Orochimaru's Pursuit of Truth

"You could say that. Since the matter is concluded, my mission is officially over as well. A battlefield this terrifying is truly not suited for me."

"I will transport the wounded to Konoha Hospital. News of Mount Kikyo will inevitably spread to every nation, and there is no guarantee that other countries won't seize the opportunity to strike; their targets are not limited to Konoha alone."

"Am I right? Rock Ninja from Iwagakure in the Land of Earth..."

A cold kunai was quietly aimed at the Rock Ninja lurking in the shadows, attempting to steal intelligence. As their eyes met, every piece of information was laid bare.

"Iwagakure! Is the Land of Earth also planning to take advantage of this to strike at Konoha? It's no surprise, really; the current Tsuchikage is notoriously difficult to deal with—Onoki of the Two Scales..."

Narrowing his eyes, Nara Shikamaru took a deep look at Uchiha Hanazuki, his heart filled with astonishment.

Normal people, when finding themselves in a safe environment, would always involuntarily lower their guard, especially in a rest area surrounded by many comrades.

To think that even after staying here for quite some time, Uchiha Hanazuki had not relaxed his vigilance in the slightest. Does he never tire? Does he never let his guard down?

"I'll leave this Rock Ninja for you all to handle. I'm heading back to Konoha to report to Master Orochimaru. I'm off."

His figure vanished, and dozens of heavily wounded patients who had received emergency treatment disappeared from the spot along with him. Yuhi Shinku lowered his head in thought, suddenly feeling his shoulder grow a bit heavier.

"What? If you've taken a liking to him, you'd better make it clear to your daughter beforehand. To reach this level at such a young age—he might grow up to be an excellent ninja like Minato. Hahaha..."

"That's not for you to say, Inoichi. You don't even have a child. If you had a daughter, you'd be just as worried about her being tricked by some brat out there."

Yamanaka Inoichi felt awkward for a moment, then shrugged it off nonchalantly.

"What are you talking about? Even if I had a daughter, I wouldn't be as worried as you. The other party is a genius of the Uchiha clan; he can use the Body Flicker Technique at such a young age. I think your daughter..."

"Inoichi-san!"

The words died on his lips. Yamanaka Inoichi turned his head to look at the unconscious Rock Ninja, immediately entering a combat state and preparing his sensory techniques.

Meanwhile, in the general ward at Konoha Hospital where Hanazuki had departed from.

The young nurse, who had been changing bandages, was just about to turn and leave when she suddenly saw a sprawl of wounded patients lying across the floor. The black-robed youth sitting on the hospital bed flashed a toothy grin.

"Could you call for more members of the medical team?"

A rosy flush bloomed on her cheeks. The nurse, who had been momentarily dazed and infatuated, regained her senses and hurried to the duty room to notify the medical ninja on shift.

Lying on the hospital bed, Yuhi Kurenai felt the faint, fresh scent of grass and trees lingering at the tip of her nose. For a moment, she forgot the pain of her wounds and asked subconsciously.

"Um, Hanazuki, what are you going to do next..."

"You finished off your opponent quite beautifully, didn't you? My cute student. Hehehehe."

A cold, sinister smile echoed through the ward. Every hair on Yuhi Kurenai's body stood on end. She turned her head instinctively, only to lock eyes with those chilling, serpentine pupils.

"You are as detestable as ever! Master Orochimaru."

His cloak billowed, dispelling the killing intent that permeated the room. His eyes, deep as abyssal pools, showed no fear, and his tone was indifferent and cold.

"How gentle. So gentle that you don't seem like an Uchiha at all. But that is of no consequence; the materials you requested will be delivered shortly."

"A truly beautiful battle, Nine-Faced Svaha. There are still many ninjutsu in this world I have yet to witness. Are you prepared to explore the truths of this world with me?"

Without leaving a trace, he swept a glance at Yuhi Kurenai before turning to leave. Only after the sound of his footsteps faded down the corridor did Yuhi Kurenai remember to breathe, gasping for air.

"Was... was that one of the Sannin, Orochimaru? He... he doesn't seem human. It's like some kind of snake wearing human skin. Hanazuki, do you really intend to learn from him? A being like that..."

Gently soothing Kurenai's breathing, he smiled to calm her down, speaking words that even he himself didn't believe.

"In reality, Master Orochimaru is one of the few truly brilliant minds in all of Konoha. He simply has a more extreme personality, yet he is consistently pursuing his own dreams."

Such as the technique for immortality, mastering every ninjutsu in the world, or the origins of Sage Arts and the methods by which ordinary people might grasp them.

He could be called the person in Konoha with the most thorough understanding of science, having even touched upon the secrets of the Sage of Six Paths and the Rinnegan with a mortal body.

"Is that so?"

"I suppose so. In any case, focus on recovering. If there is a chance, we will meet again. I'm off."

The sun slanted to the west, and two or three cherry blossom petals danced in the air. Inside the mission briefing hall of the Hokage Office Building.

The Genma Team, consisting of Shiranui Genma, Namiashi Raido, and Tatami Iwashi, was reporting the flow of their recent mission.

Suddenly, a figure pushed open the doors and strode in brazenly. His gaze swept the room, finally settling on the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Lord Third Hokage, Master Orochimaru sent me to collect the mission reward."

Sarutobi Hiruzen and the two Hokage advisors furrowed their brows. Shiranui Genma, having no impression of this unfamiliar face, exchanged glances with his companions, and they all shook their heads.

"Has the battlefield in the Land of Wind been completely suppressed?"

Coughing twice, Sarutobi Hiruzen set down his pipe, his expression solemn.

"In the Land of Wind, one hundred and seven Sand Ninja, including the Kazekage advisor Chiyo, have been suppressed—at least, as of the time I left."

"As for the joint forces of the Sand and Cloud at Mount Kikyo, only the Fourth Raikage, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Rasa, and the Scorch Release ninja Pakura remain. The Cloud's Magnet Release ninja Toroi is confirmed dead."

"Subsequent intelligence will be relayed by Mimura Hazaki. S-rank mission: control the Sand and Konoha battlefield, confirmed complete."

At this point, Hanazuki shifted his tone, a smile appearing on his face.

"Five million ryo, at least ten kunai made of materials similar to the Kusanagi Sword, one Kusanagi Sword, various puppet materials, and a full set of ninja tools including explosive tags. Where is my reward?"

Bang! The two Hokage advisors slammed the table in anger, shouting sternly.

"What kind of joke is this? The money and materials for the mission are one thing, as it is an S-rank mission, but what is this about a Kusanagi Sword? And ten kunai made of Kusanagi material? Are you trying to rob us, you brat!"

"Robbery? I risked my life to suppress an entire battlefield single-handedly, and I even followed your requests to provide support to the Mount Kikyo front as much as possible. Are you planning to withhold my payment?"

Utatane Koharu's expression was nearly breaking from rage, but it was only when Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke that the two advisors calmed down.

"What kind of behavior is this in front of a junior? Calm down. Uchiha Hanazuki, Konoha will not forget your service to the village. The remaining rewards will be transferred to your account in full."

"However, given your abilities, it is no longer suitable for you to serve as a Genin. Are you interested in leading a Chunin squad to continue your missions?"