant, leaving only the Third Hokage in the office, his expression complicated as he pondered something.
Naraku made his way toward the outskirts of Konoha without hurrying. He knew better than anyone that the Third Hokage had only sent everyone after Orochimaru for appearances' sake. After all, Orochimaru was one of the Sannin and a bona fide Kage Level fighter.
If the Third Hokage had truly wanted to kill Orochimaru, he would have done so in the laboratory. There would have been no need to wait until now.
Besides, even if every Anbu member assembled, none of them would stand a chance against Orochimaru.
In Konoha, the only people who could truly go toe-to-toe with Orochimaru were the Third Hokage and Danzo, along with Jiraiya, another of the Sannin.
Of course, Tsunade could do it too if she overcame her Hemophobia.
After leaving Konoha, Naraku slowed down even more. He looked as if he were out for a stroll.
"Captain Naraku, aren't we supposed to be pursuing Orochimaru?" Yamato asked beside him, puzzled.
He had only just joined the Anbu, and the Third Hokage had brainwashed him earlier that day, so he followed the Hokage's orders without question.
Naraku pressed a hand to his forehead. Looking at his only subordinate, he recalled that Yamato had just told him about his promotion.
"Just follow me. You don't need to worry about anything else."
"Follow you? Have you already found Orochimaru's trail, Captain Naraku?"